Kaptur named in ethics committee probe

WASHINGTON (AP) - Internal investigations into the conduct of several U.S. House members have been exposed in an extraordinary, Internet-era breach of security.

The ethics committee yesterday announced that it was probing two California Democrats -- Representatives Maxine Waters and Laura Richardson -- even as its embarrassed leaders took pains to explain that several other lawmakers also identified in a leaked committee memo may have committed no wrongdoing.

The Washington Post says lawmakers named in the confidential document include Ohio Democrat Marcy Kaptur.

The ethics panel chairwoman says no inferences should be made about those mentioned.

Steve Fought, Kaptur spokesman said:

"The congresswoman has always emphasized openness and transparency, and it almost goes without saying she will continue to cooperate with the OCE and, if it goes to the Standards Committee, with that committee as well. Marcy has absolutely nothing to hide."