We are regularly amazed by the way public officials can rationalize conflicts of interest.

Consider, for instance, Wildlife Commissioner R. Dan Martin’s personal call to an assistant district attorney seeking information on the drunken driving arrest of his brother. Richard Martin was arrested while operating his boat under the influence and exceeding the speed limit on Long Lake in Aroostook County.

He was arrested by a game warden, who might now be wondering about his choice of careers.

Dan Martin called the assistant DA and questioned her about the status of his brother’s case and about the potential for a plea bargain.

Couldn’t his brother have called? Couldn’t his lawyer have called?

Well, a reasonable person could conclude that the Martin brothers thought a call from a powerful person could get the imbibing brother favorable treatment.

A review by Gov. John Baldacci found that Dan Martin did nothing illegal, but that his call created the appearance of impropriety.

We agree. We now hope Martin will act more wisely in the future – and let the arresting warden know he acted properly in busting his brother.