Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock resigned Friday, just months before November’s midterm election.
He was elected in 2007 and was in the middle of serving his second term.
Gov. Mike Pence appointed Daniel Huge, chief financial officer and chief operating officer of the Indiana Finance Authority in the interim following ?Mourdock’s resignation.
“Daniel Huge brings a strong background in financial services, and I am confident he will ensure continuity of operations in the Treasurer’s office,” Pence said in a statement.
Huge, a Purdue University graduate, was appointed to continue the treasurer’s duties until Pence can appoint someone to serve until Dec. 31, according to a statement from the State of Indiana.
Democrat Mike Boland; Republican Kelly Mitchell, an employee of the Treasurer’s office; and Libertarian Michael Jasper are vying to fill Mourdock’s seat in the upcoming midterm election Nov. 4.
Mourdock became a national Republican figure after defeating longtime Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., in the 2012 primary elections.
He lost the general race to Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., notably after his statement during a senatorial debate that pregnancy, even from rape, “is something that God intended to happen.”
In 2009, Mourdock was named as part of a lawsuit involving the sale of Chrysler to Fiat to avoid long-term bankruptcy.
The case was declined to be heard by the United States Supreme Court.
The Indiana Public Retirement System will be providing lower retirement payout rates beginning Oct. 1, according to the INPRS website.
The Indianapolis Star reported Friday that sources close to the situation said Mourdock’s early retirement was motivated by the possibility of receiving lower payouts after retirement.
Mourdock’s resignation fell on the last day retirees would receive a 7.5-percent annuity rate.
Anyone retiring in September 2014 or later will receive a 5.75-percent rate, according to the INPRS website.
Mourdock’s salary as treasurer was $76,892.66 in 2013, according to IN.gov.
Emily Ernsberger
