Auto dealer donation dispute divides candidates for Indiana secretary of state

INDIANAPOLIS — The Democratic nominee for Indiana secretary of state believes the current Republican officeholder should be prohibited from accepting campaign donations from auto dealers, since that industry is regulated by the secretary of state's office.

Jim Harper, of Valparaiso, told reporters Thursday that state campaign finance records show Secretary of State Connie Lawson has received more than $250,000 in auto dealer donations since taking office six years ago.

"At the very least this creates an impression of impropriety," Harper said.

"We shouldn't have to wonder, as Hoosiers, whether our government leaders are on the side of those that they seek to regulate, or on the side of those they are seeking to serve."

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