OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Reports filed with the state Ethics Commission show lobbyists provided 37 Oklahoma lawmakers with tickets to Oklahoma Thunder NBA games during the past season.
The reports filed Friday show corporate lobbyists spent about $4,000 for the tickets and to host the lawmakers at the games throughout the year.
The most tickets — 29 — were handed out by The State Chamber. Chamber lobbyist Gwendolyn Caldwell says that helps her build better relationships with lawmakers and to connect lawmakers with business leaders.
Democratic state Representative Richard Morrisette attended the most games — four. Nathan Atkins — the communications director for Republican Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman — attended three.
Both said the lobbyists they attended the games with are old friends.