Gene Stipe seeks restoration of benefits

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Former state Senator Gene Stipe went before a state board Friday to challenge a $65,000 cut in his retirement benefits.<br><br>Stipe's attorney Michael Burrage argued the

Friday, March 26th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Former state Senator Gene Stipe went before a state board Friday to challenge a $65,000 cut in his retirement benefits.

Stipe's attorney Michael Burrage argued the former McAlester senator's conviction on federal campaign law violations did not violate Stipe's oath of office to the state.

Burrage said Stipe did nothing for financial gain. He also said the state had allowed another former senator to keep his retirement benefits despite a felony conviction in a loan case.

Attorney Lydia Lee for the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System argued Stipe did violate his oath and should not be entitled to full benefits.

Lee says Stipe violated the public's trust by making excessive campaign contributions in a congressional race, then lying to federal officials about the donations.

Hearing examiner Leamon Freemon took the case under advisement.