Political Cannibalism: South Bend Dems turn on Bauer

We're guessing that Pat Bauer was none too happy when he read his hometown paper this morning. If you're the most powerful person in the House of Representatives, it's bad enough that the local press doesn't realize you've ascended to the position of Speaker after 30-some years in office and calls you the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman (just wait for it). But then to read that members of your own party (including Bob Kovach, a guy that used to serve in the legislature with you) are beating you up? That just makes for an ugly start to the weekend. Here's what the South Bend Tribune and South Bend Democrats had to say about Bauer's handling of HB1001 and the property tax mess:

Commissioner Steve Ross, D-2nd District, singled out a specific state representative.

"The one person who could do something for us," he said, "is B. Patrick Bauer."

Bauer, a South Bend Democrat, serves in the powerful position of chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

"If he doesn't step in to help us," Ross predicted, "we're going to have a disaster."

He said Bauer seems to view himself as a state official, not a local representative, and he needs to be reminded whom he serves.

Commissioner Bob Kovach, D-3rd District, referred to the proposed bill as "a tax shift, plain and simple."

It would take funds away from local government, he said, and require them to raise or create local option taxes to make up for the lost money.

Ouch. Enjoy the weekend, Pat. Maybe you'll take some time to reflect on who you serve. But I'd introduce yourself to the local media first, and maybe give them your updated business cards.