Tiahrt ethics probe continues

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The U.S. House ethics committee is extending an investigation of Congressman Todd Tiahrt's involvement in political donations and defense appropriation earmarks secured for clients of a Washington lobby firm raided by federal agents.

Tiahrt and Rep. Peter Visclosky, D-Ind., are subject of an inquiry by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, which is looking into activities of the now-defunct lobbying firm known as PMA Group. This House ethics panel instigated its probe Dec. 2 but decided to extend the examination a maximum of 45 days before deciding a course of action by March 2.

Tiahrt, engaged in a campaign for the U.S. Senate against fellow GOP Rep. Jerry Moran, said he expected to be "fully exonerated."

Tiahrt's relationship with PMA and the firm's clients first came under scrutiny by the Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent branch of the House created two years ago by the Democratic leadership to shine a light on allegations of unethical conduct. OCE recommended the regular House ethics committee delve more deeply into Tiahrt and Visclosky, but proposed dismissal of cases against five other members of the House defense appropriations subcommittee.

http://cjonline.com/news/state/2010-01-18/tiahrt_ethics_probe_continues