(MARTINSVILLE, Ind.) – The 2022 election campaign is already underway.
Morgan County Republican Chairman Daniel Elliott has formally announced a campaign for state treasurer, after making the rounds of party Lincoln Day dinners the last several weeks. He’s the first official candidate for the job, but at least two other Republicans are reported to be considering the race.
Elliott says he wants to build on the record of Republican incumbent Kelly Mitchell, who’s barred from seeking a third term. He says he wants to use his experience in software design to expand the office’s role, to help local governments protect themselves against hackers. He says it’s an important arena where many city and county officials are uncertain how to even get started.
Elliott served one term on the county council before losing a primary for commissioner last year. He says his work on the council and the county redevelopment commission gives him experience cutting red tape and managing tax dollars. And he says local officials need to partner the state on financing for everything from broadband to sewer lines. He says it’s a plus to have a treasurer who’s familiar with those issues from the county government side — he notes he’d be the fourth straight treasurer to come to the job from county office.
The treasurer’s office is one of three statewide posts on next year’s ballot. Republicans are expected to have contested races at their state convention for at least two of them. Newly appointed Secretary of State Holli Sullivan is seeking a full term but faces a challenge from former congressional candidate Diego Morales.
State Auditor Tera Klutz is expected to seek a second full term.
