Gene Stipe resigns amid growing federal election probe

Oklahoma State Senator Gene Stipe has resigned. The 76-year-old Democrat from McAlester made it official at noon Tuesday at the state capitol. <br><br>His resignation takes effect immediately. It comes

Wednesday, March 12th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma State Senator Gene Stipe has resigned. The 76-year-old Democrat from McAlester made it official at noon Tuesday at the state capitol.

His resignation takes effect immediately. It comes under the cloud of a federal investigation into an election campaign case. Three of Stipe's associates have been charged with felony conspiracy. Stipe himself has not been charged.

He's spent 53 years in the Legislature, more than anyone else in Oklahoma history. State Senator Frank Shurden of Henryetta, "it's tragic. A black day for Oklahoma. We've lost a real warrior for the people. No doubt about it."

Governor Brad Henry has 30-days to start the process of filling Stipe's seat.