Democrats criticize audit's timing
Published: Fri, Oct. 31, 2008 04:53AM
Modified Fri, Oct. 31, 2008 04:53AM
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closeState Auditor Les Merritt, a Republican, was criticized by Democrats on Thursday for releasing a damaging audit about trips to Europe days before voters decide whether he keeps his job.
Merritt is being challenged by Democrat Beth Wood, a veteran of the state auditor's office who ran the agency's training. She said news reports had already exposed the money spent on the trips and Merritt was trying to score points with voters.
"He's made my case for me that he's running a partisan office," Wood said. "I think it's an act of desperation on his part."
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Merritt said the timing of the audit was not political. In fact, he said, the audit was ready 30 days ago, but he delayed it as he tried unsuccessfully to get an interview with Mary Easley. Easley's lawyer said Merritt declined a chance to interview her.
"A $955-per-night hotel is not a political thing," Merritt said.
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