Did a new Labor Department appointee previously run a state agency hit by a big benefits fraud?

Suzi LeVine, named as temporary head of the Labor Department’s Employment and Training Administration, previously ran a Washington state agency that fell victim to Nigerian fraudsters amid the pandemic-induced flood of new unemployment claims.

A Nigerian fraud ring filed tens of thousands of fake relief applications with the state’s unemployment benefits administrator, costing the state at least $333 million after recovery efforts.

LeVine’s new post involves helping all 50 states manage their unemployment benefit programs. The fraud episode, along with other complaints about the agency’s performance during her tenure, is fueling GOP criticism of her appointment. LeVine was an ambassador under President Obama, and she and her husband were reported to be major financial supporters of the Biden campaign. If she were to assume the post permanently, she would have to be confirmed by the Senate.