Letter to Editor from Ben Sharkey in response to Democrat letter pertaining to the Super Bowl half-time show

Ben Sharkey, a former Democrat and Marshall County resident, announced in April 2025 his intention to run for State Representative in Indiana's District 17 in 2026, focusing on blue-collar, school, and health issues. He previously ran for Marshall County Commissioner in 2024 and was appointed to the Argos Town Police Commission.

Sharkey submitted a Letter to the Editor in response to a recent statement released by the Marshall County Democrats regarding the Super Bowl halftime show.  He told GIANT fm WTCA that he does not have a plan to run for office in 2026, but is considering a run in 2028 as an independent for a state legislative position. However, he did not rule out a local position either and said, “Over the next year and a half, I will be working to collect data and input from people to determine where I can be the most effective for the benefit of the community.”

The following is the Letter to the Editor submitted to GIANT fm WTCA.

Recently, the Marshall County Democrats released a statement that was supposedly meant to speak against the alternate Super Bowl halftime show organized by Turning Point USA. This was in response to a local family hosting a private Super Bowl party at The Rees, who kindly invited the community. In the Democrats’ statement, they claimed that they wanted to make sure people were aware and educated about the alternate halftime show, and Turning Point USA falsely claiming it was not clear who was organizing the show. However, the statement came across to many as a bullying tactic towards a family simply hosting a Super Bowl party. As a former member of the Marshall County Democrats, I am embarrassed, disgusted, and very disappointed in the local party for its actions against private citizens.

The Super Bowl party that was hosted by the Vanvactor family was organized and paid for by them personally. The Marshall County Republican Party did not organize it, nor did any form of local government. This was a private event held by a family who generously invited the community. This should not have been the business or target of a political party. This targeting by the Marshall County Democrats has only served to further cause divisions rather than promoting unity and camaraderie. They could have simply spoken about their stance regarding the alternate halftime show and Turning Point USA without mentioning the Vanvactor’s event at all, but irresponsibly chose not to.

What makes this issue even more disturbing is how quiet the Marshall County Democrats have been on local issues that are actually affecting our community, while they attack private events. If you look at their Facebook page, you will find posts about local open political positions to be filled, some national issues, organized national protests, and cultural stances. There is very little about kitchen table issues and almost nothing about local issues, such as the recent issues with the Marshall County Sewer District. Not to mention, they never seem to make any public comments at County Council and Commissioner meetings. Their direction seems to be more about activism and less about civil service, which, sadly, continues to make them more irrelevant in the local politics.

It is important that we have alternating viewpoints and civil discourse in our government. This serves as a beneficial check and balance and allows for multiple perspectives to be considered by those in leadership positions. However, when a political party targets private citizens because they disagree with what halftime show will be shown at a private celebration, then they have become nothing more than bullies and seriously need to take the time to reevaluate their stances, priorities, and tactics.

Sincerely,

Ben Sharkey

Chair

sharkeyforhoosiers@outlook.com