State Sen. James C. Simpson, the latest outgoing legislator to turn to lobbying, delayed the start of his new career yesterday after learning that his original timetable would violate ethics law.
Senator Simpson, a former Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, said he would postpone joining a well-known Annapolis lobbying firm until he officially leaves office Jan. 11.
The firm of Manis, Canning & Associates announced yesterday that the senator would join it Jan. 1, almost two weeks before his term expires. Mr. Simpson, 63, of Charles County, is the chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.
The senator said he believed that he could become a lobbyist Jan. 1 because he will receive his last state paycheck Dec. 31. "I figured if I'm off the payroll, I'm out of the Senate," he said. Besides, he said, he has turned in his office keys. "Theoretically I may still be a senator until Jan. 11, but I don't have any office, any duties or any responsibilities."
State ethics law, however, prohibits lawmakers from entering into business contracts with lobbyists while they are still in office, said Del. Kenneth C. Montague Jr., co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics.
Unless they resign, outgoing legislators retain their "powers and responsibilities" until their successors take office, said Mr. Montague, a Baltimore lawyer.
When informed of the potential ethics violation, Mr. Simpson said he would put off joining the lobbying and public affairs firm until his successor takes office Jan. 11.
"It was a mistake. It was inadvertent," he said.
He is the latest in a growing crop of current or former elected officials and staff to head through the revolving door from government service to legislative lobbyist.
Mr. Simpson has spent 20 years in the Senate. He was the running mate of Lt. Gov. Melvin A. Steinberg in his unsuccessful quest for the Democratic nomination for governor in September.
Mr. Steinberg lost the primary election and will become a lobbyist himself when he leaves office next month.