Brinkley Resigns; Fallin Sets Special Election
Governor Fallin sets special election to replace Sen. Rick Brinkley
By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Mary Fallin on Monday called a Nov. 10 special primary election to replace state Sen. Rick Brinkley.
Brinkley, R-Owasso, on Friday submitted a letter of resignation to Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, citing personal reasons. The resignation takes effect Dec. 31.
Brinkley is the target of a civil lawsuit filed by his former employer, the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Oklahoma, based in Tulsa. The organization alleges he embezzled more than $1 million to support a lavish lifestyle and gambling.
He is also the subject of a criminal investigation and a probe into his campaign by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.