Complaint Opinion 14-07

​It was alleged that Respondent used his legislative phone to assist or oppose judicial candidates, that his involvement in the campaign constituted a conflict of interest, and that his actions constituted extortion.

​No state phone was used.  Conflict of interest statute is inapplicable and extortion is a criminal offense and beyond the jurisdiction of the Ethics Board.  Case dismissed for lack of reasonable cause on election issue (RCW 42.52.180) and for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction on extortion claim.