Howard County Republican Party

March 20, 2009

For Immediate Release

Howard County Republican Chairman Craig Dunn announced today his endorsement for the re-election of Fifth District Congressman Dan Burton.  In announcing his endorsement Dunn called upon potential challengers of Burton’s to do what is right for their country, the Fifth District and the Republican Party and back away from a destructive 2010 primary battle.

Dunn stated, “2010 will be the most important election of our generation.  The results will serve to shape the government of Indiana and the United States for years to come.  It is vitally necessary that we elect Republicans to the Indiana Legislature and regain control of the Indiana House.  The next legislature will draw the legislative maps that will have incredible influence over each of our lives.  It is imperative that Pat Bauer not be in the Speaker’s seat during that redistricting process.  A primary battle in the Fifth District will play directly into Speaker Bauer’s hands by directing financial resources to a Congressional campaign that might well be spent on electing Republicans to the Indiana House.  I personally view the potential primary challengers of Dan Burton’s as capable men who are more interested in their own political opportunity than in the health and well being of their state and Republican Party.  None of the rumored challengers will vote more conservative than Dan Burton.  None of the rumored challengers will provide better constituent relations than Dan Burton.  None of the rumored challengers will be a more potent voice in battling the tide of Obama Socialism than Dan Burton.  None of the rumored challengers will provide more assistance to local Republicans and Republican candidates than Dan Burton.  For these reasons, I strongly implore potential primary opponents to place service over self-interests and desist from this costly and destructive process.”