Controversy Over Political Website
Filed by Michael Cross in Feature, Local News, News, Politics.
September 20, 2011
The Oklahoma Democratic Party is calling on an investigation by the IRS of Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello and his website “Parity in Oklahoma”
The Chair of the Democratic Party says Costello’s website “Parity in Oklahoma” promotes Costello and the Republican Party despite being listed as a 501(c)(4).
Wallace Collins says federal law bans the use of a 501(c)(4) to benefit any shareholder or individual.
“If Mr. Costello has contributed in any manner to this organization and the organization is benefitting him as a commissioner than he is benefitting as a shareholder and breaking the law.”
Costello denies the allegation calling it simply an educational website to talk about the parity between public and private employees.
“It’s the politics of envy, political theatre, and it’s absurd political theatre. No one’s buying any tickets.”
Collins says the website has a link to Commissioner Costello’s Facebook page which is a direct benefit to him as an elected official.
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