Nickles leads delegation in free travel

Oklahoma's congressional delegates and their staff accepted nearly $195,000 in free trips from groups trying to influence federal policy. <br><br>The Oklahoman's Washington bureau reports that

Sunday, March 21st 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma's congressional delegates and their staff accepted nearly $195,000 in free trips from groups trying to influence federal policy.

The Oklahoman's Washington bureau reports that state lawmakers and staff members last year took free trips to places such as Grand Cayman, New Orleans and San Diego.

House and Senate rules put strict limits on the cost of gifts and meals that lawmakers and staff can accept from lobbyists.

The perks are allowed as long as they are related to official duties.

A spokesman for the Center for Public Integrity calls the gift travel is a ``loophole'' in the system.

Republican Senator Don Nickles took the most free trips among Oklahoma's congressional delegation. His office accounted for almost half of the total trip value, taking $94,320 worth of free travel.

The office of Republican Representative Frank Lucas had the least gift travel, tallying only $2,944.

Republican Senator Jim Inhofe took no free trips in 2003.

Staff members say the trips give them a chance to study issues in-depth.