Ethics panel says Nevada Democrat violated rules

Washington – The House Ethics Committee has concluded that congresswoman Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., violated House rules and laws by using her official position to benefit her husband's medical practice.

However, the committee found there was no evidence she acted with the intent of enriching herself. The panel voted to close the case by adopting the findings, saying no further action is necessary because Berkley cooperated with the investigation.

The case centered on allegations that Berkley tried to help her husband, a nephrologist, by making official appeals to keep open a Las Vegas kidney clinic where he had business.

Berkley is retiring from the House after seven terms. She ran for the Senate this year and narrowly lost to Republican incumbent Dean Heller.