http://66.225.205.104/LM20090630.mp3
North Carolina's former state auditor Les Merritt is beginning his own watchdog group to keep government in line. Lisa Miller has more: Merritt is going from a staff of 200 to three at The Foundation for Ethics in Public Service. It's touted as a non-partisan, independent group that investigates tips on corruption not only in North Carolina but across the country. Merritt says there's a need for government watchdogs more than ever as newsrooms cut staff. "I don't believe that government always does an extremely good job of investigating itself," says Merritt. "So we need a strong media. I think you're seeing the media model really change out there now. You've got a lot fewer investigative reporters, in fact now, than you had a year ago." The group receives tips through its website ReportPublicCorruption.org. Merritt and his former investigations chief in the auditor's office Frank Perry plan to vet the allegations and pass them on to media outlets. He hopes reporters will ask the group to investigate their own hunches. Merritt, a Republican, served as North Carolina State Auditor for four years before losing last year's election. He says he doesn't plan to run again. Merritt drew criticism last year for releasing just days before the election a report on Mary Easley's two state trips to Europe. He said Easley and her group racked up $44,000 in unreasonable and excessive expenses.