Minnesota: DFLers question Kiffmeyer (SOS) contract handling

[Carolab]

SO what are they hiding here?

**************

DFLers question Kiffmeyer contract handling
Pat Doyle, Star Tribune
August 13, 2005 KIFF0813


DFL senators on Friday accused Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer of hiding problems with a computer services firm that contracted with the state to improve its voter registration system.

At issue was an agreement made by Kiffmeyer's office when it canceled the firm's contract. The state agreed that "all personnel participants to this contract will not give either verbal or written statements to anyone as to the cancellation of this contract other than it was cancelled by reason of the State of Minnesota's budget cuts," according to the deal between Kiffmeyer and the firm.

Sen. John Hottinger, DFL-St. Peter, challenged Kiffmeyer about the agreement at a hearing of the Senate Elections Committee.

"This is a gag order on the employees of the state of Minnesota, saying you can't tell the truth about the cancellation," he said.

(more)

http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5558102.html

[wli]

1. perhaps an ongoing investigation into election fraud? n/t

[jean]

2. this jumps out at me: K'meyer has the source code for the software

"Kiffmeyer told senators that the agreement, which included a final payment to the firm, was written with the advice of staff lawyers. She said the deal assured that a computer code used by the firm would be given to the state, allowing her staff to maintain the vendor's software system and save money."

Why would she require a gag order on this?

[Carolab]

3. Exactly!!! What is her office going to do with that source code?

Kiffmeyer has a history of trying to disenfranchise voters...through various means and for which she was brought to court last year. The automated voter databases have me VERY worried. Especially if her office can figure out how to program using the vendor's code!!!!

[jean]

4. and with absolutely no oversight by anyone other than her