Friday, March 19, 2010

Another Political Hack To Become Indy's U.S. Attorney

Well, it's politics as usual. The IBJ reports that political hack Joe Hogsett is on track to become the next U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. Hogsett has no experience as a prosecutor, but he has a lot of experience at losing elections. The three time loser lost a U.S. Senate bid against former Sen. Dan Coats, a congressional race against former Rep. David McIntosh and an unsuccessful run for Attorney General. People wonder why there is so much public corruption in Indianapolis. Enough said.

14 comments:

artfuggins said...

Losing an election does not diminish the capabilities of an individual. I think Joe Hogsett will make an excellent U.S. Attorney.

Cato said...

Joe was Secretary of State, the top securities cop in the State of Indiana. I'm sure Hogsett's Securities Division (that Rokita now runs) brought actions under Hogsett's watch.

Now, we'll be able to have someone watch what the Republicans are doing at the CCB.

Marycatherine Barton said...

I also have a lot of hope that if he becomes our U.S. Attorney, Joe Hogsett will serve us honorably. I don't understand the reasons for President Obama delaying a permanent appointment for our district, especially since Barack may only be allowed one term.

indyernie said...

The only way Hogsett will ever work in government again is by appointment.
The voters have sent a clear message to Joe...its too bad that the democrats aren't able to read the writing on the wall. Joe's toast in Indiana politics without a big brother to pull him along.

Paul K. Ogden said...

I think you all are being too hard on Hogsett. He ran for some races that were very difficult for a D to win and he lost. So what?

I've dealt with Joe Hogsett on a few good government-type matters and I've found him to be someone who is surprisingly independent-minded. I don't think Linda Pence would have been in a position to be as independent as Hogsett could be.

We knew it was going to be a Democrat. Hogsett might turn out well. I don't care if he ran some elections and lost.

Jon E. Easter said...

You won't find too many better people than Joe Hogsett, and I mean that. He's a good man and, to be honest, a good friend.

I think the world of Joe, and I hope that he gets the position. He is qualified for it.

Jon E. Easter said...

And furthermore...

I don't get how your claim about political corruption in Indianapolis has anything to do with Joe losing some tough elections. I don't get it Gary. Please provide your evidence on how Joe is part of the corruption. To be frank, I am baffled.

Gary R. Welsh said...

A prosecutor has great discretion in whether to file criminal charges against a person. The problem with people like Joe Hogsett is that when it comes to political figures, politics trumps the law. Democratic and Republican appointees alike in this district for years have ignored public corruption cases. You'll find FBI agents in the local office who will complain about the southern distict office hampering their investigations. Is it too much in these particular times to expect someone of the caliber of a Patrick Fitzgerald to be appointed from the outside to turn things around here?

Unknown said...

Another dropping left by BEB III.

Jon E. Easter said...

So, what specific evidence do you have that Joe would be this type of person in this role? Please let us all know. Has Joe done anything specific to make you think this? I'm just wondering. You are making a claim of corruption against him.

Unknown said...

Linda Pence has some skeletons of her own. If she's reading this, remember Kelly, Linda?

artfuggins said...

So Gary you are only projecting that Joe Hogsett might fail to prosecute or hinder investigations? What basis do you have for this allegation?

Gary R. Welsh said...

Anyone who has followed Joe's life knows that his life has revolved around politics since a very young age. I also used to work at the same law firm as he did. Don't get me wrong. He's a very nice guy to know, but he's also very political.

Carlos F. Lam said...

US Attorney is a patronage-type job, much like Postmaster used to be. To the victor go the spoils, and Pres. Obama won the right (unfortunately) to appoint patronage employees.

I've had very few encounters with Joe Hogsett, but they were pleasant enough. I will note, however, that the "Where is Joe Hogsett?" ad from the 90s when he was Sec'y of State & didn't come to work was highly effective.