AUGUSTA (AP) – Republican gubernatorial hopeful David Emery stepped up his call Tuesday for enhanced accountability in state finances.

At a State House news conference, the former congressman and longtime Republican activist from St. George called the Legislature’s creation of an Office of Program and Government Accountability “a good first step.”

But Emery went on to call for a broad outside review of what he termed accountability functions. He also said the state Department of Administrative and Financial Services should be competent, professional and independent. And he proposed replacing the state Audit Department with an office of inspector general.

“It’s essential that Maine reform and improve its financial accountability,” Emery told reporters in the State House Hall of Flags.

In November, Emery made a similar declaration, saying: “As governor, getting Maine’s fiscal house in order will be my first order of business.”

OPEGA was authorized by the Legislature in 2002, but its funding was later eliminated amid a state budget crisis. Later, a delay in Senate appointments set the oversight panel back again.

In years past, the Legislature’s Audit and Program Review Committee periodically reviewed programs in government departments. The committee was replaced in 1996 by a process in which state programs evaluated themselves periodically.

At this stage of the 2006 race for governor, challengers are bidding for a share of media attention that gravitates toward the Blaine House and its current occupant.

Other Republicans who have announced candidacies for nomination in the June gubernatorial primary are state Sens. Chandler Woodcock of Farmington and Peter Mills of Cornville.

Democratic incumbent John Baldacci is scheduled to make his State of the State address next Tuesday.

Independent Nancy Oden of Jonesboro and Green Party candidate Pat LaMarche of Yarmouth are also running, as is Robert Bizier of Albion, who switched from an independent to the Democratic Party so he could challenge Baldacci.

Major news earlier this week was the non-announcement announcement by former Portland police chief Michael Chitwood that he would not be entering the gubernatorial race.

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