MUNCIE, Ind. — The Delaware County Republican Party on Friday posted details of a complaint submitted to the Muncie Ethics Commission, alleging that her residency, outside of city limits, disqualifies her from currently serving as Muncie City Court Judge. Dunnuck quipped back that she is caring for her mother who lives at the address and legally can call it her residency, as well as calling the statement a “one-sided political smear.”

“I asked for guidance from the judges’ association for city and town courts and from the Delaware County Clerk’s office.” Dunnuck wrote. “I was advised to list my mother’s address, and I did, including on my voter registration. The Indiana Legislature had passed a bill through two different sessions allowing city and town court judges to reside in the County.”

The statement from the party comes as Dunnuck is running for Delaware Circuit Court 5. The local GOP wrote that voters “should carefully consider whether a candidate who has refused to step down after moving outside the required jurisdiction should be entrusted with a higher judicial office.” Indianapolis tabloid site Hoosier Enquirer released an article the same day titled “MUNCIE JUDGE LEFT THE CITY — AND KEPT THE GAVEL,” which was posted without an author’s name.

Dunnuck also added that while her mother’s property is outside city limits, it still receives city services as well as local police and fire protection.

Dunnuck is running against Ben Freeman for an election that would replace Judge Thomas Cannon Jr. who is currently serving the role. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 3 and early voting in Delaware County has recently started.

Daisy Dale is the editor and publisher of The Muncie Post-Democrat, a commissioner for the Muncie Human Rights Commission, and a board member of Muncie Queer Alliance.