Daniels Defeats Incumbent Governor in Close Race
November 2, 2004
After months of a tight race, President Bush's former Office of Management and Budget Director Republican Mitch Daniels won the top job in Indiana Tuesday, defeating incumbent Gov. Joe Kernan.

On the campaign trail Daniels told Hoosiers that it was time for a change in their state, where Democrats have held the governorship for 16 years, as he traveled extensively across Indiana in a recreational vehicle meeting with voters.

Kernan was facing voters for the first time since his job as lieutenant governor forced him into the role of governor following Gov. Frank O'Bannon's death during his third year in the post.

Indiana Governor's Race Stays Close in Final Stretch
November 1, 2004
Touting the same messages they have since early in the campaign, Indiana's gubernatorial candidates made a 48-hour push to collect votes heading into Tuesday's election.

Gov. Joe Kernan traveled the state defending his record, while Republican challenger Mitch Daniels told crowds that Hoosiers are ready for a change in a state where Democrats have held the top office for the past 16 years.

In a survey released Sunday conducted by the Indianapolis Star/WHTR, Daniels held a 6 percent lead over Kernan with a 3.1 percent margin of error.

Indiana Gubernatorial Candidates Spar Over Negative Ads
October 18, 2004
Update: Two weeks before Hoosiers cast their vote for governor they had another chance Sunday night to watch their candidates in a heated exchange over negative campaigning, the pharmaceutical industry and change for Indiana.

Indiana Gubernatorial Candidates Outline Differences in Debate
September 29, 2004
Update: Indiana's three major gubernatorial candidates met in a debate at Franklin College Tuesday night, outlining sharp differences on critical issues such as the economy, roads, prescription drugs, and taxes. Pointed exchanges between the front-runners, GOP challenger Mitch Daniels and incumbent Democrat Joe Kernan, defined the debate, while Libertarian Kenn Gividen attempted to portray himself as the candidate of alternative ideas.

Competitive Indiana Governor's Race Continues to Heat Up
September 20, 2004
Update: While Indiana's former first lady Judy O'Bannon has started making campaign appearances for Democratic Gov. Joe Kernan, Republican candidate Mitch Daniels received a nod from first lady Laura Bush.