Did this New Jersey Democrat just violate state ethics rules?

Last Monday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Democrat candidate Bill Hughes Jr. and his firm represented outgoing Congressman Rob Andrews in connection with the ethics investigation into whether Andrews inappropriately used campaign case for personal reasons.

The Inquirer also reported that Hughes Jr. took a $2500 campaign contribution from Andrews.

So what’s the problem? As an attorney, Hughes Jr. must comply with Rule 1.8(c) of the New Jersey Rules of Professional Conduct and cannot take substantial gifts from a client.

At the very least, taking a $2500 campaign contribution from Andrews creates the appearance of a possible conflict of interest in violation of New Jersey’s legal ethics rules. For that reason, Hughes Jr. should immediately return the Andrews contribution and remove any doubt as to the ethical propriety of accepting a donation from a client.

NRCC Comment: “While it’s not surprising that Bill Hughes Jr. would add an ethically tainted Congressman to a client list full of corrupt public officials, it is surprising that Hughes Jr. would risk the appearance of violating ethics rules by taking a $2500 political contribution from a client. Hughes Jr. needs to immediately return the Andrews donation in order to remove the shadow of ethical doubt that such an arrangement creates.” – NRCC Spokesman Ian Prior