Bob Z Szilagyi

Bob 'Z' Szilagyi (Robert Charles Szilagyi) is an American lawyer and a candidate for the Democratic nomination for election to as prosecutor for the 32nd Judicial District of Indiana. He has an established private practice and has served as counsel to many government entities. Szilagyi has served as an active duty officer in the United States Army during the Cold War and later in the United States Army Reserves retiring after 28 years at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In May 2010, Szilagyi upset the three-term incumbent to receive the Democratic nomination for prosecutor for 32nd Indiana Judicial District serving LaPorte County, Indiana.
Background
Szilagyi was born in 1948 in LaPorte, IN to Elmer and Mary Jane Szilagyi. Szilagyi's father was active in local politics as supported his family as a farmer. Szilagyi attended Stillwell Elementary and graduated from South Central High School. After graduating from high school, he worked while attending Indiana University South Bend and later earned a A.B. in secondary education. After attending Valparaiso University Law School, Szilagyi left law school and was commissioned an Air Defense Artillery officer in the United States Army. He held assignments at Fort Benning, Fort Bliss,Germany and The Republic of South Korea. It is believed that he obtained the nickname "Z" in the army after many of instructors were unable to pronounce his last name and simply referred to him by the second letter of his last name.
After serving 4 years of active duty, Szilagyi returned to law school and graduated in 1977. In addition to maintaining a private practice, Szilagyi has been a deputy prosecutor, La Porte County Commission attorney, attorney to the town of Kingsbury and 26 years as attorney to the La Porte County Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
2010 Primary Election
In May 2010, Szilagyi narrowly beat the three-term incumbent receiving 51.82% of the vote during the Indiana Primary.
The election became "heated" with Szilagyi criticizing his opponent, Robert J. Beckman, of supporting the legalization of marijuana. Additionally, Szilagyi called for the creation of a drug court and Veterans' Treatment Court in La Porte County and to re-establish a child abuse investigation team. Szilagyi also charged that his opponent lacked professionalism by appealing to a jury's racial bias during trial and for his nepotism in hiring practices.
In March 2010, former Indiana Attorney General, Karen Freeman-Wilson endorsed Szilagyi and praised him for his support of the creation of a Drug Court in La Porte County.
2010 General Election
In June 2010, the Republican Party selected, Alan Sirinek, to challenge Szilagyi in the November 2, 2010 General Election.

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