For Immediate Release
Jan. 4, 2005
Contact: Jason McCarty
Oklahoma Democratic Party
405.427.3366

Let's Hope this Circus Isn't Coming To Town

Indictments, Fraud and Corruption, Oh My

Welcome to the Big Top! Welcome to the thee-ring circus that is the Republican Party in Washington D.C. under the Bush Administration's tent. Ring-leader and disgraced Majority Leader Tom DeLay has been charged with money laundering and his protégé GOP super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who along with associates donated $29,000 to Republican Congressman Ernest Istook's campaign and political action committee, this week pled guilty to federal charges of conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion.

"The people of Oklahoma deserve more than this current Republican circus of financial scheming and unethical exploitation to collect and distribute campaign dollars The way the money was apparently obtained and distributed was unethical and reeks of the Republican cronyism and corruption that is pervading D.C. under the Bush Administration," said Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor said. "Oklahoma does not want or need this kind of cronyism in Washington D.C. and especially not in Oklahoma."

Istook wrote a letter supporting one of Abramoff's tribal clients. Abramoff's divisive and fraudulent approach to lobbying pitted tribal governments and their business interests against each other, something an elected leader from Oklahoma, the state with the nation's second largest American Indian population, should refuse on principle.

Istook is challenging popular Democratic Governor Brad Henry, who has a 73% favorability rating with Oklahoma voters. In contrast to Istook's involvement in corrupt 'pay-to-play' schemes in Washington, D.C., voters trust Henry who has delivered on commitments to Oklahoma's children by providing more resources to schools and improving teacher salaries. Oklahoma voters repeatedly praise Henry for his honesty and integrity - values so crucial for the state's top elected official.

"Oklahomans value the integrity and leadership of Governor Henry. He is accountable and responsible," Pryor said. "Oklahomans can trust Brad Henry, unlike Ernest Istook, who has tied himself to the worst kinds of people during his tenure in Washington. People like Jack Abramoff, who is an example of the culture of corruption and the abuses of power that the Republicans have brought to Washington."