Locals weigh in on Rexburg elections controversy

Rumors of fraud are circulating in Rexburg following a tight race for county prosecutor.

Even the chief deputy secretary of state is weighing in on the matter, responding to several complaints from concerned people.

Several county leaders are under fire, particularly Madison County clerk Kim Muir and incumbent county prosecutor Sid Brown.

Muir is accused of giving Brown, her former employer, information under the table.

Debora Little and her husband are heading up a movement to expose what they say is a cover up.

“It was the closest race, a 132-vote difference,” said Muir.

She talked with reporter Jessica Crandall about the county prosecutor’s race between Sid Brown, a 19-year-veteran of the post, and Robert Wood.

Brown barely won in May.

Little said he had an unfair advantage because Muir slipped him information about absentee ballots early on voting day, and she may have purposely counted votes by hand in favor of Brown.

“They’re old friends who used to work together, and so she has an interest in helping him stay in office,” said Little.

According to Little, even former county clerk Marilyn Rasmussen believes the election wasn’t handled honestly.

“She also questioned the city prosecutor and he was aware of it too,” said Little.

Over at the county elections office, Muir said she doesn’t know where these accusations are coming from.

“I didn’t even talk to Sid Brown the day before the election, the day of the election or the day after the election,” said Muir.

In fact, deputy election clerk Sue Bagley said the Littles may have a vendetta against Brown because he prosecuted their son.

“We’re doing the same procedures that we’ve done since I started since 2004,” said Bagley.

For Little, that’s not enough.

“There’s no use in keeping a clean image, if it’s not true,” said Little.

Crandall spoke with chief deputy secretary of state Tim Hurst Monday.

Hurst said from a procedural standpoint, he can’t see if there was any foul play between Muir and Brown.

If the Littles would like to take their case further, it will have to be through a local investigation.

Brown wanted to interview on-camera, but was scheduled in court.

As for Wood, he said he accepts the election results. He released the following statement to the station on Wednesday:

“I was not contacted about the story done on Monday night, June 9, 2012 in regards to the Madison County Prosecutor race between Mr. Brown and myself. While it was not stated or implied that I was involved in the accusations against Mr. Brown and Ms. Muir, I would like to make it perfectly clear that I am in no way questioning the results of the election. I respect Bill and Debora Little and sincerely appreciate the support they gave me in the election, however, I believe Mr. Brown won fairly and that we should accept the results of the race.”