Candidate plans to continue reforms from his tenure as deputy

The current Deputy Secretary of State, Todd Rokita (Rep.) is running for Secretary of State this fall. \nAs a resident of Munster, Ind., with degrees from Wabash College and IU School of Law, Rokita claims to have what it takes to run the office of Secretary of State effectively.\nHe said he plans to draw upon his experience as deputy, and hopes to further some reforms that were begun during his tenure. Rokita helped to reorganize the Business Services Division of the Secretary's office, and was also called in as legal counsel for the George W. Bush campaign in seven Florida counties during the 2000 election recount. \nSome of Rokita's major platforms are for statewide election reform, strengthening Indiana's economic development, firmly enforcing Indiana's securities laws, and budgetary reform according to the same principles that would be employed in private business. \nRokita's campaign manager, Tom John, acknowledged that there was no way for Rokita to help alleviate the budget issues related to higher education in Indiana.\n"He is a strong supporter of education," John said. "His race specifically doesn't tie in with any issues to where he could do anything himself. He is in support of Freedom's Answer, which is an organization which encourages voting in the 18-24 age group. We need to make sure that everyone is voting so that we can be sure that a truly representative group is in office."\nFor more information about Rokita, see www.toddrokita.com.