Ethics Committee Dismisses Complaint Against Indiana House Speaker

Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma was accused of using campaign funds to dig up dirt on a woman he had a relationship with decades ago.

Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - A complaint against Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma is dismissed. 

The House Ethics Committee hired an outside attorney to investigate allegations against Bosma, a Republican from Indianapolis.  He was accused of using $40,000 of campaign funds to find unflattering information about a former intern who claims she had a sexual relationship with Bosma in 1992. 

Based on the attorney's findings, the bipartisan committee determined Monday that reasonable cause does not exist to support an alleged violation. 

Bosma said in a statement that the complaint was politically motivated.

“I have said from the start that the complaint was unfounded and baseless, and clearly timed to impact the November election. This is now two independent, bipartisan and unanimous decisions that this complaint is without merit,” said Bosma.

The Indiana Election Commission, consisting of two Republicans and two Democrats, made a unanimous decision in January to dismiss a complaint that Bosma used campaign funds to hire an attorney to defend himself against the same allegations, which he deemed false.

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody expressed distrust for “a shadowy process where the judge and jury are politicians and the trial is conducted completely behind closed doors.”

“After nearly a decade in complete control, it’s clear Republicans just don’t think the rules apply to them. Today’s result is just another confirmation to Hoosier taxpayers that the system appears rigged to protect politicians,” Zody said.

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