Barry Welsh
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Barry Welsh was the Democratic candidate for Congress in Indiana's 6th Congressional District (see map) in the 2006 House elections, losing to incumbent Republican Mike Pence. Welsh is opposed to the policies of President Bush, especially with regard to the war on terror, the Iraq war, and charges of corruption and cronyism within the Bush administration.
Welsh was born in Rushville, grew up in Spiceland and now lives in Laurel where he is in his eighth year as the pastor of the Laurel United Methodist Church.
The Laurel UMC’s commitment to serving the poor in their area through their food bank has bolstered Welsh's compassion for the most vulnerable of Hoosiers. "Nobody likes to be poor, nobody wants to admit that they are poor," said Welsh. Speaking about his decision to run for Congress, Welshsaid, "Seeing how the dignity of people is compromised by situations beyond their control is heart-wrenching and motivating."
In 2004, Barry made his first foray into the world of politics as 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.
Welsh was also an on air radio personality at WIFE-FM in Connersville under the name "Allen Berry." Welsh served as a high school teacher at New Palestine High School, as well as a teacher of 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 schools system who is wary of attacks by conservative politicians. "Public schools are the springboard of opportunity for any kid who has a dream."
Many Eastern Indiana residents remember Welsh from his days as a stand-out high school football player for Tri High School as well as basketball and football coach for Knightstown and New Palestine High Schools. He says that through his years of involvement with Indiana high school athletics he, "learned about the value of community and the importance of a school to the community."
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, and he was a member of The Indiana State Teachers Association while he was a teacher.
Welsh is married to Sherri and together they have four daughters. Sherri is a project coordinator in Covington, Kentucky.
