Mike Reynolds (R-OKC), has asked Governor Brad Henry, "to appoint an independent special counsel to examine some campaign contributions made by the attorney general the past several years," reports
KOCO, which also quoted Edmondson's response that the request is:
...A blatant and pathetic attempt to give cover to his political cronies, Brent Rinehart and Tim Pope [who were charged with criminal felony counts of laundering campaign money and conspiracy last year].
KSWO News in Lawton writes that Paul Sund, a spokesman for Governor Henry, says that, "the state Ethics Commission regulates the issue in question and no outside prosecutor is needed."
Michael McNutt, of The Oklahoman gives some background on the case:
Edmondson in April reimbursed $2,750 to his campaign from his personal funds that he used to pay for tickets to campaign functions, which is not an approved campaign expense.
A state candidate cannot use campaign funds to donate to another state candidate's campaign, according to Ethics Commission rules.
Edmondson said in April he thought buying tickets to an event that served a political campaign purpose was an allowed expense, and reimbursed his campaign when Reynolds questioned the donations.
Labels: Brad Henry, Drew Edmondson, Mike Reynolds
Posted at 3/02/2008 08:19:00 PM
