Washington challenging Rogers for Senate seat

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Washington

Updated: February 15, 2012 8:07AM

Gary School Board President Darren Washington said Friday he’ll challenge incumbent state Sen. Earline Rogers in the May 8 primary. Both are Gary Democrats.

District 3 includes Gary, Lake Station, New Chicago, Hobart, and Ainsworth, as well as portions of Merrillville and Crown Point.

“I will support a legislative agenda that will equally promote economic growth in Hobart, Lake Station, Gary, Merrillville, Crown Point and New Chicago,” said Washington. “We must work together to introduce and support legislation that will strengthen public safety in our communities and support equality in education.”

Washington is chief deputy for the Lake County recorder. He’s been a member of the school board since 2004. He ran for Gary mayor in 2007.

Washington criticized Gov. Mitch Daniels for cutting public education by $300 million and said Daniels should refund districts with the $320 million recently found in state coffers.

Rogers, a retired Gary teacher, has held the seat since 1990. She’s the ranking Democrat on the Senate Education and Career Development Committee and is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Education is the key to a strong workforce, which in turn is important to bringing jobs and keeping jobs in Indiana,” Rogers said.

Rogers introduced legislation to create casino gaming in Gary, while she was a state representative in 1989. Passed in 1993 after Rogers became a senator, it led to riverboats across the state. She was also instrumental in raising the minimum age to which the death penalty can be applied in Indiana to 18 years of age.

Last week, Hobart City Council President David Vinzant announced his candidacy for the 3rd District seat. He said the newly redrawn district is no longer just about Gary.

Reach reporter Carole Carlson at 648-3154.