New Hampshire's Legislative Ethics Committee is investigating a complaint that former Senate President Peter Bragdon used his public office for personal gain.
The committee voted Monday to open an investigation into a complaint by state Rep. Rick Watrous, a Concord Democrat, that Bragdon violated the ethics rules by accepting a job with the Local Government Center.
Bragdon, a Milford Republican, stepped down as president but kept his Senate seat. Watrous said keeping the job and Senate seat is a conflict that leaves the public wondering if Bragdon is influencing legislation.
Bragdon says the record will show he was hired by the LGC for his ability to lead the organization, not influence legislation. He said the ethics rules allow lawmakers to work if they don't do legislative work for their employer.