The Oklahoma Political News Service is now looking for qualified interns to help us produce well-researched, informative and entertaining content for our readers. Internship Opportunity We currently have openings for unpaid internships as staff writers and research assistants. Additional internships for applicants with technical expertise may be available. Interns will occasionally be asked to participate in conference calls, much of their work can be conducted from any location with a computer and an Internet connection. Job Description Interns for The Oklahoma Political News Service will be given research and writing assignments. The interns will work closely with the editor of the OKPNS and will be given guidance and feedback regularly. However, the positions will require significant ability to work independently. The work product of the interns will be prominently featured on the OKPNS website, with byline. Their work will be seen by leaders in Oklahoma’s top media, government, business and civic organizations. General Responsibilities

Generate story ideas

Conduct online research

Collect and review public records

Compile, analyze, and summarize data

(For example, examine public records and create a spreadsheet of public entities meeting certain criteria.)

Write opinion pieces on news events and the media’s coverage of those events

Monitor current news and events

Assist in the drafting of Sunshine Law requests

Occasionally attend local events, press conferences and public hearings

Application Procedure.

If you are a responsible, motivated student, with an interest in media, government, politics, and public policy, email your resume to the editor at okpns_editor@hotmail.com Posted at 9/30/2006 01:42:00 PM |   

After intense GOP scrutiny of his record yesterday at the Capitol, Governor Henry is skipping town next week to embark upon the second leg of his "Oklahoma on the Move" RV tour. According to campaign sources, the Governor will be visiting Chickasha, Duncan, Lawton, Altus, Hobart, Cordell, Clinton, Weatherford, Elk City, Woodward, Alva, Cherokee, Enid, Kingfisher, El Reno, and Yukon over four days. As you recall, the first leg of the tour played to sparse crowds and ignited embarrassing controversy. The advance work for the tour was reminiscent of something Gomer Pyle of the old 60's sitcom would have planned. Posted at 9/29/2006 06:38:00 PM |   

STILLWATER, Okla.(AP) -- A single, stubborn homeowner is standing in the way of a grand athletic complex being built at Oklahoma State University with a record $165 million gift from oilman alumnus T. Boone Pickens. It is an eminent-domain dispute that touches on the very origins of the 116-year-old university, originally called the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College. The holdout homeowner's claim: The university has no authority to take away his land because OSU's governing body, the Board of Regents, has failed to abide by a long-forgotten requirement that at least five of its eight members be farmers. "It's like a fake cop pulling you over and writing you a ticket," said homeowner Kevin McCloskey, who once attended OSU. read more... Posted at 9/29/2006 05:39:00 PM |   

WASHINGTON (AP) Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn is criticizing earmarks contained in a 448 (b) billion dollar budget bill for the Pentagon. The bill passed the Senate today on a 100-to-nothing vote. It includes 70 (b) billion dollars for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and now goes to the White House for President Bush's signature. But Coburn says the bill includes two-thousand earmarks put in by Members of Congress that cost about eight (b) billion dollars and that many have nothing to do with the Defense Department. Earmarks are used by lawmakers to put spending for specific projects in their home states into legislation and Coburn has strongly criticized the practice. Posted at 9/29/2006 11:17:00 AM |   

By S.E. RUCKMAN World Staff Writer Northeastern is under a Friday deadline to submit its position on the Redmen name change to the NCAA. TAHLEQUAH -- Cherokee Nation councilors solidified sentiment behind plans to change Northeastern State University's moniker after members turned down a measure Thursday to support the school's Redmen nickname. The resolution was solidly defeated at a committee meeting after councilors heard public input criticizing the use of the Redmen nickname. Tribal Councilor Taylor Keen said universities such as Dartmouth and Harvard had charters based on their American Indian affiliation. He said he doesn't think NSU's situation is similar in scope. "I can't look at NSU and say that they have the same commitment," he said. "I still see the ugly association with the use of Indians as mascots." Read more... Posted at 9/29/2006 09:26:00 AM |   

Legislative hopeful drops claim of representing entire nation By JOHN M. WYLIE II Editor Copyright 2006, Oologah Lake Leader, LLC MUSKOGEE -- A federal lawsuit filed by House District 6 candidate Chuck Hoskin and six colleagues is part of a political “smear” campaign that amounts to an abuse of the courts, according to documents filed Monday (9/18) in the U.S. District Court here. Hoskin and six colleagues on the Cherokee Tribal Council filed a lawsuit in June against Cherokee Nation principal chief Chad Smith and two executives of a tribal subsidiary. The complaint alleges the three committed securities fraud when Cherokee Nation Industries bought a controlling interest in Global Energy Group. Smith contends in his new filing that the suit has no factual or legal basis, starting with the fact that those filing it represent a minority of the council. Hoskin admitted that in a statement he issued Tuesday. In addition, Smith contends that the suit makes no allegations that could even meet the loosest definition of securities fraud. “Taken together, Plaintiffs’ patent legal failures reveal the Complaint in its true colors - an inappropriate use of the federal courts for a legally insufficient political attack by a political minority to smear a political opponent in advance of an upcoming election. The Court is urged to have none of it and dismiss the action against Principal Chief Chad Smith with prejudice,” Smith’s filing contends. Read more... Posted at 9/29/2006 08:49:00 AM |   

By JOHN M. WYLIE II Editor Copyright 2006 Oologah Lake Leader, LLC House District 6 candidate Chuck Hoskin did not receive a request for comment from the Leader last week until the newspaper’s deadline had passed. The Leader offered him until Tuesday to reply, and he did so Tuesday morning. The request for comment involved three questions about new developments in a lawsuit filed by Hoskin and six other Cherokee councilors against principal chief Chad Smith and two executives of Cherokee Nation Industries. The questions and Hoskins’ answers are printed here in their entirety: Q. Does the language in [Part I of a new court filing], "action by a minority number of Cherokee Tribal Council members," mean that you and the other councilors no longer claim to represent the Cherokee Nation as a whole? Please explain. A. It is a fact that the councilors that are seeking justice in this case represent one vote shy of a majority of the council. In my opinion, a majority of Cherokee Citizens support our efforts to combat the kind of fraud and abuse that is at alleged in this case. Q. If the councilors are granted the right to charge legal fees to the tribe, it will total $160,000 according to this estimate. Defense costs of $330,000 also would be paid by the Cherokee people, as I understand it, under the common business doctrine that the employer covers defense of actions taken by employees in the course of their duties. (I have not verified, but I understand that there may be CN -- specific language as well for each individual indemnifying them -- again, that is common in the business world). Do you feel it is worth spending a half million dollars of Cherokee money to settle this dispute? Explain. A. This case is about principles of good government and fair business dealings that are difficult to put a price on. The councilors involved in these proceedings were elected to fight for our constituents and each one of us takes that responsibility very seriously. We would be derelict in our duties if we did not take a stand on behalf of our constituents. When we succeed, we will, in just this case alone, protect millions of dollars for the benefit of the Cherokee people, far in excess of any investment in legal fees. Q. When we have discussed your dual role if elected, you indicated you planned to end your tribal involvement when Cherokee elections are held in June. However, the schedule set forth in the Joint Status Report [since changed, see separate story] indicates that the earliest a settlement conference would be scheduled would be in mid-June, meaning a trial date would likely go into the second year of your first term. Again, can you fairly represent H6 constituents at the same time you are involved in massive federal litigation? A. Yes. Certainly, if the litigation extends beyond the period of months left in my Cherokee Council term, it would make sense for me to withdraw as a plaintiff, as the plaintiffs consists exclusively of Cherokee Councilors with standing to take legal action. Posted at 9/29/2006 08:48:00 AM |   

Posted at 9/29/2006 06:49:00 AM |   

M. Scott Carter, a reporter for the Norman Transcript who wrote the original story we quoted in a post below about the state auditor's race, has issued an apology to the McMahan campaign. Carter inadvertently attributed a quote to Jeff McMahan that he didn't make. In an email to OKPNS, Carter wrote: "For the record, Jeff never said "My opponent went to school to learn how to throw mud; I went to school to learn accounting. He only said "my opponent went to school to learn how to throw mud." I accidentally put a quote and a question together and they were attributed to Jeff." "I take full responsibility for the mistake; it was my fault and I apologize to Jeff and his campaign. I've also contacted Jeff's office to apologize to him. Again, the error was my fault and not Mr. McMahan's." Posted at 9/28/2006 04:04:00 PM |   

According to a new OCPA study, state policymakers have set low, undemanding standards for public school students and thus are overstating the educational progress being made in Oklahoma. Check out how the Tulsa World spins the "conservative" think tank's report. Posted at 9/28/2006 12:50:00 PM |   

By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau Critics say the work touted in the governor's campaign ads was done by others. OKLAHOMA CITY — Republicans charged Wednesday that Gov. Brad Henry is taking credit in his campaign commercials for work done by others. At a news conference, state Republican Party Chairman Tom Daxon and Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, said the governor is taking credit for a bill targeting methamphetamine production and an immigration policy at the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Read more... Posted at 9/28/2006 12:39:00 PM |   

A 64 year old Delaware County man faces drug charges after police found crystal methamphetamine inside his prosthetic leg during a search at his business. Almost an ounce of crystal meth was found in the prosthesis and two more ounces were found later. Oklahoma Political News Service wonders if Governor Henry will try and take credit for this arrest as a meth lab bust? Governor Henry has had a penchant lately for exaggeration and taking credit for other's work. Just a thought. Posted at 9/28/2006 11:57:00 AM |   

When the state imprisons an individual, they naturally lose basic rights they would normally take for granted such as freedom of movement, your voting privileges, and to a certain extent, free speech. Should the state of Oklahoma have the power to allow an inmate to be unwise with their own money? A new state law that takes effect in January mandates that prisoners have savings accounts when they are paroled. The DOC will confiscate (I mean collect) 20 percent of all money sent to inmates. We see the benefits of teaching inmates the virtue of saving and the potential for the parolee to be less of a burden on society when released, in turn reducing ricidvism rates. It's the idea of the government taking an inmates money - without them having a say - seems a little draconian. This will never become an issue since there's probably not a lot of sympathy for someoone who breaks the law and is sent to prison. Almost reminds you of our current social security system. The government takes your money and "invests" it for your retirement. Posted at 9/28/2006 11:34:00 AM |   

Gary Jones, Republican candidate for State Auditor, believes that his Democratic opponent Jeff McMahan is once again misleading Oklahoma voters. Jones’ assertion was made Friday in light of recent published reports in the Norman Transcript that quote McMahan as saying he “went to school to learn accounting.” In a press release, Jones said: “Fours years ago Jeff McMahan claimed to have a college degree in Physical Education. This year he lists his degree as Education. Now he claims to have gone to school to learn Accounting. I now understand why McMahan won’t debate me face-to-face. He will have to account for his misleading and inaccurate statements.” Jones said there are many questions that Jeff McMahan needs to answer. “I have offered repeatedly to meet and debate him any place, any time. I don’t believe Oklahoma voters will allow Jeff McMahan to continue to dodge open, honest forums and debates between the two of us for the next six weeks.” Jones has challenged McMahan to debate the issues, but McMahan has avoided even multi-candidate forums where the format is strictly informational about each candidate rather than interaction between candidates seeking the same office. Jones believes McMahan is consciously avoiding all forums and debates because he has something to hide. “One of the great freedoms we enjoy in this country is the open political process, and every day that Jeff McMahan avoids an honest debate, he denies the people of Oklahoma the opportunity to hear the truth. Oklahomans are a lot smarter than the incumbent gives them credit for being." Jones has been criss-crossing the state for weeks meeting with community leaders and voters from all walks of life. “I have participated in every candidate forum and parade that I could possibly fit into a 24 hour, 7 day a week schedule, and I will continue that pace until the voters go to the polls on November 7th." Posted at 9/28/2006 10:13:00 AM |   

This story of Representative Dennis Adkins use of campaign funds to pay for a condo is getting more and more interesting by the day. He's paid back the campaign $15,000. If anyone has any further information on this story, please send your information or tip anonymously to our tip hotline. Posted at 9/28/2006 08:05:00 AM |   

At a press conference today at the Capitol, Congressman Istook, Rep. Randy Terrill, and Republican Party chairman Tom Daxon discussed what is seemingly becoming a pattern for Governor Brad Henry; claiming credit for yet more work produced by other people. His latest TV ad takes credit where credit is most definitely not due by saying that his anti-meth law has become a model for the country, again grabbing the glory that belongs to another. This claim continues Governor Henry’s pattern of assuming credit for other people’s work, in this case, from Representative John Nance, the author of the anti-meth law. “Brad Henry is taking the credit for things he didn’t do, and passing the buck on his own failed initiatives,” stated Republican State Party Chairman Tom Daxon after seeing the latest TV commercial. “This is not what a leader does. This is not the Oklahoma way.” Representative John Nance (R-Bethany) , was the author of the meth bill that Brad Henry is now taking credit for, and he can’t recall the Governor having much to do with it, except for signing it. In a statement, Rep. Nance said,“Governor Henry has this new commercial claiming that his anti-meth laws are curbing the meth problem in Oklahoma. Governor Henry did nothing to push this law except sign it, which definitely does not merit a commercial bragging about it. That’s not the Oklahoma way” Likewise, Representative Kevin Calvey (R-Del City) and the Republican controlled House of Representatives were the forerunners in creating the biggest tax cut in state history that Governor Henry bragged about in his first wave of commercials. “Governor Henry only wants to take credit for the good, and pass off the bad. The fact is that he did raise taxes, which he proposed himself. Brad Henry does not want to take credit for his own work, but does want to take credit for the work of other people. That’s not the Oklahoma way.” said Representative Calvey in a statement. “Brad Henry is the biggest spender in the history of Oklahoma, increasing spending by $2 billion dollars.” said Republican Party Chairman Tom Daxon. “Yet he takes credit for replenishing the Rainy Day Fund and creating the largest tax cut in the state’s history. Brad Henry would have spent all the money the oil and gas boom are generating if it were not for the Republican controlled House. That’s not the Oklahoma way” And if all of this weren’t enough, Brad Henry is not trying to “create” a position on illegal immigration, when in fact he has made the problem worse by giving tax-payer funded benefits to illegal immigrants. “Brad Henry made the problem of illegal immigration worse by giving taxpayer benefits to illegal aliens. That is an inducement for them to come to our state,” said Representative Randy Terrill (R-Moore) “And when Governor Henry discovered that illegal immigration was a major issue he tried to phony up his position on it by claiming that he “ordered” the Highway Patrol to assist in the arrest of illegal aliens, which we now know to be false.” Representative Ron Peterson (R- Broken Arrow) mirrored these sentiments by talking about Governor Henry’s failed tobacco tax initiatives. “We won’t hear Governor Henry talk about his failed tobacco tax policy that has created the lowest cost cigarettes in the nation, cost the state millions of dollars in revenue and put many small business in ruin.” “You can’t have it both ways Governor Henry. You can’t just take credit for other peoples bills that you signed, and then not take ownership for other bills you signed. That’s not the Oklahoma way, Governor.” added Tom Daxon. Posted at 9/27/2006 03:37:00 PM |   

According to the Okie funk blog, this campaign literature from state senate candidate Joshua Jantz is "freaky" but the graphic to the left stating "Vote. Or be taken over by robots" is normal? Admittedly, we've never seen a candidate this open about his faith in a lit piece, but to claim its "freaky" to ask voters to pray for "any critics, opposition, or opponents" is a little over the top. It's "freaky" to ask voters to "pray for voters salvation" and for Jantz's own "personal wisdom and strength?" Posted at 9/27/2006 01:49:00 PM |   

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Governor Brad Henry and Congressman Ernest Istook are scheduled to debate three times and make one joint public appearance in the final weeks of the election campaign. Henry and Istook will appear together at the Reed Center in Midwest City on October eleventh in an event sponsored by the State Chamber of Commerce. They'll debate October 17th at Cameron University in Lawton, October 23rd at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond and November second at Rose State College Communications Center in Midwest City. Henry is running for a second term while Istook is giving up a seat in Congress to run for governor. Election day is November seventh. Posted at 9/27/2006 12:56:00 PM |   

Oklahomans for Responsible Governement (ORG), the group formed to defeat SQ 726 or the TABOR initiative, recently sent a letter to state elected officials to "educate our policymakers and citizens about the impact of TABOR" and to "urge their opposition to the failed policies of TABOR." An excerpt from the letter reads: "As we approach our states second century of statehood, now is the time for leadership and progress. We look forward to working together to create a more prosperous and secure Oklahoma for future generations" Posted at 9/27/2006 12:33:00 PM |   

Our Democratic friends have emailed the tip line asking why we haven't covered a report that Mary Fallin has allegedly cancelled debates with her opponent Dr. David Hunter. They sent us a link to the ODP website that chastises Fallin. "The race for the 5th District Congressional seat is getting interesting with Dr. Hunter now closing in on Mary Fallin who is ducking debates with the Democrat...Word is that she has refused to debate Dr. Hunter on a previously scheduled debate sponsored by KWTV9 and the OIPA. If she's really the frontrunner she should have no qualms about facing the good doctor". Since it's football season, a couple of football analogies are appropriate here. First, you know when the game you're watching is a blowout and the network switches you to a more interesting game? Similar situation. Dr. Hunter doesn't have a snowball's chance to defeat Fallin, so we have focused on more interesting races Second, when a team is winning in a blowout with only minutes or seconds remaining in the game, the winning team usually runs out the clock by keeping the ball on the ground or the quarterback takes a knee to stop the play. Similar situation. The major media are ignoring the race and Fallin is basically taking a knee. Why give your opponent unnecessary publicity? The Congressional Quarterly blog seems to agree that Fallin will be the next Congresswoman from the 5th district of Oklahoma. In an article titled, "On Their Way: Fallin Brings Rich Resume to Washington" they write: "If Oklahoma Republican Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin is elected Nov. 7 to the state's 5th District, as is widely expected, she will enter the 110th Congress next January as one of its most politically seasoned freshmen. Fallin, who appears certain to succeed seven-term Republican Rep. Ernest Istook, a candidate for governor, is finishing her 12th year as Oklahoma's lieutenant governor and previously served four years in the state House." Posted at 9/27/2006 11:19:00 AM |   

In a press release titled, "Highway is the Lie-way with Governor Henry," State Representative Randy Terrill (R-Moore) asserts the Governor "never ordered the highway patrol to arrest illegals" and call his ad a "gross exaggeration and likely a lie." The controversy is borne out of a campaign ad that states he instructed the Oklahoma Highway Patrol on how to detain and deal with illegal immigrants. According to Rep. Terrill, no such written order or instruction was ever received by the highway patrol. "Brad Henry is stretching truths to invent a record that doesn't exist. The governor knows illegal immigration is a hot issue, and he knows he signed Senate Bill 596 that gave in-state tuition as well as college scholarships and other financial aid to illegal immigrants. Oklahomans don't like that bill, and Henry is trying to cover his tracks by claiming he's done something “ anything" to oppose illegal immigrants." In a conversation with Representative Terrill, the Commissioner of Public Safety stated that they have never received any written instruction and the Governor's commercials were the first time he had ever heard anything about this. "He's gone so far as to make this up out of thin air. That's not what strong leaders do. If Henry supports illegal immigration he should own up to it. That we could at least respect. But, this sort of backpedaling and invention is indicative of the four years of weak leadership we've seen from Brad Henry." Representative Terrill stated that the best way to deal with illegal immigrant apprehension and detention is by using the U.S. Immigration I.C.E. program, a method that Governor Henry's gubernatorial opponent Congressman Ernest Istook helped to secure funds for. Henry outright refused to use the ICE program, citing what he called "problems" in the programs guidelines. Posted at 9/27/2006 10:16:00 AM |   

Local and state candidates will attend a forum tonight in Kingfisher. The forum will be 7 p.m. at NBC Bank. It is sponsored by Wheatbelt Toastmasters Club. “Response to the invitation came so fast in such an unexpected number that we had to rescind invitations to a pair of candidates who had not yet responded,” said Virginia Giglio, Toastmas-ters vice president. “We felt as overwhelmed as Mickey Mouse and the brooms. Giving out invitations and then taking them back is not nice and we know it, and we are sorry.” Sue Barton, a Tulsa Democrat and candidate for the 3rd Congressional District seat held by U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, will attend the event and visit with audience members but will not speak. Organizers said the forum will conclude at 8:30 p.m. Among the speakers are associate district judge candidates E. A. Ard Gates and Susie Pritchett; district judge candidates Dennis Hladik and John G. Camp; state House District 41 candidates John Enns and Carol Ruth; state House District 59 candidates, Michael Hammer, Rob Johnson and Richie Oakes; and state Senate District 22 candidate Mike Johnson. Lieutenant governor candidate Todd Hiett will be represented by Beverly Hiett, and Corporation Commis-sioner Kim Holland will be represented by Emily Hall. Insurance commissioner candidate Bill Case also will speak. Posted at 9/26/2006 02:45:00 PM |   

By MURRAY EVANS Associated Press Writer © 2006 The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — Arkansas poultry companies that have run advertisements that reference Oklahoma's attorney general said they will suspend those ads until after Oklahoma's general election on Nov. 7. The Poultry Community Council said it was taking the action to avoid the appearance of impropriety, spokeswoman Janet Wilkerson said Monday. Read more... Posted at 9/26/2006 02:42:00 PM |   

This is another in our series of profiles of candidates for office this election cycle. Today's profile is of Republican Bill Case who is running for Insurance Commissioner against appointed Democratic commissioner Kim Holland. On his website he says: "It's time we elect a Commissioner who has not only the Insurance background but also political experience to lead this office while cleaning up its image." He received a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Administration with a minor in Business from Appalachian State University in North Carolina. Case served on the Midwest City Council from Ward 5 from 1990 to 1994, and as mayor of Midwest City from 1993 to 1994. Case won election to the Oklahoma House of Representatives from District 95 in 1994. Case's service to the District and the State include: induction to the Child Advocate Hall of Fame, served as Chairman of the task force on After School Programs, awarded Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business, designated as a life time member of the 95th Victory Division of the US Army, Governor appointment to the State Advisory Group on Juvenile Delinquency Prevention, 2005 Legislator of the Year awarded by the Oklahoma Municipal League. He continues to be active in his community as an alumnus of Leadership Midwest City - Class of 1991, member of the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce, Executive board member of Mid-Del-Tinker 100 Club, member of the Eastern Oklahoma County Tourism Council, past president of the Midwest City Soccer Club, member of Comm-Star at Tinker Air Force Base and a member of the board of trustees at St. Matthew United Methodist Church. Organizations include the National Conference of State Legislatures and American Legislative Exchange Council. You can listen to a short interview of Case here. Posted at 9/26/2006 10:00:00 AM |   

State question 733 will be on the ballot in November. It would repeal the ban on selling alcohol on all election days. This outdated law, probably enacted to discourage the scenes portrayed in this famous painting by Missouri painter George Caleb Bingham, of alcohol being served at the polls and drunks being literally dragged to the courthouse steps to vote. In future elections if SQ 733 passes, Democrats can give free alcohol to the homeless along with free cigarettes to vote for their candidates. Section XXVIII-6: Prohibition of sales on certain days - Penalties It shall be unlawful for any retail package store to sell, at retail, any alcoholic beverage: On the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday; On the day of any National, State, County or City Election, including primary elections, during the hours the polls are open; and On Decoration or Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Posted at 9/26/2006 09:27:00 AM |   

Approximately 1800 will be eligible for TAA benefits Employees of the Dayton Tire plant in Oklahoma City will be eligible for federal help, Congressman Ernest Istook (R-Warr Acres) announced yesterday. Istook said the U.S. Department of Labor has approved TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) and Alternative TAA certification benefits for employees affected by the announced closure of the tire manufacturing facility at the end of the year. "This is an important ruling for these workers," said Istook. "They will have access to education and income support which will help them transition to retirement or to other employment." The Trade Act programs, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA), assist individuals who have become unemployed as a result of increased imports from, or shifts in production to, foreign countries. The Department of Labor determined the closing of the Dayton Tire facility meets the criteria for such help. The goal is to help trade-affected workers return to suitable employment as quickly as possible. TAA certified workers may receive income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit. Workers who require retraining may receive occupational training. In addition, older workers, for whom retraining may not be suitable, may be eligible for a wage subsidy if they take a lower-paying job. The decision includes not only employees of the tire facility, but also "on-site leased workers of Unicco, Wedgeco, TCMS, Janiking, Boldt Construction, Atlantic Projects, FRI Electric, Duncan Equipment and Express Personnel," for an approximate total of 1,800 workers. Posted at 9/26/2006 09:15:00 AM |   

Democrats Use the “T” word against Balkman – “Taliban” The race for House District 45 has taken a decided turn for the worse. Supporters, or at the very least detractors, of incumbent Representative Thad Balkman (R-Norman) have made the decision to use the “T” word against Thad Balkman, calling him the “American Taliban.” Balkman’s signs have been destroyed and defaced, which is against the law in Oklahoma. Balkman’s opponent, Wallace Collins, denies any connection to the defacement, and told Fox 25’s Britten Follet that his campaign consists of just his family members. Balkman says that he hopes his opponent will “do the right thing and denounce this deplorable behavior.” The ODP has nothing on its website condeming the vandalism of Balkman's signs. This from the party of "tolerance" and "progressives?" Posted at 9/25/2006 07:59:00 PM |   

Insiders have recently emailed the Oklahoma Political News Service questioning the timing of the vacation of "Victory 2006" Chair Marsha Funk. They don't deny that campaigns can be mentally and physically taxing for both the candidate and the campaign staff. Ms. Funk was an aide to the unsuccessful campaign of Corporate Commissioner Denise Bode for the CD 5 Republican nomination. Everyone deserves to take a little time off to relax and rejuvenate themselves. Insiders question taking a vacation forty five days before an election, especially when the Victory initiative has been listing along since March with no apparent plan for success. OKPNS will continue to investigate. Posted at 9/25/2006 11:39:00 AM |   

We'd like to thank everyone for their hospitality over the weekend during the Okie Blogger Roundup. Although we didn't win in our category, it was nice to put "real" names and faces with the blogs that we read everyday. Congratulations to all the winners and a special thanks to Mike Hermes for putting the event together. Posted at 9/25/2006 11:29:00 AM |   

A local District Attorney in Enid said she will be writing Gov. Brad Henry regarding the state's Pardon and Parole Board's recommendation that a violent offender be released on parole. The offender has only served six years of a thirty year sentence. Jason Frank - a career criminal with two prior burglary convictions- received his latest conviction for an home invasion of an elderly couple. This salt of the earth "gentleman" struck the 82 year old victim in the face while his accomplice held a gun to his wife's head. Their total take from the burglary - $82! According to the National Institute of Corrections, the latest statistics available (2004) report that Oklahoma's overall crime rate is 17.92% higher than the national average and the correctional supervision rate (number of offenders supervised per 100,000) is 15.79% lower than the national average. According to FBI statistics that were released in June, Oklahoma's two largest cities crime rate is rising faster than the state as a whole. Crime figures for 2005 show the number of murders in Tulsa rose by 20 percent, an increase of ten more killings from 2004 to 2005. Oklahoma City faired somewhat better at 18%, with an increase of 15 more killings. As we reported earlier this year, crime has risen dramatically during Henry's term. Oklahoma Political News Service hopes the Governor does the right thing this time and denies parole for this criminal. Posted at 9/25/2006 10:20:00 AM |   

By Janice Francis-Smith The Journal Record OKLAHOMA CITY – Before Oklahoma’s U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn challenged Congress’ spending on “earmarks” last year, political strategist Tim Phillips said he didn’t really know what earmarks were. Today, Phillips serves as president of Washington, D.C.-based Americans for Prosperity Foundation, touring the country in an effort to make members of Congress more accountable and responsible in their spending practices. “Not every project that is funded with an earmark is necessarily a waste of money, but the practice of earmarking makes it much easier for boondoggles like the $223 million ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ to slip through,” said Phillips. “Let’s end earmarks and have an open debate about how we should spend our tax dollars.” Lawmakers have increasingly engaged in the practice of earmarking, designating federal dollars for specific projects in members’ home districts. Instead of submitting their projects as budgeted items, the more powerful lawmakers will often add on funding for their “pet” projects to another bill – sometimes a bill on an unrelated subject – at the last minute, while the bill is in a conference committee. Therefore, other members of Congress and the public at large are often unaware of the new spending items contained in the bill when the final vote on the measure is taken. In 1995, Congress passed legislation containing 2,749 earmarks, said Phillips, and in 2005, Congress passed 15,877 earmarks totaling $47 billion. With a multitrillion-dollar federal deficit, a war on terrorism to fund and critical needs in health care, education and other areas of high priority for the nation, the American people must demand from Congress an accounting of how their tax dollars are being spent, Phillips said. Coburn brought the nation’s attention to the process by challenging earmarks on the Senate floor, even voting against spending items for projects in Oklahoma. Though political analysts at first thought Coburn’s actions would amount to political suicide, voters in Oklahoma and nationwide have shown their support for the effort. Other lawmakers who voted with Coburn have been re-elected in their home districts, said Phillips, and the movement is gaining ever greater momentum. Americans for Prosperity has proposed several possible solutions to the problem of earmarks, but on Friday Phillips stressed just three points. First, earmarks should be required to bear the name of the legislator who requested them in the Congressional Record, removing the anonymity that currently makes the process so attractive. Second, earmark requests should be made early in the legislative process, so that the public and other members of Congress can have the opportunity to weigh the merits of the projects proposed. Third, the legislator who requests an earmark should be required to submit an explanation of how the money should be spent, which would be available on the Internet or as part of the Congressional Record. “By definition, if you follow the budget process and have discussion on these items, they are no longer an earmark – they become honest budget items,” said Phillips. Oklahoma City was the eighth stop for the tour this week. The tour is visiting cities that have received earmarked funds. Oklahoma City has an earmark for $1 million to develop a ferry system, unrelated to the privately owned Water Taxi company that currently operates ferries on the Bricktown Canal. Posted at 9/25/2006 08:10:00 AM |   

The Norman Transcript By Althea Peterson Transcript Staff Writer For statewide candidates, there aren’t many opportunities to reach 80,000 potential voters in one location. Enter Sooner football season, which draws people from across the state to Norman. Candidates including incumbent Gov. Brad Henry, D-Shawnee, and his challenger, Rep. Ernest Istook, R-Warr Acres, personally show up to games to speak to voters. “It’s where the people are,” Henry said. “It’s a fun time on gameday.”Derek Kern, who is with the Istook campaign, said one of their gameday campaigning tactics include “Ernie the Elephant,” a campaign mascot. “He’s always a big hit with the kids,” Kern said. “Everybody loves Ernie the Elephant.” Read more... Posted at 9/24/2006 10:25:00 PM |   

The Norman Transcript Before campaigns began heating up this summer, political pundits told us candidates would push the immigration fears hot button. In this case, they were right. We have hearings being held in Oklahoma and around the country on the status and cost of illegal immigrants. There do not seem to be any events, other than the Nov. 7 election, that are causing these hearings to take place now. On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate voted to build a 700-mile fence along the Mexican border and moved ahead on other enforcement measures designed to slow illegal entries into the country. The House voted to require Americans to show proof of citizenship in order to vote. The policy debates are necessary, but the election-eve agenda being set forth is proving to be transparent. Americans are truly concerned about the cost and implications of illegal and legal immigration, but the solutions are broader and not as simple as building a fence and checking IDs at the voting booth. Posted at 9/24/2006 10:22:00 PM |   

By MICK HINTON World Capitol Bureau 9/24/2006 OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Rep. Dennis Adkins is using campaign contributions to pay rent on a condominium that he purchased earlier this year in Oklahoma City. The Tulsa Republican, who heads the powerful House Energy and Utility Regulation Committee, has received more than $150,000 in campaign contributions the past two years from oil and gas interests, ethics records show. Yet, he hasn't had a political race since 2002 and was unopposed this year. Adkins said he believes it would be "unethical or illegal" to buy a condo with campaign funds. Read more... Posted at 9/24/2006 10:19:00 PM |   

Governor Henry is on the air with a new ad touting his anti-meth law. In a curious move for a Democratic politician these days, the ad features Kingfisher's Chief of Police saying the "Bush White House called the law a model for the nation." The ad also claims that meth lab busts went from "one hundred a month to two a month." According to some experts, anti-meth laws which keep common cold medicines off the shelves have only made the problem worse. They have actually put recreational meth users into more frequent contact with smugglers and traffickers, likely sparking increases in black market violence. According to the DEA's own website, most of this country's meth comes not from garage laboratories in the Midwest, but from clandestine superlabs in California and Mexico. These labs smuggle pseudoephedrine in bulk from Mexico and Canada and use it to manufacture street methamphetamine, which they then distribute across the country. Cold and allergy medicine never enters the picture. It's almost certain that these superlabs compensate for any small dip in the meth supply caused by limiting homemade meth cook's access to pseudoephedrine. With Mexican drug lords now smuggling pseudoephedrine into the nation, Governor Henry's lax attitude toward immigration may be counteracting his "tough" anti meth law. OKPNS will continue to investigate. Posted at 9/22/2006 04:15:00 PM |   

I am in Oklahoma City this weekend for the 2006 Okie Blogger Roundup and awards ceremony. The Roundup was mentioned this week in the Oklahoma Gazette. The Oklahoma Political News Service has been nominated for the "Best Oklahoma Political blog of 2006." There is a great deal of tough competition in the category and we are humble to have been nominated by our blogging peers. If you have time Saturday, we would love to meet a few of our readers. Posted at 9/22/2006 03:57:00 PM |   

By WORLD WASHINGTON BUREAU WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. John Sullivan said Thursday that his campaign will donate to charity funds it received from an Ohio lawmaker who has agreed to plead guilty in an ongoing congressional scandal. After reviewing records filed with the Federal Election Commission, Sullivan, R-Okla., said the American Liberty PAC, the leadership political action committee of Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, had contributed $1,000 to his election campaign in 2002. Federal officials announced last week that Ney has agreed to plead guilty in the investigation sparked by activities of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Scheduled to enter the plea in court next month, Ney reportedly has admitted to accepting tens of thousands of dollars worth of improper trips, meals, casino chips and sports tickets while trying to win favors for Abramoff and a foreign aviation firm. He had spent months denying wrongdoing during the probe. Posted at 9/22/2006 02:38:00 PM |