WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT BRANSTAD’S BUDGETING PRACTICES
Last night may have been the Oscars, but the reviews have been in for a while on Terry Branstad’s bad budgeting practices.Here’s the truth of the matter, candidate Branstad is just running away from former Governor Branstad’s record. Governor Branstad’s record includes raising taxes, running a massive deficit and keeping two sets of books in an attempt to fool Iowans.
“It’s not just hypocritical for him to campaign as the fiscally responsible candidate- it’s deceptive,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan. “Terry Branstad should not be trusted on a single issue regarding the budget after some of the ‘accounting tricks’ he pulled as governor.”
State Auditor Sought Review To Confirm “Rational Basis” Was Not Used In Budget Deficit
“State Auditor Richard Johnson wants a legal opinion on his conclusion that ‘a rational basis has not been used’ to keep track of the state budget deficit...Johnson said his review of the state budget showed an operating deficit of $153 million, with an actual deficit of as much as $340 million. The state’s constitution bans budget deficits. Officials juggle expenses and income between years to balance the books.” (<em>Cedar Rapids Gazette</em>, January 4, 1992)
Branstad Under Fire From State Auditor For Keeping “Two Sets Of Books”
Branstad “has come under fire from state Auditor (Richard) Johnson for allegedly keeping ‘two sets of books’ to conceal a state budget deficit.” The Post reported this accusation was only furthered by (Representative Fred) Grandy “assailing Branstad for ‘a pattern of abuse and mismanagement’ of state government…with the public growing increasingly sour toward politics and the term limits movement gaining momentum, Branstad’s 12-year tenure in office is both a major campaign issue and probably his most serious handicap.” (<em>Washington Post</em>, June 5, 1994)
Branstad Came Under Fire from State Auditor For Allegedly Keeping “Two Sets Of Books” To Conceal Deficit
Branstad “has come under fire from (Richard) Johnson, the state auditor, for allegedly keeping ‘two sets of books’ to conceal a state budget deficit.” (<em>Houston Chronicle</em>, June 6, 1994)
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