Finally, other eyes are focusing on the books of the Harris County Republican Party. I've felt like that proverbial guy in the wilderness these past months. In a piece on Texas Watchdog, Steve Miller calls attention to a discrepancy between the HCRP books and the campaign finance reports of candidates claiming to have donated over $10,000 that has gone unreported. Dismissing the Party's promise to perform an internal audit, Former HCRP Legal Counsel and Treasurer, now candidate for Chair Paul Simpson calls for an independent audit of the HCRP books.

Mr. Simpson's Press Release:

The article published today by Texas Watchdog on serious problems uncovered with the finances of the Harris County Republican Party is both troubling and disappointing.  In the article we learn that some $10,000 in donations from the first half of 2009 is unaccounted for – nearly 10% of the total reportedly raised in that same time.

According to the article, Party officials claim they will audit the Party’s own books. But there is no basis to believe the current Party administration’s can objectively audit its own books. An independent audit should be conducted immediately. As County Chair, I will see to it that independent audits are a regular part of the Party’s business.

Donors cannot be expected to give to a party that is not a good steward of their hard-earned money.  We need new leadership that actually practices fiscal conservatism, to instill trust and confidence and bring donors back to the Republican Party. In my administration, we will do so to restore a sound financial foundation for our Party to rebuild our organization and elect Republican candidates.

I concur with Mr. Simpson's call for an independent review. Perhaps such a review will restore confidence in the HCRP, allowing funds to be raised from sources other than candidates.

Texas Watchdog Website

Steve Miller's Report

Paul Simpson for GOP Chair Website