“I respect the Courts decision and if I were privileged enough to be elected Indiana’s next Secretary of State, I am committed to upholding and applying the laws of our great state,” said Osili.  “However, there are reforms I would seek that maintain our state’s strong efforts to prevent voter fraud, while allowing more eligible voters the opportunity to vote – a fundamental right that we must protect with equal vigilance.”

Indiana law requires an acceptable form of identification, which is defined as a government-issued ID with an expiration date.  However, many forms of generally accepted government-issued IDs do not have an expiration date, such as a Veterans benefit card.

Osili would like to see this modified, “Most, if not all banks in Indiana deem a Veteran’s Benefit card, as an acceptable form of ID, but yet our polling places do not.  There must be some level of fairness and consistency among our institutions.  Furthermore, many forms of documentation are often required for women who change last names due to marriage or divorce, just to apply for an acceptable form of ID – this type of barrier must be removed. Again, we need to protect our institutions from fraud and criminal actions, but we must not do this at the sacrifice of our basic rights, or in ways that penalize the disadvantaged.  We can protect, and ensure access.”

“If I am elected Secretary of State, I will work with the Indiana General Assembly to maintain our state’s stringent efforts to prevent voter fraud, while seeking reforms to reduce unnecessary barriers and make voting as simple as possible,” Osili concluded.

Responding to a statement from his Republican opponent, Osili replied, “I find it unfortunate that my Republican challenger seeks to play politics with this issue.  As Indiana’s next Secretary of State, I hold no value greater than protecting every Hoosiers’ right to vote, regardless of Party.”

###

June 26, 2010

INDIANAPOLIS—Yesterday and today, Democratic Secretary of State candidate Vop Osili hit the road with State Auditor nominee Sam Locke and State Treasurer nominee Pete Buttigieg on a two day, eight city tour to offer new ideas, energy and leadership in the fight to turn around Indiana’s economy, and ensure that Hoosiers rights are protected, to eliminate fraud and bring greater transparency to state government.

The tour comes less than 48 hours after an overwhelming win at the Indiana Democrat State Convention Saturday, where Osili carried 78 percent of the vote on his way to receiving the Democrat nomination for Secretary of State.

“I am blessed to receive the nomination, and I am looking forward to the next leg of the race, and working with the many other tremendous Democrat candidates to help turn our state blue,” said Osili. “We are already working together in a unified fashion in order to ensure that our message is resonating in all 92 counties and will every single voter.”

Osili continued, “I also want to thank Tom McKenna for his hard work and commitment to Hoosiers everywhere. He ran a fantastic campaign. I share Tom’s dedication to advocating on behalf of Hoosiers and look forward to working with Tom and his supporters moving forward to ensure that we realize our common goals.”

Over the last 15 months, Osili traveled more than 80,000 miles and crisscrossed the state to listen to voters and community leaders in all 92 counties.  During these travels, Osili learned and listened to their needs and what the expected from state government.

Osili talked more about the foundation of his campaign, “This campaign is about Hoosiers of all socio-economic levels, all backgrounds and all areas of our great state,” Osili said.  “It’s about creating opportunities for all Hoosiers and reassuring these working families that our government is working with them to succeed.  This campaign is about making sure Hoosiers workers have their right to vote protected, as well as eliminating fraud and protecting their investments and retirements.

This is campaign is about being part of true economic development in our state and helping small businesses – the backbone of our communities – access the resources they need to succeed, and this campaign is about bringing transparency to our state government. I promise I will work tirelessly through November on behalf of Hoosiers everywhere.”

Dan Parker, Chairman of the Democratic Party, said, “I want to congratulate Vop, his staff and the many other talented candidates we have.  Vop is a great Secretary of State candidate that brings a new generation of leadership and the will to take on the status quo that has hurt so many of our once thriving communities.  I know that he will make a difference for Hoosier families.  We are excited to work with him and the other Democratic candidates across the state to ensure success in November.”

# # #

Click here to view Vop’s “Thank You” message…

I am writing to you today to express appreciation for all your help with Vop Osili’s campaign to become our nominee as Indiana’s next Secretary of State.  As you know Vop has been working very hard, traveling over 80,000 miles to all 92 counties here in Indiana!

Vop’s dedication and hard work has paid off tremendously.  In addition to our friends all over the state who are supporting him, an overwhelming number of our Party leaders have pledged their support as well.  I have assembled a list for your review. I know that by working together, we can help keep Vop’s momentum going into the fall campaign and take back this vitally important office.

When you go to the Convention ballot box on June 26^th, please support one of the most dedicated and hardest working candidates in our Party, my friend Vop Osili, Indiana’s next Secretary of State. Thank you.

Democratically Yours,

Mary Lou Terrell

Democrat Mayors

Mayor Doug Campbell – Austin

Mayor Harold “Soup” Campbell – North Vernon

Mayor Rudy Clay – Gary

Mayor Dan Delph – Tipton

Mayor Michael Fincher – Logansport

Mayor Greg Goodnight – Kokomo

Mayor Larry Haag – Washington

Mayor Tom Henry – Ft. Wayne

Mayor Sally Hutton – Richmond

Mayor Tom Jones – Linton

Mayor Tom McDermott – Hammond

Mayor Dick Moore – Elkhart

Mayor George Pabey – East Chicago

Mayor Randy Strasser – Delphi

Congressional District Party Leaders

1^st District – Bonnie J. Reese, Chair

6^th District – Tim Southworth, Chair

7^th District – Lacy Johnson, Chair

County Party Leaders

Bartholomew – Gary Bell, Chair

Boone – Jeff Odom, Chair

Carroll – Denise Strasser, Chair

Cass – Matt Meagher, Chair

Clinton – Jim Goldsberry, Chair

Crawford – Jerry Brewer, Chair

Daviess – Bill Walton, Chair

Decatur County – Albert Moore, Chair

Delaware County – Michael Quirk, Chair

Dubois – John Bottorff, Chair

Fayette – Tim Rose, Chair

Floyd – John Wilcox, Chair

Fulton – Sandra Tyler, Chair

Gibson – Charlie Mayfield, Chair

Grant – Lucinda Caudill, Chair

Greene – Jeffrey Lehman, Chair

Harrison – Barbara Black, Chair

Jasper – Bonnie J. Reese, Vice Chair

Jay – Tim Southworth, Chair

Jennings – Gary Driver, Chair

Lake – Mayor Tom McDermott, Chair

La Porte – John Jones, Chair

Lawrence – Carol Roop, Chair

Madison – Ronald McNabney, Chair

Marion – Ed Treacy, Chair

Miami – Vickie Wheeler, Chair

Montgomery – Kathi Schronce, Chair

Morgan – Debra Marr, Chair

Parke – Richard Thompson, Chair

Pike – Christopher Burkhart, Chair

Porter – Jeff Chidester, Chair

Pulaski – Michael Ewing, Chair

Randolph – Fred Davis, Chair

Ripley – Michael Baker, Chair

Rush – Anna Karen Pennington, Chair

Scott – Joyce Kilburn, Chair

Shelby – Noelle Krughoff, Chair

Starke – Kenneth Wallace, Chair

Sullivan – Sharon Lynn Hamilton, Chair

Tipton – Ken Ziegler, Chair

Vermillion – Henry Antonini, Chair

Warrick – Terry White, Chair

Washington – Shirley Batt, Chair

Wayne – Sally Hutton, Chair

Wells – Jim Paxton, Chair

Whitley – Scott Allison, Chair

HAMMOND — Lake County’s Democratic delegates will have a united front when they head down to the Indiana Democratic Party’s state convention June 26 in Indianapolis.

Secretary of state candidate Vop Osili garnered the required two-thirds of the 105 delegates who voted Saturday at the Hammond Civic Center during the party’s first-ever predelegate convention. Osili, of Indianapolis, beat opponent Thomas McKenna of South Bend.

Since the secretary of state race was the only contested race within the party, it was important for Lake County to reach a consensus prior to the convention, said Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr., chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party

“We’re the second-largest voting bloc in the state, so it’s important that we’re unified,” McDermott said. “I’m very impressed with our turnout today. This was a good turnout; more delegates are represented here than there are in some counties.”

Both Osili and McKenna came out swinging against the voter disenfranchisement they feel has been brought about by incumbent Secretary of State Todd Rokita, a Republican now running for Congress. In the 2008 election alone, tens of thousands of out-of-state college students were hit particularly hard, McKenna said.

“There are 32 independent colleges and universities all over the state, and if you were an out-of-state student who met the residency requirements, you would go to the (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) for a picture ID and be told that you can get it, but then you’d have to give up your out-of-state driver’s license,” he said. “They live here, pay taxes here, pay rent to landlords here, but they can’t vote.”

Osili also pointed out that in the state’s 194-year history, there has never been a single case of voter fraud at the polls.

The other candidates — Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, who is running for state treasurer, and Sam Locke of Floyds Knobs, who is running for state auditor — are running unopposed but came to Lake County because they realize its importance. Buttigieg, 28, praised Highland Clerk-Treasurer Michael Griffin, who ran in 2008.

“Michael didn’t have much money and wasn’t able to pursue it full-time, and yet he came within a 2-point margin, 50-48, so that shows me I have a shot at this thing,” he said.

“Michael and I also share the ‘geek streak’ in that we love what we do.”

Locke said he would stop trying to dictate how individual cities should run and would make sure there’s more transparency to how the money is spent.

We did it! While many office seekers have traveled throughout Indiana in previous cycles, very few in our state’s past have visited ALL of Indiana’s counties so early in the election cycle.

Just a few days ago, in my campaign for Secretary of State, I reached this challenging and important milestone, traveling over 80,000 miles to visit with and listen to voters, labor and community leaders in all of Indiana’s 92 counties!

Take a look at the following video to learn more about my campaign:

Directed and produced by David Yosha at Magnet Films.
Dorothy Henckel, Announcer. ©Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

From the very beginning, my belief has been that the power of our democracy stems not from the political institutions in Indianapolis but from the people they represent. I have made the cornerstone of my campaign the mission to ensure that Hoosier voices are heard both in their communities and at the ballot box.

In my travels across the state, I have heard firsthand from Hoosiers a consistent message: this election is about jobs and having our voices heard. I have listened, learned, and I champion their causes. I know what can be done by the Secretary of State to protect our fundamental right to vote and to help small businesses create jobs. Hoosiers across the state are looking for a leader with vision, not politics or business as usual.

While there is much to be celebrated thus far, the journey has only just begun. I am committed to work tirelessly as your Democratic nominee for Secretary of State to take back this office. Will you join my campaign and help us move the office of Secretary of State forward with the vision and action necessary to help our Hoosier families?

Together, we can mobilize a force of grassroots volunteers in all 92 counties and take the people’s message all the way to the Statehouse. Together, we can take back this critically important office.

Sincerely,

Vop

Activities of the 2010 State Convention will be held at or near the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown typically begin Friday, June 25th and run through Saturday June 26th.  Some may opt to stay through Sunday, June 27th in order to experience after parties and hospitality suites.  The official convention is held on Saturday, June 26th.  In order to participate as a Delegate, please pay the $50 filing fee to your local County Chair as soon as possible.

Hotel Reservation Information

To participate in all of the activities of the convention, it is advised that State Delegates and Alternates from out of town make hotel reservations at the Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis.

Check in: Friday, June 25th

Check out: Saturday, June 26th or Sunday, June 27th

Marriott Downtown Group Rate is $169 per night.  Please RSVP by June 4th by calling 1-800 266 9432 or sign up online.

Note: When making your room request, please inform the Marriott Downtown that your room is a part of the “Indiana Democratic Party 2010 Biennial State Convention Room Block”

Convention Agenda

Saturday, June 26th

7am Convention Registration Begins, Marriott Downtown

9am Convention Opens, Constituency Caucuses Meet

11am District Caucuses Meet

1pm-4pm Call to Convention.  Delegates make official vote to select their Secretary of State candidate and other Party-related measures on the ballot

5PM Call for Convention adjournment

5PM to ??? Hospitality suites in various locations open at Marriott Downtown and other locations TBD

“Vop is the clear choice for Indiana’s Democratic Secretary of State candidate,” says David Frye, representative for the Laborers International. “Vop brings intelligence, energy, compassion and the will to take on the status quo that has hurt so many of our once thriving communities.  Vop is clearly focused on helping Hoosiers access the resources to start new businesses, strengthen existing businesses, as well as protect Indiana’s families.  He will fight for the creation of good paying, Hoosier jobs.”

“I am pleased to have the full support of this important group,” said Osili.  “It is the additional support of working individuals and families each day that adds strength to my campaign, and inspires me.  We need to work together in all communities and across all levels of government to develop and retain good jobs in our state.  This campaign is about ensuring Hoosiers – at all socio-economic levels, rural or urban – have the opportunities to gain employment and succeed; have their right to vote protected; and know that the state of Indiana will help protect their investments and retirements.”

Vop is continuing a vigorous statewide tour where he has been talking with voters from every corner of the state.  Since launching his campaign last fall, Vop has visited 91 counties across Indiana and plans to visit all 92 by the first week of June.

Vop’s campaign is focused on job creation, expanding voter access and ensuring voter’s rights are protected; protecting families’ retirements and investments from fraud; and helping strengthen small businesses across Indiana.

The Democratic candidate for Indiana Secretary of State will be selected by state delegates at the Democrat State Convention on June 26, 2010.

As of today, Vop has visited 82 counties and is eager to visit with citizens in the remaining 10.  Click here and donate $10 or more to help Vop cross the finish line.

In living up to the name his mother bestowed upon him as a toddler, and his pledge to be a “Voice of the People,” Vop has tirelessly brought his campaign directly to Hoosier voters, small business owners, county officials, and labor leaders across the state.  He is establishing a continuing dialog with Hoosiers in small and large communities on issues like voter protection, ensuring jobs and opportunities exist for all Hoosiers, and protecting our retirement and family investments.

Vop needs your help to finish the job and take back this critically important office. Click here to donate $10 or more and help him visit the voters in all 92 counties.

We will keep you updated on his progress!

10 more to go!

“Vop is the clear choice for Indiana’s Democratic Secretary of State candidate,” says Chuck Jones, president of USW Local 1999. “Vop brings intelligence, energy, compassion and the will to take on the status quo that has hurt so many of our once thriving communities. Vop is clearly focused on helping Hoosiers access the resources to start new businesses, strengthen existing businesses, as well as protect Indiana’s families. He will bring balance to an administration that has turned its back on working families.”

“I am pleased to have the full support of Mr. Jones and Local 1999,” said Osili. “It is the additional support of working individuals and families each day that adds strength to my campaign, and inspires me. This campaign is about Hoosiers – at all socio-economic levels, rural or urban – having the opportunities to gain employment and succeed; the ability to easily vote; and to know that the state of Indiana will help protect their investments and retirements.”

Vop, the leading Democratic candidate for Indiana Secretary of State, is continuing a vigorous statewide tour where he has been talking with voters from every corner of the state. Since launching his campaign last fall, Vop has visited 81 counties across Indiana and plans to visit all 92 by June 1.

Vop’s campaign is focused on job creation, expanding voter access and ensuring voter’s rights are protected; protecting families’ retirements and investments from fraud; and helping strengthen small businesses across Indiana.

The Democrat candidate for Indiana Secretary of State will be selected by state delegates at the Democrat State Convention on June 26th.