The Times to check candidate claims

In a special initiative during the primary election season, The Times will investigate claims made by candidates for public office.

Critics challenge candidate's claim of re-election

VALPARAISO | A Valparaiso City Council candidate's use of "re-elect" has critics offering him a few choice words, a Times inquiry found.

School officials question S'ville council candidate's claim of coaching track, cross country

SCHERERVILLE | Kevin Bradley has never been a track and cross country coach at two local schools, though he did serve as a volunteer, a Times inquiry found.

Military photo policy violated again

Two more region candidates for public office violated U.S. Department of Defense directives for how they used military photos in their campaign materials, The Times found.

Candidates appear to violate state law

Two candidates for Schererville Town Council and one Crown Point council hopeful in Tuesday's primary appear to be violating state law by overseeing two campaign funds, according to a Times review of public records.

McDermott claims endorsement from group that doesn't endorse

HAMMOND | Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. claimed an endorsement from a real estate trade group that does not endorse candidates.

Unpaid taxes cause E.C. mayoral candidate to lose properties in the city

EAST CHICAGO | Mayor Anthony Copeland said fiscal responsibility is of "high importance" in his bid to retain leadership of the city.

Hobart mayoral candidates spar over legal spending

HOBART | Hobart's mayoral candidates pointed fingers at each other for the city's rising legal expenses, but the truth lies somewhere in the middle, a Times review found.

E.C mayoral candidate's claim true, but doesn't tell whole story

EAST CHICAGO | An opponent's claim that the city's incumbent mayor supports relinquishing control of city development funds to a regional development authority is partially true but lacks context, a Times review found.

Hammond council candidate's law enforcement claim fits the bill

HAMMOND | For 30 years, Carolyn Jackson interacted with criminals as an adult probation officer in Cook County.

St. John councilman's professional designation questioned

ST. JOHN | Councilman Mark Barenie points to his background as a certified public accountant as evidence of his ability to balance budgets and be fiscally responsible with town money.

M'ville council candidate's educational background questioned

MERRILLVILLE | Town Councilwoman Carol Miano's campaign brochure has some Merrillville residents believing she graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University's School of Law.

Campaign warfare goes awry

HAMMOND | Two Hammond mayoral candidates violated U.S. Department of Defense directives for how they used military photos in their campaign literature, a Times review found.