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DFL Senator Says New Job Heading Lobbying Group Is OK

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Facing a possible ethics complaint from Republicans who smell a conflict of interest, a Minnesota state Senator on Monday stood by his decision to take a job as the head of an Iron Range lobbying group.

Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm, was hired last week as executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools, an organization funded in part by public money that lobbies for those interests at the Capitol. His hiring, first reported by the Mesabi Daily News, immediately raised questions about whether the two roles would create a conflict.

Tomassoni said Monday it's no different than "a farmer voting on farm issues or a lawyer voting on court issues," but he outlined several steps he'll take to reduce concern.

His role will be administrative, he said, so he won't be lobbying his fellow lawmakers; the group will hire an independent lobbyist if it feels it needs to. He also promised to recuse himself from any votes where the association stands to benefit.

Tomassoni's work won't start until after the legislative session ends in late May, and he'll take an unpaid leave of absence during every session.

The reduced schedule will bring his pay to about $45,000, he said. His predecessor was paid $80,000 in 2012, according to the group's most recent nonprofit financial filings.

"I think this is all above board here," Tomassoni said. "We all have certain little conflicts here."

If Tomassoni goes ahead with both jobs, Senate Minority Leader David Hann said there's "a very strong likelihood" the GOP will file an ethics complaint against him.

"Do we really have to say out loud that it's not a good idea to be a lobbyist and a senator at the same time? He represents these cities in the Legislature," Hann said. "Are they just asking for an ethics complaint?"

But two GOP House members quickly came to Tomassoni's defense.

"In all our interactions with Senator Tomassoni, he has upheld the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We disagree with those who have been critical of the Senator's new employment," Reps. Pat Garofalo and Rod Hamilton said in a joint statement.

Tomassoni said he "wouldn't be doing this" if he hadn't determined it is legal.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

 

 

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