Sandoval's actions questioned by ethics group

RENO - A national ethics watchdog group is raising questions over former U.S. District Judge Brian Sandoval's exploration of a run for Nevada governor while sitting on the bench.

Sandoval, a Republican who gave up his lifetime appointment this past week to enter the governor's race, said he closely adhered to an opinion that outlined how he could consider the campaign without violating judicial canons prohibiting political activity.

But Melanie Sloan of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington says Sandoval might have acted outside those restrictions.

She cites the inclusion of Sandoval's name on a poll by a national group and his conversations with political consultants.

U.S. District Chief Judge Roger Hunt says he doesn't think the outside polling violated any judicial canons.