House Ethics Committee confirms probe into Rep. Steven Palazzo's campaign spending. What's next?
WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee has confirmed it’s probing U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo’s campaign spending, and Palazzo has hired former U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper — a longtime Ethics Committee member — as his lawyer in the probe.
The panel released a statement late Thursday {Dec. 17} noting that Ethics Chairman Ted Deutsch of Florida and ranking Republican member Kenny Marchant of Texas have decided to “extend the matter regarding Representative Steven Palazzo.”
It is both a dry procedural statement of fact, but also an extremely consequential admission. Although the statement says it “does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee,” it is the first time the panel has publicly acknowledged it is probing Palazzo.
Palazzo’s spokeswoman denied wrongdoing on the part of her boss, and said the congressman has hired Harper. Harper told Mississippi Today on Friday he believes the matter will be “completely dismissed.”
Read more: https://mississippitoday.org/2020/12/18/house-ethics-committee-confirms-probe-into-rep-steven-palazzos-campaign-spending-whats-next/
U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, who is accused of misspending tens of thousands in campaign cash, is being scrutinized by the House Ethics Committee. (Photo by Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)