04/14/2011 - Indiana Democrats renew call for release of internal report on Secretary of State Charlie White

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2011

Indiana Democrats renew call for release of internal report on Secretary of State Charlie White
White’s office promised report would be made public more than a month ago

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker today requested that Secretary of State Charlie White’s office release a 265-page report outlining evidence of White’s alleged misdeeds as a candidate. White’s office stated more than a month ago that it would release the report to the public and media.

The Indiana Inspector General is investigating whether White improperly accessed the report, which was originally requested by the Indiana Recount Commission and compiled by former Secretary of State Todd Rokita. White has since been indicted on seven felony counts, including voter fraud and perjury.

“There’s far too much secrecy here, and it’s time for Charlie White’s office to let the public take a look at the case against him,” Parker said. “Congressman Rokita put together almost 300 pages of evidence against his successor, and Hoosiers have a right to know what’s in that document, especially now that White has been indicted by a grand jury.”

A Marion County circuit court judge recently ruled that the Recount Commission must rehear a contest to White’s certification as an elected official. They will decide whether White was eligible to run for office even though he wasn’t properly registered to vote at the time.

“I think the GOP, including all the Republicans who’ve called on White to step down, are hoping this report and contest will fade away,” Parker said. “The Secretary of State is the third highest ranking official in Indiana. It’s time for some accountability.”