State Senator Named New Sec. of State

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana’s new Secretary of State is somebody who already has experience in the statehouse.

The Indiana Supreme Court ruled yesterday that former Secretary of State Charlie White was not an ineligible candidate and that the governor could appoint a replacement.

Friday morning, Governor Mitch Daniels named State Sen. Connie Lawson to the position.

“Connie was an obvious choice. Indiana has probably never been served by a Secretary of State better prepared on day one,” said Daniels.

Lawson has been the Majority Floor Leader and a senator since 1996. The former Hendricks County Circuit Court from 1989 to 1996 won administrator of the year by the Indiana State Election Board and clerk of the year by the Indiana Clerk’s Association in 1993.

“Although it is sad to think of leaving the Senate and no longer serving the constituents of Senate District 24 in the same manner that I have for the last 15 plus years, I am excited to bring my experiences as a county clerk and chair of the Senate Elections and Local Government committees to this position,” Lawson said. “The opportunity to serve all Hoosiers, republicans and democrats, across our state is a responsibility I take very seriously.”

Lawson tendered her resignation to Senate Pro Tempore David Long earlier Friday.

Democrats, who had challenged White’s candidacy, had nice words for Lawson.

“We congratulate Senator Lawson on her appointment and wish her well in this position. We hope she will uphold the election code and work across the aisle to protect and expand the Hoosier electorate and not disenfranchise voters. Senator Lawson has a tough road ahead of her to restore integrity to an office stained by the record of the convicted felon who most recently occupied it. We hope, for all Hoosiers, that she is able to successfully rebuild,” said Indiana Democrat Party Chairman Dan Parker.

Jerry Bonnet had been the interim secretary following White’s removal from office last month after he was convicted of felony voter fraud.

Daniels thanked Bonnet and his staff for maintaining professionalism during the difficult months surrounding White’s ordeal.

LINKS:

Ind. Supreme Court Rules On Sec. of State Case

Ind. Supreme Court Hears Charlie White Case

Charlie White Sentenced To Home Detention

Ind. Supreme Court Getting Involved In White Case

Democrats Ask Court Of Appeals To Install Osili

White Convicted Of Six Felonies

Sec. of State Could Receive Verdict Friday

Charlie White Trial Starts Today

White To Remain Secretary Of State For Now

Judge To Rule Today If White Can Stay In Office

Ruling Creates Confusion Over Ind. Sec. of State

Panel: Ind. SOS Was Eligible For Election

Ind. Sec. Of State Indicted For Vote Fraud