A nominee to the Mississippi Lottery Corp. board recently hosted a fundraiser for a politician who has a vote in his confirmation.

The Clarion Ledger reports the nominee, Gerard Gibert (GIBB-ert), held a reception at his Ridgeland home last week for Republican state Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula.

Watson is running for secretary of state, and people paid at least $250 each at the fundraiser.

Gibert says he is “deeply offended” that anyone would see a potential conflict in his raising money for Watson, who serves on the Senate Finance Committee. Gibert says he has known Watson for years.

The Finance Committee recommended Wednesday that the full Senate confirm Gibert’s nomination. Watson voted for the recommendation.

Watson says Gibert will lose money as a non-paid member of the lottery board.