Lt. Gov. Hall-Long's gubernatorial campaign dodges questions on financial audit findings

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long’s campaign declined to provide a copy of the internal audit conducted on the gubernatorial candidate’s campaign finances, instead promising public transparency when the campaign files amended reports with the Department of Elections.

The campaign also wouldn’t say how much money is unaccounted for when asked on Friday.

“Results of the findings will be available for the public when the reports are amended on a rolling basis,” the campaign said in response to Delaware Online/The News Journal’s questions and request for a copy of the audit.

AUDIT FINDINGS: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long to resume fundraising after audit of campaign finances

The campaign’s resistance to providing details about the audit’s findings – conducted by Delaware-based Summit CPA – follow Hall-Long’s Thursday evening announcement that the completed audit found “reporting errors” but “no wrongdoings or violations.”

“While reporting errors were made, Summit has determined that Bethany and her husband lent more for campaign-related expenses over the course of prior campaigns than they were reimbursed for,” the Thursday evening campaign statement read.

Hall-Long’s campaign finances

Shortly after announcing the audit, Hall-Long’s campaign manager and fundraising consultant left her gubernatorial campaign.

Then, the campaign hired a new treasurer.

RELATED: Lt. Gov. lands new campaign treasurer for governor's race amid ongoing financial audit

By Oct. 3, the Committee to Elect Bethany Hall-Long had updated its filings to show Cheryl Webb of Dover as the new treasurer. Previously, it had been Allison Murray in the role.

Murray is a partner of CFO Compliance, a firm that works with Democratic candidates and specializes in “state and local candidate compliance.” Murray, who served as treasurer since May, took on the role from Hall-Long’s husband, Dana Long.

Hall-Long’s campaign said the audit reviewed receipts and campaign-related expenditures as far back as 2016 but did not indicate how much money remained unreported.

The only records the Delaware Department of Elections has regarding personal loans and checks paid to Hall-Long’s campaign are two $35,000 loans given to the campaign in 2016 and a $300 check paid by Hall-Long’s husband and then-campaign treasurer Dana Long in 2019.

According to annual campaign reports filed from 2016 through 2022, Hall-Long’s campaign repaid one $35,000 loan, making small payments over the course of several years, but $26,800 still needs to be repaid on the second loan.

Candidates focused on governor’s race

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, a Democrat also running for governor, declined to comment on the latest issues plaguing Hall-Long’s campaign.

“This race is about moving forward with greater urgency to tackle issues in our schools, giving working people a shot in the changing economy,” he said, steering the conversation to the issues facing Delawareans.

CAMPAIGN STAFF: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long's campaign sees top staffers leave in wake of financial audit

Hall-Long initiated the audit of her campaign finances shortly after announcing her bid for Delaware governor. During that time, the campaign said it suspended fundraising until the review was complete.

“We’re excited to resume all campaign activities and grateful to have earned the endorsements of leaders from across the state — with new endorsements coming later today,” the campaign said Friday. “As a nurse, mom, and public servant, Bethany is committed to making Delaware the best place to live, work, and raise a family as Delaware’s next Governor.”

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Bethany Hall-Long's campaign for governor won't publicly release audit