Departing Rep. Pickering hires a lawyer to field job offers

The Clarion-Ledger, 4/4/8

Rep. Chip Pickering, who is retiring at the end of this Congress, has hired a lawyer to field job offers, a move he says shields him from any conflicts of interest.

A new House ethics law requires lawmakers to disclose job negotiations that might pose a conflict of interest within three days and recuse themselves from votes or other congressional business that could pose a conflict of interest.

But Pickering, 3rd District Republican congressman, and other retiring lawmakers have hired intermediaries to field job offers to try to avoid the need to recuse themselves.

“I have personally hired an attorney to represent me and ensure compliance with House ethics rules,” Pickering said.