National liberal group claims Ernst violated conflict of interest statutes

DES MOINES - A national liberal group's complaint over Joni Ernst's alleged involvement in construction contracts awarded in Montgomery County when she was the auditor there was forwarded Tuesday to the county attorney.

The complaint alleges Ernst violated conflict of interest statutes when the Montgomery County Supervisors awarded contracts to her father's construction company between 2004 and 2010 while she was county auditor.

Ernst is running for one of Iowa's seats in the U.S. Senate. Her campaign spokeswoman called the complaint a 'frivolous lawsuit” that is the work of her opponent's allies.

Ernst, a Republican, is running against Democrat Bruce Braley.

'The fact is that the bid process in Montgomery County is open and transparent. Bids are delivered sealed, opened in a public meeting and awarded to the lowest bidder, and the county auditor plays no role in decision making,” Ernst spokeswoman Gretchen Hamel said in an emailed statement.

The complaint was filed by American Democracy Legal Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that according to its website has filed at least 10 complaints against Republican candidates nationwide over various alleged campaign, office and ethics violations.

The group originally filed the Ernst complaint Monday with the Iowa Attorney General's Office. That office announced in a media statement Tuesday that the alleged violations fall under the jurisdiction of the county attorney, and that the complaint has been forwarded to Montgomery County Attorney Bruce Swanson.