DES MOINES - The Republican candidate for Iowa Attorney General, Brenna Findley, today said the state’s decision to investigate the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division is even more evidence that Tom Miller was wrong to protect former administrator Lynn Walding.
Back in 2008, an investigation reportedly turned up evidence of improper use of taxpayer dollars in Walding’s agency – ignoring bidding requirements and keeping millions of dollars when it should have gone to the general fund.
Findley argues that evidence alone was enough to warrant an investigation that would have led to Walding’s firing. However, Attorney General Tom Miller advised Governor Chet Culver against firing Walding. Now the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board is investigating misspent taxpayer money by the agency.
Findley said, "What many Iowans might not know is that Walding was one of Miller’s top lieutenants before moving to the Beverages Division. Miller had the opportunity to protect taxpayers from Walding’s wasteful spending, but instead he protected his political ally. Miller views his role as AG as one which has, as its primary role, sweeping Chet Culver’s messes under the rug. His ‘go along to get along’ mentality is not what Iowa taxpayers deserve. That will stop the day Iowans elect me Attorney General. I will be elected by the people and I will work for the people. You’ll never have to wonder whose interests I’m looking out for."