Fox 28: South Bend, Elkhart IN News, Weather, SportsInd. sec. of state's ad campaign raises eyebrows

Ind. sec. of state's ad campaign raises eyebrows

Associated Press - November 28, 2009 5:44 PM ET

Corrected Version

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita is drawing scrutiny over more than $2 million in TV and radio ad campaigns in which he appears.

Most of the ads are designed to spread awareness of investor fraud. But some believe the Republican is trying to build name recognition for a 2012 run for governor and question whether the money would be better spent on employee training and investigations.

None of the money comes from the secretary of state's annual $2.4 million annual general fund budget. That money can't be transferred to the state's general fund.

State Rep. Jeb Bardon says the fund wasn't intended to be used for Rokita to build name recognition and that lawmakers are discussing whether to tap it to pay for financial counseling for those facing foreclosure.

Information from: The Indianapolis Star, http://www.indystar.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.