Indianapolis - A national anti-smoking group is targeting the Indianapolis mayoral race. The Washington-based Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund is endorsing Democrat Melina Kennedy, who pledges to extend the ban to bars and clubs.
"I think it means to her that the public health community is taking notice of this campaign," said Kevin O'Flaherty, Director of Advocacy at Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Kennedy has said if elected she will push for extending the city's smoke-free ordinance to bars, clubs and bowling alleys.
"We should have a smoke-free city," she said. "We're the 11th largest city in the country and it's time we do that."
O'Flaherty said the non-profit group typically focuses on just a handful of races each year, races where they think they can make a difference. He said Indianapolis is one of the few large Midwest cities that doesn't have a comprehensive ban. Those that do include Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis and Milwaukee.
O'Flaherty said Republican Mayor Greg Ballard has "shown no leadership on the issue, essentially killing a [comprehensive] ban two years ago," when he vowed to veto a proposal being considered by the City-County Council.
"There's no controversy over whether this is a harmful substance... to say to these workers they don't deserve the same protection Mayor Ballard has when he goes to his office I think is reprehensible," O'Flaherty said.
Ballard defended his position, saying the current ordinance was tough enough, covering "all but 350-400 organizations that still allow smoking."
He said a broader ban "wouldn't pass the council anytime soon....I understand all the arguments of what they're saying but every city has a place where they want to go on this issue and we are where the city wants to be right now."
The mayor also expressed doubt the smoking issue would factor in the election, saying he planned to focus on jobs, public safety and infrastructure improvements.
But at the Indianapolis Senior Center, where several people describe themselves as health-conscious and very likely to vote, the issue could have traction on both sides.
Asked if it might influence her vote, Eveyln Frye said, "I think it will, yes. I think you should have those freedoms."
Frank Pike, who smoked for 30-plus years before quitting, said, "I think it's an issue where government should move in and enforce it. I think Indiana is behind on almost all health issues.'
Pike said it could effect his vote.
"If Ballard is not taking a firm stand on this and he's lackadaisical about it, I'm concerned and I voted for him," he said.
While Ruth Hartman said she thought "we've been too tough on smokers these days," she wasn't sure it would wind up as a big issue.
"Other issues are probably more important, such as the economy and jobs," she said.
Luevenia Emery, meantime, said while she thinks "you should be able to smoke in bars," it wouldn't change her vote.
Emery said, "I vote Democratic across the board anyway."
O'Flaherty said The Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund hasn't decided how it might contribute to kennedy's campaign. In the past, they've helped candidates through campaign contributions or advertising and direct mailing.
Melina Kennedy
Greg Ballard
