Daniels lists successes, blasts Dems in GOP speech

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Outgoing Gov. Mitch Daniels' final pep talk to Indiana Republicans includes a glimmering assessment of his eight years in office and a dim prediction of what Indiana will look like if Democrats retake the governor's office.

The two-term Republican is barred from seeking re-election in November. He rode onto the convention floor at the state Republican convention Saturday on his motorcycle and received a lengthy standing ovation from the party's delegates.

Daniels' final speech to the convention contrasts his achievements with withering criticism of Democrats who held the governor's office before him.

Indiana Republicans are facing a series of turnovers at the top of their party this year. Longtime U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar lost a grueling intraparty battle to Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock last month.