Cronyism claims erupted at the state Capitol this month when four former Republican legislators landed state jobs paying them more than $90,000 a year.

Three of those legislators left office only a few months ago and could not have taken their new jobs if not for what some say is a loophole in a constitutional ban on legislators working state jobs within two years of leaving office.

Attorney general opinions say the ban doesn't apply if the ex-legislator's salary is funded with money not appropriated by the Legislature.

“The opinion is flawed,” said Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, who in 2005 requested the attorney general opinions and has since been upset with the result. “I said it was flawed then, and it is flawed now.”