The image to the right is from Republican David Hann's campaign website (link here for full view). It seems in May 2010, Hann held a Press Conference announcing the beginnings of an ethics complaint about a DFLer who had ethics problems -- and is now out of office. This image of Hann's website shows links to a press conference Hann, along with Republican Senator Geoff "I only lied because I had to" Michel, held -- and it's worth remembering what Hann had to say at that time. Let's look!
(direct link to YouTube)
Here's the transcript:
"I think all of us in public office, we need to exercise the best judgement that we can to make sure that what we're doing, uh, doesn't send the appearance to the public that we're, uh, seeking any kind of special treament or doing things that are of benefit to us personally." -- Republican Senator David Hann, 20 May 2010
OK, why bring that up, now? Well, because of what Hann said about HIS behavior, just the other day:
From Minnesota Public Radio:
"What I did was perfectly legal and legitimate," Hann said. "I did not have a license at the time I did that, was not contemplating having a license at the time I did that. After the fact, I got a license, [which] would no different than anybody in the state of Minnesota who decided to get a license after the law was passed." -- Republican Senator David Hann
OK,
working hand in hand with an owner of an insurance company - John Tyler - while working in the legislature as Chair of the committee that affects said insurance company owner, and then going to work for said insurance company owner after getting legislation passed affecting said insurance company owner may be "perfectly legal and legitimate" - but it sure gives the impression of, as Hann stated in May of 2010: "...doing things that are of benefit to us personally."
Because, Hann's behavior reeks of "...doing things that are of benefit to us personally."
Since December of 2011, Hann has been involved in three things that really reek: the sacking of then-Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch; the infamous Lunch Hour Lit Drop; and now getting licensed to sell health insurance, taking a job with an insurance company who he worked with for God only knows how long on health insurance issues, and taking a board position with a health insurance trade association.
When the Legislature convenes in January, the Senate's Ethics Committee needs to take a long hard look at David Hann and the timeline of what he's done.
Assuming, of course, he doesn't resign first...
After all, if Hann wants to walk through the ol' Legislator-to-lobbyist revolving door so common today (except in Hann's case, it'd be "Legislator to now-employee-of-business-owner-he-helped), he shouldn't let the door smack him on his way out.
I'm thinking if he doesn't, Hann will get smacked by an Ethics Committee investigation.
The House should take a long hard look at Gottwalt, too.
* * *
Previous coverage of Hann's latest scandal:
MPR joins Fox9 and Minnpost and investigates David Hann, adds Steve Gottwalt -- Monday, December 10th, 2012
GOP legislators who pushed MinnCare cuts under scrutiny for ties to insurers -- Monday, December 10th, 2012
State Senate Republicans Double Down On David Hann's Lack Of Disclosure -- Saturday, November 10th, 2012
"Republicans pick the most corrupt Senator to lead them, David Hann" -- Friday, November 9th, 2012
"More Questions For The List Of Questions David Hann Hasn't Answered" -- Thursday, November 8th, 2012
MNGOP Sen. David Hann chairs Health Committee, didn't disclose health insurance job -- Friday, November 2nd, 2012
"GOP State Senator David Hann Endorsed For Re-Election - By His Boss" -- Tuesday, October 30th, 2012
"BREAKING: David Hann On Board Of Directors For Trade Association He Oversees" -- Monday, October 29th, 2012
"BREAKING: David Hann Scrubs His Website, or: "Let The WhiteWash Begin!" -- 9:35 pm, Friday, October 26th, 2012
"TV station sees conflict of interest for Sen. Hann, others" -- 2:12pm, Friday, October 26th, 2012
"Fox9 News Scandal Coverage: "What does Sen. David Hann do for a living?" -- 10:41am, Friday, October 26th, 2012
"What does Sen. David Hann do for a living?" -- 7:55pm, Thursday October 25th, 2012
"When is a Conflict of Interest, a Conflict of Interest? You Decide." -- Thursday, October 25th, 2012
"Conflict of Interest? David Hann, GOP Health Insurance Salesman" -- 5:00am, Thursday October 25th, 2012
** related, but not directly:
"Minnesota Senate Republicans Are Out Of Control" -- Friday, November 2nd, 2012
"Brodkorb Fallout: Consider The Source" -- Monday, October 15th, 2012