Earlier this week, the State House of Representatives passed House Bill 227, sponsored by State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne). This bill would overhaul the state's ethics law, change penalties for certain offenses, and revise the role of the state ethics commission and the appointment process of the commission's director.
It now awaits consideration by the State Senate. However, current members of the Ethics Commission are going on offense to oppose Simpson's effort.
During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show," Ethics Commissioner Stan McDonald viciously attacked the bill, which led to several personal attacks aimed at Simpson.
McDonald accused Simpson of being a Democrat and using Democrat rhetoric to defend his effort. He also suggested that potential personal incentives for legislators from the gambling industry were a motivation to change Alabama's ethics laws.
Listen:
Two hours later, during an appearance on FM Talk 106.5's "Midday Mobile," Simpson responded to McDonald by accusing him of committing a felony for having donated to candidates of a political campaign, which the Daphne lawmaker argued was a violation of the existing ethics law that prohibits Ethics Commissioners from taking part in "partisan political activity" and making political contributions.
According to Simpson, McDonald's apparent ignorance of the law demonstrated why his overhaul was needed.
Listen:
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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