Did Indiana Republicans vote for challenger Richard Mourdock or against incumbent Richard Lugar in their primary election for a U.S. Senate seat?It’s hard to tell, because voters don’t have to give a reason.INDIANAPOLIS - Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma issued a statement Tuesday urging state Rep. Phil Hinkle, R-Indianapolis, to resign his seat following a sex scandal.
Hinkle – after days of silence – issued his own written release saying he won’t run again. He declined to step down, though.
“As for 2012, we, as a family, decided back in December after the 2010 election, that I would not be seeking another term,” Hinkle said.
The Indianapolis Star reported earlier this month that Hinkle responded to a Craigslist ad posted by an 18-year-old Indianapolis man seeking a “sugga daddy.”
It said Hinkle agreed to pay $80 plus a tip, and drove the man to the JW Marriott hotel in Downtown Indianapolis. There, the teen said, he told Hinkle he wanted to leave. The man said Hinkle told him he was a state lawmaker, stripped though they never had sex, and then gave him $100, his Blackberry and an iPad in an attempt to buy his silence.
The teen and his sister contacted The Indianapolis Star.
“Over the past 10 days I have had the opportunity to meet with Rep. Phil Hinkle and members of the House Republican caucus regarding the unfortunate course of events occurring several weeks ago,” Bosma said.
“While the entire House Republican leadership team has compassion for Phil and his family, it is clear that Rep. Hinkle would best serve his constituents and our state by stepping down immediately and returning to private life.
“As we begin preparations for the 2012 legislative session and the significant challenges ahead, Rep. Hinkle should focus on his family and personal life. His continued service in the Indiana House is a distraction from that priority and a detriment to the continuing work of the legislature.”
Hinkle defended himself against some of the accusations, saying he did not detain the teen in the hotel room, did not expose himself and did not offer money for silence.
“While I must admit to mistakes of judgment, I am seeking professional help on what turned me down a road of self-destruction,” he said. “Those who know me well know that continued silence is a challenge but at this point it is the best thing.”
Bosma can remove Hinkle from leadership posts in the House, including as chairman of the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee. Hinkle has served in the chamber since 2000.
nkelly@jg.net
