For the past eight years, state attorney general Rob McKenna has enjoyed free use of a Honda Pilot from Honda Auto Center of Bellevue, a value of $475 a month, the PI.com's Joel Connelly reports. The campaign pays for the additional cost of $425 a month, plus any excess mileage. Although McKenna has been up-front about the contribution, Connelly reports, "the sensitive issue" is this:

McKenna is overseer of business practices by the state'a automobile dealerships.   The Attorney General receives complaints against dealers for deceptive advertising practices, dishonest promotions or hidden costs.  The AG's office investigates, determines penalties, negotiates settlement agreements and -- on occasion -- takes miscreants to court.

Earlier on Thursday, the AG's office announced eight settlements with car dealers over advertisements that allegedly violated the state's consumer protection laws.

"Attorney General drives fair car ads through settlements with dealers," said a self-praising release from the AG.

The settlements, addressing multiple violations, saw the eight dealers agree to comply with restrictions on advertising practices and to pay $5,000-$10,000 to reimburse the state for attorneys fees and legal practices. And the AG's office added:

"As is typical with consumer protection settlements, the allegations were resolved with agreements that don't require the businesses to admit any wrongdoing but impose restrictions on their marketing practices.  All the dealers denied any wrongdoing and cooperated with the Attorney General's office throughout the course of the investigation."

Although none of the settlements involved the Honda Auto Center, Connelly adds, "The fact that McKenna gets free use of a car, supplied by a business he regulates, is somewhat unsettling."

Read Connelly's whole report here.