Top House Democrats ask for probe of Gowan, other GOP lawmakers

PHOENIX — Two top House Democrats want that chamber’s Ethics Committee to investigate Speaker David Gowan and other key Republicans.

In a formal complaint Tuesday, Minority Leader Eric Meyer and Minority Whip Rebecca Rios cited published reports about the travels of the GOP lawmakers.

“These members used state vehicles for potentially non-official purposes and/or were reimbursed for travel for which they were not entitled to reimbursement,” the Democrats said in the complaint to state Rep. David Stevens, R-Sierra Vista, who chairs the Ethics Committee. They also cited a separate trip that Gowan took to Washington, D.C., in December.

“These recent events appear to be part of a pattern of inappropriate conduct that has caused the public to lose confidence and trust in the Arizona House of Representatives,” the complaint states.

It also says Gowan appears to have “tasked his state staff with assisting his congressional campaign,” including taking staff to speaking appearances around the state and in Washington.

Gowan has asked Attorney General Mark Brnovich to look into his travel. But the Democrats said that request raises a separate question, not asked of Brnovich, of whether Gowan sought legal advice from attorneys on the House payroll, rather than seeking outside legal counsel, on the question of a possible criminal investigation.

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And they asked that Gowan and Majority Leader Steve Montenegro step aside during the investigation.

“No one will be stepping down,” said Stephanie Grisham, spokeswoman for House Republicans. Grisham repeatedly refused to answer questions about who prepared Gowan’s letter to Brnovich and whether any state funds, resources or employees were involved.

Grisham also said there would be no comment from Gowan. Other legislators named in the complaint in addition to Gowan and Montenegro were state Reps. Darin Mitchell, R-Litchfield Park, and Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale.

But much of the inquiry — and the greatest amount of travel — involves Gowan.

The complaint will not necessarily lead to an investigation or hearing.