OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The recusal of an Oklahoma County judge from a lawsuit filed by two state lawmakers challenging a $2 million state appropriation to a private, nonprofit livestock show has thrown a new wrinkle into the complicated case.
Republican Representatives Mike Reynolds of Oklahoma City and Mike Ritze of Broken Arrow claim the state appropriation to the Oklahoma Youth Expo livestock show is an inappropriate use of taxpayer money and is unconstitutional.
State officials say a contract between the state and the Youth Expo is authorized as a public-private partnership to help farmers and ranchers promote agriculture-related endeavors.
District Judge Bill Graves was to hear a series of motions in the case but stepped aside last week. The case was reassigned to District Judge Lisa Davis, who set a December 18th hearing.