As fraud scandals erupt on Walz’s watch, accountability is scarce | CNN Politics

Gov. Tim Walz has been a hands-off leader when it comes to seeking accountability for episodes of fraud and mismanagement on his watch.

Some Minnesota state agencies have responded defensively in recent months to the audits.

A CNN review of audits and the responses they prompted as well as interviews with statewide politicians and pundits.

A spokesperson for the Walz administration pushed back the notion that it is dismissive of the auditor’s findings.

Walz's folksy persona hasn't been enough to endear him to Republicans who see him as having caved to the progressive wing of his party.

Some of the same traits of Walz’s that appeal to his base are seen by detractors as liabilities that have contributed to a culture of unaccountability in the Minnesota state government.

The Feeding Our Future matter reared its head again last month when Congressional Republicans sent Walz a subpoena.

Federal prosecutors say people who were supposed to be providing the service stole some $250 million in federal tax dollars.

About 70 people, including Bock the alleged mastermind who has yet to stand trial have been charged in connection with the scheme.

Bock has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty; her trial is scheduled to begin in February .