Republican Leadership In Denial About Ethics

Response rejects reality that legislators face, and imperils legislators who seek to act ethically. Committee Chairwoman looking at ethics rules may have her own conflict of interest and bias.

Last week, Bismarck state representative Jason Dockter was found guilty of using his office for personal gain.

The response from Republican leadership to the verdict has been defensive and in denial. Specifically the response from Republican House Majority Leader Mike Lefor has been tone-deaf and out of touch.

From the Fargo Forum:

Lefor said he respectfully disagrees with the jury’s decision. He said he hopes to look into removing the criminal penalties that could be brought against lawmakers if they face a situation similar to Dockter’s.

“My concern is criminalizing a mistake,” Lefor said in disagreeing with calls for Dockter to resign. “Legislators shouldn’t have to look over their shoulders when they vote.”

So, “criminalizing a mistake” is an interesting phrase since there are tens-of-thousands of people in American prisons that simply “made a mistake”.

Lefor, R-Dickinson, said he plans to speak with Legislative Council, which helps lawmakers draft bills, about the North Dakota law t…