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Panel Dismisses Ethics Complaint Against Kansas House Speaker

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-893719.mp3

Topeka, Kan. –
A House panel has dismissed an ethical complaint against the House speaker, but they did make a recommendation to change the law.

A special Kansas House committee has dismissed a complaint by Democrats against Republican Speaker Mike O'Neal.

The vote Tuesday by the panel of three Republicans and three Democrats was unanimous.

O'Neal is a lawyer. The complaint cited his representation of a group of businesses, trade groups and insurance funds in a lawsuit against the state.

Democrats contended the lawsuit created a conflict of interest because O'Neal could use his power as speaker to control legislation to benefit his legal clients.

O'Neal said afterward he expected the outcome because he had done nothing wrong.

 

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