Ex-speaker helping others in GOP with campaigns

Ex-speaker helping others in GOP with campaigns
By John Estus
Staff Writer

Former House Speaker Lance Cargill's term as a state legislator is coming to a close, but that hasn't stopped him from advising at least three Republican candidates this election cycle.

Cargill said he chose to work with candidates who embody conservative ideas such as low taxes, limited government and government reform that he worked for while in office.

"There's a number of different ways that you can advance the ball on those, and certainly helping good people get elected is one,” Cargill said.

Cargill, R-Harrah, is not seeking re-election to his House District 96 post.

He resigned from the speaker's position days before the legislative session began in January after it was revealed that he hadn't filed his personal income taxes until after being warned by the state Tax Commission.

He also was repeatedly late paying property taxes, records show.

Other than confirming that he is advising and has endorsed a Republican candidate in his district, Lewis Moore, Cargill declined to identify the candidates with whom he is working.

He also declined to confirm whether he is being paid to advise candidates.

"Simply as an adviser of a campaign, I don't think I should be the one doing that,” he said.

Paying for advice

Ethics Commission rules don't require candidates to identify who they pay as advisers to their campaigns.
However, a Republican incumbent and challenger confirmed that Cargill is advising them and being paid for it.

Oklahoma City Republican Jon Echols said Cargill is one of "many people” advising him in his bid to unseat incumbent Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. He said he's paying Cargill for his services, but declined to disclose how much.

Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove, said Cargill advised him on a previous campaign and that he asked him to do the same this year. Cargill is one of several advisers Cox uses.