Pat Hall Defends McMahan As 'Truthful'

By Tony Thornton/The Oklahoman In Muskogee ~ The political consultant who oversaw both of Jeff McMahan's campaigns testified today he considers McMahan to be truthful and honest, but added that he was sickened to learn that McMahan's wife accepted jewelry from businessman Steve Phipps.

Pat Hall testified as a defense witness at the criminal trial of Jeff and Lori McMahan. The state auditor and his wife each face nine felony counts related to Phipps, whose abstract companies were regulated by the auditor's office.

Hall testified that he still finds Jeff McMahan to be truthful, "even when it might hurt him."

However, on cross-examination by a federal prosecutor, Hall testified about a "damage control meeting" held at his house as McMahan faced increasing newspaper scrutiny over his association with Phipps. Outside the courtroom, Hall said he thinks the meeting was in March 2007.

The meeting included the McMahans, Hall and two staffers from the auditor's office: Terri Watkins, his liaison to the media; and Michelle Day, the office attorney. Hall said the meeting was designed to make sure "things didn't spin any further out of control."

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