State oil and gas producers plan fundraiser

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma oil and gas producers are planning a fund-raising event for the chairman of a state House committee that focuses on energy issues. <br/><br/>The event for Republican Representative

Friday, March 25th 2005, 5:58 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma oil and gas producers are planning a fund-raising event for the chairman of a state House committee that focuses on energy issues.

The event for Republican Representative Dennis Adkins of Tulsa is planned by the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, which represents more than 1,500 companies in the crude oil and natural gas exploration and production industry.

Adkins, chairman of the House Energy and Utility Regulation Committee, says he agreed to participate in the event but doesn't believe it will sway his views and objectivity on public energy policy.

OIPA President Mickey Thompson says the group has helped state House and Senate energy leaders raise campaign money since 1988.

Thompson says the reason his organization gave money to Adkins is to help him get re-elected. He says Adkins is easy to work with and anxious to listen to the group's issues.