Indiana- from www.theindychannel.com – Indiana Rep. Phil Hinkle, R-Indianapolis, on Tuesday rebuffed House Speaker Brian Bosma’s request to resign in the wake of an embarrassing scandal that came to light 10 days ago.
Bosma called for the resignation, citing the attention surrounding him in recent days as “a distraction.”
Embarrassing allegations were revealed last week in an Indianapolis Star article that claimed Hinkle engaged in a rendezvous with an 18-year-old man at a downtown hotel after online conversations.
The newspaper’s report claimed that Hinkle met with a man who posted an ad on Craigslist in search of a “suga daddy.” The paper reported that there was a promise of an exchange of money but that no sexual encounter occurred.
In a statement sent to 6News’ Norman Cox late Tuesday morning, Hinkle thanked people who have sent notes of support since the report surfaced and admitted he had made mistakes.
“While I must admit to mistakes of judgment, I am seeking professional help on what turned me down a road of self-destruction,” Hinkle said.
“I want to assure my constituents that at no time did I try to detain the young man, nor did I ever expose myself to him, and at no time was there an offer of money for silence.”
Hinkle said he had previously decided in 2010 he wouldn’t run for re-election in 2012.
“Those who know me well know that continued silence is a challenge, but at this point, it is the best thing,” Hinkle said.
Bosma said he had met with Hinkle and other members of the Republican caucus in the days after the report.
“While the entire House Republican leadership team has compassion for Phil and his family, it is clear that Rep. Hinkle would best serve his constituents and our state by stepping down immediately and returning to private life,” Bosma said in a statement.
Bosma argued that Hinkle’s presence in the House is a “detriment to the continuing work of the Legislature.”
Hinkle has been in the Indiana House for six terms after serving in the Indianapolis City-County Council.
He has primarily been concerned with local government and tax issues, and he has frequently been out of step with fellow Republicans in the House.
Gov. Mitch Daniels has not called on Hinkle to resign.