Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
The Arizona Republic reports Attorneys recommend Patterson be expelled:
Independent attorneys appointed to investigate allegations of ethics violations by Rep. Daniel Patterson are recommending expulsion.
Attorneys Michael Manning, Craig Morgan, Sharon Ng and Danelle Kelling of Stinson Morrison Hecker conducted the investigation as special counsel for the House Ethics Committee. Patterson has until April 16 to respond to the report.
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[T]he attorneys in their report make numerous allegations.
"We have been asked to investigate and report whether Rep. Patterson has engaged in a pattern of inappropriate, indecorous, illegal or unethical conduct," the report states.
They said their investigation included reviewing public records and interviewing lawmakers, staff, lobbyists, members of the public and Patterson himself.
"Over 80 percent of the (legislative) members, legislative staff, lobbyists and others we interviewed believe that Rep. Patterson is a serious discredit and threat to the House, its members, the legislative process, his party and his constituents," the report states.
The report reached the following conclusions:
"The deep distrust, concern for an fear of Rep. Patterson is bipartisan … and is borne of widely experienced incidents of disruption, deceptions, indecorum and threats that are too frequent and too egregious."
"Rep. Patterson routinely verbally abuses, assaults and harasses his colleagues, legislative staff and lobbyists — especially if one dares to disagree with him."
"Rep. Patterson routinely challenges but then ignores admonishment for his behavior … often retaliating through verbal abuse and, on one occasion, has either feigned or actually threatened to physically assault those that did not agree with him."
"Rep. Patterson has allegedly violated, and may even continue to violate, court orders."
"Rep. Patterson has admitted to staff that he frequently uses marijuana."
"Rep. Patterson appears to have tampered with the complaint in the pending criminal case against him … Rep. Patterson repeatedly refused to answer our questions about whether he wrote that recantation for (his ex-girlfriend) without her permission or through his intimidation."
"Rep. Patterson has sought personal favors in exchange for his votes on legislation."
"Over the last several years, Rep. Patterson has been counseled on numerous occasions by House leadership concerning his disruptive, offensive and deceptive conduct. That conduct is then repeated in spite of that counsel."
House Minority Leader Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix, said the report recommends expulsion and is "far reaching." "I think we should expel him immediately," he said. "I don't want there to be any delay. Based on the report, once you see it, there should not be any delay."
Uh-huh. Mr. Campbell, he has until April 16 to respond. Then the House can vote to expell Rep. Patterson. At least follow pro forma due process in this matter. His fate is certain.