Steve Archambault, Democratic candidate for Attorney General, today slammed the House for announcing the General Assembly could recess without passing a measure that would allow voters to restore the State Ethics Commission's jurisdiction over the General Assembly in the November elections.

Pointing to remarks by House Speaker Gordon Fox who stated that there were other issues that were more important than the ethics bill that needed to be addressed, Archambault stated, "(E)nsuring the integrity of this public body and the trust that has been placed in them should be foremost in everyone's mind in the General Assembly. If it takes one more night or one more month, the General Assembly owes it to Rhode Islanders to work until they pass this measure and give the people an opportunity to vote this November to restore Ethics Commission oversight of legislators."

The legislation (Senate Resolution 2391) addresses a 2009 Rhode Island Supreme Court ruling that held the state Constitution's speech-in-debate clause gave legislators immunity from Ethics Commission prosecution for their official votes and speech even if they are involved conflicts of interest. The decision reversed the intention of the voters when they overwhelmingly approved the creation of an Ethics Commission in 1986 to make the actions of all public officials, including General Assembly members, subject to its rules.

Companion legislation has passed the House and has been stalled in the Senate. The Speaker indicated today that he would not push for Senate adoption.

Archambault, who serves as a Councilman in Smithfield , would bring a broad legal background to the Attorney General's office. His experience as a police officer, local Prosecutor and defense Attorney gives him a first-hand understanding of all the elements of the criminal justice system.

To learn more about Steve Archambault and how he will serve the people of Rhode Island as our next Attorney General, visit www.archambaultforattorneygeneral.com.