Idaho To Strengthen Ethics Law? Har!

Idaho legislative leaders from both parties say they favor new, stronger ethics laws for Idaho this year. House Speaker Lawerence Denney, R-Midvale, who in the past has single-handedly blocked new ethics laws, said he’s now ready to consider an independent ethics commission to oversee Idaho lawmakers. That’s something 41 states have, but Idaho lacks. “I really don’t believe, as far as ethics goes, that it’s necessary, but perception is reality,” Denney said. The Idaho House convened its ethics committee multiple times in the past year, mostly for complaints involving tax-protesting Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol, who also came under fire for his 1996 illegal harvest of logs from state school endowment lands/ Betsy Russell , Eye On Boise. More here.

Question: Why is ethically challenged House Speaker Lawerence Denney now talking about beefing up ethics laws — now that Rep. Phil Hart has wiggled off the hook several times? Oh!