Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita (R) was in Leesburg Monday, Sept. 26, to endorse Jim Smith in his race for Kosciusko County Sheriff. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify that Brad Voelz is not an incumbent.

By Dan Spalding

InkFreeNews

LEESBURG – Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita took the campaign trail to Leesburg to stump for Republican Kosciusko Sheriff’s candidate Jim Smith before turning his attention to illegal immigration.

Rokita was the headliner at a fundraiser for Smith in front of a large crowd at Stacy’s Restaurant Monday night, Sept. 26.

Smith, who defeated incumbent Kosciusko County Sheriff Kyle Dukes in the Republican primary, faces a challenge from Independent candidate James Marshall on Nov. 8.

Smith is a deputy in the sheriff’s office while Marshall is a detective.

With Election Day six weeks away, Rokita made it clear why he was there.

“We need money,” Rokita told the crowd more than once.

“I’m gonna give – and I’m four counties away,” Rokita added.

In endorsing Smith, Rokita said Smith possesses the right approach for the job.

State Sen. Ryan Mishler also endorsed Smith at the event and chided some Republicans for outwardly supporting an independent. He said he’s aware of some Republicans who signed a peititon for Marshall.

“It really bothers me that we had elected officials in our own party sign petitions to put a candidate against our own candidate,” Mishler said, referring to the ballot initiative needed for an independent candidate.

Such activity by precinct committee members and elected officials is enough to be viewed as falling out of good standing with the party.

Rokita also ventured into the prosecutor’s race, where Republican Brad Voelz is running against Democrat Travis McConnell.

Rokita complimented Voelz before taking a shot at McConnell, saying he heard he is a personal injury attorney.

“They don’t make very good prosecutors,” Rokita quipped.

But Rokita saved his harshest comments for discussions about immigration.

He applauded efforts by former President Donald Trump and said that what’s happening under President Joe Biden is a moral failing.

Rokita defended making three trips to the southern border in an attempt to understand the impact illegal immigration could have on Indiana.

One of his stops was at McKinney, Tex., a hub of illegal immigration along the southern border, where he said officials have long-term plans to see Interstate 69 – which starts in northern Indiana – extended to southern Texas.

He said those crossing the border can reach northern Indiana in 48 hours.

He reiterated his belief that many of those crossing the border are transporting illegal drugs and trafficking humans.

“These single males being sent by their cartel are gonna increase crime wherever they go,” Rokita said.“This is their purpose. This is what they do. The last thing they are here for is the American dream.”

He also questioned the intentions of families crossing the border.

“A majority of them are not here for the same reasons that people sailed under the Statue of Liberty a hundred or so years ago. They are here to take. They are here to take.”

Kosciusko County Coroner Tony Ciriello (standing) talks to a packed crowd during a rally for sheriff’s candidate Jim Smith at Stacy’s restaurant in Leesburg. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.