BRIAN BYRNE - Staff writer
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Nels Ackerson came to town Wednesday. The Democrat from Eagletown visited the Clinton County Clerk’s office to file paperwork, making his candidacy official for Indiana’s 4th Congressional District.
“I am happy to present my papers because I am going to represent the folks in Clinton County better than they’ve ever been represented before,” he said to a small crowd of supporters in the clerk’s office.
Ackerson is challenging incumbent Republican Steve Buyer, who has yet to file in Clinton County.
The Democrat must file in all 12 counties in the district. On Wednesday, he also visited White, Tippecanoe and Montgomery counties. He plans to file today in Hendricks, Morgan and Johnson counties.
Sixteen-hour days are not unusual on the campaign trail, but Ackerson has seen positive results from his efforts, he said.
“It’s a very active campaign, and we’re doing very well,” he said. “I’m getting support from Republicans, Independents and Democrats all across the district.”
Ackerson noted his connection to the area, identifying his mother’s family as among the earliest settlers in Boone County. He also recalls annual visits to the Clinton County Fair as a child.
This will not be Ackerson’s last local visit, as he plans meetings with teachers, farmers and attendance at immigration forums.
“I expect to be in Clinton County often,” he said, adding that fundraisers may also be organized.
Ackerson last visited Frankfort to address the Clinton County Democrats’ Roosevelt-Kennedy Club at the Moose Lodge in January. The economy was a point of discussion that night, and Ackerson maintains a strong stance on the issue.
“The economic situation continues to get worse in some respects,” he said. “I’m confident we can turn it around because the American people are a strong people, but we need a government that just doesn’t watch it happen.”
With illegal immigration on the minds of so many Clinton Countians, Ackerson again stressed the need for stronger border control. He also said he believes immigrants who break the law should be deported.
Regardless of the multitude of circumstances and complications involved with working out a solution to the immigration issue, being proactive is key, said Ackerson.
“We can’t just ring our hands, we need to take some action,” he added.
Frankfort City Councilman Joe Palmer, a Democrat, was among those who greeted Ackerson at the courthouse. Palmer had met Ackerson on previous occasions, and has been impressed by the candidate.
“He’s a very sharp individual,” Palmer said of Ackerson, “and in our communication and talks has been very helpful. I think he makes a great candidate.”
ALEASHA SANDLEY
Journal Review, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008
Nels Ackerson visited Crawfordsville on Wednesday to officially file his candidacy in the Montgomery County clerk’s office to become Indiana District 4 representative in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ackerson, a Democrat, filed for the May primary and wants to run against incumbent Rep. Steve Buyer, a Republican, in the November general election.
Although he is only required to file his candidacy with the Indiana Secretary of State, Ackerson is visiting all 12 counties in District 4 to file with them locally.
“I just want the folks in Montgomery County to know that I care about the folks in Montgomery County,” Ackerson said. Ackerson also visited White, Tippecanoe and Clinton
counties Wednesday and will continue his tour of the district Thursday and Friday.
Ackerson said that Buyer has lost touch with his constituents. He cited the troubled economy and poor state of veterans’ affairs as problems that happened under Buyer’s watch. “We have sent our troops into the Middle East to protect us and defend us and politics doesn’t matter at that point,” Ackerson said. “If he were talking to vets, he would know that.”
Locally, Ackerson would like the federal government to tap into Indiana’s — and District 4’s — untapped potential to solve the country’s dependency on foreign oil. “This district has a huge potential for ethanol,” Ackerson said. “People in the district know that, but in Washington they forget. When I get to Washington I intend to make the world know that and the nation know that.” Ackerson also cited the district’s workforce and three colleges - Purdue University, Wabash College, and Franklin College - as valuable assets of the district that he would like to use to show the federal government that Indiana can be a leader in the country.
In a statement, Ackerson also said he is gaining support among community members in Montgomery County, including Mayor Charlie Coons. He has attended meetings at Wabash College, the American Legion and with farm and other community groups, he said.
Ackerson lives in Boone County, grew up in Hamilton County and studied agriculture at Purdue University. He ran for Congress in 1980, but did not win. He cites family concerns as keeping him from running until now. “My children are grown now, and it’s time for all of us to step up,” he said.
Other issues Ackerson will focus on is his campaign include:
- Restoring integirty, competence and fiscal responsibility to government.
- Renewing national security, at home and abroad.
- Dedicating the nation to accessible and affordable health care and education.
- Repairing the immigration system.
- Taking care of obligations to veterans.
- Establishing clear objectives, timelines and exit strategies for pulling troops out of Iraq.
- Exploring new sources of energy, including ethanol, biodiesel, solar and wind.
 Friday, January 18, 2008Ackerson Pushes for 4th District SeatBRIAN BYRNE
Staff writer, Frankfort Times
Friday, January 18, 2008
Democratic House of Representatives candidate Nels Ackerson made a campaign stop in Clinton County Thursday, addressing a crowd of 40 party supporters in the Frankfort Moose Lodge.
Ackerson, an Indiana native, touched on the economy, the war in Iraq, immigration, and his opponent for the state’s 4th District - Republican Steve Buyer.
“This is an important and critical election for this country on the presidential level, but we also need a congress that works for the people, not themselves,” Ackerson told the crowd.
The event was part of the Clinton County Democrats’ Roosevelt-Kennedy Club meeting.
Ackerson was raised on a farm near Westfield and is a graduate of Purdue University. A successful international lawyer, Ackerson has previously served as a senior staff member on the U.S. Senate.
The Democrat noted what he sees as Buyer’s strong ties to political action committees, and believes, after four terms, it is time for a fresh face to represent northern Indiana in Congress.
“We need to bring this man home,” Ackerson said.
Ackerson also expounded on the war in Iraq.
“It was a mistake to go in there, because we didn’t have to in the first place,” he said.
While some may see promise in the U.S.’s recent efforts in the Middle East, Ackerson offers a different take.
“The surge is working if our objective is to have permanent military control of the area,” he said. “Otherwise, we’re not making progress.”
Fielding a question regarding the slumping stock market, Ackerson gave a bleak prediction for the future of the economy.
“It’s going to get worse before I can get into office,” he said.
According to Ackerson, Clinton County should expect to take the state’s financial woes on the chin.
“This district is going to suffer as least as much from the fall of the economy as any part of Indiana,” he said afterward, citing the ethanol fuel industry as an example of the new business critical to the state’s economic future.
Touching on a hot button issue, Ackerson puts blame on area problems resulting from illegal immigration onto the nation’s leaders in Washington, D.C.
“The federal government is responsible for the costs that now Frankfort and Clinton County are paying,” he said afterward.
Ackerson supports stronger protection of entry points to the U.S.
“The borders need to be secured,” he said afterward, emphasizing that this must include airports and harbors.
Former mayoral candidate Chuck Toney was in attendance Thursday, and was impressed with Ackerson’s breadth of knowledge.
“He’s well versed on just about anything you would want to discuss about politics,” Toney said.
Clinton County Democrats President John Bonecutter echoed Toney’s sentiments.
“I’ve heard him speak before, and I am always impressed with him,” he said.
The Democrats have yet to announce a candidate for this fall’s county elections - something Bonecutter plans to work on in the coming months.
“We obviously have to fill a slate with good candidates,” he said, “and then really encourage the voters to come out.” |
Amber Tomlinson, Reporter, Herald Journal, www.thehj.com
Jan. 31, 2008
State and local candidates are continuing to file their declarations for the primary election, although some will not be making an official statement at this time.
U.S. Reps. Steve Buyer (R-District 4) and Joe Donnelly (D-District 2) have both filed but officials for both candidates said they have not made an official statement at this time.
Other candidates who have filed for U.S. Rep. are Republican Tony Zirkle (District 2) on Jan. 29 and Democrat Nels Ackerson (District 4) on Jan. 23.
Ackerson, a lawyer and farmer, said courage, compassion, and competence are the foundation of his vision for Indiana and for America. He also said he sees a government that is working for the people.
“Faced with challenges and opportunities this nation has never seen before, we need new solutions. New solutions require new leadership,” Ackerson said on his Web site. “We need leadership that brings people together; leadership that puts principle ahead of the party line and people before politics. When I am elected that is exactly what I will do.”
Bedford, IN Sunday, January 20. An impressive crowd came together to honor the life and work of revered civil rights leader Martin Luther King. Nels Ackerson joined Bedford Mayor Shawna Girgis, Representative Eric Allen Koch, and event organizer Clarence Brown in paying tribute to the principles and achievements of Dr. King. Following the memorial service Mr. Ackerson joined the group in their annual march.
Single digit temperatures were not a deterrent for going to door-to-door for Nels Ackerson and friend, campaign volunteer Mary Grabianowski. Mary teaches at Zionsville High School and is faculty advisor for the Young Democrats Club. Nels and Mary worked together on Sen. Birch Bayh’s staff. (Sen. Bayh is Honorary Chairman of the campaign.)
In spite of the chilly day the pair met with a warm reception from local residents. Homeowners were a bit surprised, given the weather, but quickly responded to the opportunity to learn more about Nels’ campaign.
Students from Zionsville High School’s Young Democrats club had canvassed the neighborhood earlier in the week, braving cold temperatures and snow to invite people to an open house at campaign headquarters.
Nels Ackerson addressed the Roosevelt-Kennedy Club of Frankfort, IN during their monthly dinner on January 17. He was greeted by a crowd of approximately 40 members of the Democratic club. Mr. Ackerson spoke to the need for new leadership in the 4th District while addressing various issues, including the economy, the war in Iraq, and education. An enthusiastic crowd “passed the hat” to collect financial contributions. Mike Nemeroff, a a campaign finance lawyer in Washington D.C., said he could not remember another congressional candidate in many years for whom a group had done this.
Also see Frankfort Times article.
The Decatur Township Democrat Club held their first meeting of the new year on Monday, Jan. 14th. Nels Ackerson addressed a packed house along with numerous other local candidates and elected officials. According to the club this was the 3rd largest attendance in their history. The club meets at Buffer Park Golf Course on Indy’s southwest side.
September 16th, 2007
I’d like to take a minute to thank Abdul Hakim-Shabbaz for inviting me to be a guest this morning on WXNT 1430 last Friday. For those of you who don’t regularly listen, Abdul hosts a conservative daily call-in show from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 AM. Some might think my visit with Abdul and his callers could be a little like Daniel in the lion’s den. (more…)
Zionsville’s Ackerson Sees Measured Pullout from Iraq among Key
Congressional Issues
by Bruce Smith, Indianapolis Star, July 14th 2007
Property rights lawyer and developer Nels J. Ackerson said Friday he will file to run as a
Democrat for the 4th Congressional District seat held by Republican Steve Buyer.
The 63-year-old Zionsville resident said he is concerned about the nation’s entry into and
conduct of the war in Iraq, as well as domestic issues. (more…)
