Gerrish sparks Ethics Commission probe

Karen Gerrish ... requested investigation

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Ethics Commission has begun an investigation into two reported mailings that attacked District 20 state representative Karen Gerrish during this fall's campaign.

The mailings dealt with gun and education issues, said Jonathan Wayne, the executive director of the Maine Ethics Commission.

Wayne said today he had spoken both with Gerrish's opponents in the race, Democrat Bettie Harris-Howard and write-in GOP candidate Harrison Thorp.

Thorp has denied any part in the mailings. So has Harris-Howard, according to Wayne. Harris-Howard was immediately unavailable for comment.

Wayne said he began the investigation after it was requested by Gerrish.

Wayne said Gerrish also complained about a picture taken of her at the Acton Town House sometime around August.

The investigation into who took the picture and who sent the mailings attacking Gerrish will continue, said Wayne, who added no specific punishment has been decided upon if the guilty party is brought to justice.