One of the concerns about electing a Democrat president has been the effect on the U.S. attorney's office for northern Indiana.

Specifically, the observation has been that with Republican presidents, targeting public corruption has been a priority for the U.S. attorney's office. Not so with Democrats in the White House.

That tradition must end so the current U.S. attorney's office tradition of rooting out public corruption can continue.

Former U.S. Attorney Joseph VanBokkelen made a name for himself with the many public corruption charges filed during his tenure -- so many that his name became inextricably linked with public corruption crackdowns in Northwest Indiana.

David Capp, acting U.S. attorney and a Democrat, should be considered by President-elect Obama for this important position.

Capp has been the lightning rod for many years in going after public corruption. Except when he has been the acting U.S. attorney for northern Indiana, Capp has been a strong No. 2 in the office since 1991. This is Capp's third time to serve as acting U.S. attorney.

It is important that the legacy of VanBokkelen be maintained. Public corruption poisons the public's faith in government. It is vital for continued faith in and respect for government that public corruption not be targeted.

Obama ran for office as a reformer. He should consider appointing Capp as a way to signal an end to the era of Democrats in the White House turning a blind eye to Democrats acting badly.