John Gregg to chair Democratic Party’s state convention

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party today announced that former House Speaker John Gregg will chair the party’s 2006 state convention, which will be held in Indianapolis on June 3.

“It’s a privilege to be selected by the party for this position, and I look forward to helping connect my fellow Democrats in a year that could bring historic political change to our state and our country,” Gregg said.

Gregg served as Speaker of the Indiana House from 1996 to 2002 and was first elected to the chamber in 1986. Additionally, he served as the former Interim President of Vincennes University. He hosts a popular Saturday morning talk show on WIBC-AM (1070) in Indianapolis, and he currently is a member of the Government Services practice group at Bingham McHale, an Indiana law firm.

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker said Gregg was selected both for his political prowess and his motivating personality.

“If there’s one person in the state of Indiana who can bring a crowd to its feet and get them excited about the Democratic party and this year’s election, that person is John Gregg,” Parker said. “When he was in office, John listened to Hoosiers, and he respected them. We’re not seeing a lot of that in state government right now.”

Former Secretary of State and former state party chair Joe Hogsett called Gregg’s appointment an honor that befits his extraordinary legacy of public service and his professional reputation.

“It's certainly a tremendous honor for John Gregg to be selected as chair of the 2006 State Democratic Convention. His selection is a testament to his stature as one of Indiana's most dedicated public servants. From his days as House Speaker to his current efforts to advance economic and governmental initiatives, he continues to be an important force in our State,” said Hogsett, now a partner at Bingham McHale.

The party will adopts its formal platform and nominate candidates for Secretary of State, Auditor and Treasurer at the convention.

Members of the media who would like to attend the convention should call or e-mail Jennifer Wagner to be placed on the press list. She can be reached by phone at 317-231-7125 or by e-mail at jwagner@indems.org.

For more information: Jennifer Wagner, 317-231-7125 or 317-752-6497