Poulsbo, Washington

Washington's Legislative Ethics Board has dismissed a complaint against Democratic state Rep. Tarra Simmons of Bremerton, finding she did not violate ethics rules while trying to dissuade fellow Democrat Daria Ilgen from challenging her in the primary. The board ruled it was not improper for a legislator seeking re-election to ask a potential opponent not to run, and found insufficient evidence Simmons used her office to pressure Ilgen. The complaint, filed by 23rd Legislative District Democrats chair Val Torrens, cited text messages in which Simmons urged Ilgen to reconsider and enlisted several elected officials to speak with him. Ilgen said he stands by raising concerns about the conduct even while respecting the board's decision. Simmons went on to defeat Ilgen in the primary; the two now face off in November's general election.

Separately, in an unrelated matter, the same board fined Simmons $15,000 for improperly steering public funds to a nonprofit employer and retaliating against the original complainant. Simmons denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal.