ODP: Sullivan in the pocket of insurance lobby, but criticizes others for lobbying

Oklahoma City, OK - While Rep. Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa) sharply criticized a nonprofit insurance agency for hiring lobbyists, Sullivan himself has no problem accepting money from special interests, the Oklahoma Democratic Party stated today.

"Dan Sullivan's own words and his own campaign finances go against the criticisms he threw around Wednesday night," said Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Todd Goodman. "He stated that the organization he was questioning 'can't have it both ways, but they try to.' Well, Sullivan himself is sure trying to have it both ways - and he can't either."

Sullivan authored HB 2659, a measure that could have prevented CompSource from being able to continue to offer affordable worker's compensation coverage, Goodman noted.

The measure was ultimately rejected. However, during discussion of the bill on the House floor, Sullivan railed against CompSource for hiring lobbyists.

"The insurance industry has been pressuring Dan Sullivan to dismantle CompSource for their own gain. Not only has he been listening, he's been sinking to new lows to protect that special interest," he added.

Despite his criticisms of CompSource for hiring lobbyists to protect their interests, Sullivan himself has taken more than $100,000 in special interest money in the last six years.

According to FollowtheMoney (followthemoney.org), interest groups have donated $109,646 to Sullivan's political campaigns since 2004. Records from the Oklahoma Ethics Commission show that just in the 2010 campaign cycle, Sullivan has accepted $62,200 from special interest committees.

During his rant against CompSource, Sullivan asked, "Why are they afraid of having some sunshine thrown on their books?"

"I hope Dan Sullivan isn't afraid of having some sunshine thrown on his books. Surely what's good for the goose is good for the gander," Goodman concluded.