Aide: Clinton email practices also used by predecessors

A spokesman for Hillary Clinton says a report by the State Department’s inspector general shows that her email practices were “consistent” with those of past secretaries and senior officials.

Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon says in a statement that the report shows problems with the State Department’s electronic record-keeping systems “were longstanding” and emphasizes that her use of a private email server “was known to officials within the department during her tenure.”

The inspector general’s 78-page analysis, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, cites “longstanding, systemic weaknesses” related to the agency’s communications and says Clinton disregarded various State Department guidelines for avoiding cybersecurity risks.

Fallon acknowledges that “steps ought to have been taken” to better maintain official records.

— AP