7/16/26 - Carter on Noel investigation, Utility profits investigated, Braun ends race preferences

Today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show opens with Rob examining new campaign finance reports in the Indiana Secretary of State race. Rob says Greg Ballard’s fundraising is the biggest surprise because Ballard raised more than $671,000 in the quarter despite not yet being on the ballot. He argues that number shows Ballard is not just trying to reach 10% for Lincoln Party ballot access, but is attempting to become a serious statewide contender. Rob compares Ballard’s fundraising to Beau Bayh and Max Engling, noting that Bayh raised more than $557,000 for the quarter while Engling brought in just over $202,000. He says Bayh still has major institutional advantages and a large overall fundraising total, but Ballard’s organic support is more impressive because it came without a party structure behind him. Rob also warns that Libertarian Lori Shilling’s low fundraising total could put Libertarian ballot access at risk if protest voters shift toward Ballard instead. The discussion also turns to Diego Morales continuing to receive campaign donations after losing the Republican nomination. Rob questions why donors, including people from outside Indiana, would keep giving money to someone who will not remain Secretary of State after this year. He says the small-dollar donations from out-of-state contributors are especially strange and deserve more scrutiny. Another segment focuses on a major court ruling involving Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, the Indiana Department of Revenue, and a tax investigation into Broad Ripple bar owner Robert Sabatini. Rob says Judge Clark Rogers’ filing alleges the prosecutor’s office and state revenue officials conducted an unjustified fishing expedition into Broad Ripple businesses without evidence of criminal activity. He argues that if the allegations are proven, Mears should face serious professional consequences. Rob says the ruling is frightening for small business owners because it suggests confidential tax records were accessed without a warrant, probable cause, or even a clear suspicion of wrongdoing. He says the case damaged Sabatini’s reputation and shows how dangerous government power becomes when officials can target businesses first and justify the investigation later. Rob argues the story should receive statewide attention because it erodes public trust in prosecutors, revenue officials, and the rule of law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices