SALEM Petro urges Republicans to embrace legacy

The candidate said he wants to continue his fight against corruption.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- State Auditor and state attorney general candidate Jim Petro called on Republicans to hold firmly to the legacy of one of the country's most famous presidents.
Petro was keynote speaker Thursday at the county Republican party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner at the Timberlanes Inn & amp; Restaurant.
He called President Abraham Lincoln's attributes of humility, compassion, sense of justice and commitment to freedom "a legacy for Republicans."
Petro then cited modern-day examples of Republicans who embody those characteristics, including President George W. Bush and former President Ronald Reagan.
Of Bush in particular, Petro remarked, "He has a style about him that doesn't take himself too seriously."
Commitment: Reflecting on his more than six years as state auditor, Petro said he has used his position and staff to "root out corruption" in government and has helped set "a much higher standard of government accountability."
Petro said that during his watch the auditor's office has helped identify nearly $30 million worth of stolen taxpayers' money.
His office also has put public officials on notice that "if they cheat, they're more likely than ever before to be caught."
Petro said he wants to bring that same zeal and energy to the state attorney general's office.
Not only does he want to continue fighting corruption, he wants to ensure consumers are protected from unscrupulous practices, he said.
Petro said he also will target a growing field of activity -- Internet and computer crime.