Public official's private e-mails exempt from Public Records Act

Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell has issued an opinion declaring personal e-mails written by public officials on government computers are exempt from disclosure under the public records law. This sounds like bad law protecting bad actors who lack the good sense not to use public property for private communications. Could this opinion undermine discipline of public officials who use public computers for personal matters? Perhaps so.

Acorn $5M embezzlement

Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell is investigating allegations that the price of embezzlement at ACORN was $5,000,000.00 rather than the one million dollars previously reported as repaid. According to the Times Picayune a subpoena has issued for records from more than one entity. My, My! More on the ACORN/SEIU connection and corruption here.

ACORN's woes continue

The House voted today 345-75 to bar all funding of ACORN. This follows the Senate's action Monday. UPDATE 9/18/09 The Times Picayune reports Attorney General Buddy Caldwell is investigating allegations made by former ACORN board members, and that leans have been filed by the IRS and LDR.