How Hall-Long’s refusal to release audit findings sparked elections reform talks

This article originally appeared in the Delaware News Journal on November 14, 2023 and was written by Amanda Fries.

Below is Common Cause Delaware executive director Claire Snyder-Hall’s comment on Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long’s refusal to release the audit performed on her campaign finances. 

Delaware Common Cause and the Delaware Coalition for Open Government both expressed a desire for Hall-Long to release the audit but also noted that the lieutenant governor is simply following Delaware law.

Common Cause Delaware Executive Director Claire Snyder-Hall said they were encouraged by Hall-Long’s commitment to auditing her campaign finances because it’s “the right thing to do.

“It’s just our hope that she will share those results of the audit with the public right away,’ she said. “The audit confirms the campaign’s claim there is no wrongdoing, so sharing that would go a long way to rebuilding public trust.”

Snyder-Hall added voters “want to know that their hard-earned money” donated to candidates are being spent on “legitimate campaign expenses,” which is why “campaign finance laws are so important.

“We are glad that the lieutenant governor has amended her campaign finance reports, and we encourage continued transparency,” she said.

To read the full article, click here.