Looks like we had a minor scandal at a polling location with a poll worker being a bit too opinionated about her political beliefs.

The candidates have been hanging out in Evansville for the past few weeks and now it is go time. For the first time in a long time, the Indiana presidential primary is actually relevant, so make sure you get out there and vote. The presidential primary is not the only thing we’re voting on today, however. The Democrats are also going to decide between Jill Long Thompson and Jim Schellinger as My Man Mitch’s opponent in the governors race this fall. You can get a full candidate list here.

I’ll be voting at the nursing home across the street from me. Hopefully there will be an influx of youth in that place as I’ve grown tired of being the only person without grey hair in the voting line. If you spot anything interesting, fun or annoying at your polling location, share it in the comments.

• Look up your voter registration
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• Secretary of State - Election Division

photo courtesy of mystereys

The NYTimes picked up on the Abercrombie guys that were standing directly behind Senator Barack Obama during his speech in Evansville the other night.

I’ve heard they are USI students, but no one really knows their names. I want the exclusive with the three, so if you know them, have them get in touch!

(I’m only half joking.)

Update: Looks like WFIE did a story on Fitchgate too.

(thanks Josette for the tip!)

All I want to know is what was up with the Abercrombie models behind him during the speech?

If you were there and snapped photos or videos, tag them as ‘itsevansville’ on Flickr and YouTube. Share your comments on the event in the comments.

Here’s Obama’s rally speech from last night thanks to MSNBC.

Presidential candidate Barack Obama will be at Roberts Stadium tomorrow night for a nationally televised rally. Along with Obama will be John Courgar Mellencamp who will be performing a song or two.

Doors open at 7:30. I requested a media credential so I can capture some video and photographs of the event. We’ll see how they respond to bloggers.

(Thanks to C&P for the tip)

photo courtesy of roxannejomitchell

photo courtesy of gibbie69

Hillary Clinton will be in town Thursday evening for a town hall meeting at Harrison High School at 7PM. Doors open at 5:45.

I’ll see if I can get the campaign to give me press access so I can go.

photo courtesy of marcn

Last night’s Iowa Caucus is over and both Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama walked away with the first victories in the 2008 Presidential Election. Whether or not you support Obama or not, you have to agree that this is a great speech.

Even though we are over a year away from the presidential election, that doesn’t mean the primaries aren’t interesting. 13 months out and it’s looking pretty obvious that barring any major setbacks, Hillary Clinton is most likely going to be the Democratic candidate for the Presidency. Indiana senator Evan Bayh seems sure of it as well. He endorsed Senator Clinton’s candidacy today.

Bayh has worked with Clinton on the Senate Armed Services Committee and traveled to Iraq as part of a Senate delegation earlier this year. This early endorsement does nothing but fuel the speculation that if Clinton gets the nomination, she will select Senator Bayh as her running mate. Bill Clinton is known for saying, “I hope and expect some day I’ll be voting for Evan Bayh for President of the United States.” A vice presidential term would certainly be a resumé padder for that future position, no?

photo courtesy of AP

Sure MSNBC and Fox News spend most of the day talking about Hillary, Obama and Giuliani, but 2008’s other candidates are ramping up for their reelection campaign. Remember back in Government class when you learned about the legislative branch? Senators server 6 year terms, but House members are up every two years. Brad Ellsworth, our congressman is already starting to prepare his campaign for reelection.

This week congressional candidates must report their first quarter campaign finance reports. Even though Ellsworth was just elected last November for his seat, the campaign war chest never closes. In 2006 Ellsworth spent over $1.5 million to gain his seat. He’ll need just as much money, if not more, to keep his seat. While there isn’t a republican candidate to challenge Ellsworth at this point, it’s highly doubtful his seat will go uncontended considering the Republicans want you to get to know The Real Brad Ellsworth. Even though he’s only been in office four months, that doesn’t mean that he hasn’t done something to irritate republicans who want his seat. The site goal is to outline Ellsworth’s voting record against his campaign promises. I won’t comment much on the validity of the site to keep my own personal politics out. Of interest is the site’s increasing usage of social media like blogging and YouTube.

In other local political news, Aaron Ridlen, a 24-year-old USI student is running for Mayor of Evansville. Before he can target Weinzapfel, though, he has to win his primary on May 8.

photo courtesy of Putnam Democrats