Daryl Schmitt to finish Senator Messmer’s term in District 48

ByMatthew Crane Reading Time: 4 minutes
Dubois County Councilman Daryl Schmitt delivered his three-minute speech to the precinct committee members at the Jasper High School Auditorium on Wednesday evening.

Dubois County Councilman Daryl Schmitt will finish former State Senator Mark Messmer’s term as the representative for District 48.

Schmitt was chosen after two rounds of voting by a caucus of Republican precinct committee members representing the district’s six counties – Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Perry, Spencer and Crawford.

Schmitt and the three other candidates, Dubois County Clerk Amy Kippenbrock, Dr. Richard Moss and Indiana State Police Detective Todd Smith, were each given a two-minute introduction and then three minutes to personally sway the 133 precinct committee members to support them for the position.

Schmitt and Kippenbrock expounded on the importance of supporting local government and businesses while Smith and Moss spoke to more national issues such as illegal immigration and law enforcement issues like the influx of fentynal.

You can watch the candidates’ comments below. Candidate comments start at about the 19:37 minute mark with Mrs. Kippenbrock’s introduction.

The votes were cast in a separate room from the Jasper High School auditorium and then tabulated with watchers representing each candidate in attendance during the process.

In the first round of voting, Schmitt and Todd Smith were the clear leaders in the caucus of 133 committee members in attendance. Dr. Moss received two votes and was eliminated by the rules of the caucus. Kippenbrock held on for a second round that saw Schmitt pick up several votes with 67 over Smith’s 50 for the final tally and win.

In accepting the appointment, Schmitt acknowledged the support from his family and friends. “Everybody worked really hard, and we had a great group of candidates,” he said. “For those of you who voted for me, thank you very much. I appreciate the fact that I earned your trust. For those who didn’t vote for me, that’s okay; I will earn your trust.”

Schmitt said he was proud to represent the six counties. “We need people that are doing this for the right reasons,” he said. “I am so excited to have the opportunity to represent you. I will not let you down.”

Afterward, Schmitt said he planned on being involved with committees that examine ways to empower local government entities and reduce redundant or ineffective bureaucratic, unelected committees.

The Dubois County GOP will now have to hold a caucus to fill Schmitt’s District 1 seat on the county council. Schmitt was previously selected by caucus in January of 2023 to fill the District 1 seat vacated by newly re-elected Councilman Craig Greulich when he was chosen to complete the Dubois County Treasurer office vacated by Kitty Merkley.

Supporters for the candidates met the precinct committee members at the entrance to the high school.
Committee members and candidate friends and family filled the Jasper High School foyer before the caucus convened.
After an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, Indiana GOP Chairman Randy Head explained how the evening would proceed.
A member of the Indiana GOP holds up a sign warning Todd Smith he has 30 seconds left to speak.
Dr. Richard Moss gave his three-minute speech while his wife videoed from the crowd.
Candidate Dubois County Clerk Amy Kippenbrock met with the committee members as they signed in to vote.
Sarah Milligan and Grace McGuire (at the table) check committee members’ identification as they file into vote for the candidate that would finish former State Senator Mark Messmer’s term.
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