11/14/08

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ A new survey ranks Idaho 44th in the nation
in governmental integrity, openness and accountability.

The survey by the Chicago-based Better Government Association
examined open records laws, open meeting laws, whistle-blower laws,
campaign finance requirements and conflict-of-interest laws.

It then created a government ``integrity index'' that put Idaho
near the bottom of the list.

Idaho tied for last place with a score of zero in the
conflict-of-interest category. Idaho is one of just four state with
no requirement for state legislators to reveal their personal
finances.

The state also did poorly for its open meeting laws.
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Information from: The Spokesman-Review,
http://www.spokesmanreview.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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