Got Ethics?

The recent resignation and guilty plea of Sen. Thomas P. Gaffey has prompted renewed calls for creation of a permanent committee to investigate complaints of misconduct against legislators--and renewed opposition from leaders of the Democratic majority.

"I think establishing a standing committee would set a dangerous precedent, leading us down a slippery slope," said Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney of New Haven, who fears the committee and investigations would be used for political gain.

The issue has been framed in recent years by charges of ethical and criminal misconduct against senators in recent years. In 2007, Senate Minority Leader Louis C. DeLuca pleaded guilty to hiring someone to threaten his granddaughter's husband; he later resigned his seat.

Earlier this month Gaffey, a Democrat from Meriden, pleaded guilty to larceny for double-billing the state and his political action committee for out-of-state travel, reportedly to cover the cost of a girlfriend who accompanied him.

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