B21 asking for documents detailing communications between former staffer and lobbying firm that started a pro-Mandel super PAC
WASHINGTON - In light of recent explosive revelations that a former Mandel staffer-turned-lobbyist is now helping run a pro-Mandel super PAC called the Government Integrity Fund, American Bridge 21st Century has submitted an open record request to determine if there was any inappropriate or illegal coordination between the Treasurer's office and the independent expenditure group. American Bridge is seeking a record of all meetings or correspondence between Josh Mandel or Joel Riter and any employee of Cap Square Solutions prior to Riter's departure from the Treasurer's office. Additionally, we are seeking the same records regarding contact between Riter after his departure and Mandel or senior political appointees in Mandel's office.
Given Mandel's ongoing record of ignoring open records requests or denying them due to an unspecified "overly broad" exemption, we have crafted this request to be as narrow and specific as possible.
"The public has a right to know if Mandel sent Riter to go run an outside group to support his campaign. The report of Riter's involvement in the 'Government Integrity Fund' raises some serious questions about how close Mandel is to this group," said Matt Thornton, Senior Communications Adviser for American Bridge 21st Century. "We trust this request is small and direct enough that Seth Metcalf will have no trouble providing the requested information in a timely manner."
