Former state senator Gene Stipe suffers stroke

Monday, September 20th 2004, 5:09 pm

By: News On 6

CLAREMORE, Okla. (AP) -- Former state Sen. Gene Stipe was hospitalized in critical but stable condition Monday after suffering a stroke during a ceremony at Rogers State University, a family spokesman said.

He was at an event honoring two former legislatures when he became ill, said family spokesman Joe Carter.

Last month, Stipe completed six months of home detention as part of his sentence for his role in illegally funneling money to a congressional campaign.

Stipe, 77, admitted funneling more than $245,000 into the failed 1998 congressional campaign of Walt Roberts, then trying to cover it up.

Stipe, who served 53 years in the Oklahoma Legislature, has had a series of medical problems.