The Oklahoma Democratic Party is suing the state Ethics Commission over new agency rules that prohibit any fundraising or distribution of election materials on state-owned property.
Party officials filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court in Oklahoma City, arguing the new rules are an improper restraint on free speech in violation of the U.S. Constitution. Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Mark Hammons says the rules already have forced the party to abandon a fundraiser scheduled at Oklahoma City Community College last month.
Hammons is asking the court to invalidate the new rules before another fundraiser is scheduled at a community college in El Reno on Aug. 22.
Oklahoma Ethics Commission Executive Director Lee Slater acknowledged the new rules were adopted last year, but declined further comment.
