Hogsett Says No To Indy Mayoral Bid

U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett sat down with his favorite, gushing admirer, Star political columnist Matt Tully, to break our hearts by telling us he won't be a candidate for mayor of Indianapolis in 2015 or the U.S. Senate or governor's office in 2016.

The blockbuster race for mayor of Indianapolis in 2015 that many political observers have been predicting, with anticipation, will not take place. Joe Hogsett, the high-profile U.S. Attorney who has drawn attention for stepping up prosecutions of gang members and corrupt politicians, has decided not to run for mayor.

Sitting over a cup of coffee at a Northside diner Thursday morning, Hogsett told me the job he has now is the job he wants. He pledged to serve in the position through the end of his term, which ends when the Obama administration leaves office in January 2017.

"It truly is the best job I've ever had, and it has been responsible for providing me with enormous personal satisfaction," said Hogsett, who as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana has jurisdiction over 60 of the state's 92 counties. "We have tried to do good things in this office, and I look forward to continuing to do good things." . . .

I'm not sure on which planet Tully is residing if he believes Hogsett has stepped up prosecution of corrupt politicians. He let one of this biggest catches in years, former Marion Co. Prosecutor Carl Brizzi, slip through his hands in a fashion that almost looked deliberate. Wholesale theft of public assets for the benefit of a few political insiders continues unabated on his watch. The prosecution of former City-County Councilor Lincoln Plowman predated his arrival in the office, and the prosecution of former City-County Councilor Paul Bateman was for a crime unrelated to his service on the council.

The prosecution of Ponzi schemer Tim Durham also predated his arrival as U.S. Attorney. In fact, he technically had to recuse himself from participating in the case once he arrived due to his former law firm's role in representing Durham. It is quite concerning that collateral crimes committed in connection with the Durham matter that implicated many other prominent individuals may have been swept under the rug by federal prosecutors.

Hogsett's decision not to enter the 2015 mayoral race leaves a choice on the Democratic side between Tweedledum and Tweedledee: State Rep. Ed DeLaney and Washington Township Trustee/lobbyist Frank Short. Yep, it's a very sad prospect for Indianapolis voters.