Dems take issue with Daniels' remarks

[hippiechick]

Sig Heil. :scared:

http://www.indystar.com/articles/8/224085-1538-102.html

By Mary Beth Schneider
[e-mail]
February 22, 2005

Gov. Mitch Daniels blasted any lawmaker opposed to a bill creating a state watchdog and prosecutor. That drew immediate howls of protest from Democrats, who regard the bill creating an inspector general as an unconstitutional power grab by the new Republican governor.

Daniels' words, said House Minority Leader B. Patrick Bauer, are "not only uncalled for, it's outrageous."

"The very statement is a threat to any legislator who dares to say that a governor shouldn't have his own prosecutor," Bauer said.

Daniels made the statement Monday morning during a news conference called to bolster House Bill 1002, which has run into strong opposition from Democrats. With Republicans clinging to a 52-48 majority in the House, Daniels can't afford to lose more than one Republican vote for the bill to survive.

The governor already has created the position of inspector general, hiring former Clay County Prosecutor David Thomas to fill the slot. Thomas is charged with investigating all complaints or evidence of fraud and corruption in state government.

The bill would make the position permanent and allow the inspector general, if an appellate court judge agreed, to prosecute cases if a county prosecutor didn't act within six months.

more ...

[LiberalFighter]

1. The only purpose I can see for having position..

would be to keep a clamp on any prosecutions that would upset his apple cart.

It gives a reason for Republican County Prosecuting Attorneys from pursuing cases that may want to avoid.

[Voltaire]

2. This kind of crap is all over State Government now

Its worse than I thought it would be.

[Ouabache]

3. Not unexpected really

Seems like a mean little man.