INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A former longtime Illinois lawmaker
announced Friday he will attempt to win the state treasurer’s office for
Indiana Democrats.
Mike Boland, 71, is the first Democrat to join the race for the office overseeing investments and other
areas.
All
three of the statewide offices up for consideration this fall —
treasurer, auditor and secretary of state — are currently held by
Republicans.
Boland said he would bring more balance and accountability to the Statehouse.
"What
I see is, we need a balance here in state government. It’s too lopsided
in power; there’s too little accountability and transparency," he said.
Boland
moved with his wife to the Indianapolis suburb of Fishers in 2012 to be
closer to their children and grandchildren, he said. Before that, he
served as an Illinois state representative from 1995 to 2010. He lost a
handful of elections in Illinois, including a bid for lieutenant
governor, before moving to Indiana.
Democrats are expected to formally nominate Boland when they meet next weekend for their annual
convention in Indianapolis.
Boland would face off against one of three Republicans seeking their party’s nomination.
Marion
Mayor Wayne Seybold, a former Olympic ice skater, has the backing of
much of the Republican Party’s establishment and top fundraisers. Don
Bates, a personal financial adviser, is being backed by many of the
state’s tea partyers. And Kelly Mitchell, a director in the state
treasurer’s office, has the backing of many women associated with the
Lugar Series, a program that focuses on electing Republican women.
Republicans plan to meet next month in Fort Wayne for their 2014 convention.
The candidates are seeking the office held by Treasurer Richard Mourdock, who is term-limited from
seeking re-election.