State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, was leading his Democratic challenger John (Jack) Walter through early returns Tuesday night.
With 293 of 348 precincts reporting around 9:20 p.m., Slager led by more than 9,000 votes — 63% to 37% — over Walter.
Slager, 65, who has served 12 years in office, represents a district that includes the towns of Dyer, St. John and Schererville. Walter, 72, of Schererville, has not held public office, but previously ran for St. John Township Advisory Board.
Slager said there’s serious business downstate in how legislators will address an “exploding Medicaid entitlement” in the next House session. And although not a problem now, he expressed concern that illegal immigration would spread to Indiana and impact the state in a variety of ways.
“I think the approach to the next session is yet to be determined based on who wins the White House,” he said.
Slager said he didn’t concern himself with his opponent’s campaign, but took the opportunity to re-introduce himself to voters.
“Me and my team got out and knocked on several thousand doors,” he said. “I try to do a different town each cycle. Two years ago, it was St John. This year it was getting back to Schererville and reconnecting with those voters. It was actually a lot of fun. I was just out in my role as state representative, making them aware that I’m there, how they can reach me and that they should feel free to contact me if they had an issue or a question.”
Slager explained his motivation behind public service.
“I have my own business. I don’t do this for the money,” he said. “I do it because it’s my passion, and I hope that I’m able to do good things not just for my district, but Northwest Indiana in particular, and the keep it place where people want to live.”
Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
