Attorney general contender would push for sharing resources

CEDAR RAPIDS - Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said that, back in high school, he knew he wanted to run for public office, but at the time he envisioned himself as a congressman.

'I'm glad now the opportunity of attorney general came up,” recalled Miller, the incumbent. 'This is the least political office, and I prefer that.”

Miller said he wants to continue the for-profit colleges' investigations such as the one involving Ashford University in which the state won a $7.25 million settlement following a three-year investigation over the school's recruitment and enrollment practices.

Miller also plans to do more work on debt-collection practices that prey upon card holders with high debt.

Among his achievements, he touted the national bank mortgage settlement and membership buying club case among his consumer protection law work.

The landmark mortgage settlement resulted in more than $40 million for Iowa homeowners and funded the Iowa Mortgage Help Hotline to help thousands with mortgage foreclosure issues.

Miller said the case against Vertrue Inc. resulted in $32 million for Iowa, which is more than any other state has recovered.

Republican opponent Adam Gregg, a Johnston lawyer and former legislative lobbyist, however, said that he will 'will be the stronger advocate for Iowa families, Iowa farmers and our constitutional rights.”

He was at the end of his 99-county tour, which wrapped up Oct. 3, when he spoke with The Gazette - but he seemed even more determined to oust Miller.

Gregg plans to create a division within the office for cybercrimes. He said county sheriffs and county attorneys throughout the state are 'eager” for his plan.

'Many of the smaller counties don't have those kinds of resources to handle these crimes,” Gregg said. 'We can share resources statewide.”

Gregg said as attorney general he would also push back on federal government on rules and regulations when it goes beyond its authority. He cited the Clean Water Act as an example.

Gregg said he also would push for open and efficient government. He wouldn't be standing in the way of public information, and he supports changes to the open records laws.

Gregg referred to news media and other agencies seeking access to public records regarding the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo, which was shut down in January.

He added that he wants to review Iowa Boards and Commission and the licenses required for various occupations.

'You need a license for everything it seems,” Gregg said. 'A license is required for someone who shampoos hair (at a salon). I would review those and see which could be streamlined.”

Election Day will be Nov. 4.

Candidate bios:

Adam Gregg

' Age: 31

' Political party: Republican

' Hometown: Hawarden

' Previous political experience: Former legislative and policy adviser

' Highest education: Juris doctorate, Central College and Drake University Law School

Tom Miller

' Age: 70

' Political party: Democrat

' Hometown: Dubuque

' Political experience: Iowa Attorney General since 1978

' Highest education: Juris doctorate, Loras College and Harvard Law School