By Andrew Oxford | Arizona Republic
Lawyers representing Rep. David Cook told a House committee on Friday that its investigation into allegations the Republican lawmaker had an affair with a former lobbyist was a sham and drew conclusions that bordered on libel.
The rebuke comes a week after a special House ethics committee released the results of its months-long look into claims that Cook had a conflict of interest because he had a relationship with the lobbyist while backing legislation her industry supported. The investigation also included claims Cook inappropriately intervened to stop the foreclosure of farm property owned by the lobbyist’s family.
Cook, of Globe, has denied both allegations. He has maintained that his relationship with former lobbyist AnnaMarie Knorr is simply a friendship.
