Apparently state workers are calling today “bloody Friday” after finding out about government layoffs. Thirty-three people in the Dept. of Administration are losing their jobs…and not all of them know about it since some people are on vacation.

See the story here. Kevin Rader will have more at 6:00 pm on Eyewitness News.

Gov. Mitch Daniels is worried that the health care reform measures being floated in Congress would have a negative impact on the state of Indiana.  A vote could come this weekend in Washington.

Daniels calls the current House bill, which calls for a public option and would prevent insurers from denying or dropping coverage of sick people, “the worst version yet.” The governor predicts “truly awful consequences” for the Hoosier state. Daniels wants to see measures ”that will reduce health care costs, expand personal choice and give first priority to restoring a pro-jobs, pro-growth environment.”

Also, there’s a new blog site for Indiana Dems called A Loyal Opposition.

A few prominent Republicans have stepped forward to endorse a challenger in the race for Congress in Indiana’s fifth district.

Luke Messer is running for the fifth congressional seat challenging incumbent Dan Burton.

Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter is co-chairing Messer’s campaign. Former Marion County Prosecutor Scott Newman also announced his endorsement Tuesday.

Messer accepted those endorsements at a morning press conference in Fishers.

“The mantle of leadership will return to the Republican party and when it does we have to be ready. We absolutely have to be ready with a new generation of leadership that is in it for the long haul. The right kind of leadership as represented by Luke Messer,” said Newman.

Messer is one of four Republican candidates trying to unseat the longtime Republican incumbent Dan Burton.

Governor Mitch Daniels has important plans this weekend. His daughter Melissa is getting married tomorrow.

“I’ve been telling people, she said, ‘Dad, you’re cutting it kind of close just getting back from Asia two days ahead of time.’ I said, ‘Don’t worry. If I get stuck over there, I’ve handled all the essentials. The checkbook’s at home. I’ve left a cardboard cut-out of me in a tuxedo,’” said Daniels.

The governor says he learned on his economic trade mission to Asia that in China, the father of the groom pays for the wedding.

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels is in Tokyo tonight, a full week into his Asian trade mission.

In a speech at a conference, Daniels said Indiana’s relationship with Japan has been a source of stability and strength during the recession. The governor also met with managers from Honda, Sony and Mitsubishi – companies that do business in the state.

Tomorrow is his final full day in Japan.

Gov. Daniels in Tokyo, Japan