MINOT — It is astounding how poorly the Ethics Commission is handling this spat with Gov. Kelly Armstrong.

Armstrong argues that the commission is off the rails and in need of new leadership. The governor, along with Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan, has already filled two of three vacancies on the commission, but they're deadlocked on the third appointment. Hogue and Hogan want current commission member Murray Sagsveen to remain on the commission; Armstrong says he's part of the problem.

The thrust of Armstrong's argument is that the Ethics Commission has consistently exceeded its constitutional bounds. Earlier this year, the commission issued an advisory opinion concluding that it's legal for political candidates to expend campaign funds on child care, despite language in the state constitution (in the amendment that created the Ethics Commission, no less) stating that a candidate "may not knowingly use a campaign contribution for personal use or enrichment."

Sagsveen and commission executive director Rebecca Binstock also approached Secretary of State Michael Howe and told him they could implement campaign finance reforms he lobbied for, and which state lawmakers rejected earlier this year, through an advisory opinion. Howe rejected their overture, correctly pointing out that the Legislature, despite its faults, is the lawmaking body, not the Ethics Commission.

Sagsveen has also continued to serve on the commission despite the...

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