Keating is defended, criticized over gifts

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Supporters of Governor Keating are defending his acceptance of about a quarter of a million dollars from a political fund-raiser. A Democrat calls the gifts an example of -- quote

Monday, January 8th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A story in the current issue of Newsweek suggests the money given to Keating's children is one reason why he wasn't nominated by President-elect Bush for attorney general.

Keating spokesman Dan Mahoney says the gifts were legal and were disclosed to Bush's aides when Keating was under consideration to be Bush's running mate.

State Democratic Party executive director Gordon Melson says the gifts are an example of Keating's gratuitous relationship with some in the corporate world.

Mahoney also confirms that Bush officials didn't like Keating's comments about how Bush should deal with questions about possible cocaine use.

During the presidential campaign Keating said the G-O-P nominee should disclose anything that is arguably criminal in his past.