Critics of Pierce County prosecutor file recall petition



TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Pierce County prosecutor Mark Lindquist is the target of a recall campaign.

The Tacoma News Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1Gzevg6 ) that critics of Lindquist filed a formal recall petition with the county auditor on Wednesday.

Lindquist was re-elected to a second term in November after running unopposed.

The petition is a prelude to a court hearing, a possible signature drive and an election. It cites 12 charges of misconduct.

They include vindictive prosecution and obstruction of justice; violation of employment discrimination laws; misuse of public funds; creating a racially hostile workplace; and abuse of power.

Lindquist responded with the following statement: “Every day we hear from people asking us to keep up the good work and protect the community. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. As Russell Wilson recently said, we’re going to tune out the noise and focus on our jobs.”

The petition follows a whistle-blower and Washington Bar Association complaint filed by a prosecutor in Lindquist's office.