EDITORIAL: Capp was right choice for U.S. attorney nomination

Key issues under federal debate are polarizing the region and the nation. Debate regarding health care reform, whether public heath insurance options should be on the table and our nation's involvement in foreign wars have divided into starkly different camps both political leaders and the electorate. So when federal government leaders unite to make a good decision -- particularly with benefits for Northwest Indiana -- we all should take note. Our national leaders recently rendered such a decision in nominating David Capp as successor to the region's U.S. attorney's office.

Capp is a veteran Northwest Indiana federal prosecutor whose time and experience in the region make him the best fit for an office with rich recent traditions of fighting public corruption. Capp, a graduate of Gary's Lew Wallace High School and the Valparaiso University School of Law, awaits confirmation by the U.S. Senate but has the backing of U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh and President Barack Obama. Obama and Bayh deserve the thanks of our region for nominating a U.S. attorney who understands the growing needs of Northwest Indiana. Capp, of Beverly Shores, has served as interim U.S. attorney under the administrations of both main political parties, earning respect from all along the way.

Capp has been the office's interim leader since July 2007, when former U.S. Attorney Joseph Van Bokkelen ascended to a federal judgeship. Capp worked closely with Van Bokkelen in investigating, prosecuting and putting behind bars Lake County public officials who abused the public trust. Capp surely will continue this needed effort in a county historically plagued by unscrupulous government officials.

Capp has shown he is a worthy candidate for watching over the region as a federal prosecutor. And by nominating Capp for the U.S. attorney's post, Bayh and Obama have ensured a level of discomfort will remain for political leaders who consider compromising Northwest Indiana taxpayers through fraud and other violations of the public trust.