In a day filled with developments in the Charlie White case, Indiana Democrats threw another punch in the fight for the secretary of state’s office. The Democrats filed a motion Monday asking the Indiana Court of Appeals to enforce a Marion County judge’s ruling that their candidate, Vop Osili, should become secretary of state. White was removed from office early Saturday when a jury convicted him of six felony charges, including voter fraud. A judge on Monday set his sentencing for Feb. 23. Jerry Bonnet, appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels to fill in, began his tenure as interim secretary of state Monday. It’s uncertain when the Court of Appeals will rule, but the Democrats’ request adds another wrinkle to the already complicated case of who should become secretary of state.
Shortly after the November 2010 election, Democrats asked the Indiana Recount Commission to declare that White was ineligible to run for office because he was improperly registered to vote and to deem Osili the rightful winner. The Recount Commission refused, so the Democrats appealed in Marion Circuit Court.
Judge Louis Rosenberg sided with the Democrats in December 2011 and said Osili should take White’s place. However, he stayed his ruling until an appeal from White and the Recount Commission can be resolved.
Full Article: Political sparring continues in Charlie White case | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com.