Promises, promises: Records shielded by candidates

By Stephen Braun

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Nov. 30 2011 5:14 p.m. MST

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Summary

In the final weeks of Mitt Romney's term as Massachusetts governor, a small team of aides combed through statehouse filing cabinets. They filled more than 630 cartons with papers destined for the state archives as the primary documentary legacy of his administration. One floor, though, was almost completely off limits to them: Romney's inner sanctum, his third-floor office.

In Texas, Perry has made similar claims, pointing to broad swaths of data now available online — from state agency payments to death certificates. But Perry's administration has blocked viewing of expenditures for his security guards when he travels. He also barred access to his reviews of death penalty cases and to his private calendars — even though former President Bush made both available when he was governor.

"The people of America aren't seeing the real Rick Perry," said Keith Elkins, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. "They may get a glimpse of him on the campaign trail, but the real record has been hidden and carefully parceled out."

Associated Press writers Brett J. Blackledge, Matthew Daly and Jack Gillum contributed to this report.

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Hawkeye79

Iowa City, IA

@Pagan,

I'm curious to see whether you hold all politicians to the same standard, regardless of party affiliation. The article states:

"Other leading candidates for the presidency incumbent Barack Obama and Texas Gov. More..

6:02 p.m. Nov. 30, 2011
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Pagan

Salt Lake City, UT

So,

They want US to pay for their healthcare,
US to pay for their secret service,
US to pay for their flights...

and they can't be held accountable?

This is garbage.

You want public

5:20 p.m. Nov. 30, 2011
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Pagan

Salt Lake City, UT

'Do you think President Obama should be held accountable for his administration's lack of transparency?' - Hawkeye79 | 6:02 p.m. Nov. 30, 2011

Another question.

Hawkeye, do you ever have a POINT I can comment about?

More..

11:04 a.m. Dec. 1, 2011
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