For Immediate Release: Monday, November 18, 2013
Contacts: Zach Crago, zach@sddp.org
South Dakota Democratic Party Calls on Attorney General Marty Jackley to recuse himself from investigating the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Sioux Falls, SD (November 18) – South Dakota Democratic Party Executive Director Zach Crago today called on Attorney General Marty Jackley to recuse himself and his office from investigating financial misconduct at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
“Attorney General Jackley told the Aberdeen American News on Sunday he has no conflict of interest investigating financial misconduct at the GOED during the Rounds-Daugaard Administration – even though he has already cleared his political patron former Governor Mike Rounds as a target,” said Crago. Governor Mike Rounds appointed Marty Jackley as Attorney General in 2009.
“The Rounds-Daugaard Administration granted the lucrative EB-5 contract to SDRC President Joop Bollen,” said Crago. “It simply defies belief that a real investigation would not look into the circumstances surrounding that decision.”
That Jackley has already exonerated the Governor who appointed him before a thorough investigation could be completed isn’t the only conflict of interest either, Crago said.
“Jackley’s largest 2012 campaign contribution came from Harvey Jewett, a partner in the law firm that represents Joop Bollen, the individual who had his EB-5 contract terminated for cause.”
“Clearly, Jackley’s ties to his political patron and benefactor present conflicts of interest that preclude Jackley from fairly investigating financial misconduct at the GOED. That’s why we’re calling on Jackley to recuse himself and the Attorney General’s Office from this matter immediately,” concluded Crago.
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