JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. - Mike Sodrel, chairman and CEO of one of the coach industry's best-known independent operations, The Free Enterprise System Inc., is making another run for Congress.
Sodrel ran two years ago, challenging the Democratic incumbent, Rep. Baron Hil, and narrowly losing. In that race, Sodrel got little support from the national Republican Party but this time things are different - very different.
The 2004 Mike Sodrel campaign has grabbed the attention of Republicans nationally. Bo Harmon, deputy communications manager for the National Republican Congressional Committee, told one newspaper that Sodrel has "impressed a lot of people in Republican leadership in Washington.
"There are very few competitive races this election on either side," said Harmon. "This is a solidly Republican district, and Sodrel ran surprisingly well in it last time. Now he has an established fund-raising base. Nationally, we see this as an absolutely great opportunity for Republicans to pick up a seat."
The 20-county district in southeastern Indiana that Sodrel is running from has traditionally backed Democrats, but it swung heavily to President Bush in 2000. Bush is expected to win the district again this year.
Sodrel's rise in Republican circles is evidenced by a visit by Vice President Dick Cheney at a Jeffersonville fund-raiser, and the fact Sodrel was chosen to speak at the Republican National Convention last month in New York.
Sodrel and 23 other House candidates were picked by the party because they represent tight races or open seats. Each got a minute to speak to thousands of flag-waving delegates and bystanders and millions more on TV. It was easily the biggest speech of Sodrel's political career. He reportedly wrote the 100 words himself and his wife, Kita, told a reporter he wasn't the least bit nervous about delivering it.
Sodrel told the Republican delegates and a C-Span television audience about his foreign-born great-grandfather, whose obituary called him "intensely American."
"He loved God, family, and country ... So do I," Sodrel said. "I know America's stronger when we create family-supporting jobs here in America. I know America's stronger when government takes less money from our nation's families.
"And I know America's stronger when we defend traditional moral values."
Two years ago, the bulk of Sodrel's campaign funding came from his own wealth. He put in some $1 million of the nearly $1.2 million he spent in the losing race. Sodrel's own contribution was partly in the form of loans that he has yet to repay. This year, his fund-raising base is more diversified.
Hill, who is seeking his fourth term, spent $1.1 million in the 2002 campaign, and has raised more than that for this year's run.
Sodrel is an Army National Guard veteran, former chairman of the Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce, past president of the local Rotary, and a member of the American Legion.
A native of New Albany, Ind., he owns and operates three businesses headquartered in Jeffersonville: The Free Enterprise System, SOLO Logistics, and Sodrel Truck Lines - employing more than 500 people across Indiana. He often campaigns by driving an 18-wheeler to political appearances.
Sodrel's Web site, www.mikesodrel.com, offers ways you can help his campaign.