Ethics Panel Clears Reid

[AnnInLa]

Ethics Panel Clears Reid
"The Senate Ethics Committee has dismissed a complaint against Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada for accepting free admission to ringside seats at three boxing matches in Las Vegas.

"Robert Walker, the committee's chief counsel and staff director, wrote in a Dec. 7 letter there is 'not substantial credible evidence' for the committee to conclude Reid violated Senate rules by accepting credentials to three fights between 2003 and 2005.

"Walker said 'it appears that acceptance of free attendance at the boxing events by Senator Reid from the Nevada Athletic Commission was a matter appropriately left to his discretion, as was consideration of any potential for the appearance of a conflict of interest arising from such attendance.'" (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/002138.php


(Now maybe the RW sites/blogs will STFU about this.)

Also, same link:

"House Democrats are seriously exploring the creation of an independent ethics arm to enforce new rules on travel, lobbying, gifts and other issues that Democrats intend to put in place on taking power next month.

"Senior party officials said Tuesday that Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the incoming speaker, had consulted with Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, the minority leader, on forming a bipartisan group to examine outside enforcement. The goal would be to have the group report back in the spring.