First-time candidate faces veteran lawmaker in GOP race for State Senate District 44

April 27--Two businessmen from Bedford with varying levels of political experience are facing off for the Republican nomination to the open State Senate seat in District 44.

Josh Anderson, a third-generation pharmacist making his first run for political office, and state Rep. Eric Koch, an attorney who also owns a title insurance business, is co-owner of his family's farm and has run successfully for election more than once, are vying to replace state Sen. Brent Steele, a Republican from Bedford who is retiring from the Indiana Senate after three terms in that chamber.

The winner will face Linda Henderson, the lone Democrat running for the seat, in the general election in November. The district covers Brown County, Lawrence County and portions of Monroe, Bartholomew and Jackson counties.

Both GOP candidates agree on several issues, including the need to fully fund education and to take a more long-term view of infrastructure funding as the Indiana General Assembly prepares to shape the state's next two-year budget in 2017. And both are proud fathers with deep roots in the Hoosier state.

They also differ in areas, including why they decided to run.

For Anderson, public service in some ways was inevitable, even though the 36-year-old is just now making his first shot at an elected office.

"I've thought about it for a long time," Anderson said, citing the fact that his grandfather was a state representative back in the 1970s. "I've always kind of felt like at some point I would."

As a pharmacist and member of the attorney general's Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force, Anderson also felt the need to step up and do something about the problems he has seen with health care and drug abuse.

Anderson said there's a need to shift the focus more toward treatment and getting addicts "the help they need and deserve" while also educating the health care network.

"This is't really the same war on drugs that we're used to," he said, adding that while there isn't a quick solution, the Legislature can work to start turning things around.

Anderson also thinks there should be a push for pharmacists to play more of a provider role, such as being able to prescribe some types of medications, a move that would help cut down on costs both for patients and for the health care system.

If elected, he also would want to focus on alternative energy options such as solar and ethanol, arguing that the state "has the opportunity to become a leader in the manufacturing and development of alternative energy, which will bring new jobs and boost our economy."

He also said it's time to look forward and be proactive on more issues in general.

"I think it's time for a younger generation to step up and be involved," Anderson said. "We can either make our future, or we can figure out how to live in it once it gets here."

Koch, on the other hand, wants to take his experience from serving in the Indiana House and apply it in the Senate "for the benefit of the district."

He said his decision to run is "sort of a self-imposed term limit" that also presents "the opportunity to play a larger role in shaping policy and serving constituents, Senate districts being twice as large as House districts."

"I'm someone who believes that it should not be a career," he said of his 14 years in the House.

For Koch, his public service is just that -- an opportunity to serve the public.

"I take constituent service very seriously," he said. "The role of a state legislator is more than just casting yes and no votes."

He pointed to his work on legislation to protect NSA Crane from Base Realignment and Closure in 2005 as just one example of what state lawmakers do outside of casting votes.

That work to help constituents also is Koch's favorite part of the job, he said, adding that his goal is to be both accessible and responsive.

It's a mentality that's earned him the support of several Republican Party officials and current and former officeholders within District 44, including former Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, who also at one time held the state Senate seat Koch is seeking.

Koch also is pointed to endorsements from Indiana Right to Life, the National Rifle Association and the Indiana Manufacturer's Association, among other groups, as evidence that he's the "more conservative" candidate in the race.

Josh Anderson

Party affiliation: Republican.

Occupation: Third generation pharmacist, co-owner of Crowder's and Lincoln Family Pharmacy; opened up Stone Cutters Coffee with his wife; owns Panacea Pharmacy in Lucky's Market.

Experience: President-elect for Community Pharmacies of Indiana, 9th District representative for Indiana Pharmacy Alliance, member of attorney general's Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force.

Facebook: Josh Anderson for Indiana Senate.

Twitter: @joshforIndiana.

Website: joshmanderson.com.

Eric Koch

Party affiliation: Republican.

Occupation: Attorney at the Koch Law Firm, which has offices in Bloomington and Bedford.

Experience: Member of the Indiana House of Representatives since 2002.

Facebook: Eric Koch for Indiana.

Website: erickoch.org.

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