Stories

An independent audit of Iowa’s film tax credit program has found numerous problems, and Iowa’s Attorney General is launching a criminal investigation.

“We are not permitted by ethical rules to discuss the possible subjects, focus or other details of the investigation,” said Attorney General Tom Miller in a statement.

Gov. Chet Culver has fired the manager of the Iowa Film Office following allegations of misconduct surrounding a state tax credit program he administered.
Tom Wheeler, who was put on paid administrative leave on Friday after problems were discovered in the Film, Television and Video Promotion Program, has been dismissed effective Monday afternoon, the governor said [...]

Criminal charges surrounding the investigation into alleged misconduct in the state’s film tax credit program are certainly possible, but are not likely, Chief Deputy Auditor Warren Jenkins said.
The Des Moines Register reported Monday afternoon that “criminal charges could be forthcoming” in the investigation, citing comments from Jenkins. However, in an interview with the Iowa Independent, [...]

Gov. Chet Culver has asked Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Iowa Auditor David Vaudt to assist in a probe of a state tax credit program designed to assist the movie industry that has come under scrutiny in recent days.

“I know that if I were to run for governor, there would be some that would try to discredit important financial information that I’m providing to Iowans,” said state Auditor David Vaudt.

“They would do that by simply questioning the motives, since I would be running for governor.”

Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey and state Auditor David Vaudt are downplaying speculation that they will seek the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2010.
Both men have said previously that they are considering challenging Gov. Chet Culver next year. But in order to do so they would have to give up their current office, and most observers [...]

State Auditor David Vaudt would turn down a portion of Iowa’s $1.9 billion share of the federal stimulus money if he were governor, the West Des Moines Republican told Douglas Burns of Iowa Political Alert Thursday.
Vaudt has joined a group of conservatives around the country who say their states should decline some of the federal [...]

No one likes to pay more taxes, but Iowans might have no choice but pay an increased fuel tax to address long-term infrastructure needs, State Auditor David Vaudt told the Iowa Independent.

State Rep. Rob Robers, R-Carroll, told the Sioux City Journal he is weighing a run for governor in 2010.
The five-term Republican said “converstations are taking place” about what his campaign team might look like and who is likely to support him. However, he does not have a timetable for making his decision.

No one is sure how vulnerable Gov. Chet Culver will be in 2010, when he will likely run for reelection, but this week, we have a better picture of which Republican political figures might challenge him.