Campaign Finance and Election Threats task force releases recommendations for reform

Governor Stitt Announces Recommendations from Task Force on Campaign Finance and Election Threats

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 3, 2024) - Today, Governor Stitt announced the recommendations from his Task Force on Campaign Finance and Election Threats. The Task Force studied Oklahoma's ethics regulations and election administration, gathering data, reviewing case law, and conducting interviews to determine what changes are necessary to ensure the state's elections are secure.

Oklahoma Ethics Commission announces new Executive Director

Ethics Commission Announces New Director

Welcoming the Next Ethics Commission Executive Director 

(December 7th) The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is excited to announce, introduce, and welcome its next Executive Director, Lee Anne Bruce Boone. She will be the 4th Executive Director to serve the Oklahoma Ethics Commission since its creation in 1990 following Directors Marilyn Hughes, Lee Slater, and Ashley Kemp.    

Small: Questionable ethics at Ethics Commission

Questionable ethics at Ethics Commission

By Jonathan Small

One of the most important jobs of a state attorney general is to protect citizens from overreaching government, so Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond deserves praise for reining in the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.

In a letter sent to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission on Sept. 21, Drummond told the agency that day’s meeting should be rescheduled “due to clear violations of the Open Meeting Act which have come to my attention.”

Ethics Commission director resigns in protest over perpetual lack of funding

When it comes to oversight and accountability, there are few two agencies that Oklahoma's elected officials have traditionally disliked more -- and funded less -- than the Oklahoma Ethics Commission and the State Auditor & Inspector. With the former, years of legislative neglect (or outright hostility) have led to the resignation-in-protest by the Ethics Commission's executive director.

Sen. Kirt to hold interim study Monday on Oklahoma’s ethics laws

This has the potential to be good, though at least one of the guest speakers (Moore) is a liberal hack. Oklahoma's ethics laws could use some reform, and the Ethics Commission needs additional funding and authority to actually give it some teeth to see that the laws are enforced (see the whole dark money fiasco plaguing Oklahoma right now). 

Sen. Kirt to hold interim study on Oklahoma’s Ethics

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 21st) – Sen. Julia Kirt [D-OKC] will hold an interim study on Oct. 24 focused on Oklahoma’s laws for ethics and accountability for elected officials.

Thursday: Tulsa 9.12 Project speaker on how Dark Money is making it hard to elect conservatives in OK

From the Tulsa 9.12 Project:

The Corruption Belt: How Dark Money Is Making It Hard for Oklahomans to Elect Conservatives

Were you inundated with political campaign mailers leading up to the June and August primary elections? Did the plethora of push cards explode in your mailbox prior to the primary runoffs? Have you noticed trends and similarities in literature coming from supposedly different campaign organizations?

If you answered YES to any or ALL of these questions, then you need to be at Tulsa 9.12 Project on Thursday, September 8th when Jenni White will unveil and explain just how deep the corruption goes and how dark the money is that funds it. Like a detective following the clues with Scooby Doo, Jenni will reveal who is behind these dastardly and malicious campaign attacks.

Muskogee GOP lunch today: Gary Jones on dark money and ethics reform

 

Former two-term Oklahoma State Auditor Gary Jones will be speaking at today's Muskogee Republican lunch on the topic of political dark money and the need for ethics reform in Oklahoma.

The weekly, informal lunch gathering takes place on Fridays at noon at Mahylon's Barbecue, located at 3301 Chandler Rd, Muskogee, OK 74403.

If you're in Muskogee today, you won't want to miss this!

Sen. Jake Merrick: "Does Dark Money Rule in Oklahoma?"

Answer: unfortunately, yes. The power-hungry corporate and political establishment in this state thrives on the secrecy, ambiguity, and deniability of "dark money". It's how they win campaigns now, putting in squishy moderates and ousting staunchly conservative legislators.

Freshman GOP State Senator Jake Merrick (one of the most conservative members in the Legislature) poses this question in a recent column, after outlandishly false attacks on him triggered by his vote against the "school choice" bill, SB 1647, earlier this year. As I've posted previously, the homeschool community in particular had great concerns with the legislation, and some legislative conservatives concurred. 

Perhaps of note, Merrick is one of the few members of the legislature that is an abortion abolitionist, believing that abortion should totally and completely abolished in all forms, not merely regulated... extra reason for the political establishment to hate him.

Does Dark Money Rule in Oklahoma?

written by State Sen. Jake Merrick (R-Yukon)

What is "Dark Money"?

ILLEGAL? State Dep't of Ed tags Hofmeister's campaign account on a state social media account

This is clearly not right, but at the same time unsurprising coming from the Oklahoma State Department of Education:

State employees tagging Hofmeisters campaign account on a state social media account. This is a clear violation of Oklahoma ethics and campaign laws. Where are the reporters on this? 🤔 https://t.co/wv7GLc1NiV

— Sean The Patriot Roberts for OK Labor Commissioner (@RepRoberts) May 11, 2022

OUTRAGE: Senate Approps Chair amends bill to allow campaign funds for use as personal slush fund

READ THE LATEST UPDATE: Sen. Thompson withdraws campaign "personal slush fund" bill after heat from the press

This is a long post, longer than most, but it's very important. Please read it in full so you can find out what the some members of legislative leadership are trying to slip through!

It's the fading moments of the Oklahoma legislative session, prime time for the traditional slipping in of woolyboogers, legislation that would otherwise attract great outrage but are passed swiftly in order to avoid the public eye.

House Bill 3996 is now one such measure.

I'm going to borrow some from a great article at The Frontier:

As the Oklahoma Legislature enters the final days of its 2020 regular legislative session, a last-minute proposed amendment to a bill in the Senate has emerged that would allow politicians to use campaign money to pay for personal expenses including country club dues, mortgage payments, vacations and a other personal items.

The proposed amendment to House Bill 3996 authored by Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, would remove the state’s prohibition against candidates for office and office holders spending money donated to their political campaign committees for personal use. The amendment, which would replace all language in the original bill that was approved in March by the House, has yet to be voted on by the Senate.

You can read the amendment filed by Sen. Thompson. It's shocking.

Gene Stipe would be weeping in pride and envy at the brazenness of this move.

Here's the timeline of the measure:

Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott, McDugle supporter, terminates McDugle's challenger

Wagoner County Sheriff Terminates Nick Mahoney Amid Pressure To Exit House District 12 Race

Wagoner, OK  – Nick Mahoney, a Republican candidate for House District 12 and a seven-year Wagoner County Deputy Sheriff, was terminated abruptly Monday morning by the Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott. His termination was preceded by statements made by Elliott to fire Mahoney if he did not exit the race for House District 12 along with statements made by Judy Elliott, Wagoner County 911 coordinator and Elliott’s wife that “(Mahoney) running for State House District 12 will have consequences."

“When I shared my intentions to run for State House District 12 to Sheriff Elliott last January, he initially indicated that he wished me the best luck, but that he was supporting Kevin McDugle, my opponent in the State House District 12 race,” said Mahoney.  “I assured him that I would continue to perform my duties as expected and not let the campaign interfere with my job as a deputy sheriff and he in-kind wished me luck in my race.”

Mahoney then explained how quickly the tone from Elliott changed as Mahoney received dozens of personal emails, phone calls, and text messages accusing Elliott of actively campaigning against Mahoney, slandering Mahoney's reputation and demanding citizens remove Mahoney's yard signs from private property.  “It’s pretty discouraging to find out Sheriff Elliott has told people that he’s going to demand I drop out of the race or be fired from the Sheriff’s Department.”

Mahoney then talked about how Elliott started abusing his power as Mahoney’s boss by demoting Mahoney, taking away Mahoney’s police car and instead making him drive the departments’ oldest model, and switching Mahoney’s work schedule from day to night shift. “There is no doubt that Sheriff Elliott was taking punitive actions against me in the workplace,” said Mahoney.

Mahoney then discussed his previous seven years at the Wagoner County Sheriff’s office. “I had nothing but high marks. I did not receive a single write-up for bad behavior and no disciplinary action was ever taken against me,” said Mahoney.  “My firing was political payback for daring to run against Sheriff Elliott’s friend, Kevin McDugle.”

Mahoney has retained legal counsel and is considering all legal options, including a wrongful termination lawsuit.  They are looking into the possible ethics violations for the Sheriff's inappropriate actions to influence an election.  "I am determined now more than ever in my campaign for State House District 12," said Mahoney.  "It just goes to show how far Sheriff Elliott will go to help my opponent retain power."

Mahoney continued, "This is a prime example of government corruption and Oklahomans deserves better. In the end, I believe it only reinforces my campaign to restore integrity and provide new leadership for the people of Wagoner County."

Nick Mahoney is a Republican running for House District 12. To learn more about Nick Mahoney, visit MahoneyforStateHouse.com.

Pinnell draws attention to Murphy's fundraising from those she regulates

Pinnell Continues Momentum in Race for Lieutenant Governor

Donation breakdown provides stark contrast to challenger's regulated money

Tulsa, OK – National grassroots leader and small business owner, Matt Pinnell, announced today his campaign finished the first quarter fundraising period raising over $110,000 from Oklahomans all across the state. Pinnell has raised over $690,000 to date.

In contrast, regulator Dana Murphy raised 75% of her Q1 money from the very people and corporations she regulates - the same people she promised to hold accountable. Furthermore, her campaign is almost exclusively boosted by funds she transferred from her Corporation Commission account.

“I am encouraged and excited for the future of Oklahoma,” said Pinnell. “It is clear voters are tired of the old carousel of career politicians who claim they will do something different, but continue to be controlled by the same special interests and lobbyists. If this election is about the next generation then we must break up the status quo.”

A former chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party and national grassroots leader, Pinnell has continued to travel the state – listening to voters, and sharing a vision of conservative leadership providing prosperity for Oklahoma families and small businesses in all 77 counties.

“From Guymon to Idabel, Miami to Altus, our campaign keeps growing as voters voice their frustrations and work towards solutions at the State Capitol,” said Pinnell. “We’ll keep crisscrossing the state of Oklahoma and look forward to providing a fresh face, innovative solutions, and a new path for Oklahoma voters.”

Matt, his wife, Lisa, and their four children live in Tulsa, OK. To learn more, visit www.mattpinnell.com.

Pinnell on Murphy donor solicitations: Swampy Status Quo Shakedown?

Swampy Status Quo Shakedown?  Commissioner Murphy Raising Campaign Funds from Entities She Regulates

Tulsa, OK – Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate, entrepreneur, and small business owner Matt Pinnell commented today on opponent Dana Murphy’s long expected effort to raise campaign money from oil and gas and other entities she regulates in her role as Corporation Commissioner.

A campaign solicitation dated February 27, 2018 was sent to members of the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association on the very first date she could solicit their funds.

17 O.S. §2A-48 stipulates that members of the Corporation Commission cannot accept campaign contributions from any “person who is subject to the regulations of the Corporation Commission, or has interests in any firm, corporation or business which is subject to regulation by the Corporation Commission,” until a period beginning 120 days prior to a primary election.

“This a perfect example of what President Trump meant when he said we needed to drain the swamp,” said Pinnell. “This is the status quo, politics as usual that I am fighting to end in Oklahoma City.”

In Murphy’s 2008 race against incumbent Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth, Murphy criticized Roth for raising campaign funds from individuals who had cases in front the Corporation Commission. Murphy called then Commissioner Roth, " a lapdog for special interest groups," and said that as "a career bureaucrat, he has relied on his powerful, special interest friends." Now, Murphy is engaged in the same exact practice she campaigned against. In fact, Jim Roth, who is a registered lobbyist in front of the Corporation Commission, is hosting a campaign event for Commissioner Murphy today.

“This sends a chilling message to the oil and gas industry from a politician who regulates their industry,” continued Pinnell. “It’s simply not right that Commissioner Murphy can run for higher office while using her position on the Corporation Commission to raise money from those she regulates.”

"Commissioner Murphy correctly used to believe this practice was wrong, and said so when she ran in 2008. Now that she’s an elected official looking to climb the political ladder, she’s changed her tune. That’s the definition of hypocrisy and the status quo that Oklahoma voters soundly rejected at the ballot box in 2016,” concluded Pinnell.

Lamb supports OPEA's call for Tourism Department investigation

LAMB WELCOMES PUBLIC EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION’S CALL FOR TOURISM DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, December 20, 2017 – Republican gubernatorial candidate Todd Lamb said today he welcomes an investigation into the Oklahoma Department of Tourism as called for by the Oklahoma Public Employees Association.

“As a member of the Tourism Commission, I welcome an investigation and support OPEA in their request,” Lamb said. “While a United States Secret Service agent, I regularly conducted thorough investigations, and believe they lead to greater clarity and transparency within the operations of public and/or private sector entities. Within the Tourism Department, information flows through the executive director and senior staff, and an investigation into that process is good public policy. OPEA’s request is one example of why I recently unveiled my Ethics in Government Reform Plan which contains the establishment of a state ombudsman within the office of the Oklahoma Attorney General. Any state employee could contact the ombudsman to bring forward concerns of waste, corruption or abuse without fear of repercussion.”


[More on the OPEA request here from FOX25 News]

Richardson hits Lamb for Ethics Reform plan

GARY RICHARDSON BLASTS HYPOCRISY OF LAMB’S ETHICS PLAN

December 4, 2017 -- GOP candidate for Governor, Gary Richardson, is challenging Lt. Governor Todd Lamb’s so-called “Reform In Government” plan.  Among Lamb’s proposals, he calls for tighter regulation of lobbyist donations which, Richardson points out, appears quite disingenuous coming from the Lt. Governor. 

    “Todd Lamb has taken more than $5800 in gifts from lobbyists so far.  This is tantamount to a 400 lb. doctor telling a patient to lose weight,” Gary Richardson says.  “Lobbyists have showered Lamb with everything from lavish dinners to Final Four basketball tickets.  It’s ironic Lamb wants to crack down on lobbyists while saying absolutely nothing about fixing the rampant corruption and mismanagement within his own Tourism Department.”

    The malfeasance at the Lt. Governor's Tourism Department was uncovered last week in an investigative report that aired on Fox 25 News in Oklahoma City.

    “What’s worse?  The lobbyist who gives the gifts or the lawmaker who cheerfully accepts the gifts?” says Richardson. “Todd Lamb is the personification of everything wrong with State Government and the poster boy for Oklahoma’s current crisis.  As Governor, I will never accept gifts from lobbyists.  My only special interest is serving the people of Oklahoma with responsible and transparent government.”

    Gary Richardson is a native Oklahoman, a former US Attorney appointed by President Reagan, and founder of a successful law firm in Tulsa.

    For more information on Gary Richardson’s campaign for Governor of Oklahoma visit his website at www.GaryRichardson.org.

Rep. Taylor Welcomes Lamb Support for Ethics Reform

Taylor Welcomes Lamb Support for Ethics Reform

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 30th, 2017)  – State Rep. Zack Taylor today said he welcomes Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb's support of an ethics reform bill authored by Taylor during the recent special session.

Taylor authored the bill in October after more legislators resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The bill aims to improve the ethical behavior of those who serve in the Legislature, while holding accountable those who conduct themselves dishonorably.

“I am pleased that Lieutenant Governor Lamb is joining my effort to hold lawmakers to a higher standard,” said Taylor, R-Seminole. “That people recognize the importance of accountability in individuals serving in government is encouraging for society as a whole. I look forward to continuing work on this issue in the coming legislative session, and I certainly welcome any support Lieutenant Governor Lamb can offer."

Lamb announced a plan today that would require any legislator resigning his or her seat before the end of a term to forgo any state retirement related to the office until the cost of a special election (with interest) is repaid to the state, forgoing several extenuating circumstances. Campaign funds of lawmakers resigning mid-term would be returned to the state Election Board. The plan also would require any legislator missing 40 percent or more floor votes one month or later into the regular legislative session to be expelled, again minus extenuating circumstances.

The bill filed by Taylor in October would force lawmakers found to be guilty of dishonorable conduct to forfeit their retirement benefits and remaining campaign funds, and would require new lawmakers to sign a waiver acknowledging they would forfeit these funds and benefits should they exhibit such behavior while in office.

House Bill 1067 was filed in advance of the special legislative session. While the bill was not heard during the special session, it can still be considered in the regular legislative session.

“Lawmakers who resign in disgrace should not continue to receive state benefits or be able to retain their campaign funds once found to be guilty of misconduct,” Taylor said. “The Oklahoma taxpayer deserves to be protected from the embarrassment and costs that result from these scandals. I will continue to work for passage of this measure and I welcome any and all support from other leaders in our state."

Taylor was elected by special election in May. He is serving his first term representing Oklahoma House District 28, which includes Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties. He can be reached by phone at (405) 557-7372 or via email at zack.taylor@okhouse.gov. 

Lamb announces Ethics Reform in Government plan

LAMB ANNOUNCES ETHICS REFORM IN GOVERNMENT PLAN 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, November 30, 2017 – Republican gubernatorial candidate Todd Lamb announced today an ethics in government reform plan aimed at improving the efficiency, functionality and ethics of Oklahoma’s legislative and special election processes. In light of several special elections needed this year due to incumbents engaged in unethical and/or criminal behavior, and a special legislative session that has tested the trust and patience of Oklahoma’s citizenry, Lamb said reforms are needed to renew Oklahomans’ faith in their elected officials, and for state government to improve the manner in which it operates.

“A primary order of business is renewing the faith of voters in Oklahoma state government, and in their elected representatives,” Lamb said. “I believe fundamental reforms are desperately needed for Oklahoma taxpayers to be confident that their elected leaders are working for them, and not their own self-interest. There is a growing concern among Oklahomans that the state Capitol is in chaos, and that some members of the Legislature are too caught up in the politics of their positions rather than serving the best interest of their constituents.”

“My recommendations are the result of my service as a United States Secret Service agent, within the private sector, as a candidate, a state senator and lieutenant governor, as well as my experiences visiting with Oklahomans across all 77 counties. Nobody should undervalue the intense level of frustration Oklahoma voters of all ideologies, of all political persuasion and all socio-economic status feel at this time. Many of these proposals will be met with opposition from some legislators and lobbyists, however government is not about them. Government is about serving the people, and at this moment it is time to go above and beyond to restore Oklahomans’ faith in our state government.”


I. SPECIAL ELECTION/EARLY RESIGNATION 

• A. Any legislator who resigns their seat before the end of their term will forgo any state retirement related to their term in elected office until the cost of the special election (with interest) to fill their unexpired term is repaid to the state. 
• 1. Exceptions can be granted for extenuating personal situations at the time of resignation such as health or family crisis. 
• 2. Exceptions will be granted for being called to military service. 
• 3. Exceptions will be granted if voters elect a legislator to another office if the legislator is running for another office during their current term. 
• B. Existing campaign funds (after any applicable Oklahoma Ethics Commission fines are paid) held by the campaign of a legislator who resigns mid-term will be transferred to the Oklahoma State Election Board to assist in offsetting the cost of special elections. 
• C. Any legislator missing 40% or more floor votes one month or later into the regular legislative session will be expelled and the seat will become vacant 
• and subject to special election laws. Exceptions will be granted for extenuating circumstances related to the health of the legislator and/or immediate family, as well as for missing votes related to military service or other similar professional duties or obligations. 
• D. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission will determine the granting of any exceptions pursuant to the above proposals. 

“Resignation due to unethical and/or illegal behavior, or opportunity for personal gain, creates an undue hardship on taxpayers while leaving Oklahomans unrepresented. The simple fact is there should be a penalty for failing to meet a solemn obligation made to voters,” Lamb said.


II. SPECIAL SESSION REFORM 

• A. Apply current restrictions on donations by lobbyists and lobbyist principals during regular session to any special legislative session. 
• B. Per diem for qualifying legislators during a special stand alone legislative session will decrease by 20% per week during special session. For example, after two weeks of special session, per diem will be 60% of the normal rate, and after five weeks of special session, there will be no per diem. An exception will be granted should the stand alone special session be called as a result of an act of God or man-made disaster which would have been unforeseen during the regular legislative session. 

“Voters must have assurance that legislators are not living a lavish lifestyle at their expense, and especially during times when the Legislature is debating raising taxes on Oklahomans,” Lamb said.


III. SEXUAL HARASSMENT 

• A. Required sexual harassment training for statewide and legislative elected officials to be conducted by the office of the Oklahoma Attorney General. 
• B. Creation of a state ombudsman within the office of the Oklahoma Attorney General where those interacting with legislators or state employees can report concerns without fear of repercussions. 
• C. Expulsion or resignation for sexual harassment will immediately result in loss of all state benefits, including retirement. 

“Little, if anything, sickens me more than hearing incidents of sexual harassment. They are even more appalling when they involve those who have been elected and exalted to positions of leadership. As a husband, and as the father of a young lady, this issue strikes at my core. We must stop this unacceptable behavior, which not only demeans individuals but undoubtedly discourages some of Oklahoma’s best and brightest from entering public service,” Lamb said.


IV. CAMPAIGN AND LOBBYING REFORMS 

• A. Cooling-off period for elected officials and agency directors. Legislators, statewide elected officials and agency directors shall not assist or represent any private interest for compensation in a lobbying or consulting role on a matter that is the subject of legislative or executive action for a minimum of two years following the end of their state service, whether elected or appointed. For legislators, this change would affect all new terms in office. 
• B. Institute quarterly random audits of a minimum percentage of all campaign and lobbyist filings and allow field investigations when there is a suspicion of a violation. Require Legislature to fund these efforts. 
• C. During regular and/or special legislative session, require lobbyists to report expenditures to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission of gifts or meals exceeding $25 within two business days. 

“We must eliminate incentives and any perception that legislators and/or agency directors make decisions for their own personal gain instead of in the best interest of constituents and the state of Oklahoma,” Lamb said.


V. STATE CAPITOL CONDUCT 

• A. Elimination of special legislative vehicle license tags. 
• B. Enforcement of prohibition against consuming alcohol within the state Capitol. 

“There is no need for special legislative vehicle license tags, and alcohol consumption within the state Capitol is already prohibited. Both of these will lead to greater transparency in state government,” Lamb said.


VI. ENGAGEMENT OF STATE EMPLOYEES IN PROMOTING ETHICAL BEHAVIOR 

• A. Create an ombudsman position within the office of the Oklahoma Attorney General where state employees can, with protection, expose corruption, report government waste and offer cost-saving ideas. This position will be paid by a portion of the cost savings generated from these efforts. 
• B. Create non-cash Ethical Excellence Awards to recognize outstanding state employees who demonstrate ethical behavior. 

“We have to fundamentally change the culture within state government and we must be better stewards of taxpayer dollars. Empowering all state employees to be part of the solution can be a very powerful force,” Lamb said.

Facing expulsion vote, Kirby resigns (for real, this time) [UPDATED]

State Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa) has released a statement saying that he will resign from office, just a few days in advance of an expected vote to expel him from the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

"I cannot, in good conscience, continue to fight against unfounded accusations and what I believe to be unreasonable committee recommendations when the end result will ultimately be that the people of House District 75 will not have a voice at the State Capitol for the next two years. The committee has ensured that this would have been a lose-lose situation for me and my district."

Legislative leadership had said that a vote to expel Kirby would be taken before any legislation would be considered. The legislative session begins Monday, so any action would happen then (after the Governor's 'State of the State') or Tuesday.

UPDATE 1

Here is Kirby's resignation letter, which raises more questions for me:

His resignation "shall become effective Wednesday, March 1st, 2017", rather than immediately, or even before the legislative session kicks off on Monday. Will the House still move to expel?

UPDATE 2

I spoke with Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (R-OKC) about the resignation date and a vote on expulsion. While legislative leadership has not met about the issue since Kirby's resignation announcement earlier today, Rep. Echols said that if Kirby intends to still show up and participate in voting and legislative deliberations, he would expect a expulsion vote to be scheduled and taken before any major action is taken on legislation.

Committee recommends expulsion for Kirby, training and restrictions for Fourkiller

The House Rules Committee investigating sexual harassment allegations against sitting representatives is recommending expulsion for embattled State Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa) and sensitivity training for State Rep. Will Fourkiller (D-Stillwell) as well as a prohibition from interacting with the House Page program for one year.

The news just broke on Twitter (first posted) by @OklahomaWatch after a press conference that began at 1pm, and is still going on at this moment.

Here is the full press release:

Committee Recommends Expulsion for Rep. Kirby, Reprimand for Rep. Fourkiller

The bipartisan Oklahoma House of Representatives’ Special Investigation Committee released a report of its findings and recommendations today following a nearly month-long investigation into the circumstances that lead to the wrongful termination settlement agreement paid to a former employee in November out of House funds.

The Investigation Committee recommended the expulsion of Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa) from the House of Representatives.

The Committee also recommended that Rep. Will Fourkiller (D-Stilwell) attend sensitivity training and be prohibited from interacting with the House Page Program for one year.

Specifically, the Committee made the following recommendations regarding Rep. Kirby:

• Expulsion from the House of Representatives,
• Loss of Committee Chairmanship,
• Loss of Committee appointments,
• Bills authored removed from consideration,
• Loss of privileges to a legislative assistant,

Specifically, the Committee made the following recommendations regarding Rep. Fourkiller:

• Attend one-on-one sensitivity training on appropriate workplace conduct,
• Prohibited from contact with the House Page Program  for one year (though Rep. Fourkiller will still be allowed to host student pages from his district in his Capitol office.)

“This has been a difficult process, and I am thankful for the members of the Committee who participated and meticulously investigated this matter,” said Committee Chairman Josh Cockroft, R-Wanette. “This was a bipartisan effort, and every member who participated took this matter seriously and received all of the evidence with an open mind. It was a fair and thorough investigation, and the members of the Committee believe our recommendations are appropriate.”

In addition, the Committee found that the House has the legal authority – and acted upon that authority – to expend operational funds to settle the wrongful termination claim brought by a former employee.

The Committee also recommended that the Speaker establish a bipartisan committee of members to review and vote on any future legal settlements that may arise.

House Speaker McCall yesterday acted upon that recommendation, going a step further by creating the bipartisan House Expenditure Oversight Committee and authorizing it to review and authorize all large capital and/or extraordinary expenditures that exceed $15,000.

The recommendations of the Committee will now be considered by the full body of the House of Representatives. Expulsion from the House requires a two-thirds majority vote of the body, or 68 members.

House Ethics committee considering investigating Mullin

From the AP:

The House Ethics Committee will consider an investigation of Republican congressman Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma.

A spokeswoman for the congressman says Mullin is cooperating with the House Ethics Committee and believes he is in full compliance with all ethics rules.

Ethics Committee chairman Michael Conaway and ranking Democrat Linda Sanchez said Thursday they had received a referral about Mullin from the Office of Congressional Ethics.

The OCE is an outside organization that can refer cases to the House Ethics Committee. The subject of the potential investigation isn't being disclosed.

Conaway and Sanchez say that considering an investigation does not indicate any violation has occurred. They will announce any further action by March 24.