Lt. governor candidates: Move ethics-watchdog office to AG
CONROE Texas four Republican candidates for lieutenant governor on Wednesday endorsed moving the states ethics enforcement unit from the Travis County district attorneys office to the attorney general.
The status of the Public Integrity Unit that polices violations by state officials and lawmakers has been at issue since Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg was arrested on drunk-driving charges last spring and served time in jail.
In June, Gov. Rick Perry vetoed state funding for the unit after Lehmberg refused a demand that she resign. Travis County officials have since restored some funding to keep the unit operating at a reduced level.
A Travis County special investigation is now reviewing a complaint that Perry may have violated state law with his veto promise.
More at http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/lt-governor-candidates-move-ethics-watchdog-office/nbXM8/ .
[font color=green]In this instance, having the separation of county resources from the direct influence of state officials appears to be appropriate. If the governor (or lt. gov.) and the AG are of the same party then motions could be easily quashed. If the official and the AG are of different parties then it makes the scenario ripe for vendettas.
This idea is more of the same from the repugnant LG candidates trying to cover their collective asses.[/font]