An audit has called into question the legality of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office’s $19,000 lectern purchase, uncovering a series of potential state law violations ranging from purchasing procedures to handling of government records. The audit, prompted by lawmakers and scrutinized by auditors, suggests that Sanders’ office may have misclassified the expense, failed to properly maintain records, and even altered documents post-purchase.
The extravagant lectern, which has become the centerpiece of what’s being dubbed “podiumgate,” was initially charged to a state credit card in June and later reimbursed by the Republican Party of Arkansas in September. This reimbursement occurred after a Freedom of Information Act request for the records. The audit alleges that the addition of the words “to be reimbursed” to the invoice only came after the fact, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Sanders’ office has vehemently refuted the audit’s implications, stating, “The facts outlined in the report demonstrate what the governor’s office said all along: we followed the law, and the state was fully reimbursed with private funds for the podium, at no cost to the taxpayers.” They also characterized the audit as a “waste of taxpayer resources and time,” maintaining that “no laws were broken” and “no fraud was committed.”
This contentious purchase has not only drawn local attention but has sparked a national conversation, attracting commentary from personalities such as late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The lectern, featuring a blue and wood paneling design and custom height, was acquired from a Virginia-based company run by political consultant and lobbyist Virginia Beckett. However, the audit could not determine the reasonableness of the cost due to the lack of cooperation from the vendors involved.
The audit’s findings have been referred to the 6th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones and the state’s attorney general for further review. Jones has stated that “prosecutors will review the audit, which is standard operating procedure,” emphasizing the routine nature of such examinations.
The controversy has sparked bipartisan criticism, with some legislators calling for accountability and clarity on the issue. “We need to get to the bottom of it, and we need to make sure that people are held accountable and things are right going forward,” remarked House Minority Leader Tippi McCullough, a Democratic member of the audit committee.
Sanders, meanwhile, has remained defiant, posting a video to social media featuring the lectern with the words “come and take it.” This audacious response illustrates the governor’s steadfastness amidst the ongoing legal and political storm.
Relevant articles:
– Lavish lectern Audit finds Sarah Huckabee Sanders violated Arkansas law with pricey purchase
– Audit says Arkansas governor’s office potentially violated laws with $19,000 lectern purchase, The Associated Press, Mon, 15 Apr 2024 23:10:05 GMT
– Audit of Arkansas $19,000 lectern purchase reveals technical errors in paperwork, compliance, KARK, Mon, 15 Apr 2024 21:24:18 GMT