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Friday, November 16, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - "Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke has thrown opponent Duke Bennett’s eligibility to be mayor into question"
Austin Arceeo of the Terre Haute Tribune Star reports today in a story that begins:
Terre Haute Mayor Kevin Burke has thrown opponent Duke Bennett’s eligibility to be mayor into question.The TribStar also posts the full text of the letter from Ann DeLaney, counsel for Burke.If supported, the challenge could mean the incumbent retains his seat.
Bennett on Thursday hired an attorney in response to a letter sent from an Indianapolis law firm that questioned his eligibility for the office based upon a federal statute called the Hatch Act.
The letter, dated Tuesday, asks whether the Hamilton Center’s director of operations was qualified to run for mayor because the Hamilton Center receives federal funds.
If Bennett were to be disqualified, said one of Burke’s attorneys, Ed DeLaney, state law indicates that Burke would become mayor.
In I.C. 3-12-8-17(c), which DeLaney referenced, the statute states: “After hearing and determining a petition alleging that a candidate is ineligible, the court shall declare as elected or nominated the qualified candidate who received the highest number of votes and render judgment accordingly.”
Posted by Marcia Oddi on November 16, 2007 08:35 AM
Posted to Indiana Government