03/08/2011 - Indiana Democrats respond to Inspector General investigation into Secretary of State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2011

Indiana Democrats respond to Inspector General investigation into Secretary of State
Rokita report documenting White’s misdeeds must be publicly released

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker today issued the following statement in response to news that the Inspector General is investigating whether Secretary of State Charlie White improperly accessed a 265-page report allegedly documenting White’s legal and ethical misdeeds.

The report was compiled under former Secretary of State Todd Rokita, who is now serving in Congress. Democrats requested a copy of the report during the initial investigation, and the Indiana Recount Commission ultimately refused to release it. Democrats also requested that Rokita recuse himself from the review process given that his office produced the report, which still has not been publicly released.

Last week, a Hamilton County grand jury indicted White on seven felony counts, including vote fraud, theft and perjury. A Marion County court will hear the Indiana Democratic Party’s case against White – a challenge to his legitimacy on the ballot – on April 6.

“Not only did Charlie White allegedly break the law trying to get into office, but once he got there, he apparently couldn’t stay out of the investigation into his own misdeeds?” Parker asked. “This stinks to high heaven, and we need to shine some light on everything that’s happened.”

Parker called on White’s office to release the report immediately.

“Apparently everyone else has had a look at this evidence,” he said. “It’s time for the public to see what’s in that document.”

More information on the breaking story: http://www.indystar.com/article/20110308/NEWS05/103080395/Secretary-State-White-faces-inquiry-over-handling-own-case