Legislative Ethics Board Complaint Opinions
Topic
Solicitation of lobbyists - special privileges - personal gain
Respondent
Rep. Steve Van Luven
Question/Complaint
LEB Opinion Question/Complaint
The respondent, without the use of state facilities, sent a campaign fundraising letter to lobbyists with a postscript that appeared on its face to be a solicitation for sports tickets. Was this a violation of the Ethics Act?
Summary
LEB Opinion Summary
Yes. RCW 42.52.070 and 42.52.140 prohibit legislators and legislative staff from soliciting lobbyists or lobbyist-employers for tickets to events, including sporting events. The respondent was fined.
Document
LEB Complaint Opinion Document