[3] As special counsel with Ballard, Spahr, Andrews & Ingersoll in Philadelphia, he handles public finance and higher education legal issues.

[3] Specifically, his legal works focuses on facilitating tax-exempt financing projects for local governments and municipal authorities.

[3] In the 2008 election, Ellis was dropped from the Republican ticket because of an incident with former fiancée who filed and then withdrew a protection from abuse order against him.

Ellis unsuccessfully attempted to obtain the Republican nomination independent of the party apparatus, losing to Bruce Castor and Jim Matthews.

[7] He was endorsed by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, whose editorial board praised his "good credentials" and his "interesting ideas" on campaign finance reform and for his plans to improve Pennsylvania's college tuition savings program.

[9][10] On April 13, 2010, Montgomery County Web editor Marina Bradley accused Ellis of threatening her job.

Shortly afterward, solicitor Barry M. Miller confirmed that Ellis violating the agreement restrictions and allegedly tried to contact Bradley again by phone when he learned the commissioners had been briefed.

However, Ellis, releasing a letter Monday evening that he sent Saturday to county Chief Operating Officer Robert W. Graf, denies violating the agreement.

In his defense, Ellis stated to the Philadelphia Inquirer that he had "long ago apologized (for his behavior in the scandals), redeemed himself, and had only the party's best interests at heart.".

[21] The PUC complaint at paragraph 73 also cites an article by Ryan Briggs of City and State PA which alleges that: ... "[W]hat the [DVREDF] does, besides throw money at consultants and other dubious expenses, is a mystery.