Barry Welsh

Infobox Congressional Candidate
name = Barry Welsh


imagesize =
nominee = U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana, 6th District
incumbent = Mike Pence
opponent = Mike Pence
birth_date = birth date and age|1958|12|10
birth_place =Rushville, Indiana
party = Democratic
alma_mater = Ball State University
profession = pastor, educator, broadcaster, businessman, electrical worker
spouse = Sherri
residence =Connersville, Indiana
religion = United Methodist
website = [http://www.barrywelsh.org BarryWelsh.org]

Barry Welsh is a Democratic candidate for Congress in Indiana's 6th congressional district (see [http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/in06_109.gifmap] ) in the 2008 House elections.

Welsh opposes the policies of President Bush, especially with regard to the Iraq war, and the corruption and cronyism within the Bush administration. He is a proponent of sustainability, energy independence, and healthcare reform.

Early life and family

Welsh was born in Rushville, Indiana, grew up in Spiceland. He received his BS degree from Ball State University in 1981. He later attended United Theological Seminary from 1999 through 2000, and is currently attending the University of Indianapolis.

He and his wife Sherri now live in Connersville, where he has been pastor of the Laurel United Methodist Church since 1998. Together they have four daughters. Sherri is a project coordinator in Covington, Kentucky.

Political career

In 2004, Welsh was the Democratic Party candidate for Indiana State Senate, District 42. Despite being under-funded and starting as an unknown, Welsh polled as high as 46% in one of the five counties of the district, and, according to polling, finished with an average of 38.6% in the district in total, an impressive showing against a two term incumbent, Dr. Bob Jackman.

In the 2006 House elections, Welsh lost to incumbent Republican Mike Pence. He received 40 percent of the vote in the general election, a 12 percent increase from the previous candidate’s campaign against Pence.

In the May 6, 2008 primary election the Democrat base was energized and the independent voters came out for Welsh as was displayed by the 50,000+ vote advantage over the incumbent: Welsh 93,924 Pence 43,795.

Professional career

Welsh served as a high school teacher at New Palestine High School and taught government, economics, psychology, sociology, world history, United States history, and geography at Knightstown High School. His experiences in public education have made him a strong supporter of the public school system who is wary of attacks by conservative politicians. "Public schools are the springboard of opportunity for any kid who has a dream." He was a member of the Indiana State Teachers Association.

Welsh also worked in Knightstown as business and finance manager for Staton Chrysler Plymouth Dodge Jeep Eagle which gave him an inside opportunity to learn about business and management.

Welsh was a member of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers while working at United Telephone in Fortville.

He was also an on air radio personality at WIFE-FM in Connersville under the name "Allen Berry".

External links

* [http://www.barrywelsh.org Barry Welsh for Congress] official campaign website
* [http://blog.barrywelsh.org/ Barry's Blog]
* [http://barry-welsh.dailykos.com/ Barry Welsh] at DailyKos
* [http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=34173 Profile] at Project Vote Smart
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/races/summary.php?id=IN06&cycle=2008 Campaign contributions] from OpenSecrets.org
* [http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Barry_Welsh Profile] at SourceWatch Congresspedia