Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

Today, state Senator Cal Hobson said the Governor misses the point when he claims a private prison industry executive he asked to study Oklahoma's prison system was recommended by a high ranking Democratic official.

"J. Michael Quinlan may have been recommended by the Attorney General. He has fine credentials and I'm sure he's a nice guy, but that's not the point," said Hobson, D-Lexington. "The point is J. Michael Quinlan and his employer stand to make a profit from his recommendations to the state."

Hobson said the Governor is naive if he thinks having an official from Oklahoma's only private prison company design the future of Oklahoma's prison system won't at least create the appearance of impropriety.

"When we deal with our prison system we are dealing with the taxpayers' money. The taxpayers deserve an unbiased and untainted study to ensure that their money is spent in the most efficient and wise manner possible without even the appearance of a back room political deal."

For more information contact:
Senate Communications Office - (405) 521-5774