Governor Accused of Doing Favors for Lover

An ethics panel charged Gov. Paul E. Patton with doing favors for his lover, saying he intervened to make her construction firm more likely to get state aid.

If the four charges from the Executive Branch Ethics Commission are upheld after a hearing, Patton could face a $5,000 fine and a public reprimand.

Patton said he would defend himself against the allegations. He has acknowledged having an affair with nursing home owner Tina Conner but has denied her allegations that he used his office to help her during the affair and hurt her after their breakup.