An Indiana state lawmaker says he won’t seek re-election next year following revelations that he arranged a meeting with a male escort at an Indianapolis hotel. But Republican Rep. Phil Hinkle is facing growing pressure from leaders of his own party to resign.Eighteen year old Kameryn Gibson tells the Indianapolis Star that Hinkle offered to pay him up to $140 for ``a really good time.'' Gibson says he met the 64 year old lawmaker through a Craigslist ad. He also accuses Hinkle of trying to detain him when Gibson tried to leave the hotel, then attempting to buy his silence. Hinkle denies those claims but said in a statement Tuesday that he made “mistakes of judgment.” House Speaker Brian Bosma says the situation has become a distraction and is calling for Hinkle to step down, as is Marion County Republican Party Chairman Kyle Walker.Hinkle’s legislative district includes Wayne and Pike townships in the Indianapolis area.(Information for this story also came from the Associated Press)
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.
