Indiana Democrats Getting Financial Boost From National Party

Indiana Democrats are getting a boost from the national party, in part because of Republicans’ political domination in the Hoosier State.

A new fundraising agreement between state parties and the Democratic National Committee will provide a financial boost to every state. But those considered “red states” will get more money per month than others.

To qualify, a state must meet two of three criteria: a supermajority of Republicans in the state legislature, no more than 25 percent of the state's Congressional delegation are Democrats and no Democratic U.S. senator or governor.

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Indiana meets all three of those. State Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl wants to use some of that money for year-round organizing.

“Putting staff and people on the ground across Indiana to make sure that they’re working in communities – in different counties and different parts of the state – and forming relationships with people,” Schmuhl said.

Schmuhl said the new agreement will also enhance data-sharing between the national party and Democratic organizations across the state. That's something Republicans at the state and national level have been doing for a few years.

“It’s going to allow us to target voters, to communicate with voters in a faster, more efficient way,” Schmuhl said.

Schmuhl said the agreement will help what he calls “steady, incremental progress” in rebuilding the party’s statewide relevance.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.