Judge to rule if Ind. SOS White can stay in office

INDIANAPOLIS — A judge was set to rule on whether his order ousting Charlie White as Indiana secretary of state will take effect immediately.

Marion Circuit Judge Louis Rosenberg on Tuesday considered White’s request that he stay his ruling ordering the state recount commission to certify Democrat Vop Osili as the winner of the 2010 election until a higher court can review the decision.

Rosenberg issued an order Dec. 22 ousting White because he was improperly registered as a candidate when he sought office.

White also faces a criminal trial Jan. 30 on charges he lied about where he lived during the 2010 primary so he could remain on the Fishers Town Council. White maintains his innocence.

Democrats say if White leaves office for any reason, Osili should replace him.