GARY | Acting U.S. Attorney David Capp joked Monday about the two metaphors people eventually might apply to his third term as interim federal prosecutor in Indiana's Northern District.

People might say the third time was the charm, Capp told members of the Gary Chamber of Commerce. Or they might say three strikes and he's out.

"Fortunately, I'm not out yet," Capp said.

Capp declined to comment directly on the chance he could be appointed to the post permanently. Several other local lawyers have declared their interest, but President Barack Obama's administration has dropped no hints.

Capp reiterated his dedication to prosecuting corrupt politicians, the office's hallmark activity under Capp and former U.S. Attorney Joseph Van Bokkelen. Capp said corruption prosecutions will remain a priority as long as he helms the office.

"Citizens have a right to honest government," Capp said.

Capp also told the crowd at Dusties Southern Style Buffet in downtown Gary that Northwest Indiana's drug problem is not contained to Gary, Hammond or East Chicago. Drug prosecutions should make the region safer for families, he said. He recalled a grandfather in Gary who thanked him for his office's work.

"He said, 'You guys shut down the crack house that was at the end of my block, and now my grandchildren can play in the yard again,'" Capp said.

"His grandkids, by golly, have a right to play in the yard."