Michael Fitzgerald’s Shameless Self-Promotion on Taxpayer’s Dime

Fitzgerald’s taxpayer-funded propaganda at Iowa State Fair

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal recorded a radio ad for Sam Clovis, the Republican candidate for Iowa State Treasurer, that is being aired on radio stations across the state.  He cites corruption in Iowa State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald’s office.  Fitzgerald during an interview on KCWI 23’s Great Day last week unwittingly admitted to using taxpayer funds to campaign.

Here is the transcript of the ad.

“Hi, this is Governor Bobby Jindal urging you to support Sam Clovis for Treasurer. As Governor of Louisiana I’ve worked hard to change our State’s reputation for corruption so we could attract business and it’s worked. Sam Clovis will put a stop to corruption in the Treasurer’s office here in Iowa. Clovis will fix the $6 Billion public pension deficit and Clovis will create tax credits for college savings programs to lift families out of poverty. Sam Clovis creating a better and stronger Iowa.”

You can listen to the ad below.

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State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald has used public funds to use his image in PSAs essentially campaigning using taxpayer money.  Three Iowa stations pulled the PSAs citing they would have to give Clovis equal air time at the same price.  Last week while on KCWI 23’s Great Day, Fitzgerald “gaffed” (or should we say he finally told the truth).  They pointed to the website CollegeSavingsIowa.com and asked Fitzgerald, “is that your campaign ad right there?”  Fitzgerald answered, “yes it is.”

I remember walking in the Varied Industries Building during the Iowa State Fair and stopping by his displays (he had two, one for the College Savings program and one for the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt) his face was plastered all over the displays. I didn’t see that at any other elected official’s displays. It was quite obvious he was utilizing the booths for self-promotion.  I took some photos and shared them on Facebook.  You tell me who is this guy really serving?

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Shane Vander Hart

Editor & Founder at Caffeinated Thoughts

Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts.  He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm.  Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings.  He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in.  Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids.  Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA.

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