Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol, told the House Ethics Committee that he feels like he's become an unwilling expert on House Rule 76, the ethics rule. He said he's concerned about "a fourth complaint that I know is being prepared." Said Hart, "I'm concerned about my status as a lawmaker and my work here which I'm passionate about, I enjoy it, I've been distracted from it, I really want to get back to it. ... This has been a huge distraction and I'm very concerned that that might continue."

Hart said "if it would expedite the process" and avoid any ethics recommendation going to the full House, "I'd be willing to step down as vice chairman of transportation."

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