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Nebraska’s attorney general, Mike Hilgers, is facing backlash for appointing Suzanne Geist, a former state lawmaker and friend, as his policy adviser. Despite lacking a legal background, Geist will fill the newly created ,000-a-year position. Critics argue that senior staff roles in the attorney general’s office typically require legal expertise to assist with prosecutions and handle legal and court matters.

Geist, a fellow Republican and former legislative colleague of Hilgers, served in the Nebraska Legislature for six years. During her tenure, she chaired the Transportation and Telecommunications and Performance Audit committees and was a member of the Judiciary and Corrections Oversight committees. Prior to her political career, Geist worked as a consultant selling women’s clothing through a multi-level marketing company.

Hilgers referred to Geist as a “trusted colleague and friend” in the announcement of her hiring and highlighted her policy expertise in criminal justice and sentencing issues. However, watchdog organization Common Cause Nebraska criticized the appointment for its lack of transparency and questioned Geist’s qualifications. They pointed out that she is not a lawyer, and the rationale for her ,000 salary was unclear.

The state Attorney General’s Office defended Geist’s hiring, emphasizing her legislative experience and denying that the position was created solely for her. The office spokesperson, Suzanne Gage, maintained that Geist is highly qualified for the job and that her resume exemplifies her suitability for service in the executive branch.

However, when pressed for details about Geist’s job duties, Gage struggled to provide clear answers. She mentioned that Geist would be supporting Hilgers’ work on a legislative committee focused on criminal justice reforms. Geist had previously been involved in the drafting of a bill to revamp the state’s criminal justice system before leaving the legislature. The bill addressed issues such as parole-violation residential housing, drug courts, and veterans courts. It passed despite opposition from conservatives, including Hilgers.

The lack of transparency surrounding Geist’s hiring has raised concerns about favoritism and undermined public trust in the attorney general’s office. Critics argue that there are likely more qualified candidates for the position, and that Hilgers should have prioritized qualifications over personal connections.

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