DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The candidates running to succeed Secretary of State Matt Schultz are trying to distance themselves from his tenure, but for different reasons. Schultz, who is leaving office after serving one four-year term, ran on a platform of tougher voter identification and fighting what he argued was problematic voter fraud.

Democrat Brad Anderson called it a failed legacy that didn’t improve the system. Republican Paul Pate declined to comment on Schultz’s record, saying he preferred to look forward.

Schultz, who unsuccessfully sought to pass a Voter ID law and spent $250,000 in a two-year investigation of election fraud, decided not to seek for another term. He made a failed bid for the 3rd Congressional District Republican nomination. He has launched a campaign for Madison County attorney against the incumbent Democrat.