Wichita ? Every member of the Kansas congressional delegation has received contributions from companies currently embroiled in scandals over their finances.

With one exception, the lawmakers are keeping the money because they say the contributions were made before the companies’ problems became known.

Since 1996, Reps. Todd Tiahrt, Dennis Moore and Jerry Moran, and Sen. Sam Brownback received contributions from the political action committee of WorldCom, The Wichita Eagle reported Wednesday. WorldCom officials recently admitted to misstating $3.8 billion in profits.

Moore, Brownback, Rep. Jim Ryun and Sen. Pat Roberts also have received contributions from Arthur Andersen, Enron’s accountant. Merck, Tyco and Global Crossing are three other companies in ethical trouble whose committees have given to Kansas congressional candidates.

Now that the firms’ financial problems are known, lawmakers are forming policies to allay concerns that the contributions might influence them as they deal with the fallout.

Most are taking the same approach as Ryun, R-Topeka. He received his contributions from Enron and Arthur Andersen committees in previous election cycles. At the time, the companies’ problems were not known, and the money was spent on his campaigns. In that situation, he has chosen to keep the money.

“The current allegations were not pending at the time of their donations,” Ryun spokesman Chad Hayward said.

Tiahrt, R-Goddard, said he assumed that contributions came from companies interested in good government, not in buying influence. Because of that, previous donations from Enron and WorldCom aren’t a problem, he said.

“If it’s given in good faith, it’s legit,” he said.

Moore, D-Lenexa, is treating contributions made before the current election cycle the same way. But Andersen and WorldCom contributions to the Moore campaign this political season $1,000 from WorldCom and $4,500 from Arthur Andersen will be given to charity, said Moore spokesman Jack Martin.

As with other lawmakers, future contributions will be evaluated as situations arise, Martin said.