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CLEAR Temp: 50 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Thursday, November 21, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend September 25, 2002 Lawyer group clears Richardson Rep. Walker had accused her challenger of making incorrect statements during their primary campaign By DANI DODGE Mail Tribune The Oregon State Bar dismissed an ethics complaint against state representative candidate Dennis Richardson, a Central Point personal injury attorney. The complaint was filed by state Rep. Cherryl Walker, whom Richardson defeated in May’s District 4 Republican primary. "This is the final loose end from the primary election, and I’m glad it’s been tied," Richardson said. "It’s time for Cherryl Walker and I to put the primary behind us and work to elect Republican candidates." Richardson faces Democrat Shayne Maxwell, a businesswoman and real estate broker, in the November general election. Walker declined to comment on the dismissal of her complaint as well as whom she is supporting in the District 4 race. In her complaint to the bar, Walker alleged that Richardson’s campaign fliers made incorrect statements, including claims that Walker had attempted to hide her identity while videotaping his speeches. "It was dishonest and deceitful for Richardson to make these accusations knowing they are not true — even during a political campaign," Walker wrote. Walker also alleged that Richardson listed people in his campaign advertisements as endorsing him, even though they hadn’t. Richardson countered that his campaign fliers were accurate and he pointed out that when he learned several people were incorrectly listed as endorsing him, he pulled the ads. The bar’s Professional Responsibility Board dismissed Walker’s complaint on Sept. 13, according to Jami Spiesman, a state bar spokeswoman. Assistant disciplinary counsel Scott Morrill, who investigated the complaints, said there was no evidence that Richardson knowingly made false statements. "Mr. Richardson’s statements and actions were not dishonest if he did not know that they were dishonest," Morrill wrote. "Also, Mr. Richardson took steps to correct any mistakes once they were brought to his attention. "While he may have made mistakes, that does not prove dishonesty." Attorneys can be prohibited from dishonesty and deceitfulness, even outside of their legal practice, Morrill said. Had Richardson been found guilty, sanctions for violating the bar’s code of ethics could have ranged from public reprimand to disbarment. Walker also filed complaints against Richardson with the state ethics board and the state elections office. Both complaints were dismissed. Richardson said he is not angry that he has had to spend time defending himself. Walker has filed complaints against previous opponents, he pointed out. "It has taken extra time to deal with these complaints," he said, "but they were not unexpected and neither was the outcome." Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy webmaster feedback A D V E R T I S E R S