Ethics Committee Under Consideration

Tue., March 11, 1997

From Staff And Wire Reports

The House will consider legislation creating a special state committee on government, with emphasis on ethics, campaign finance spending and lobbyists.

Rep. Bruce Newcomb, R-Burley, on Monday convinced the Ways and Means Committee to introduce the bill. It replaces legislation Newcomb sponsored earlier to set up a panel to field complaints about campaign finance violations.

Newcomb said the new bill was expanded to include lobbyist activities. He said he acted in part because of the fuss that started when it was disclosed that two senators voted for a tobacco industry-backed bill a week after enjoying a free airplane trip and a Seattle Supersonics basketball game courtesy of a tobacco industry lobbyist.

Sen. Bruce Sweeney, D-Lewiston, said last week he has reimbursed the lobbyist about $330 for the airplane trip and $55 for the basketball ticket.

Sen. Jerry Twiggs, R-Blackfoot, said he saw nothing wrong and would not reimburse the lobbyist. , DataTimes

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Ethics Committee Under Consideration

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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