#mike delph

[indypolitics]

Delph Gets Disciplined

Indy Politics has confirmed that Republican Senator Mike Delph has  lost his leadership positions for attacking his chamber's leadership over HJR-3, the marriage amendment.

Earlier this week Delph held a news conference accusing Senate President Pro Tempore David Long of sabotaging efforts to restore HJR-3 to its original form, which included the second sentence prohibiting civil unions. Long denied such action took place. The amendment passed 32-17.

In addition, Delph tweeted the caucus decision not to include the second sentence prior to the vote, a serious breach of Senate protocol.

As part  of his punishment Delph was removed from his position as Assistant Majority Leader for Communication.  he lost his spot as ranking member on the Judiciary Committee.  He no longer has a press secretary.  And he was removed from his space on the Senate floor and re-located on the far side of the Chamber with the Democratic minority.

You can view the new seating chart here.

Senate staff would not comment on the move.  However, Indy Politics is told the decision was made by leadership and approved by the caucus.

Delph has issued no public statement yet regarding the actions.  He had gone to Twitter the weekend prior to the vote to express his frustration over the entire process.

[indypolitics]

Delph Hints at Senate Leadership Sabotaging HJR-3

Republican State Senator Mike Delph of Carmel had strong words for Senate President Pro Tempore David Long, basically accusing him and Senate Leadership of sabotaging the marriage amendment.

On Thursday the Senate took a pass on restoring the second sentence in the amendment which critics say would have prohibited civil unions.  Delph and supporters say the sentence was needed to give further protections to traditional marriage.

At a morning news conference, Delph admitted the votes weren't there in caucus to restore the second sentence, but he also said Long and Senate leadership did not want it reinserted into the amendment.

He said Long was in charge of the process and alluded that if Long wanted the second sentence back into the amendment, it would have occurred.  On Thursday Long told reporters he opposed putting restoring HJR-3 to its original form.

Delph says he will try to encourage his colleagues to vote to restore the second sentence this afternoon on third readings, but if they don't, he will vote no.

You can hear Delph's comments below.  Part one is his statement, part two are questions from the media.

Leon-Tailored Audio: Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel) on Marriage Amendment - 1

Leon-Tailored Audio: Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel) on Marriage Amendment - 2

[cjester27]

Yeah...someone needs a hug

((((((((((( Mike Delph ))))))))))

[indypolitics]

Parental Control

Republican State Senator Mike Delph says it is time to seriously look at Indiana law to see how to increase accountability when it comes to the parents of youth who commit crime.

Delph (R- Carmel) and his family were in downtown Indianapolis on the 4th of July when one teen was shot and killed by another teen.  

Under current Indiana law, a parent can only be held liable financially (up to $5,000) for the actions of their child.  Delph says it may be time to strengthen that to include more fines, jail time and possibly revocation of parental rights.

He also adds he wants to look at directing resources to help parents that may be in need however, he notes there can be no substitute for the family.  

You can hear Delph's  comments below.   Each segment runs about 10 minutes.

 Leon-Tailored Audio: State Senator Mike Delph - 1

 Leon-Tailored Audio: State Senator Mike Delph - 2

[indypolitics]

Another Hoosier Hits the Hawkeye State

Interview: Mike Delph

As the deadline for the Iowa caucuses gets closer another Hoosier is hitting the Hawkeye to help campaign for a Republican Presidential candidate.  Indy Politics just spoke with Republican State Senator Mike Delph who was en route to Iowa to campaign for former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum. 

Santorum has surged in the polls as of late and hopes to finish third. 

Delph says he was approached by the Santorum camp about a month ago and will speak at the caucuses on his behalf Tuesday night.

Delph's interview runs about 10 minutes.