Governor Daniels Discusses Gay Marriage, Fiscal Cliff and Right to Work

INDIANA - As Indiana governor Mitch Daniels' time in office winds down, he made a trip to our area Thursday and, naturally, we had plenty of questions for him.

From new developments on gay marriage, to Right to Work and the looming fiscal cliff, we wanted the governor's point-of-view on some of the big issues that affect you right now.

On the fiscal cliff, which is fast approaching, Daniels says, "I think they need to avoid the abrupt hit of taxes and rather clumsy cross-the-board spending cuts of this next month. But that's not the problem. Just remember, this so-called cliff was the remedy, it was supposed to force them to deal with the real problem. The real problems are Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Not today, but tomorrow, we're going to bankrupt this country. We've got to do something about that."

He continued, "People are still campaigning even after they won an election. I just continue to hope for something more responsible and it will require both sides coming together to give but, once again, let's assume they put some kind of patch on this so-called cliff, nobody should heave a sigh of relief. We owe $16 Trillion in national debt and another $64 Trillion in promises we can't keep the way the programs are set."

As the nation keeps its eyes fixed firmly on congress, another national debate is brewing. An issue of debate here in Indiana.

The U.S. Supreme Court has already pledged to take on two big gay marriage cases. Depending on what the high court decides, any state action could end up being a mute point.

"There's an argument that you may want to wait on events. Sort of see if the legal terrain changes or doesn't."

Despite protests and a swarm on controversy, Michigan adopts a Right to Work law. As you may recall, Indiana saw similar political drama before passing the law in the last legislative session.

Daniels explains, "I was very surprised Michigan did act. But, maybe some momentum will build there. It has made a positive difference. It took me a long time to decide we needed to do this. But, we learned over 7 years, Indiana was missing out on a lot of chances."

The clock is ticking; ticking on an administration with plenty of ups and downs. And ticking on a range of issues facing people across the country.