By rssfeeds-admin Beckwith’s appearance came amid heightened attention to the Republican nomination contest involving Secretary of State Diego Morales and Republican challenger Max Engling, following recent public shifts in endorsement support from U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.
Speaking on the endorsements, Beckwith said he viewed the rapid changes as unusual but within the scope of political decision-making.
“I didn’t see it coming,” Beckwith said. “Those guys are free to do whatever they want, and I have a lot of respect for Jim and Todd both. But it was a little shocking. You don’t typically see that in politics where all of a sudden people just start moving in a different direction so quickly.”
Beckwith also addressed concerns about media coverage surrounding Morales and other political figures, saying he is cautious about relying on reported allegations.
“I have a little sympathy for Diego,” Beckwith said. “Because I’ve seen what the media has done to me. The Indy media, some of these so-called journalists, they just make stuff up.”
He added that he was hesitant to draw conclusions about the situation without verified information.
“I don’t know necessarily what’s true and what’s not about Diego’s office. It’s not my office,” Beckwith said. “And so I can’t tell you where’s the truth and where’s the fiction.”
When asked whether the endorsements reflected concerns about Morales or broader electoral competitiveness for Republicans, Beckwith said the general election environment is a recurring theme in Indiana politics.
“I think that’s a concern,” Beckwith said. “This is what they tell us every election cycle. Oh my gosh, we’re not going to be able to win in November. And every time Republicans in Indiana come out, they support Republican principles.”
Beckwith also referenced Democratic candidate Beau Bay, describing him as a potential general election challenger, and argued that Republican turnout has historically been strong in statewide contests.
“We better run a good race. We better do our job and get out there and work hard,” Beckwith said. “But at the same time, guys, they say this to us every election cycle.”
On the upcoming state convention process, Beckwith emphasized the role of Republican delegates in selecting the nominee.
“I trust the delegates,” Beckwith said. “They’re going to do their research. I believe the delegates are well-educated and they’re going to figure out who will best represent them in that office.”
He added that while he is not formally endorsing in the convention contest, he has positive views of Engling.
“I like Max,” Beckwith said. “He’s a good guy, strong conservative. He’s a Christian. I couldn’t have nicer things to say about him.”
Beckwith also supported the idea of direct engagement between candidates and delegates ahead of the convention.
“I love what Attorney General Rokita said,” Beckwith said. “He really encouraged the delegates to reach out to Max. Usually it’s the other way around where you start calling all the delegates.”
The interview also included discussion of the upcoming Indianapolis 500 and Carb Day festivities. Beckwith, who was present at the Speedway early in the morning, described the atmosphere as a longstanding Indiana tradition.
“It’s really sort of surreal to be at the track and being in the middle of it all,” Beckwith said. “All the eyes in the world are going to be on Indiana.”
He referenced the event’s economic significance and global visibility, noting its scale and attendance.
“It’s the largest one-day sporting event in the world,” Beckwith said. “It has a billion-dollar economic impact for Indiana every weekend.”
Beckwith also described his personal connection to the race, saying he and his family have attended for years.
“We’ve been big fans of it for many years,” he said. “Every race weekend, it was a big deal.”
When asked about the early morning environment at the Speedway, Beckwith described the buildup ahead of race weekend.
“It’s calm right now,” Beckwith said. “And you just look at the stands around us and you’re like, there’s going to be thousands upon thousands of people here in a few hours.”
He encouraged first-time attendees to experience the garages and infield areas.
“I think you’ve got to get to the garages,” Beckwith said. “Walk through and see the mechanics working on the cars. That’s a really special piece because this race is all about the cars.”
The interview concluded with a rapid-fire segment on Indiana and Indianapolis 500 traditions. Beckwith selected “milk” over champagne, chose a split preference between the Indiana State Fair and the Indianapolis 500, and selected “tenderloin” over pork burger.
He chose “gas pedal” over brake pedal, “rural Indiana” over downtown Indianapolis, and “golf” over cornhole. Beckwith also selected “fair food” over steak dinner and “Indiana fall” over Indiana summer.
Asked to describe Indiana in one phrase, Beckwith responded: “God’s country.”
The post WOWO EXCLUSIVE FROM IMS – Lt. Gov Beckwith and Kayla talk SOS Race Shakeup appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM.
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