Incoming District 2 Executive Council Karen Liot Hill was on hand Wednesday as the Democrat she’s replacing, Cinde Warmington, participated in her final council meeting. She watched the proceedings, then posed for pictures with Warmington after the meeting concluded.
But when approached by NHJournal and asked about a possible attorney general investigation into her campaign financial disclosures, Liot Hill had no comment.
New Hampshire’s Executive Council could be facing an embarrassing development when it convenes in January as Liot Hill’s financial filings continue raising concerns.
After NHJournal reported in October on her initial campaign financial disclosures showing massive spending on food, fuel, and personal items like salon visits, Liot Hill filed an amended version. She also dropped the campaign treasurer who had signed off on the original filing and gave the job to herself for the updated documents.
Liot Hill was also a month late filing her latest round of required campaign disclosures, sparking speculation that she has legal counsel involved.
Contacted by NHJournal, the Attorney General’s Election Law Unit issued a statement: “We can neither confirm nor deny whether there is an open investigation.”
Asked about the Liot Hill situation at his final Executive Council meeting, Gov. Chris Sununu was reluctant to comment on the specifics of her case. Asked if it’s particularly problematic for an executive councilor to have financial disclosure issues given the nature of the job — overseeing the state’s financial decisions — Sununu also demurred.
“I’ll say that the councilor’s issue is her issue, and it’s problematic for that individual,” Sununu said.
“I will say this: The fact that we all know about it, the fact that it’s so open and easy to get the filings, for all of us to know the dates and rules, and for you guys to be able to report on it — I love the fact that there’s a great checks and balance system. It’s really hard to get away with shenanigans in this state.”
According to her campaign disclosures, Liot Hill spent thousands in campaign cash on meals, clothes, and visits to salons. Her campaign expenditures included a $190 ferry ride to the Hamptons and $181 to register her car.
Liot Hill also reported spending $7,004 on gas for her car, $755 for car maintenance, and another $8,330 on meals.
