EXCLUSIVE: Iowa Senate shocker — contracts awarded to Joni Ernst’s father raise conflict of interest

[xchrom]

http://www.salon.com/2014/10/07/exclusive_contracts_awarded_to_joni_ernsts_father_raise_conflict_of_interest_questions/



A construction company owned by GOP Iowa Senate candidate Joni Ernst’s father received more than $200,000 in county contracts while she served as auditor of Montgomery County, Iowa, despite a strict conflict of interest code governing the provision of contracts to family members of county officials.

A new review of records — as well as an analysis of the Code of Iowa — by Salon reveals that the nature of the contracts and how they were promulgated, may have violated relevant county standards.

Ernst is facing Democratic congressman Bruce Braley in a neck-and-neck race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin. Polls show it as too close to call (with several polls finding Ernst with a small lead). Given the volatility of several Senate races this cycle, this particular campaign could potentially help decide which party controls the Senate.

Ernst was elected Montgomery County auditor in 2004, serving in that role until her 2011 election to the state Senate seat she currently holds. Among the duties a county auditor “may perform,” according to the Iowa State Association of County Auditors, are issuing contract bid notices and soliciting and receiving contract proposals. Minutes from an April 2007 Montgomery County Supervisors meeting – printed in the Red Oak Express – note Ernst’s involvement in county contracts, stating that Ernst would “work [the] issue” of advertising bids for a roofing project in the county.

[Seeking Serenity]

1. This seems a thin beef

Just because the business of a family member of a government official gets government contracts isn't itself a COI. Were the contracts let through competitive sealed bidding? Were they requests for proposals or invitations to bid (yes, that makes a difference)? Since the contracts were for FEMA repairs, were they considered emergency procurements (rules are looser in EPs)? I used to work in government procurement and what I read in the Salon piece didn't offer very much, read more like a desperate hit piece. Of course, Brock's outfit is trying to get additional information so we'll see.

[exboyfil]

2. A bad hit piece can be awful for the other candidate

Witness the Bush guard documents scandal. I think that contributed to overall vote loss for Kerry.