Arkansas AG candidate vows to be a watchdog for corruption
If he is elected, a real watchdog will return to the Arkansas State Capitol, says Mike Lee, a Democratic candidate for the Arkansas Attorney General.
Stopping in Texarkana on Monday, Lee said the election is a chance for Arkansas voters to send a signal to politicians and lobbyists.
“A real watchdog is coming to our state Capitol that will restore order in the people’s house,” said Lee.
Lee is hoping to unseat incumbent Republican Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.
“Arkansans are tired of reading in the newspaper about state legislators—Democrats and Republicans— taking bribes and steering state money to wasteful special projects. Corruption is also costing us hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent Medicaid contracts. That makes our health care system worse too,” said Lee.
“As attorney general, I will restore the dignity of the office and put nearly 40 years of legal experience to work for Arkansas families. I will fight the special interests, big businesses and elite campaign donors …
“I will always stand up for Arkansas’ working families. I will always fight to protect your right to vote and defend our Arkansas values. I will lead the fight to protect consumers, children and the elderly,” Lee said.
“My word is my bond, and I give my word – I will put Arkansans first – always,” he said.
“Under my leadership, the office of attorney general will finally get serious about assisting prosecutors and investigating bad governance in our state,” said Lee.
Lee touted proposed Arkansas Anti-Corruption and Ethics Bill of Rights Monday.
The outline includes:
■ Grant the Arkansas Ethics Commission the power to initiate investigations and launch prosecutions independently
■ Shift standard from ‘probable cause’ to ‘reasonable suspicion’
■ Increase the maximum fine per violation from $2,000 to $10,000
■ End the “mulligan” rule that allows state lawmakers to get a “do-over” on illegal campaign finance filings.
■ Lobbyists must disclose in a new public database bills and amendments
■ Require all state business be done on state telephones and e-mail addresses
■ Text messages must be archived
■ State legislators must report meeting with lobbyists in a public database
■ Require lobbyists to wear name tags inside the state capitol
■ Five year cooling off period between being an elected official and becoming a lobbyist
■ A total ban on gifts, including free meals and drinks, for elected officials.
■ A ban on any in-state, out-of state or international trips paid for by any entity for any purpose
■ Revoke the pensions of elected officials’ for abuse of power and corruption-released conviction.
Lee continues campaigning in Southwest Arkansas today.