CA: Shelley spending audit flags $3.8 million (ShmelleyGate)

SFGate.com ^ | 12/22/05 | Greg Lucas

[NormsRevenge]

Sacramento -- More than $3.8 million in federal election money sent to California was either misspent by former Secretary of State Kevin Shelley or lacked proper documentation, according to a federal audit released Wednesday.

Shelley, who resigned in February after a series of scandals buffeted his administration, was criticized last December in a state audit for slipshod management -- a finding echoed by federal officials who questioned nearly half of the spending they reviewed.

The auditors said they found instances of legal costs that exceeded contracted amounts, employee salaries improperly paid with federal dollars, and the purchase of promotional items like buttons and balloons.

Secretary of State Bruce McPherson said the state may have to return the $3.8 million to the federal government.

McPherson agreed that $1.7 million was improperly spent by Shelley, but he said $2.1 million was spent properly. He also noted that his office had implemented tighter controls on contracts and expenditures of federal money.

Federal officials will decide whether to seek the money's return within 60 business days.

A spokesman for Shelley said he and his staff were overwhelmed with the state's unprecedented recall election followed by a presidential primary and general election as well as implementing the Help America Vote Act, which provides money for states to improve election systems.

"This audit is reflective of the difficult circumstances Shelley faced during his administration," said Sam Singer, a spokesman for the former secretary of state.

[hsalaw]

I read the article quickly, but couldn't see anywhere that it mentioned Shelley was a DEMOCRAT and illegally used the fed money to fund raise for KERRY! It refers to "Shelley's administration" probably in the hope of having people think "administration" means Arnold. SF = BS.

[hattend]

I have GOT to become a politician. You can steal, lie, mug, rob, extort, etc and all you have to do is resign and you're home free. No prison time, no repercussions.