The Iowa Democratic Party today filed an ethics complaint against Republican Secretary of State Matt Schultz, alleging he used public resources to advocate against a candidate.
Schultz earlier this week issued a statement criticizing former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman for saying he plans to skip the 2012 Iowa caucuses if he runs for the Republican presidential nomination.
Democrats believe that Schultz’s release attacks specific policy positions of Huntsman and violates state law that prohibits the use of public money to advocate political purposes. Democrats filed their complaint with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.
“If his actions were permissible, state resources could be made available to candidates for federal office on an unlimited basis,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky.
Schultz said is actions are not problematic since he did not ask Iowans to vote for or against Huntsman.
“The allegations made today by the Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party are without legal merit and we expect them to be summarily dismissed,” Schultz said.
Full Article: Democrats file ethics complaint against Iowa Secretary of State | Iowa Caucuses.