Rep. Wendy Jaquet said Hart can talk to the speaker and his fellow committee members any time. "I don't think the people would be very satisfied with that answer," she said. Chairman Tom Loertscher said, "If he chooses not to resign (from the House Rev & Tax Committee) at this point, then we will discuss that matter." Kelso responded that in his view, the only issue before the committee is "whether or not there was a violation of ethics by the assertion of a constitutional provision. ... I'm just clarifying the issue, that's the issue," Kelso said.

"It seems to me that his continued presence there is problematic," said Rep. George Sayler, D-Coeur d'Alene, noting that the committee's original charge included the option of recommending that Hart be removed from the tax committee.

---

---