St. Joseph County Democratic Party Vice-Chair Debbie Ladyga-Block will replace Butch Morgan on an interim basis as St. Joseph County Democratic chair after Morgan resigned from the position.
“I have known Butch Morgan for 32 years and would like to thank him for the work he has done for our Party and community as our chairman,” said Ladyga-Block in a new release issued Tuesday.
According to the release, it is Block’s responsibility to call a precinct election to decide who will be the chair. That election will be held Friday, October 28 at 5 p.m. at the West Side Democratic Club in South Bend.
Ladyga-Block appointed John Broden as deputy chair.
Morgan's resignation comes as the St. Joseph County Prosecutor investigates the local Democratic Party for possible voter registration fraud.
A South Bend Tribune and Howey Politics investigation revealed fake signatures on petitions in 2008 to get Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton's names on Indiana's primary ballot.
Morgan maintains he has done nothing wrong and says the ongoing investigation will clear him.
Some Republicans recently called for his resignation, saying he knew about the fake signatures.
Morgan also resigned as the Democratic Chair for the 2nd Congressional District. Morgan took over as county party chairman in 1995.
Full statement released by Morgan’s attorney:
"While Butch was considering various options until late this evening that included a “leave of absence,” he has concluded after conferring with state party that remaining on in any capacity would be an unwanted distraction for candidates in the upcoming city elections.
"Accordingly, he has just issued a formal letter of resignation tonight as both district chairman and county chairman.
"Butch Morgan has done nothing wrong and did not personally authorize, direct or condone the forgery or alteration of petition signatures.
"Furthermore, he intends to vigorously oppose any claim of wrongdoing but does not want this ongoing controversy to hurt the party that he cares so much about."
