Reid Acknowledges Misstating Ethics Rules on Free Tickets

WASHINGTON — Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid’s spokesman acknowledged Wednesday night that Reid misstated the ethics rules governing his acceptance of free boxing tickets and has decided to refrain from taking such gifts.

The Nevada senator still believes it was “entirely permissible” for him to accept ringside seats for three professional boxing matches in 2004 and 2005 from the Nevada Athletic Commission but has decided to avoid doing so in the future, spokesman Jim Manley said.

“In light of questions that have been raised about the practice, Sen. Reid will not accept these kinds of credentials in the future in order to avoid even the faintest appearance of impropriety,” Manley said.

The announcement came after the Associated Press presented Reid’s office Wednesday with conclusions from ethics experts that the Senate leader misstated congressional ethics rules in trying to defend his actions.

The AP reported Monday that Reid accepted the free seats from the Nevada commission as it was trying to influence his support for legislation to create a federal boxing commission. The state agency feared the legislation would usurp its authority to regulate fights and wanted to convince Reid that there was no need for a federal body.

Reid voted to set up a federal commission, but Congress never enacted the legislation.