Some House Democrats say there is increasing frustration about the way their caucus is being led and that growing unrest could mean removing Minority Leader Pat Bauer from his current position.
An attempt to oust the South Bend Democrat from his position atop the caucus materialized last week, but fizzled after not enough caucus members could reach an agreement.
State Representative Dave Cheatham (D-North Vernon) says members have been vocal about their concerns in caucus.
“There were just some issues that were discussed about how the campaign’s been running and how…the need to share leadership abilities and duties.”
State Representative Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) says despite efforts to help Bauer with campaign strategy, it appears Bauer continues to reject that assistance. And He thinks the decision as to whether Bauer stays or goes as caucus leader can’t be dragged out.
“We need to get our agenda together and make our decisions about how we’re running this campaign in the next week. I think anything longer than that is not helpful.”
DeLaney says the caucus as a whole needs to move off a defensive position and develop a more forward-looking agenda. And if Bauer is replaced, DeLaney says he’s eager for young leadership to take the 68 year old’s place.
Bauer could not be reached for comment.
