Reply #6: IA-Culver: tighter oversight needed in purchase of voting machines

[Melissa G]

Culver: tighter oversight needed in purchase of voting machines

Associated Press - March 11, 2008 1:14 PM ET

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Governor Culver wants more oversight when it comes to buying voting machines.

Culver wants Secretary of State Michael Mauro to work with the Department of Administrative Services on the purchase. The department's director, unlike Mauro, reports directly to Culver.

The governor's request will be included in an amendment to a Senate bill that outlines Mauro's plan to buy the machines.

The $8.5 million plan calls for the state to pay for the new equipment so every county has machines with paper ballots that can be recounted if necessary.

Culver was secretary of state before Mauro. Spokesman Brad Anderson says the governor wants to make sure Iowa gets the best deal possible.

Mauro says he doesn't mind as long as counties get the new voting machines.

http://www.woi-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7998608&nav=1LFX