OK Auditor: GUILTY
16 June, 2008
The corruption trial and political career of Auditor Jeff McMahan and his wife, Lori, came to a close Saturday with a guilty verdict on three of the eight felony counts. Each will likely to serve time for accepting cash, trips, jewelry, and campaign contributions from Steve Phipps (the Tony Rezko of Oklahoma) in exchange for favorable treatment for Phipps’ businesses from the Auditor’s office.
Amid threats of impeachment, McMahan stepped down from office today. Talks of replacement Auditors have been circulating widely throughout the state in the last few weeks, with Gary Jones, Republican Party chairman who lost to McMahan in 2002 and 2006, publicly promoting himself for the appointment.
The Oklahoman has the story:
State Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones, who lost to McMahan in statewide elections in 2002 and 2006, has been openly campaigning for the auditor job recently. Jones publicly questioned the financing of McMahan’s campaign during this past election cycle.
“I knew there were some things that had happened that had affected the outcome of the race,” Jones said this afternoon.
Jones said the jury’s verdict shows that McMahan stole the election. He said that puts Henry in a unique position “to fix a wrong” by appointing him as the next state auditor and inspector.
Jones had asked to speak with the governor about the possibility of replacing McMahan before the conviction and said Monday that he will renew his call to Henry to discuss the issue.
Sund didn’t rule out the possibility that Henry could appoint a Republican to the post.
“The bottom line is he’ll pick who is the best person for the job,” regardless of party, Sund said this morning.
However, the three statewide elected officials Henry has appointed in his time in office are all Democrats: Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland, State Treasurer Scott Meacham and Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth.
Another sad day for Oklahoma with more Phipps-fallout likely to come.
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