Sen. Smyser: What Conflict?

Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Keith Roark says the state’s conflict of interest laws need strengthening, citing yesterday’s vote-change that killed a tobacco bill, by a senator whose husband is a tobacco lobbyist. The senator, Melinda Smyser, said her vote had nothing to do with her husband’s work. “I have my own life,” she told the Associated Press. “I would never do anything to jeopardize how I represent my constituents.” In more than three dozen other states, legislators who could be personally or financially affected by a bill are required to recuse themselves from voting on it/ Betsy Russell , Eye On Boise. More here .

Question: Do you think the state of Idaho has adequate laws to prevent conflicts of interest on the part of elected officials?