Pat Bauer (D) no longer House Minority Leader

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A vote in Lafayette brings a major shakeup for the minority party in the Indiana House.  A decade of leadership by Pat Bauer is over.

Less than four months away from the November election, House Democrats have a new leader. 

They said Pat Bauer's leadership was a cause of concern and that's when the press conference got interesting.  When asked to elaborate on the particulars of his leadership that were a concern, new Minority Leader Linda Lawson paused, before stating, "Um, let's see, where do we begin."

The answer ended by saying, a lack of transparency in fiscal decisions, not being inclusive of some members and under-utilizing their talents, and, at times, not following the will of the majority in the caucus.

"This has been one of the most personally heartbreaking things that many of us have ever had to go through," Rep. Scott Pelath, (D) Michigan City, said.  "Politics is difficult."

The license plates of 23 Democratic State Representatives filled the parking lot of Lafayette's IBEW Hall Thursday afternoon.  For more than an hour, they discussed issues and any repercussions inside, then made the announcement that Lawson was the new House Minority Leader just before 4:00 p.m.

"This change in leadership is meant to move our issues, our legislation and candidacies forward," said Rep Lawson, (D) Hammond.

Pat Bauer spearheaded walkouts by House Democrats in 2011 and again in 2012 as an attempt to slow legislation from the Republican majority.

"I don't think there was any concern about the walkout," said Rep. Matt Pierce, (D) Bloomington. "That's in the past, we made the decision as a caucus.  This is really about looking into the future."

The future isn't that far off with the general election less than four months away.

"I think any time you change leaders, it's a difficult process," said District 27 Rep. Sheila Klinker, (D) Lafayette.

The IBEW location on South 30th Street was not chosen because of Klinker.  Lafayette is the most central location that Lawson is allowed to travel to after recent back surgery.

"I was a listener," said Rep. Klinker.  "I think probably for the good of the caucus, the right decision was made."

Klinker, like all Democrats, will not reveal how she voted.  But with 40 House members, at least 21 of the 23 Democrats Thursday had to agree.

Now with the vote final, they said they will have to work together with just 102 days left before November's election.

"Frankly, I don't think because of the internal situation it will affect the campaigns," Rep. Klinker said.

"There have been some members who have called for solidarity within the party," Rep. Lawson said.  "We absolutely agree with that concept, but not at the expense of what our constituents have elected us to do."

Before the vote, Lawson had been the Democratic Floor Leader, the second highest position for the party.  She said the caucus will reorganize after November and she does not plan to run for the post of Minority leader.  Even so, she's the first female majority or minority leader in the House for either party.
    
As for Pat Bauer, he appears to have accepted the vote.  He told our sister station WISH-TV that a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.