HOOSIER THOUGHTS: Campaign gains 2 vital voices

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — With the selection of state Rep. Sue Ellspermann and state Sen. Vi Simpson as lieutenant governor candidates, Hoosiers are almost assured that a woman will continue to serve in the state’s second-highest office. It’s good news for Indiana, where more women’s voices are desperately needed in public discourse.

Indiana invests great authority in its lieutenant governor, granting more duties to the office than any other state, according to the National Lieutenant Governors Association. Current Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman is president of the Indiana Senate and oversees five state agencies with budgets totaling more than $1 billion: Agriculture, Community & Rural Affairs, Energy, Housing & Community Development and Tourism. She’s set to lead a trade mission to China next month, her sixth international mission since taking office in 2005.

Ellspermann, chosen by GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence, and Simpson, the pick of Democrat John Gregg, each offer rich professional and public service backgrounds. Each would make a credible governor.

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