Bookwalter Fights Challenge to Candidacy

Charles Bookwalter’s candidacy for Indiana District 4 House seat is being challenged by two members of the Republican Party.

Newly amended Indiana Code 3-8-2-7 (effective 1/1/2022) states that would-be candidates for U.S. Congress who wish to run on a major party ticket must file a declaration stating they “affiliate” with that party, by virtue of their having either voted for that party in the last two primaries in which the candidate voted, or by attaching the certification of that party’s Chair for the County of the candidate’s residence that the candidate is a member of the party. Prior to its amendment this year, candidates were required to have voted in only the most recent primary of the party with which they claim affiliation.

Candidate Charles Bookwalter is in this position, but Deborah Ottinger, the GOP Chair for Boone County, where Bookwalter resides, refused to certify that he is a member of the Republican Party, even after Bookwalter presented her with an affidavit attesting to his lifelong record of supporting the party, and his sincere belief in the Republican Party’s core values.

Bookwalter filed his CAN-2 after being advised to do so by Indiana Elections Division staff. On February 10, challenges to Bookwalter’s candidacy were filed by Danville-attorney Greg Irby, who serves as Vice Chair of the Hendricks County Republican Party, and Greencastle City Councilor Cody Eckert, who is a former Senior Legislative Assistant for the Indiana House of Representatives.

The Indiana Elections Division will hold a hearing at 1:30pm on Friday, February 18 to adjudicate the challenges. If one or more of the challenges is upheld, Bookwalter plans to seek an order from the court allowing him to remain on the ballot, on the basis that I.C. 3-8-2-7(a)(4), as amended, unconstitutionally burdens his rights, and the rights of voters, under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The hearing is open to the public at Indiana Government Center, South Conference Rooms A and B. 402 W Washington St, Indianapolis IN 46204.

For more information about Charlie and his platform or to join the fight, subscribe to his newsletter or donate to his grassroots campaign at tcharlesbookwalter.com

If you would like more information on Charles and his platform, please contact Rod Noggle, campaign manager, at [email protected].