I mean, I can understand that him not being considered for a top policy post might be considered newsworthy, but really — a full article? I’m with Kyle on this one. John Hedgecoth is a decent man who has plenty of invaluable policy and state political experience. I’ve worked with him on the Culver Campaign and he was a great asset there. You shouldn’t really care how he drives or how he pays his taxes.
We shouldn’t care if the person in the Governor’s office who influences policy pays his taxes?
Okay, so he has had several speeding tickets and had his driver’s license suspended because of them. Most people involved in campaigns have had a speeding ticket or two so that might be able to be overlooked.
But, as an attorney practicing in the state of Iowa, he is ethically bound to file his taxes on time. If he can’t pay them all at once then he needs only to set up a payment plan with the Government. Not doing so obviously created a problem with his license to practice law. Sure, campaigns get busy and chaotic, but we all have obligations and cannot just blow them off because our boss is running for Governor.
Yes, his lack of organization and insensitivity to the obligations and rules that we all must follow is news.
There isn’t just one person who influences policy, and you know that, Matt. He has set up a payment plan and its not like he’s delinquent on anything right now — sure he may have had flubs in the past, but the fact is he has corrected them and is moving on. The fact that he isn’t being considered for this post may be newsworthy, but it shouldn’t be something that we dwell on. No matter the circumstances surrounding Hedgecoth, he’s still a great policy guy and his insight and expertise will be valuable, wherever he lands.
Chris,
His ‘past’ was in 2005, not 20 years ago or even 5 years ago.
Culver doesn’t need top staff that cannnot keep thier own house in order while they are supposed to be keeping the Governor on task.
I’m sure Culver will find a cushy job for Hedgecoth somewhere, just hope it’s not anywhere that deadlines need to be met.
I’m with Matt on this one. If this was about an R staffer, we would have completely different standards and would be all over this. With ethics, standards need to be consistent.
Maybe I’m being a bit naiver since I know the guy and respect him, but I guess that’s just me. Though, I do have to say, in response to RF, the last time that excessive speeding and a Republican came up, it was Maria Comella on Nussle’s campaign and I did tease her about it. Feel free to tease Hedgecoth then, no double standards that way. :-)