News-Record.com

Cross-posted from Decision 2008.)

A few months back, Lt. Gov. Perdue accused State Treasure Richard Moore of using state resources, namely computers and internet, for his campaign for governor. At around the same time, Moore accused the Perdue of the same. Both Moore and Perdue are democrats and both want to be the one to replace Gov. Mike Easley. Who's going to win this little spat? I'll give you a hint: it's not a Democrat.

Click here for the history of this particular tit-for-tat.

So both campaigns call on the state auditor, Republican Les Merritt, to settle this political squabble about political squabbling. (State Democrats, by the way, have accused Merritt of his own political surfing at work.)

Merritt has come back today with reports on both Moore's and Perdue's activities. The conclusions:

The auditor's office found "significant evidence of political activity contained on these computers," including more than just e-mails. Merritt recommends discipline for the employees involved. Moore calls Merritt's investigation flawed and said the auditor saw things as political that weren't.

The auditor's office found that Perdue's office had set up a private internet access point in her office but suggests that it ought to be taken down. Perdue said she's taken it down. Merritt also mentioned that the Lt. Gov. was getting security from the Highway Patrol, which had transported her to a couple campaign events. While this isn't strictly outside the law, Merritt said Gov. Easley should issue an executive order making sure the practice was in the clear. Perdue said she'd pass on the letter.

If you want to Score this one: Moore loses points because the review was much harsher. Perdue loses points because her use of the Highway Patrol gets brought to the forefront.

The winner: State Auditor Les Merritt. The Republican got to harass, prod, probe and issue a report on both the major Democratic candidates for governor.