Georgian GOP Sec of Schools charge stealing $614,000 in federal educat

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In 1994, Schrenko, a former teacher, became the first woman to win statewide elected office in Georgia and the first Republican to run the state's education agency. She was re-elected in 1998 and was considered a leading candidate for governor in 2002.

The federal indictment accuses Schrenko, Temple and Botes of working a scheme to steal federal education funds and secretly funnel about half the money to Schrenko's race for governor, which she lost in the Republican primary. The government accuses Schrenko of using $9,300 of the money to pay for cosmetic surgery.

Schrenko's attorney, Pete Theodocion of Augusta, said after the hearing Monday that he regrets so much attention has been paid to "a face-lift," which Schrenko had around the time of the 2002 elections.

As for Schrenko's wardrobe for her court appearance, Theodocion said the cloth coat probably cost no more than $150 and that his client "didn't come here wearing gold or diamonds and is not a person who's rolling around in money." The collar and cuffs were not fur, he said.

"We're planning on going to trial and counting on her being found not guilty," the lawyer said.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1104/16schrenko.html

[MidwestTransplant]

1. No Rethug Left Behind

[pbartch]

2. wonder if she voted for BUSH?

If she goes to jail.....maybe she won't vote again. Good. One less Repiglican vote for whoever runs in 2008.