Published: May 07, 2008 12:13 pm         

Democrats pleased with outcome

Results came out as expected by Democratic chairman

Matt Meagher was pleased with Tuesday’s overall primary results, but not too surprised with the outcome.

The Democratic chairman was following the presidential race, governor’s race, as well as the Republican congressional race.

“We’re interested in seeing who Joe will run against,” Meagher said of Joe Donnelly, the first-term 2nd District congressman.

Meagher expressed surprise that Joseph Roush had won the Republican primary in Cass County.

“That was really the only surprise,” he said.

Roush won some counties in the southern part of the district on Tuesday, but party favorite Luke Puckett wound up claiming the nomination with victories in the district’s larger northern counties.

Meagher said he was not surprised to see Hillary Clinton carry Cass County.

“That’s not surprising with Cass County’s demographics,” he said. “Cass County really turned out to be a good county for her.”

Steel workers in Cass County had campaigned heavily for Clinton, he said.

With both presidential campaigns putting in a decent amount of time in Cass County, Meagher said he was pleased to see the county gain notice this time around.

Looking ahead at the general election in the fall, Meagher said he liked his party’s chances.

“I feel great about Congressmen Donnelly’s chances,” he said. “A lot of republicans compliment how much he comes to Cass County and values their concerns.”

He also feels good about Linda Klinck, who is running for State Senate District 18.

“She has a great shot,” he said.

Klinck will face Republican Randy Head in the race for the seat now held by Republican Tom Weatherwax. Head, who had the backing of Weatherwax and other party leaders, easily defeated three challengers to win the Republican nomination.

Meagher predicted Klinck’s experience as Logansport’s deputy mayor and involvement in the city would help her in the fall.

He also predicted a strong race from Jill Long Thompson, the Democratic nominee for governor.

“Jill has good ground to stand on,” he said.

The Democratic chairman also said the results showed the possibility of 1,500 to 2,000 new Democrats, compared to the number who voted for Democrats in the previous election.

“This primary proves people in Cass County will pull a lever for the Democrats,” he said.

Denise Forsberg can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.forsberg@pharostribune.com