Follow the Money or A Fistful of Dollars

Randy Krehbiel at the Tulsa World is writing an interesting series on campaign committee finance. Part 1 was yesterday, part 2 today. This is a multifaceted story that gets to the heart of modern day campaigns. Rep. Lucky Lamons (D-Tulsa) was quoted as saying in real estate it's location, location, location and in politics it's money, money, money.

One thing he hasn't written about yet is cash contributions. I hear at least one Republican legislator has repeatedly reported taking cash contributions exceeding the $50 limit from individuals. This isn't a "pass the hat" entry on the ethics reports but is tied directly to individual contributors in denominations of $100 to $500 and has been going on since 2002. Someone should look into this blatant disregard for the rules. Seems to be a pattern there and some bright reporter or concerned citizen could make a case for more than a slap on the wrist in this matter.

Another practice worth investigating is that candidate committees cannot legally give campaign funds to another candidate. A candidate committee can, however, give to a party organization. This too is an interesting trail to follow.

Read the Tulsa World stories here.
And take a spin through the Oklahoma State Ethics Commission website here.