Tennessee AG's Office Faces Scrutiny Over Slow Investigations

The Tennessee Attorney General's Office has come under fire for its handling of campaign finance investigations, with the Registry of Election Finance expressing concerns over the length of time it takes to complete probes. Despite a significant increase in funding for personnel, the AG's Office has claimed it is "not an investigative agency" and that the Registry can seek other options if it is unsatisfied with the pace of investigations.

Uncovering the Integrity of Tennessee's Political Landscape

Slow Investigations Raise Concerns

The Registry of Election Finance has expressed discontent over the time it takes the Attorney General's Office to investigate complaints, particularly regarding the Sumner County Constitutional Republicans group. In a letter to the Registry's executive director, Deputy Attorney General Andrew Coulam acknowledged that the office's goal is to complete investigations within 90 days, but noted that the office has limited resources, with only three investigators specializing in Medicaid fraud and consumer protection. Coulam suggested that if the Registry is not satisfied with the timeline, it can seek alternative options, as referrals to the AG's Office are "optional, not mandatory" under state law.

Questioning the AG's Priorities

Registry member Tom Lawless, a longtime appointee by the Senate Republican Caucus, questioned the Attorney General's priorities, suggesting that some of the office's resources could be better utilized to address Tennessee-specific matters, such as voter integrity and the integrity of the state's politicians. Lawless pointed out that the AG's Office has frequently joined other conservative state attorneys general in efforts to challenge policies of the Biden administration, including regulations on stoves, refrigerators, and gender-affirming care for minors, among other issues.

Addressing the Funding Increase

Despite the significant funding increase for personnel, the Attorney General's Office payroll has reached million this year, with more than 363 positions and an average salary of 6,600. This includes 10 new positions approved by the Legislature for a special unit that focuses on federal issues, as well as consumer protections and corporate activities that "undermine the democratic process."

The Registry's Response

Registry member Hank Fincher, a Democratic appointee to the board, expressed confusion over the AG's Office's stance, stating that the Registry is simply following the statute that expressly directs it to request investigations. Fincher indicated that the Registry will discuss its response to the AG's letter at a late July meeting, most likely in executive session to discuss legal matters.

Ongoing Investigations

The Registry has also recently requested an investigation by the Attorney General's Office into a sworn complaint by Sen. Ken Yager regarding the campaign of Republican challenger Bobby Harshbarger in upper East Tennessee. Yager contends that Harshbarger's campaign is colluding with a political action committee and the campaign of his mother, U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, due to the shared treasurer, Thomas Datwyler.The Tennessee Attorney General's Office's handling of campaign finance investigations has come under scrutiny, with the Registry of Election Finance expressing concerns over the length of time it takes to complete probes. Despite a significant funding increase, the AG's Office has claimed it is not an investigative agency and has suggested the Registry seek alternative options if it is unsatisfied with the pace of investigations. This has raised questions about the office's priorities and the integrity of Tennessee's political landscape.