Clean Campaign Act Advances In Senate

The Senate today voted for new restrictions on campaign fundraising after adopting amendments that ban lobbyist gifts and make it a misdemeanor to lie about a political opponent.

Critics predicted the amendments would be removed in a joint conference committee.

The ethics reform measure will prevent incumbent lawmakers from collecting donations during a legislative session and 15 days before and after a session.

Sponsors say that will counter speculation that a "pay-for-play" atmosphere exists at the Capitol, where contributions are tied to legislation under consideration.

The Oklahoma Clean Campaign Act of 2008 was introduced by Rep. David Dank and is sponsored in the Senate by Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee. Dank and Coffee are Oklahoma City Republicans.

The measure forbids the transfer of donations between political action committees, a practice that allows the identity of some campaign contributors to be hidden.

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