Legislative Ethics Board Complaint Opinions
Type
Complaint Opinion
Date
1/23/2002
Number
01-04
Topic
Solicitation of lobbyists - special privileges - personal gain
Respondent
Rep. Steve Van Luven
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

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.

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