Reynolds say Governor Involved in Illegal Contributions

Gov. Brad Henry has apparently funneled $10,000 in illegal contributions to a partisan organization according to ethics records uncovered by state Rep. Mike Reynolds.

Campaign reports show that Henry donated $5,000 of his surplus campaign funds to the Young Democrats of Oklahoma in 2007 and again in 2008.

However, it is illegal for a candidate to give his or her campaign funds to any partisan organization other than a state party and its affiliates (county parties).

As a result, the Young Democrats of Oklahoma are not an official party affiliate under campaign finance law and cannot legally receive the governor’s surplus funds.

“These transactions are an obvious violation of state law,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “Our state leaders must be held to high ethical standards that ensure fair and legally funded elections in Oklahoma. The governor’s actions do not pass that test.”

After the Young Democrats of Oklahoma received Henry’s contributions, Reynolds said that money may have been illegally used to fund the campaigns of Democratic candidates.

However, the Young Democrats of Oklahoma have failed to file any reports with the state Ethics Commission since early 2008, missing several legally required reporting deadlines that would have revealed how Henry’s money was expended.

“I don’t know why the Young Democrats would repeatedly fail to file reports in advance of the election if they have nothing to hide,” Reynolds said.

The Oklahoma City lawmaker suggested an official investigation should be launched, but noted Attorney General Drew Edmondson has also been involved campaign finance controversies. In 2007, officials learned Edmondson had given thousands of dollars in apparently illegal contributions he claimed were the result of a misunderstanding.

Edmondson also failed to investigate former State Auditor Jeff McMahan’s use of illegal straw donors in political campaigns – actions that resulted in a federal investigation and conviction for McMahan.