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.

Humphrey asks Ethics Commission to investigate potential Hofmeister misuse of public funds

Humphrey Asks Ethics Commission to Investigate Potential Misuse of Public Funds by Gubernatorial Candidate

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, sent a letter Monday requesting that the Oklahoma Ethics Commission investigate whether state resources were used to further a gubernatorial candidate's campaign during the 2022 election cycle.

Humphrey pointed to an investigation by the Washington Examiner which found that the Oklahoma State Dept. of Education's website included links to Superintendent Joy Hofmeister's social media pages promoting her campaign for governor.

CAUGHT: Hofmeister's Dep't of Education scrubs site of links to her campaign after Washington Examiner report

Let's just say Democrat gubernatorial candidate Joy Hofmeister hasn't had a great 24 hours.

It started with her going on camera to say that, when it comes to immigration issues, she supports Sanctuary Cities.

Then there was this Washington Examiner article, Democratic nominee for Oklahoma governor appears to have 'violated' state laws, experts say:

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:

OCPA column: unethical mission creep

Unethical mission creep

By Trent England
Executive Vice President, Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA)

Two weeks ago, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission held its final hearing on proposed rules for this year. The unusual process calls for the Commission to write ethics rules then send them to the Legislature at the beginning of session. Lawmakers can veto the rules; otherwise, they take effect when session is over.

While the Commission has backed away from one obviously unconstitutional proposal, the debate exposed an unfortunate trend toward mission creep that threatens the agency’s core mission.

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission was created in the early 1990s when Oklahoma voters—rightly fed up with repeated tax hikes and corruption scandals—also enacted term limits and adopted the taxpayer protections in State Question 640.

A distinguishing feature of American government is that it is limited. For example, the U.S. Constitution spells out the powers of the federal government and leaves everything else to the states. In the case of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, state law is likewise specific. Transgressing these boundaries is nothing short of lawless.

The Oklahoma Constitution grants the Commission power to “promulgate rules of ethical conduct for state officers and employees, including civil penalties for violation of these rules.” And that’s all. The proposal dropped by the Commission two weeks ago would have regulated private people talking with other private people about what goes on in the Legislature—clearly beyond the agency’s power.

Still, the Commission has moved forward with other rules that tinker with political fundraising in ways that stretch these boundaries and do nothing to make government more ethical. Rather than focusing on real corruption, it has wrapped legitimate political practices in so much red tape that just about any campaign will fall afoul of one rule or another.

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has an important mission. It also has a great staff, as anyone who has worked with them knows. But the Commissioners need to steer the agency back on track.

How about an initiative to simplify and even reduce current rules? Commissioners could test every rule, and any new proposal, with two questions. First, is this within our lawful power? Second, is it easy for ordinary people to figure out and comply with?

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has an important and challenging mission. Squandering its power on mission creep is bad for our state. Some might even say it’s unethical.

Trent England serves as the executive vice president at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

OCPA column: The Speech Police

The speech police

by Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA)

Before Christmas, I cautioned Oklahomans about a proposed regulation by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission that would label almost anyone sharing an opinion about the Legislature as a lobbyist and subject them to state regulations.

On January 11, the commission released a new version of its so-called “indirect lobbying” regulation. The changes are mostly window dressing. It would still massively expand the state’s regulatory power, require warning labels on opinions, and make some people’s private information public.

After citizens and reporters packed the commission’s last meeting, they refused to vote on either version and instead called a special meeting for January 25. Possibly, a third version will be introduced in the meantime.

Whatever the commission finally votes on, the whole idea of regulating so-called “indirect lobbying” is silly and illegal.

Let’s be clear: So-called “indirect lobbying” is not lobbying. Instead, it is one private person talking to another private person, sharing an opinion about what is happening in the Legislature.

Why do we need warning labels on opinions? Why should a state agency waste resources regulating the speech of private people sharing their thoughts about public policy? The whole idea is frightening.

To avoid just this kind of mission creep, the Ethics Commission’s power is limited in the Oklahoma Constitution. Its job is to make and enforce rules related to the ethics of government officials and employees. This is why the commission makes rules about giving money to legislators’ campaigns and giving gifts to state employees.

But the Ethics Commission has no power to regulate private people who are voicing their opinions on the thousands of bills and rules considered by lawmakers and bureaucrats. This is not a complicated legal question. What the commission is trying to do is illegal not just because it violates the freedoms of speech and assembly, and our right to petition our government, but because it reaches far beyond the agency’s legitimate power.

Every year, some Oklahomans band together, often in small groups focused on single pieces of legislation, to make their voices heard. These are not professional lobbyists. Wrapping them in red tape will only serve to stifle them. But maybe that’s the idea?

Make no mistake: transparency is for government; privacy is for people. More than 3,700 citizens have signed a petition opposing this proposal. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission should refocus on its real mission: the ethics of those who work in government. And it should leave the rest of us alone.

Hopefully, the commission will vote this proposal down on January 25.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

OCPA column: First Amendment threatened by Ethics Commission

First Amendment threatened by Ethics Commission

Why does an Oklahoma agency want to put you on a list, with your name, home address, employer, and information about your political beliefs all made public?

In California in 2008, the motivation behind publicizing supporters of Proposition 8 was clear: expose people who believe marriage is between one man and one woman to harassment and violence.

In Alabama in 1956, the reason state officials wanted the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s membership list was equally clear: expose people who believe in racial equality to harassment and violence.

Both times, state officials disdained the views of those they sought to expose. They knew that by outing those people, they would make it harder for them to organize and take action in the future. It was a way to chill free speech.

Right now, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission is trying to go beyond what California did and Alabama tried to do. It wants to put the membership lists of any nonprofit group or other association online, with each person’s name, home address, and employer, if the group expresses opinions on legislation.

The state currently only requires disclosure when someone writes a check to a campaign or pays another person to directly influence public policy. In both cases, disclosure laws are based on concerns about corruption.

It isn’t that my neighbor has a right to know which candidates I support. Nor do I have a right to know if you hire someone to talk to a legislator. The reason for laws making campaign donations and direct lobbying relationships public is simply to prevent bribery.

Courts have routinely recognized that forced disclosure laws infringe on privacy and can have a chilling effect on free speech. They uphold disclosure laws only when concern about corruption outweighs the harm done to privacy.

When Alabama went after the NAACP’s membership list, the Court found “that the immunity from state scrutiny of membership lists … is here so related to the right of the members to pursue their lawful private interests privately and to associate freely with others in so doing as to come within the protection of the Fourteenth Amendment.”

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission’s proposed rule would do exactly what Alabama wanted to do, except it would do it to all sorts of groups of people. Every Oklahoman would be at risk of having his or her personal information posted online and being exposed to harassment simply for being an engaged citizen.

Rather than of putting Oklahomans on lists and violating their privacy, the Commission should be working to strengthen our democratic system by protecting Oklahomans’ rights to free speech and personal privacy.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

OCPA files open records request with the OK Ethics Commission on proposed rule

OCPA's open records request

OCPA files open records request with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission on proposed rule 2019-02

Note to media: please find attached a copy of the request submitted electronically by OCPA to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission on Dec. 18, 2018.

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) today filed an open records request with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission seeking details of the Commission’s work with an out-of-state political organization or other outside groups on proposed rule 2019-02. OCPA Executive Vice President Trent England released the following statement:

“It is beyond ironic that the Oklahoma Ethics Commission is working with the Brennan Center on a proposed rule that would violate Oklahoman’s rights to free speech and personal privacy.

“The Brennan Center is a Washington, D.C.-based liberal organization—not that there’s anything wrong with that—funded by George Soros and closely aligned with former President Obama. It does not represent Oklahoma values. In fact, it routinely attacks policies most Oklahomans support, like the death penalty and showing identification in order to vote.

“Since the Oklahoma Ethics Commission wants to be the agency responsible for all state open records requests, I’m sure they will quickly comply with this request.”

Pinnell calls for Murphy to resign over conflicts of interest

PINNELL CALLS FOR CORPORATION COMMISSIONER DANA MURPHY TO RESIGN

Commissioner Murphy Hurting Ratepayers and Courting Influence While Running for Lt. Governor

Tulsa, Oklahoma (July 19, 2018) – Lieutenant Governor candidate Matt Pinnell called today for his fellow contender, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy, to resign from her position with the Commission. The request came amid the Corporation's ongoing consideration of the Wind Catcher Energy Project—one of the largest cases in history—and her continuation of accepting donations from individuals and corporations she is constitutionally bound to regulate. Commissioner Murphy is gathering donations from individuals on both sides of the Windcatcher case and slow-playing a ruling as a way to raise money using her influence as a Corporation Commissioner.

"Commissioner Murphy can’t have it both ways: you can’t raise money from the very people you are regulating while at the same time running for a different office. This is what voters loathe. We’re tired of the same politicians answering to the same special interests. I’m asking Commissioner Murphy to do the right thing, resign to run for this office if she truly wants to be Lt. Governor,” Pinnell said.

Last quarter, over 84 percent of Commissioner Murphy’s campaign donations were from individuals and industries she regulates, and even more concerning, she has taken money from those directly involved in the current Wind Catcher proceedings.

“Commissioner Murphy is using her current government role to enhance her self-interest and fill-up the coffers of her campaign account while at the same time delaying a ruling in a consequential Corporation Commission case because she just simply doesn’t like the political optics that would result in picking a side,” said Pinnell.

Dana Murphy has collected more than $500,000 from industry sources to fuel her campaign for Lieutenant Governor, while at the same time sitting on the Corporation Commission regulating those same interests.

"I, as an Oklahoman, call for Commissioner Murphy to step down, effective immediately and let’s have a discussion on her plans as Lt. Governor. I ask that she quit playing politics and wasting taxpayer money holding a government job she is currently not fulfilling.”

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.

Randy Terrill and the OPEA: Sweetheart Legislation and Funny Money

State Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore), widely known for his anti-illegal immigration legislation, could become known for something new: his close, and possibly illegal, ties to the Oklahoma Public Employees Association.

Two articles from the Daily Oklahoma point out his unsavory relationship with the labor union.

Terrill and the OPEA's Sweetheart Legislation

For years, state employees home addresses have not fallen under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, and have not been made public, for privacy and security reasons.

However, Terrill tacked on an amendment to a Conference Committee Report on House Bill 2245 at the very end of the 2009 legislative session that enables "any statewide organization limited to state employee membership with a minimum membership of two thousand dues-paying members" to receive a list of addresses for all state employees in order to send a once-annual mailing.

HB 2245, the Oklahoma Criminal Illegal Alien Repatriation Act of 2009, dealt with illegal immigrants in state prisons - not exactly a similar issue to unions getting access to state employee mailing lists.

OPEA named Terrill the 2009 legislator of the year, in part for his legislation giving them access to the mailing list. Terrill is a member of the OPEA union. The Oklahoman reports in more detail here.

I ask, why is a self-proclaimed "conservative" Republican so tight with a labor union? See the next article for just one reason...

Terrill and the OPEA's Contribution Problem

In the 2008 campaign, the OPEA political action committee contributed the maximum $5000 to Terrill's reelection campaign. An individual or PAC can only contribute up to $5000 to any campaign for the entire election cycle.

In August of 2009, OPEAPAC gave a $5000 maximum donation to Terrill's 2010 campaign. On October 21st, Terrill deposited the check into his campaign account. However, Terrill has not filed a 2010 campaign committee with the State Ethics Commission. State law requires for candidates to file with the Ethics Commission within 10 days of receiving more than $500 in contributions.

Since he has not filed a 2010 account, the donation was reported as going to his 2008 account - breaking ethics rules, since a campaign can receive only $5000 per cycle from any donor. The Oklahoman has another article on the issue here.


Terrill's sneaky, questionable actions and close ties to a labor union bother this conservative activist, and should concern every conservative in the state of Oklahoma. Conservatives decry slipping in major changes to law or policy at the very last minute when it happens in Congress, or when Democrats do it.

When a "conservative" legislator does both of these things, red flags should fly.

Is Fallin for Governor Breaking Ethics Rules?

Is Mary Fallin breaking state ethics rules with her Fallin for Governor texting club? Jai Blevins at the Musings of an American Everyman thinks so, and apparently, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission is thinking twice about it.

The issue arose from the following post on Twitter from the Fallin campaign: "Text "BECK" to 68683 and you'll be entered 2 win a pair of tickets 2 see Glenn #Beck LIVE in Tulsa. (Standard text messaging rates apply)"

Blevins followed the instructions, and received this response: "Good luck, and thanks for entering! You've also been added to Fallin 4 Governor mobile club. rply STOP GOMARY 2 optout. stdrd txt rts apply."

Click here for the entire story from Blevins.