Elected Officials United in Opposing HB 1022

Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, Secretary of State Diego Morales, State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla, State Treasurer Daniel Elliot and Attorney General Todd Rokita did something not often seen in today’s political climate. They banded together in opposition to some of their own party members.

The issue is proposed legislation that would change the convention process – and virtually eliminate the practices used currently. It would take power away from state delegates to the convention.

This is the joint statement Beckwith, Rokita, Nieshalla, Morales and Elliot made:

“As Indiana’s statewide elected officials, we stand united in our strong support for the convention process and in opposition to House Bill 1022. This bill would fundamentally alter how the Lieutenant Governor is nominated by eliminating the longstanding role of party delegates – even as Indiana’s political tradition is rooted in grassroots participation.

For generations, convention delegates have played a meaningful role in shaping strong, representative state leadership by contributing their different perspectives, grounded in their party’s platform, from communities across Indiana. This process helps ensure that nominees reflect the will of roughly 1800 elected Hoosiers, rather than a top-down approach that diminishes broader accountability.

Delegates to the State Convention have our deepest respect for their decisions, even as we represent amongst ourselves those who have both won and lost through that nomination process. Delegates invest great effort in running for this office, along with time, personal funds and candidate research to be able to serve their party in this critical role.

By abolishing the convention vote for Lieutenant Governor, HB 1022 would disenfranchise the very individuals who build and sustain our political parties, diminishing participation and weakening the foundation of party organization in our state.

This legislation also sets a concerning precedent. Once the role of delegates is reduced in one context, it becomes easier to justify similar changes for others and potentially opening the door to the removal of additional statewide elected offices from the honored convention process.

We call on the General Assembly to reject House Bill 1022, or any similar language, and to preserve the integrity of Indiana’s established nomination system. Indiana’s strength lies in an engaged citizenry and a robust, participatory political process.”