The surprise announcement that President Joe Biden would not seek re-election provided a look at both the past and future of the Democratic Party for Northwest Indiana politicos.
Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Wieser said Sunday that the decision had to be “incredibly difficult” for a man who so deeply loves his country and served it well. But the work to choose and support whoever the new candidate starts immediately, Wieser said.
“Today is President Biden’s day,” Wieser said. “He needs to be recognized as a great president who’s passed amazing legislation, such as the Infrastructure Bill, expanding benefits for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals, signing executive orders to protect reproductive rights, and navigating economic growth after the pandemic. But at 6 a.m. Monday, we need to move forward and put all our support behind the next candidate — that’s how I look at it.
“I see this as an opportunity for Lake County Dems — and Dems as a whole — to galvanize, because the energy and excitement to put into this is palpable.”
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, released a statement Sunday.
“I know that the decision to seek any elected position, including the office of presidency, involves the reflection of deeply personal and family considerations, and I respect the President’s decision.”
After Biden’s past two State of the Union speeches, Mrvan has been seen talking in depth with the President about manufacturing policies that would benefit Northwest Indiana and a Midwestern hydrogen hub that was awarded $1 billion in federal funding in October 2023. The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), a partnership of over 60 public and private entities across Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, is using the funding to develop of hydrogen technology and infrastructure.
Neither Mrvan nor Wieser indicated whether they would throw their support behind Biden’s chosen successor, Vice President Kamala Harris. But Wieser told the Post-Tribune in 2020 that Harris’ experience as a Prosecutor and California Attorney General “gives her a perfect balance.”
“She reflects who we are and what our values are here in Lake County,” Wieser said at the time.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Originally Published: