Senator under investigation for theft says he will resign if re-elected, citing ‘changes in my judgment’ • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Weeks after the shoplifting allegations broke, Republican Sen. Ron Alting announced he would resign his Senate seat after 28 years if voters re-elect him.
“Over the past several weeks, I have undergone an extensive medical evaluation regarding changes in my judgment, behavior and cognitive functioning. This evaluation has included specialists in neurology, geriatrics and mental health, as well as an MRI and other tests. This work continues as my doctors seek a definitive diagnosis,” he wrote in a lengthy Facebook post.
“During this time, I did things that were wrong and completely out of character for me. I take responsibility for my actions. I am deeply sorry for the harm and disappointment I have caused my family, friends, colleagues, constituents, and the store employees involved. After many difficult conversations with my family, doctors, and people I trusted over many years, I have concluded that I must end my public service and devote my attention to my health and well-being. family.
“I have informed Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray of my decision to resign from the Indiana Senate.”
A special prosecutor is reviewing several Wal-Mart theft cases involving Alting in his Lafayette district. A new allegation this week involves a Florida Wal-Mart.
Alting, 70, is on the re-election ballot against Democrat Natasha Baker, although he took a step back from his campaign earlier this month.
“As voting for this year’s election is already underway, my name will remain on the ballot. If elected, my successor will ultimately be chosen through the Republican Party’s vacancy process,” Alting wrote. “I am confident that this process will produce an exceptional leader who will serve Senate District 22 and its people well.”
The move could be a way to save Republican control of the seat as Baker has gained momentum in recent weeks.
“Now more than ever, it is important that the people of our district show up, make their voices heard and participate in this election. Democracy works best when voters have a say in who represents them,” Baker said in a statement. “Senator Alting’s announcement that he intends to resign if re-elected raises important questions about who would ultimately represent our district and how that decision would be made. Voters deserve a senator elected by the people, not chosen by party members.”
Alting was first elected to the Indiana Senate in 1998 after serving on the Lafayette City Council for three years. He currently represents all of Carroll County and parts of Tippecanoe County and is the longest-serving member of the Indiana Senate.
He has chaired the Senate Public Policy Committee since 2011. In this position, he presided over the development of laws including the regulation of alcohol and issues relating to gambling.
Fellow Republican Sen. Spencer Deery thanked Alting for his years of service to Tippecanoe County and the Indiana General Assembly.
“I know how much he loved serving his constituents in the Indiana Senate and that this must have been a difficult decision for him,” he said in a social media post. “But it was the right decision, and I commend him for having the courage to make it. He will be in my prayers as he works with his doctors and goes through this transition.”
Alting is a widower and resides in Lafayette. He was born and raised in Lafayette. He graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2001. Alting was also a member of Lafayette Jefferson High School’s 1974 state final basketball team.
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