Local resident launches bid for Republican Congressional seat; issues arise about party affiliation
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
A Whitley County resident’s intentions to run as a Third District Republican candidate for Congress may be derailed as questions have arisen about his party affiliation.
On Monday, Scott Wise of Etna Troy Township announced his candidacy to run against incumbent Mark Souder in the May primary election, but due to a change of party affiliation in 2006, he may be unable to run as a Republican as planned.
A former Republican county council member, Wise was defeated in the 2006 Republican primary after seeking a bid for re-election. Shortly thereafter, he allegedly renounced his Republican party status and began a short-lived Congressional campaign as a Libertarian.
Now, whether or not Wise will run as a Republican will likely be decided by Whitley County Republican Party chairman Jim Banks. In order to make his decision, Banks said he will need to take a closer look at laws governing the matter and get the input of others in his party.
“The question is whether or not he voted as a Republican in the last election,” Banks said Wednesday afternoon. “Is he in good stead with the party?”
“There’s a little bit more I need to learn about the law,” said Banks of the loophole that may prevent Wise from running as a Republican. Banks said that Allen County Republican party chairman Steve Shine has had to exercise his authority to make a final decision on a similar situation last year.
“I likely might have to make that decision,” Banks said.
“My personal feeling is that I never want to be the one to prevent someone from pursuing their dream of running for office,” he added.
Banks is a frequent contributor to a statewide Republican blog, www.hoosieraccess.com, and has posed the question of what to do with regards to this situation on the blog site. He has already received several interesting responses, he said.
“The situation has drawn interest around the state,” Banks said. The issue has also gained the attention of local media including WPTA in Fort Wayne who interviewed Banks this afternoon regarding the situation.
The issue was originally brought to light by Fort Wayne blogger Mitch Harper of Fort Wayne Observed who wrote, “Under Indiana election law, a person last affiliated with another party due to a primary voting record may be permitted to run under a new party banner with the dispensation by the county chair. Since Mr. Wise did vote in the last Republican primary - indeed he was a candidate in it - it is unclear whether the effect of Mr. Wise’s renunciation two years ago will be to prevent him from running as a Republican this year.”
Banks likely will not have to make an immediate decision on the matter as the filing period continues to be open until late February.
“I’d love to hear people’s perspectives on this,” added Banks.
We at Talk of The Town are also curious what local perspectives are on this topic. Readers are encouraged to post their opinions in the comments section below this story.