measure to prevent Harper from being seated in the senate. Calling the scandal one of "the most reprehensible efforts in recent Washington state history to mislead voters," former Washington Supreme Court justice Phil Talmadge issued a public appeal to lieutenant governor Brad Owen to delay Harper's swearing-in until after a court ruling. Despite the campaign to block his seating, Harper – who denied any knowledge of the scheme – was sworn into the senate in January 2011. Acting on a recommendation from the PDC, Attorney-General Rob McKenna sued Moxie Media. An out-of-court settlement saw the firm agreeing to pay the state $290,000 in penalties ($140,000 was suspended provided the company committed no more violations before 2015), representing one of the largest election-related fines in the state's history. Within a year however, the firm was doubling its pre-scandal revenue. In 2012 it grossed $2 million, primarily from new business contracts with the Washington Democratic Party. In September 2013, the Washington state Democratic Party named Harper its "Male Elected Official of the Year." Two months later, however, Harper abruptly resigned, following rumors he had been involved in an extramarital affair with a lobbyist. Harper said his resignation was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family. References External links Moxie Media Political scandals in the United States Politics of Washington (state)