Hamilton County Democratic Party Website

Friday, October 29, 2010

Democrats file complaint against White campaign

By Steven Furlow
sfurlow@thetimes24-7.com

Friday, October 29, 2010

Charlie White

Keith Clock

Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Keith Clock filed a complaint against Secretary of State candidate Charlie White with Hamilton County Prosecutor Sonia Leerkamp and the Hamilton County Election board Thursday in regards to a direct mailing sent by White that does not include any disclaimer of who paid for the mailing.

The complaint states the omission is a violation of Indiana Code 3-9-3-2.5.

Democrats asked White to confirm or deny the illegal mailing was paid for by his campaign or by the Hamilton County Republican Party. In either case, they say, White serves as party chair or candidate in both organizations.

"This violation of election law continues to demonstrate that Charlie doesn't have a clue when it comes to election law in Indiana," said Clock. "How on earth does he expect to be the chief election officer for the entire State of Indiana when he continues to violate the laws he seeks to protect? Any candidate worth their salt knows of this disclaimer requirement."

Clock said he personally received the mailer in question.

Andrew Greider, communications director for the Charlie White campaign, said the mailing was an editing mistake.

"It has come to our attention that a mail piece was sent out in early October by our campaign without the proper disclaimer on it," Greider said. "This was a simple mistake that was made during the editing process, and was clearly unintentional as all our other print literature has the disclaimer."

He added the oversight was being taken out of perspective.

"Any attempt to turn this innocent mistake into a political issue is a gross overreaction," he said.

According to Indiana law, it is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $5,000 fine, one year in prison, or both to circulate material in an election without disclosing who paid for the material.

Two special prosecutors are also currently investigating voter fraud allegations against White concerning his residency in Fishers and registration. The case was handed to prosecutors after being looked into by current Secretary of State Todd Rokita.