The federal investigation into local businessman and political fundraiser Tim Durham was expected to reach multiple political officeholders and candidates, both GOP and Democrat. Even as the FBI trucks remained parked on the Circle, a parlor game among political junkies as to how many candidates and officials would find themselves caught up in the collateral damage started. As recent as the last election cycle Durham contributed to Baron Hill’s congressional campaign and Democrat Mayoral hopeful Brian Williams is a board member of was a money losing investor in Obsidian, Tim Durham’s company. More recently, Durham served as campaign finance chairman for sheriff candidate Tim Motsinger. A tweet from Abdul earlier indicated Tim Motsinger was exiting the race.

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From Tim Motsinger’s campaign website:

In light of the recent investigations concerning the non-campaign related business affairs of my campaign finance chairman, I have made the decision that it is appropriate to return any and all financial contributions and loans that my campaign has received from him or his affiliated businesses. Unfortunately, this leaves my campaign in a non-competitive financial position. Therefore, it is with regret that I have decided to end my campaign for the office of Marion County Sheriff. I want to thank all the friends and loved ones that have supported my candidacy.

Tim

This leaves Bart McAtee, son of former Marion County Sheriff Joe McAtee, as the sole GOP candidate for Marion County Sheriff.

DEM DAMAGE CONTROL UPDATE: Abdul tweets info received from Democrat Jon Easter that Brian Williams denies being involved in management of Obsidian, that he was strictly “an investor” that lost money. Hmmm… would that be sort of like how the Clintons were “money losing investors” in Whitewater? But I digress… However on Advance Indiana, frequent commenter “artfuggins” (supposedly a well connected Democrat) writes:

Bye Bye Brian Williams.

and

This should put an end to Democrat Brian Williams campaign for mayor. Williams claims to be in business with Durham.