Weeks after allegations of shoplifting broke, Republican state Sen. Ron Alting announced on Wednesday that he will resign his Senate seat after 28 years if voters reelect him. Alting, 70, is on the ballot for reelection in Senate District 22 against Democrat Natasha Baker, though he stepped back from campaigning earlier this month.
Source: Indiana Capital Chronicle
In a lengthy Facebook post, Alting wrote that he has been undergoing extensive medical evaluation for concerning changes in his judgment, behaviour and cognitive functioning, including specialists in neurology, geriatrics and mental health, an MRI and other testing, with no definitive diagnosis yet. “During this time, I did things that were wrong and completely out of character for me. I take responsibility for my actions,” he wrote, apologising to his family, colleagues, constituents and the store employees involved, and saying he had informed Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray of his decision.
Source: Indiana Capital Chronicle
The investigation — allegations, not charges
A special prosecutor — Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Becker, serving as special prosecutor — is weighing multiple alleged Walmart theft cases involving Alting in his Lafayette-area district, and a new allegation this week involves a Florida Walmart, according to the reports. The allegations are described as alleged shoplifting incidents in Lafayette, Monticello and Florida; neither report says Alting has been charged with a crime.
Source: Purdue Exponent
Because voting is already underway, Alting's name will remain on the ballot. “If I am elected, my successor will ultimately be chosen through the Republican Party's vacancy process,” he wrote. A spokesperson for Senate Republicans confirmed he intends to resign if reelected. Alting, first elected in 1998 after three years on the Lafayette City Council, is the Senate's most senior member and has chaired the Senate Committee on Public Policy since 2011.
Source: Indiana Capital Chronicle
What is solid
- Alting announced Wednesday he will resign if reelected and said he informed Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray, according to both reports.
- His name stays on the ballot because voting is underway, and a successor would be chosen through the Republican vacancy process if he wins and resigns.
- Alting cited ongoing medical evaluation for changes in judgment, behaviour and cognition, with no definitive diagnosis reported.
What is only claimed
- The Walmart theft matters remain allegations under review by a special prosecutor; the reports do not state that Alting has been charged, and his opponent Natasha Baker argues voters deserve a senator elected by the people, not selected by party insiders.
Baker said in a statement that the announcement raises important questions about who would ultimately represent the district. Republican colleague Sen. Spencer Deery thanked Alting for his service and called the decision the right one. Tippecanoe County Republican chair Tracy Brown said the behaviour described was unlike the Alting he had known.
Source: Purdue Exponent