Rep. Bartlett calls on governor to check his reactions to Republican scandals

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) today released the following statement, which criticizes Governor Holcomb's reactions to two separate scandals that have been popular media stories in the past weeks:

“Last week, the governor was quick to challenge the Court to be more specific on whether the Attorney General Curtis Hill, an African American, was losing his position,” Bartlett stated. “When he learned what the Court's decision was, Holcomb repeated his belief that Hill should step down from his position. During the last legislative session, the governor was also poised to sign legislation that would keep Hill from running for the office he currently holds.

“Based on these reactions, it's obvious that the governor feels comfortable criticizing – and even removing – those in elected positions, so why not Rep. Jim Lucas? Lucas, a white man, made his latest racist remark on social media Tuesday, but the governor has yet to say one word. This isn't a great look for our state governor, and I urge him to reevaluate the severity of Rep. Lucas's actions and take a bigger stand for all Hoosiers.”