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Hoosier Enquirer Exclusive - In an unexpected turn of events, Matthew Huckleby, currently the Vice President at MO Strategies, is rumored to run for Marion County Chairman last minute. This move comes in response to declining poll numbers for Natalie Goodwin, following her announcement to run for the position. Abdul Hakim Shabazz, also known as Shaboozer, failed in his attempt to promote Natalie for Chairman, which backfired, leading the establishment wing of the Republican Party to consider running a last-minute candidate. Additionally, Shabazz is under federal investigation for allegedly embezzling funds from the Marion County Fairgrounds Center during his tenure as its president.
According to multiple sources close to Huckleby, the decision to run was made at the last minute, aiming to capitalize on Goodwin's faltering support. Huckleby's career has been deeply entrenched in Republican politics, having served in various significant roles:
- Senior Advisor at the Indiana Republican Party (Feb 2023 - Aug 2023)
- Executive Director for the Indiana Republican Party (Feb 2017 - Feb 2023)
- Deputy Campaign Manager for Eric Holcomb for Indiana (May 2019 - Dec 2020)
- Political Director for both Eric Holcomb for Indiana (Aug 2016 - Feb 2017) and Mike Pence for Indiana (Aug 2015 - Jul 2016)
- Roles within the U.S. House of Representatives, including District Director and Senior Field Representative
However, questions have been raised about MO Strategies, where Huckleby currently holds a full-time position. An attempt to verify the company through IRS records yielded no results, casting a shadow over its legitimacy or operational status. This situation has sparked discussions among local political circles about the transparency and viability of Huckleby's current employment.
The reaction among Marion County's Republican precinct committee members has been mixed, with many expressing discontent over the timing and nature of Huckleby's candidacy. During interviews with committee members from Center and Perry Townships, there was a clear sentiment of frustration. One committee member referred to Huckleby derogatorily as "Globalist Matt," highlighting a perceived disconnect with grassroots Republican values due to his association with high-profile politicians like Mike Pence, Eric Holcomb, and Paul Ryan.
The consensus among the dozen precinct committee members we spoke to was a strong endorsement for John Schmitz, another candidate for Marion County Chairman. They expressed a desire for a candidate who has been known longer within the community and who aligns more closely with traditional Republican principles. One member stated, "This is the Republican Party not the Democratic Party, we don’t install people like they did with Sleepy Joe and Kamala Harris," reflecting a broader sentiment against perceived establishment interference in local politics.
As the race for Marion County Chairman heats up, the political landscape is set for a contentious battle. With Huckleby's entry, the dynamics of the election have shifted, forcing voters to reconsider their options. Whether his extensive political experience will win over the electorate or if the backlash against his last-minute candidacy will prevail remains to be seen.
Disclaimer: The journalist for this article is an Elected Republican Precinct Committee Member but has not endorsed or voiced support for any Candidate for Marion County Chairman and it will stay that way. He is staying neutral in the Chairman race.