A Skagit County judge has ruled that a recall petition targeting Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon was improperly filed and must be dismissed.

Superior Court Judge John Meyer said Thursday the petition was flawed because its author had failed to allege under oath that Reardon had engaged in misconduct. The recall petition was filed by attorney Anne Block, who says she plans to refile it.

The recall paperwork accused Reardon of breaking state campaign laws by using his executive assistant and other public resources for political fundraising and lobbying. Reardon's attorneys argued Block has asserted "nothing more than bald insinuations."

Reardon was the focus of a Washington State Patrol investigation into allegations he misused public resources. In June, Island County Prosecuting Attorney Greg Banks decided there was insufficient evidence to charge Reardon with official misconduct.

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Information from The Everett Herald: http://www.heraldnet.com/