The surprise announcement that President Joe Biden would not seek reelection gave politicians in northwest Indiana a glimpse into the Democratic Party’s past and future.
Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Wieser said Sunday that the decision must be “incredibly difficult” for a man who loves his country so deeply and has served it so well. But the work of choosing and supporting the new nominee, whoever it may be, begins immediately, Wieser said.
“Today is President Biden’s day,” Wieser said. “He should be recognized as a great president who has passed incredible legislation, like the infrastructure bill, expanded benefits for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals, signed executive orders to protect reproductive rights, and managed economic growth after the pandemic. But at 6 a.m. Monday, we need to move forward and give our full support to the next nominee — that’s how I see it.”
“I see this as an opportunity for Lake County Democrats – and Democrats as a whole – to galvanize, because the energy and enthusiasm to put into this is palpable.”
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, released a statement Sunday.
“I know that the decision to seek elected office, including the office of president, involves deeply personal and family considerations, and I respect the President’s decision.”
After Biden’s last two State of the Union addresses, Mrvan was seen talking in depth with the president about manufacturing policies that would benefit Northwest Indiana and a Midwest hydrogen hub that received $1 billion in federal funding in October 2023. The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), a partnership of more than 60 public and private entities from Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, is using the funding to develop hydrogen technology and infrastructure.
Neither Mrvan nor Wieser have indicated whether they would support Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden’s chosen successor. But Wieser told the Post-Tribune in 2020 that Harris’ experience as a prosecutor and California attorney general “gives her a perfect balance.”
“It reflects who we are and what our values are here in Lake County,” Wieser said at the time.
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.
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