Burke speaks out

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Just last week the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Mayor Duke Bennett is ineligible for office but neither Bennett nor Former Terre Haute mayor Kevin Burke have a right to the office.

Burke held a press conference at his home Tuesday, to talk about the battle for office and how he's offered Bennett a deal.

One year to the day he contested the mayoral race, Burke breaks his silence.

"For a year all I've heard is that I'm a bad loser," Burke said. Burke says he just wants justice to play out. Instead of an ongoing court battle, he's offered Bennett a deal.

"Neither of us would go to the Supreme Court, we'd stop litigation, but we'd reach an agreement," Burke said.

An agreement, to hold a special election, letting the voters decide, instead of the courts.

"The two of us could put ourselves before the people of Terre Haute again," Burke said.

Burke said Bennett has turned down that deal.

As for reports Burke waited until after the election to question Bennett's eligibility, Burke said it's not true.

Burke said he did ask privately during the primary and was assured Bennett was eligible.

He didn't push the issue, something he now regrets.

"Kevin Burke made a grave mistake by believing what he was told," Burke said.

For now, it looks like the battle for office will continue in the courts.

News 10 attempted to get reaction from Mayor Bennett Tuesday afternoon.

His spokesperson, Darrel Zeck, told us the mayor will respond in full Wednesday, after getting the chance to review media reports of Tuesday's press conference.

News 10 will continue to bring you the latest.