Local election could affect state elections

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - As local Election Day nears state and national races are only just beginning, many of next November's races get their momentum from local elections.

Former Indiana speaker John Gregg and current United States representative Mike Pence will not face off formally until next November.

But it may surprise you to know that both parties will use Tuesday's mayoral elections to build support for their candidates in the 2012 state and national elections.

"These mayor races around the state, especially Terre Haute, are a battle ground for the Democrat and Republican parties because everyone knows that electing here is very essential to what happens in legislative races, senator's race and governors race next year in the state of Indiana,” Democratic Mayoral Candidate said.

It's one of the reasons United States former Senator Evan Bayh attended the Democrats rally Friday in Terre Haute.

It gives the Democratic Party momentum for the upcoming season.

"Its to help the county take it next year and to help John Gregg in his campaign for governor, you know he's from just south of Vigo county,” Bayh said.

Not all candidates feel like it'll have a major impact.

On the Republican side, Mayor Duke Bennett doesn't see a strong turnout for him affecting republican races next year.

"I think it’s kind of a stretch to say it sets any kind of a trend. Every time an election cycle comes up there's issues on the table that the candidates say they're going to do this or do that and voters gravitate towards that,” Bennett.

Despite the mayor's view, Governor-hopeful Mike Pence has made several stops in the Wabash Valley this year to support the mayor and get ready for next year. So while local campaigns come to a close, time will tell if those results reveal winners in 2012.