Bayh, Engling clash in final Indiana debate

Indiana secretary of state candidates Democrat Beau Bayh and Republican Max Engling agreed that the next officeholder should investigate outgoing Secretary of State Diego Morales, who faces allegations involving taxpayer spending, family hires and contracts awarded to donors. They disagreed over who should conduct the inquiry: Bayh proposed an independent audit led by Republican Knox County Clerk David Shelton, while Engling argued the state inspector general has the authority to compel records and ensure accountability. The rivals also exchanged personal attacks over their records and campaign conduct during a debate that excluded Libertarian Lauri Shillings and Lincoln Party candidate Greg Ballard because they did not meet the organizers’ polling threshold.