House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, said he discussed Rep. Phil Hart's case with "many" members of his House minority caucus, and also heard lots of comment from the public about it, before deciding to formally call for a House ethics committee to be convened. "I think there are significant questions among both legislators and the general public about the behaviors and whether they're ethically appropriate or not," Rusche said. "The Legislature has an ethical cloud hanging over it. It really is not a good deal for any of us, minority or majority legislators."

He added, "I don't want it to be viewed as a political thing, but rather an ethical investigation to protect the process in the House of Representatives."