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Convention Comes to You


By now, I'm sure you've probably heard the news: Unfortunately, we won't be able to hold an in-person convention this year. COVID-19's disruptions to life have been widespread, and our party, elections and campaigns have certainly not been immune.

The change to convention is disappointing, but just like the changes we're seeing now to campaigns (I discussed some of them this week in an interview with Howey Politics Indiana), we're adapting -- and we're working to open the doors to our convention wider than they've ever been. We're bringing convention directly to you and to every Hoosier. 

On June 18, Hoosiers across the state will be able to tune in to watch our convention, as WISH-TV and its statewide partners broadcast it live. They'll hear from the attorney general candidates, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Governor Eric Holcomb. We'll also be livestreaming the whole thing, and then posting it online for all to watch. 

And then when it's time to vote, we've worked hard to replicate the convention voting process as much as possible through mail-in ballots that will come to you from a third-party vendor, and will be returned to a third-party accounting firm. 

I'd encourage you to read the full letter I sent out earlier this week here -- but know this. Through this all, our goal has been to ensure delegates will be the ones voting for our nominees for attorney general and lieutenant governor.

This year, we can't go to convention, so we're bringing convention to you.

- Chairman Kyle Hupfer
Governor Holcomb's Week That Was

 

Phase Two, More Testing & Scientific Study

This week, Governor Holcomb continued to lead Indiana through Phase Two of Indiana’s Back on Track plan. In most of the state, we’re seeing restaurants and retail stores re-opening at 50% capacity, and personal services like haircuts resuming by appointment.

Along the way, Governor Holcomb has said this reopening will be data-driven, and so today he gave us an update on where we stand with the data:

  1. Hospitalizations – The number of Hoosiers hospitalized with COVID-19 has dropped from 170 on April 1 to 71 on May 12.
  2. Surge Capacity – As of just yesterday, 40% of Indiana’s ICU beds are available, and ventilator availability is remaining steady at 80%
  3. Testing – More than 170 testing sites are available throughout Indiana, including 50 free testing sites administered by the Indiana State Department of Health. Find a site hear you here.
  4. Contact Tracing – More than 500 Hoosiers are currently working as contact tracers – doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, medical students and more. They’re working daily tracking and limiting the spread of this virus. And remember, your information always remains private.

Also this week, Governor Holcomb announced the preliminary results of the first round of a scientific study looking at the spread of COVID-19 in Indiana:

  • This study was conducted by the Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health with random testing in late April.
  • The study showed that 2.8%, or 186,000, of all Hoosiers have had COVID-19. And it showed that 0.58% of infected people have died, making COVID-19 six times more deadly than the seasonal flu.
  • The study also showed that 44.8% of people who tested positive showed no symptoms that they were infected – making it even more important that we all follow safety guidelines to limit the spread of the virus.
  • Read more findings from the extensive study here, which will be conducted again in June.

To stay up to date on the latest developments, please make sure you're following Governor Holcomb on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 

Thank you to every Hoosier who is doing his or her part to stop the spread of the coronavirus and flatten the curve. We're #INThisTogether, and we're getting #BackOnTrack!

 
2020 Indiana Republican Convention Goes Virtual
 
In case you missed it, earlier this week we announced that unfortunately due to restrictions because of COVID-19, we will not be able to hold the 2020 Indiana Republican State Convention in person.

The Indiana Republican State Committee unanimously approved temporary rules that will allow us to hold a virtual contention and mail-in voting, recreating many aspects of our in-person conventions and ensuring all delegates will be able to vote.

A few important dates:
June 2 – Indiana Primary (delegates will be elected)
June 22 – Approximate date that delegates will receive ballots from a third-party vendor
July 9 – Deadline for a delegate’s ballot to be received by the third-party accounting firm
July 10 – Ballots will be counted with watchers present, and winners will be announced

More updates will continue to be provided. For more information, read Chairman Hupfer’s full letter here or watch his video here.
Chairman Hupfer Talks Politics in Time of COVID-19

Chairman Hupfer did an interview this week with Howey Politics Indiana, discussing changes to the 2020 Indiana Republican State Convention and modifications all campaigns are making during this time – including a lot more Zoom meetings.

Read the full interview here.
Primary Election Resources
 
It’s almost time for the polls to open for the 2020 Indiana primary – with many Hoosiers having already cast their vote via an absentee ballot. A few reminders and dates to watch:
  • Next Thursday – May 21 – is the last day for your county clerk or Board of Elections to receive your request for an absentee ballot. If you’re planning to vote absentee, make sure to get your request in now. 
  • We’ve got instructions and a link to request your ballot online here, if you'd like to vote absentee in the primary. 
  • Early in-person voting begins on Thursday, May 26.
  • Primary Day is Tuesday, June 2 – polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for in-person voting, and you’ll have until noon to return an absentee ballot 
For a list of more upcoming election deadlines and for instructions on how to request an absentee ballot, visit your new Indiana Republican Resource Page here.
  
 

News You Can Use

Governor Eric Holcomb announces results of new COVID-19 scientific study
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch congratulated the 2020 STEM team recipients 
Senator Todd Young proposes the RESTART Act for small businesses
Senator Mike Braun on COVID-19 concerns in Indiana
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski says Hoosiers stepped up in time of great need
Congressman Jim Banks promised political damage from China 
Congressman Jim Baird continues to work from home
Congresswoman Susan Brooks thanks a law enforcement during National Police Week
Congressman Greg Pence calls for House to return to regular order
Congressman Larry Bucshon discusses Indiana expanding capacity for COVID-19 testing
Congressman Trey Hollingsworth gives thanks to our healthcare heroes
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