Senate Republicans lay groundwork for ethics complaint against Chaudhary

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Senate Republicans are preparing to file an ethics complaint against Sen. Satveer Chaudhary, DFL-Fridley, over allegations that he inappropriately sought to improve walleye fishing on the Fish Lake Reservoir. The potential problem: Chaudhary owns a cabin on the lake.

Republicans sent a “letter of inquiry” today to Sen. James Metzen, DFL-South St. Paul, chair of the Rules and Administration Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct, regarding Chaudhary’s conduct, which was first reported by the Star Tribune.

“We are concerned that Senator Chaudhary will benefit from the increased value of his cabin if walleye fishing improves on Fish Lake Reservoir,” the letter reads. “We are also concerned that Senator Chaudhary failed to properly disclose the potential conflict of interest.”

The letter was signed by Senate Minority Leader Dave Senjem, of Rochester, as well as Sens. Amy Koch, of Buffalo, David Hann, of Eden Prairie, and Geoff Michel, of Edina. (Read it here.)

Chaudhary made the request to amend the fish and game bill to Rep. David Dill, DFL-Crane Lake, while it was being debated on the House floor. But the three-term senator failed to disclose that he owned property on the lake until the bill was being debated in conference committee. Chaudhary told the Star Tribune that he made a mistake and has “egg on my face.”