Democrats nominate auditor candidate

Iowa Democrats nominated Jon Murphy of Des Moines to serve as the party's candidate for state auditor at their statewide convention Saturday.

Murphy has served as director of the Iowa Office for State-Federal Relations, and was appointed by Gov. Chet Culver to the post.

Murphy accused the current auditor David Vaudt, a Republican, of being more of an attack dog for Republicans than a watchdog for taxpayers.

“This is too important a job to make politics what runs the show,” Murphy said.

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn said it is no surprise Democrats want to get rid of the voice of reason at the State Capitol.

“Gov. Culver repeatedly ignored Auditor Vaudt's warnings, causing major budget cuts and property tax increases on Iowans. Auditor Vaudt has consistently watched out for Iowa taxpayers, and Iowans will ask him to watch their backs again, come November,” Strawn said.