Ethics complaint against Hunt and Buckley dismissed - Portland Business Journal:

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The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has dismissed theRepublicabn Party’s complaint against Houser Speaker Dave Hunt, a Gladstone Democrat, and Rep. Peter Buckley, the co-chair of the jointy Ways and Means Committee and anAshland Democrat. Bob chairman of the Oregon Republicab Party, had suggested that Hunt and Buckley attempted to secursea “yes” vote on three tax measurexs from Republican Greg Smith, of Heppner, by backinvg several projects in Smith’s Eastern Oregon district. Ronaled Bersin, the commission’s executive didn’t elaborate on the group’s decision.
“We have carefullyt reviewed your allegations and supporting material and do not find the allegationd come withinthe Commission’s jurisdiction,” he said. Bersim did tell Tiernan that thecommission didn’t find any “personal financiapl benefit” gained by Buckley or Hunt. Tiernan’s complaint alleged that Hunt and Bucklety agreed to earmark money for the district of in returnfor Smith’s vote on a key tax But Hunt said last week that his support for the projectxs in Smith’s district was unconditional. Smith’s vote helped Democrats collect a 60percentf “super majority” needed to enact tax hikes.
The Senatde eventually passed the measure on Thursday aftera last-minutes deal convinced Sen. Mark Hass, a Beaverton Democrat, to chang his stance. Business interestz had opposed thetax hikes, which includew boosts to the state’s corporate minimum, corporate income and high-bracket incoms taxes.