Cox's Contracts
Maryland Secretary of Disabilities Kristen Cox turned to an unusual consultant two years ago when she wanted help improving employee relations at her rapidly expanding state agency: her father.
Cox, now the running mate of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), arranged for a company run by her father and stepmother to conduct a two-day retreat with agency employees in Baltimore. The Seattle company did not charge for its services but was reimbursed for expenses -- about $4,000, according to the governor's legal office.
Cox said she was careful to comply with procurement laws and sought advice from the governor's legal counsel in advance. "I recognize that doing business with your father's company, if you're going to do it, you've got to do it right," Cox said in a recent interview.
Several experts said the arrangement presents no clear ethical violations but raises questions. "In general, we would caution to be aware of appearances," said William G. Somerville, the nonpartisan ethics adviser to the General Assembly. "It creates an appearance of nepotism when you're hiring your own relative."
Ethical implications aside, one political analyst said the episode could draw attention to Cox's lack of government experience. Her position in the Ehrlich administration was her first in government. At 36, she is the youngest Cabinet secretary, and she oversees one of the smallest agencies, with 25 employees and a $5.million budget.
James Gimpel, a political science professor at the University of Maryland and an Ehrlich supporter, said the risk is that Cox could become "something of a Dan Quayle figure."
"You run into the potential for her to have a gaffe problem that might come with inexperience," Gimpel said. "That's always a risk when you choose someone so young, who has never been under the kind of scrutiny she's now going to face."
Eric Rich and Matt Mosk
By Phyllis Jordan |
July 19, 2006; 7:32 AM ET
| Category:
Governor
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Posted by: James Williams | July 19, 2006 7:49 AM
Yes James Williams, reporting on what happened is a "smear campaign." Get real! While Cox did nothing illegal, this definitely creates an apperance of nepotism. But really, what politician isn't doing this kind of ethically questionable behavior these days (especially those in the White House)?
Posted by: Mr. K | July 19, 2006 8:49 AM
It's also really a smear when you get the "money quote" from one of Bob's own supporters.
That being said, I don't think there's much to it. I'm more concerned by her lack of experience and recent residency than by this.
Posted by: howie | July 19, 2006 9:19 AM
Why on earth is this being written about here? There are so many legitimate things to complain about that this article is silly read in even the most favorable light to the author. This absurdly weak attempt to paint her in a bad light is an embarrassment for the credibility of the author and editors for allowing this to be published.
Posted by: Amacfarl | July 19, 2006 9:22 AM
I think its pretty legitimate to examine her record - if they win, she would be in the position to step in as governor if the need arose.
How is she at all qualified to do that?
Posted by: James | July 19, 2006 9:29 AM
I'm actually more troubled by a part of the story that appeared in the print version. It says that Cox and her father discussed this issue at the time of her nomination and decided not to mention it unless someone else brought it up. It would have been much better for her to bring it up; that would show sincerity. As it is, I have to wonder what else she decided "not to mention" about other things
Posted by: Pepe le moco | July 19, 2006 10:31 AM
Let's face it: Kristen Cox is one good-looking woman. That has got to win some votes.
Posted by: Reading the Blogs | July 20, 2006 9:52 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
I see Eric Rich and Matthew Mosk are already starting The Washington Post smear campaign against Cox.