Delaware Liberal

Richard Korn to Run for State Auditor

It is a very good campaign logo.

From his campaign press release:

Our community, state and nation are going through one of, if not the most challenging economic times in recent history. Due to a lack of oversight and foresight, greed and irresponsibility have run rampant and have nearly ruined our economy. It’s no wonder so much anxiety about this economic black hole looms over the homes of our friends, neighbors and families. NOW, MORE THAN EVER, IT’S PROFOUNDLY IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT OUR GOVERNMENT USES OUR TAXES IN THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT WAYS POSSIBLE. It’s not just a challenge, but an obligation and an opportunity for us to work together to make our government more transparent and accountable.

THE STATE AUDITOR IS YOUR WATCHDOG AGAINST FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE. I’m running for State Auditor because – as a citizen taxpayer – I’ve been accountable to you in the past and will continue to do so as your State Auditor. I’ve FOUGHT for and won accountability and transparency in New Castle County’s budget. I’ve FOUGHT against fraud by helping pass the Delaware Workplace Fraud Act, which should bring millions of dollars to our state treasury and prevents employers from taking advantage of their employees. I’ve FOUGHT for the poor by helping bring over a million gallons of discounted and free heating oil to low-income families annually. Throughout OUR campaign I will be releasing plans to further my watchdog work as your State Auditor.

Richard Korn has been a behind-the-scenes and in front of the curtain player in Democratic politics in Delaware for years, after moving here from Long Island. He has run for the General Assembly and for New Castle County Executive. In both Nassau County, NY and here in New Castle County, he has been successful in going to court to force both counties to better account for their cash reserves, as both counties at the time were employing questionable bookkeeping practices to produce budget surpluses. He hopes to parlay that background into a campaign for the State Auditorship.

I wonder, though, whether it is too late. First, Korn appears lacks a background in accounting other than his county challenges described above. And those accomplishments fade with time. Second, I believe we are past the point where Wagner can be taken out of the Auditor’s office involuntarily. The time to take out Wagner was in 2006, a very anti-Republican year when Wagner and Castle were the only two state wide Republican incumbents running. He survived, and won reelection, albeit by a close margin. Now, in 2010, the focus will be on the open House and Senate races. And I suspect, and fear, the Auditor’s race will fly below the radar.

I hope I am wrong on both counts, on my assessment of Korn and Wagner.

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