Ethics Committee: Reprimand Rep. Laura Richardson

(AP) The House Ethics Committee says California Democratic Congresswoman Laura Richardson should be reprimanded for misusing her staff. The committee found she improperly compelled staff to perform campaign work and obstructed the internal investigation by altering or destroying evidence, failing to produce subpoenaed documents and attempting to influence testimony of witnesses.

The committee announced Wednesday that Richardson agreed to admit to all seven counts against her. The committee recommended that the House adopt its report, and said doing so would serve as a reprimand. Richardson also agreed to pay a $10,000 fine, to be paid by Dec. 1.

The committee said it discourages Richardson from permitting any staff members to work in her campaign.

Richardson is in a tough re-election race against another Democratic incumbent, Rep. Janice Hahn.