Avakian tells WW he doesn't recall writing the email to lobbyists. But he does recall telling lobbyists and Portland lawyers he was closing his law firm and looking for other opportunities, and he says he sees no problem with doing so. He says he doesn't recall the details of the court cases but acknowledges running into financial trouble in the past—including when he had his wife, Debbie, on his legislative payroll at $4,500 a month, as he did in 2005.