Associated Press
 
November 20, 2009
 
LA GRANDE, Ore. -- State police have agreed to pay $295,000 to Mark Hemstreet and Gregg Clapper to settle a lawsuit over hunting violation charges that were thrown out.
 
State police say the settlement was in the best interest of the state.
 
Hemstreet is a hotel owner active in Republican politics and Clapper is his friend and political ally.
 
Police deny there was any political motivation in the case, but say one employee was disciplined after an investigation.