Press Release » Indiana Democratic Party Chair appoints former Hamilton County Judge to Recount Commission

04/08/2011 - Indiana Democratic Party Chair appoints former Hamilton County Judge to Recount Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2011

Indiana Democratic Party Chair appoints former Hamilton County Judge Buddy Pylitt to Indiana Recount Commission
Parker says Pylitt will bring impartiality to second Charlie White hearing, asks GOP chair to follow his lead

Buddy PylittINDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker today appointed former Hamilton County Superior Court Judge Bernard “Buddy” Pylitt to the Indiana Recount Commission following a ruling yesterday that the commission must rehear a contest to Charlie White’s certification as an elected official.

“Judge Rosenberg made it clear that we need to take all of the politics out of the rehearing process to ensure that the contest receives an impartial audience,” Parker said. “Buddy has spent three decades as a trial attorney and judge, and I have faith that he will put the facts of this case first.”

Pylitt replaces former State Rep. Bob Kuzman on the commission. Parker thanked Kuzman for his service, particularly with respect to the Indiana House District 76 recount and the contest to White.

Parker called on Indiana Republican Party Chair Eric Holcomb to follow his lead by appointing impartial commission members to consider the White case, especially given that Holcomb, Gov. Mitch Daniels and other high-profile Republicans have publicly called for White’s resignation.

“Given that Republicans have two seats on the commission, I’d think they’d be even more focused on providing an impartial review of White’s case and making sure we restore trust in the process,” Parker said.

Indiana Democrats filed a lawsuit after the Indiana Recount Commission dismissed a challenge to White’s certification as the elected Secretary of State. The only requirement for White to be a candidate for Secretary of State was his status as a registered voter in Indiana. Due to his fraudulent voter registration, which was included on his certificate of nomination, Democrats have argued that White was ineligible to appear on the ballot.

Click here for more information about Pylitt, who now practices law at the Indianapolis firm of Katz & Korin.