The Oklahoma Ethics Commission reprimanded former state Speaker of the House Lance Cargill, the Republican State House Committee and the Oklahoma County Republican Committee for multiple violations of state ethics rules.
“Simply put, this is a case of the redirection of campaign contributions intended for one party committee, to another, contrary to the intent of the donors,” the Commission said in a press release. “It resulted in the contributors being made to support candidates against their conscience and in violation of several provisions of the ethics rules, which are designed to safeguard campaigns in Oklahoma.”
An investigation by the Commission found campaign checks written by certain Republican members of the state House of Representatives, intended for the “Victory Fund” of the Oklahoma Republican Party, were rerouted to the Oklahoma County Republican Committee. These funds were used for a different slate of candidates, contrary to the intent of the donors.
The Ethics Commission unanimously voted to issue the reprimand at its regular meeting held Aug. 22.
Cargill stepped down as speaker back in January after stories concerning his late income and property tax payments surfaced in the media. He decided not to seek another term for House District 96 seat. “Gazette staff
This article appears in Aug 27 – Sep 2, 2008.