Top Texas Official Out Over 'Unacceptable' Iraq Consulting
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AUSTIN (AP) - The former watchdog over U.S. reconstruction efforts in Iraq has been forced out of a powerful Texas job after he moonlighted as a consultant for the Iraq government.
A spokesman for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday that Stuart Bowen had committed a "serious and unacceptable lapse in judgment." Abbott appointed Bowen as inspector general of Texas' health agency in 2015 following a contracting scandal.
Bowen was previously special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
Documents show a Washington firm representing the Iraq government wrote letters to top Trump administration officials pointing out Bowen's addition as a senior adviser.
Bowen didn't mention the Iraq consulting in a statement announcing his resignation. He says it was time for new leadership.
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