Denise Bode and the state's Ethics Commission

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode was criticized by the state Ethics Commission, but never reprimanded. <br><br>The Daily Oklahoman reported that a complaint had been filed

Sunday, August 17th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode was criticized by the state Ethics Commission, but never reprimanded.

The Daily Oklahoman reported that a complaint had been filed against the Republican commissioner saying she may have accepted pledges from people or businesses regulated by the commission.

A campaign finance report showed Bode had accepted 17 pledges totaling $9,700 in December 2001, outside the time frame when those types of contributions can be accepted.

Bode says she didn't violate the ethics rules because she didn't accept money, only pledges.

The Ethics Commission voted June 21, 2002, to take no action on a complaint after the commission's attorney said Bode did not violate statute because she had not actually accepted money.

Attorneys for the Ethics Commission, however criticized Bode, saying she quote-``twisted the intent of the statute.''

The Oklahoman recently discovered the action during a review of the Ethics Commission.