Jan 31 2008
Perdue, Moore Staffs Campaigning on Public Dime
Moore’s staff has been accused of using state property for political purposes in the past. In April 2006, a state audit found that former Chief Deputy Treasurer Joe Stewart used the department’s computer network for political purposes. Stewart left the treasurer’s office in February 2005. In Perdue’s office, Merritt found that Perdue had installed privately funded Internet access and a wireless router. Employees said they used the Internet access for campaign business, but only on breaks, during lunch and after business hours. Perdue had no way of monitoring whether employees stuck to those rules, Merritt found, although she told auditors that she had confidence in her employees and trusted them not to abuse the privilege.
“A state-owned building, equipment and property were provided to the lieutenant governor’s office to conduct official state business only,” Merritt wrote. “It is inappropriate for the lieutenant governor (or her campaign) to provide equipment that invites the abuse of those policies and statutes.”
In her response to Merritt, Perdue wrote that she had the private Internet connected shut off in November and that her staff is regularly reminded of the rules for use.
Moore’s office had also accused Perdue of misusing state troopers, who are assigned to protect the lieutenant governor. Merritt found that troopers had transported Perdue to campaign events. The security detail, assigned to the lieutenant governor for protection, has followed that practice since 1989, Merritt found.
The rules are the rules and they have to be followed. This is why it is good to have a representation of both parties at the state level so that one keeps a check on the other.
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