Ethics Panel to Begin Hearings on Durenberger

The Senate Ethics Committee said Thursday that it would begin a trial-like hearing on Sen. Dave Durenberger (R-Minn.) because of “substantial credible evidence” that he violated Senate rules and federal law.

Most of the allegations concern a book promotion arrangement under which the senator made speeches and accepted fees to promote two books he wrote.

Durenberger said the investigation so far has been a “painful experience,” and he contended that “it was never my intent to circumvent Senate rules for my own benefit.” He called for the committee to reach a conclusion quickly.

During the trial stage of an investigation, the committee determines whether to recommend that the full Senate vote for punishment, which could range from a reprimand to expulsion.

The six-member committee said Durenberger may have:

--Violated outside income limits by accepting payments for speeches in 1985 and 1986. Durenberger made numerous appearances that he characterized as book promotion speeches for his publisher, Piranha Press Inc. of Minneapolis.

--Failed to report on his financial disclosure forms for 1985 and 1986 “the acceptance of reimbursement” for travel in connection with the book publishing deal.

--Violated a rule by converting a campaign contribution to personal use and violated federal election law by failing to report and deposit the contribution, which he transferred to his publisher.