Rachel Silberstein reports at Capitol Confidential that New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on April 6 criticized the state board of elections decision to curb the independence of the board’s chief enforcement counsel, Risa Sugarman. “It is deeply disturbing that the Board of Elections would consider gutting one of the few tools that exist to root out public corruption in New York—or sideline a dedicated professional like Risa Sugarman who is committed to upholding the rule of law,” said Schneiderman. “Any weakening of the Enforcement Counsel’s authority or independence would only encourage more corruption across New York State. The Board of Elections should reject any proposal that does so, without delay.” Sugarman must now get board approval for subpoenas, and since the board’s four commissioners are politically appointed, this could create, rather than reduce, corruption, Schneiderman says. Targets of subpoenas can also now ask the two Democrats and two Republicans on the board to quash subpoenas. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.