Former state senator Gene Stipe defends his trip to Arkansas

Former state Senator Gene Stipe is defending his trip to Arkansas to get married. <br><br>Stipe has been too ill to go to Washington DC to be sentenced for federal campaign violations. In fact, sentencing

Thursday, December 11th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Former state Senator Gene Stipe is defending his trip to Arkansas to get married.

Stipe has been too ill to go to Washington DC to be sentenced for federal campaign violations. In fact, sentencing has been delayed six times. Five times for medical reasons.

Stipe told a McAlester newspaper that Arkansas is not that far, and no one should think he's well. He says he used a walker during the ceremony.

Stipe's next scheduled court appearance is January 30th.Federal prosecutors are recommending jail time.