Cornstuble & Thiel compete in primary for IN House District 26

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Two Democrats are hoping for the chance to challenge Republican incumbent Randy Truitt in the General Election. Rick Cornstuble, a name many may know for his political involvement, will be taking on newcomer Eric Thiel in Tuesday's Primary.

Two local Democrats are hoping to take on Republican Randy Truitt in the November election, but they will first face off against each other in next week's primary.

Eric Thiel is a political newcomer.  He said he's entering politics after disagreeing with some of the conservative legislation that made its way through the state house. He said he will focus on striking down an amendment banning gay marriage, restoring women's reproductive rights and improving funding for education.

"The willingness and ability to analyze complex problems and find working solutions to them. I don't have a strongly ideological stance. There's nothing I want to prove or to show," said Thiel.

Thiel's opponent is Rick Cornstuble. Cornstuble said he will focus on three issues; education, city funding and the economy.

"We need to be sure that cities have the latitude and the funding to do what they need to do. Both in serving their citizens, and to go out and to get jobs," said Conrstuble.

Cornstuble has served on the Lafayette city council.  He said his background in education will help him should he make it to the house floor.

"I think I have a considerable amount of experience that sets me apart, and gives me a leg up in getting things accomplished. Experience both in Education, and city government," said Cornstuble.

Thiel said he feels the district needs someone who hasn't been involved in politics before, someone more like himself.

"My style of doing politics I think is a bit different. Rick does know the ins and outs of the statehouse and he's used to the dealings and stuff that go on there, which can be an advantage, but that's really not my style," said Thiel.

The winner of next week's primary will face Republican Randy Truitt in November.