"Pruitt Pulls Out of GOP Fundraiser After Ethics Complaint"

"The Oklahoma GOP billed the fundraiser as a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. A U.S. senator filed a formal complaint."

"Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, facing a complaint that he had violated the law restricting political activity by federal officials, will not attend an Oklahoma GOP fundraising gala where he was slated to be keynote speaker, an administration official told InsideClimate News on Thursday.

The decision came after Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel over an invitation for a $100-a-plate May 5 Oklahoma Republican Party gala that promoted the chance to see Pruitt as it solicited  "sponsorships" of $2,000 to $5,000.

"You do not want to miss Pruitt at this year's OKGOP Gala, as he discusses his plans to slash regulations, bring back jobs to Oklahoma, and decrease the size of the EPA!" the invitation said. "Make sure to purchase your Gala tickets so you don't miss out on Administrator Pruitt's future plans and how he will continue to Drain the Swamp! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so buy your tickets before they sell out.""

Marianne Lavelle reports for InsideClimate News April 27, 2017.