WASHINGTON _ The House Ethics Committee has taken up an inquiry into Iowa Republican Rod Blum. The case was referred from the Office of Congressional Ethics on July 19 and the Ethics Committee will announce a course of action before Dec. 17, according to a release.
In February, The Associated Press reported that Blum violated House ethics rules by failing to disclose his ownership role in a new company and that his top federal staffer was featured in a false testimonial promoting the company's services.
Blum is considered one of the most vulnerable GOP incumbents up for re-election. He will face Democratic state Rep. Abby Finkenauer in November. Roll Call's Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race "toss-up." Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential race in Blum's district, 49-45 percent.
