Retiring Politicians Often Help Charities As They Leave Office
Exiting Oklahoma lawmakers, officials sometimes leave thousands in donations to charities
by Nolan Clay
Term limits in politics have become a bonanza for charities, churches and universities.
State legislators and other elected officials exiting the Capitol often give leftover campaign contributions to such causes, reports show.
Former Gov. Brad Henry, for example, raised more than $4.8 million in his successful 2006 re-election campaign. He gave thousands of campaign fund dollars to help others including the last $11,149.82 in September 2011 to the Mary Abbott Children’s House in Norman.
Several lawmakers left in the past year because of term limits, to run for a different office or for other reasons.
Former Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, was among those who gave away thousands in campaign funds.