Complaint Opinion 01-04
Date
01/23/2002
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.