Comptroller To Examine Cassidy Contract In Texas

According to the AP, Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn is set to examine the Cassidy & Associates contract with Governor Rick Perry and the State of Texas.

 Comptroller and gubernatorial hopeful Carole Keeton Strayhorn on Thursday launched an investigation of a heavily criticized lobby contract with two firms hired to represent Texas interests in the nation's capital.

The $15,000-a.m.onth state contract with Washington, D.C.-based Cassidy & Associates has been questioned in recent days because of the firm's ties to embattled congressional influence peddler Jack Abramoff. Abramoff has pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy, tax evasion and mail fraud.

"As the state's chief fiscal officer, I am committed to making sure tax dollars are spent wisely and in absolute accordance with the law," Strayhorn said. "If during my audit I find that Cassidy & Associates inappropriately used tax dollars, I will immediately suspend all future payments and take the necessary steps to make sure these dollars are returned to the state."

Thus far, the Blunt administration in Missouri has launched no investigation into a similar contract that Cassidy & Associates had with the Missouri Transportation Commission.