The Indiana Democratic Party has asked the Indiana Court of Appeals to enforce a judge’s ruling that would make their candidate Secretary of State. Former Secretary of State Charlie White, a Republican, was removed from office early Saturday morning after a jury convicted him of six felonies. Gov. Mitch Daniels appointed Jerry Bonnet, White’s chief deputy, as his interim replacement, but Democrats believe Vop Osili is White’s rightful successor, and they filed a motion this afternoon to try to get him in office.
Shortly after the November 2010 election, which Osili lost to White, the 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.
Attorney Karen Celestino-Horseman, who’s representing the Democrats, said it’s no longer necessary for the court to delay the ruling because White is no longer in office.
Full Article: Democrats ask court to enforce ruling making Vop Osili Secretary of State | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com.