Stipe Escapes House Arrest

Police urge caution; 

Former senator last seen making illegal campaign contributions south of McAlester

By Martin Trapp, Partisan Staff Reporter:

  Former senator and convicted felon Gene Stipe escaped from house arrest on Monday, slipping out the back door while his wife was watching daytime TV. Stipe’s checkbook was also missing, which concerns authorities.

 “As of right now, we believe the fugitive to be hiding somewhere in the McAlester area,”

 said Pittsburg County sheriff Jerome Amaranto. “We’re concerned that he might try to funnel illegal donations into a city council race, or possibly contribute to the campaign coffers of Mike Mass.”

   In January, Stipe was sentenced for perjury, conspiracy to obstruct a Federal Election Commission investigation and conspiracy to violate the Federal Election Campaign Act. During the sentencing process, which was delayed six times, many sought jail time for the 77-year-old lawmaker. An exception was Sen. Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, who recommended castration.

Bill Makes Democratic Party Oklahoma’s Official Dinosaur

Rep. Jeff Rabon D-Hugo, with Sen. Gene Stipe D-McAlester

OKLAHOMA CITY (OP) –

  Last week, the Senate voted to make the Democratic Party, politicus obsoletum, Oklahoma’s official dinosaur. Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, by Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, is designed to give the beast its proper place in state history.

 “Like the dinosaurs, the Oklahoma Democratic Party ruled for generations, yet ultimately became extinct when it failed to evolve,”

said Rabon. “It was also notable for having a huge, lumbering body and a brain the size of a walnut.” 

  The resolution passed unanimously, but not before Republicans added a small amendment on the Senate floor, correcting a scrivener’s error which had implied Earth was more than 6,000 years old. Sen. Jeff Rabon D-Hugo B