Before selecting counsel to represent the Treasurer, the first request was to Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office. After offering the case to the AG, he was informed by Trebor Worthen, Chief of Staff to the AG, that he was declining to take case, but would recommend outside counsel. The Treasurer again personally approached Drummond to be his defender for the lawsuit. However, his office only engaged in recommending a different choice in counsel. At which time, the Treasurer selected his own outside counsel per his right through the 20i process.
The Treasurer stated, “When asking the Attorney General to take my case, he refused. So, I was left with no other choice but to choose who I was most comfortable representing me. My constitutional office as the State Treasurer makes me party to the lawsuit, and therefore I don’t believe my decision-making authority can be removed. Certainly, I am disappointed with the outcome but have several facts for appeal. I had hoped to have the Attorney General as my defender all along.”
