OLYMPIA, WA - Longtime Washington Congressman Norm Dicks denies any ethical lapses over campaign contributions and earmarks. The Democrat from Bremerton responded today to a Washington Post report. It says Dicks and six other members of a key defense panel are part of an ethics probe. Correspondent Austin Jenkins has details.

Dicks is the number two Democrat on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. In recent years, he received campaign contributions from defense-related clients and individuals associated with the now defunct lobbying firm PMA Group. PMA is currently the subject of a federal investigation. Now, the Washington Post, citing a leaked document, says Congressional ethics investigators are scrutinizing nearly half the members of the subcommittee – including Dicks. Bill Buzenberg runs the Center for Public Integrity in Washington, DC. His outfit has been reporting on the cycle of defense spending earmarks and campaign contributions.

Buzenberg: It’s very hard to prove that there’s an absolute quid pro quo that these earmarks were given in exchange for this political contribution – so you may not have anything come out of this.”

In a statement, Congressman Dicks says his actions have been appropriate and – quote – “I expect that when all the inquiries are concluded, I will be completely exonerated.”

Copyright 2009 KUOW

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