Assemblyman says he never secretly recorded any GOP caucus meetings

CARSON CITY — A Republican lawmaker who confirmed Saturday that Las Vegas police are investigating allegations of attempted extortion in exchange for his vote for Assembly speaker said Tuesday he has never surreptitiously recorded any caucus meetings.

Assemblyman Chris Edwards, R-Las Vegas, said concerns from a GOP colleague that he might have recorded caucus meeting were unfounded. The concerns were raised by Assemblywoman Victoria Seaman, R-Las Vegas.

“There was no recording by me of any caucus meetings whatsoever,” Edwards said. “That statement was unfortunate. She was wrong.”

Edwards said caucus meetings are private and will remain that way. Las Vegas police, who are investigating the allegations raised by Edwards, did not ask him to record any caucus meetings, he said.

“They have been particularly careful to respect the other branches of government,” he said.

Edwards said he does not know how long it will take for the investigation to be completed.

Assembly Speaker John Hambrick, R-Las Vegas, said Monday that concerns about recordings were raised at a caucus meeting in which Edwards was present about the possibility that the freshman lawmaker was recording the conversations.

Hambrick said it was made clear that caucus meetings must and will remain private.

Metro launched the investigation in December when Edwards was approached about changing his vote for Assembly speaker, police said.

Edwards was supporting Hambrick for the job. Hambrick was unanimously supported as speaker in a vote in the Assembly on Monday.

The Assembly Republican Caucus has been in turmoil since the GOP took control of the chamber for the first time since 1985 in a huge party sweep in the Nov. 4 general election.

Hambrick is viewed as more of a moderate and has the support of at least 12 other members of his caucus. Another dozen members are more conservative, especially in the area of tax policy.

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Find him on Twitter: @seanw801.