Republican Indiana Secretary of State candidate Max Engling is outlining his priorities ahead on this election day, including election integrity, transparency in the office and cracking down on fraudulent business registrations.
Engling joined Tony Katz on WIBC Morning News to discuss what he would do if elected and why he believes the office needs changes.
“When I look at my kids and I look at generationally, what we’re gonna be doing in the future here in Indiana, I want my kids to choose the state of Indiana to put their roots down here like I have, to build a business here in the state of Indiana,” Engling said.
Engling said his priorities include improving election integrity, increasing transparency and holding people accountable for fraudulent business registrations. He said he would work with the Indiana General Assembly to put new processes in place and make the office run more professionally.
Engling also called for the Indiana Inspector General to review the office, saying an outside investigation could uncover problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
“What you can’t see is where there may be other issues,” Engling said. “That is why it’s important to bring in an entity that actually has the authority to audit the office, like the Inspector General, which is what I’m committed to, and I’ve called for.”
Engling also pointed to fraudulent business registrations in the trucking industry as a public safety concern. He said some companies register through the Secretary of State’s office and then hire drivers who, he alleges, lack the proper commercial driver’s licenses, legal authorization or English proficiency.
He said holding those businesses accountable is one way the office can help improve road safety.
The race follows the Republican convention in June, when Engling defeated incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales for the party’s nomination. Morales is not on the November ballot.
Engling also criticized his election opponent, Democrat Beau Bayh, over statements about Engling’s personal records.
“If my opponent is willing to lie about me for things that are public record, anybody can look at my finances. They can look at my driving record, things that he brought forward,” Engling said. “If he’s willing to lie about that, and it’s public record, he’s certainly going to be willing to lie about other things.”
Those comments reflect Engling’s criticism of Bayh. The claims about lying are Engling’s allegations.
Hoosiers will choose the next Indiana secretary of state on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The office oversees state elections and also handles business registrations and other responsibilities.
