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Va. inspector general starts investigation of tourism ad contract for Youngkin's political firm

BY PATRICK WILSON Richmond Times-Dispatch 4 hrs ago

The state inspector general said Wednesday that he'll investigate allegations regarding a state tourism contract for the political media firm that works with Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

The administrative investigation will include examining whether the Virginia Tourism Corporation used an appropriate procurement process for selecting Richmond-based Poolhouse to create the video, said Kate Hourin, a spokeswoman for Inspector General Michael Westfall.

Last year, Poolhouse helped Youngkin secure the GOP nomination for governor and a general election victory, and continues assisting him as he travels the country to campaign for Republican candidates as he considers a presidential run in 2024. ... The tourism ad prompted outrage from Democrats, who questioned whether taxpayer dollars were used for political purposes and asked for an investigation by the inspector general.

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The ad stars Youngkin and is now playing in Virginia airports and welcome centers.

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This is a developing story and will be updated.