Jones Wants Henry To Push State Probe

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Governor Henry Monday declined the state Republican Party chairman's request to have a special prosecutor investigate allegations of phony campaign donations to top Democratic

Monday, June 25th 2007, 7:53 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Governor Henry Monday declined the state Republican Party chairman's request to have a special prosecutor investigate allegations of phony campaign donations to top Democratic officials by former state Senator Gene Stipe and a business associate.

A spokesman for the governor says there's already an extensive investigation under way, and there's no compelling reason for a special prosecutor unless federal and state prosecutors need assistance.

State GOP Chairman Gary Jones requested the special prosecutor, claiming that justice will not be served without a state investigation and state charges.

Stipe is due to appear in federal court on Thursday for a probation revocation hearing. His longtime business partner, Steve Phipps, is scheduled to enter a plea on a federal mail fraud charge on Wednesday.