Engling cites fraud, transparency as key issues for secretary of state

Max Engling told WIBC Morning News that he will push for an outside investigation of the secretary of state office if he wins the election. The Republican candidate, who faces Democrat Beau Bayh on Tuesday, Nov. 3, said he wants the Indiana Inspector General to audit the department. He argued that an external review can identify problems that internal staff might miss.

Engling listed three main priorities for his potential term. He wants to improve election integrity, increase transparency in state operations, and hold businesses accountable for fraudulent registrations. He said he would work with the Indiana General Assembly to create new processes that make the office run more professionally.

A specific concern for Engling is the trucking industry. He said some companies register through the secretary of state office and then hire drivers who lack proper commercial driver’s licenses, legal authorization, or English proficiency. He described this practice as a public safety issue and said holding these businesses accountable would help improve road safety in the state.

Engling also addressed his personal background during the interview. He said Bayh made statements about his personal records that are open to public inspection. "If my opponent is willing to lie about me for things that are public record, anybody can look at my finances," Engling said. He added that Bayh could also review his driving record, which was part of the debate.

The candidate said he wants the next generation of Indiana residents to choose the state as a place to build businesses and put down roots. He connected that goal to his desire for a more efficient and honest state government. Engling defeated incumbent Diego Morales at the Republican convention in June to secure the party nomination. Morales did not appear on the November ballot.

Voters in Indiana will select the next secretary of state on Tuesday. The office manages state elections and processes business registrations. Engling said he is committed to bringing in an entity with the authority to audit the office, specifically the Inspector General, to ensure all operations are under scrutiny.