Earlier today Senator George Winner, as Chairman of the Senate
Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, completed his
fact-finding and review of the investigations by the Attorney General and
the Inspector General of the misuse of State police resources by the
Governor’s staff.

Over the course of his investigation, Senator Winner reviewed the
fact that the Attorney General was unable to interview many of the
Governor’s closest advisers, who stonewalled the investigation and could
have shed light on the events that transpired. In addition, after speaking
with the Inspector General, it became apparent that she did not interview
anyone in the Governor’s office, nor did she attempt to compel testimony
which could have addressed many unanswered questions. In fact, Senator
Winner determined that there was no Inspector General’s report at all.

As a result, Senator Winner recommended that we ask the Governor to
appoint the Attorney General as special prosecutor. I concurred with that
recommendation. I did so because the public has a right to an objective
effort to get to the truth and to know whether these serious allegations
involving the Governor and his staff are true.

By appointing a special prosecutor, the Governor could have moved to
put this whole matter behind him. He could have assured the public that
there is nothing to hide. He could have appointed an independently elected
individual who could help satisfy the public’s right to know the truth. He
could have restored confidence in him and his office so that we could
return to other pressing issues before us.

However, it now appears that the Governor has rejected the call for a
special prosecutor. This is the wrong decision because the public demands
answers to many questions that still remain. In light of this, the Senate
will continue to review all options that are available to assure that we
get to the truth and to assure that all who were involved in this
unfortunate situation are held accountable.