Candidates in District 9 Forum Make Economy Central Issue, Split on Strategy

A candidate forum for Indiana’s 9th Congressional District on Thursday put the economy front and center as Democrats prepare for the May 5 primary. Moderated by Sonia Liramp, vice president of the Brown County League of Women Voters, the event gathered Jim Graham, Brad Meyer and Kyle Ror for opening statements and a wide-ranging question-and-answer session.

Each candidate framed the district’s political priorities around personal finances and opportunity. "People are working extremely hard and just barely making ends meet," said Jim Graham, who described securing Social Security and restoring veterans’ benefits as priorities. Kyle Ror summed up his appeal simply: "the economy, the economy, the economy," and stressed raising wages and reducing costs. Brad Meyer said voters should back bolder progressive policies to rebuild long-term economic security.

Why it matters: District 9 has repeatedly elected Republicans in recent cycles, and each Democrat at the forum stressed that the party must present a message that resonates with independents and moderate voters as well as the Democratic base. Candidates disagreed, however, over whether that means moderating to win crossover votes or running explicitly progressive proposals and persuading voters to change.

On electability, Ror argued a centrist economic message—focused on immediate pocketbook relief such as lower gas, grocery and housing costs—would attract independents and disaffected Republican voters. "They want to know what you're going to do for them right now," he said. Graham said message and personality both matter and urged pragmatic bipartisanship to appeal to independents. Meyer countered that Democrats should be bolder: "We need to be advocating for these changes," he said, adding that progressive policy and persuasion can win elections if presented as voters’ self-interest.

The forum also showcased contrasts in tone and tactics. Graham emphasized compromise and working across aisles as a path to incremental wins. Meyer emphasized systemic change and said Democrats must "stand firm on what we believe" while persuading others. Ror emphasized relationship-building inside Congress and legislative craftsmanship to translate economic fixes into law.

The forum, recorded by community access television, concluded with closing remarks and a reminder that early voting has begun and the primary is on May 5.