Morales’ $90K state-funded SUV came from dealer that…

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is under scrutiny following his office’s request to purchase a $90,000 GMC Yukon Denali from Kelley Automotive Group—a dealership with close political and financial ties to him. Just two months before the request, Kelley Automotive had donated $25,000 to Morales’ campaign, contributing to a total of $65,000 in donations since 2022. Thomas Kelley, a prominent Republican donor and head of the dealership, also sits on the state’s Motor Vehicle Advisory Board alongside Morales. The expensive SUV purchase and the dealership selection have drawn criticism from watchdog groups and lawmakers, who view it as a potential example of “pay to play” politics. These concerns have sparked bipartisan efforts in the Indiana legislature to restrict the use of public funds for luxury vehicle purchases by state officials, reported Indystar.com.

While Morales’ office claims Kelley Automotive was chosen due to its status as a state-approved vendor, the company has seen a dramatic rise in state business in recent years, from under $500,000 in sales between 2019 and 2022 to nearly $15 million this fiscal year alone. Critics question the timing and optics of Morales’ selection, especially given Kelley’s influential political role and increasing financial ties to the state. Despite public backlash, Morales’ spokesperson insisted that procurement staff had no connection to campaign donations. The situation adds to ongoing controversies surrounding Morales, including a taxpayer-funded trip to India and nepotism accusations, further fueling concerns about transparency and ethical governance in his administration.