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  Former [MA] Treasurer Tim Cahill indicted over Lottery ads
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ContributorCraverguy 
Last EditedCraverguy  Apr 03, 2012 09:24pm
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CategoryScandal
AuthorDave Wedge and Joe Dwinell
News DateMonday, April 2, 2012 06:00:00 PM UTC0:0
DescriptionPolitical “ambition” is at the center of today’s indictment of former state Treasurer Tim Cahill, who stands accused of trying to pump up his image while campaigning for governor by running $1.5 million in Lottery ads, Attorney General Martha Coakley said.

Cahill, 53, who left office after the failed run for the Corner Office, was charged with procurement fraud and criminal ethics violations for using taxpayer cash to release the segments that touted leadership at the Lottery, the AG alleged at an afternoon press conference. Cahill faces up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine for each count, if found guilty.

Coakley said Cahill dug deep into the Lottery advertising budget in 2010 to tout the leadership of his agency — airing so-called “permission” ads — after a focus group said that should be his message to voters as he struggled to boost his chances to be elected governor.

Coakley called it an “orchestrated effort” to breathe life into his campaign and “abuse his position of trust and put his own political ambition before the best interests of the taxpayers.”

Coakley added: “The essence of this crime, which is a political corruption crime, ... is using public resources to give yourself an edge.”

“All elected officials need to be aware there will be greater scrutiny with taxpayer dollars,” Coakley added today at a press conference in announcing Cahill’s indictments.
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