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Thursday, November 01, 2007 Daily Kos: The Crazy Radical Andrew Rice"
Gasp. The Oklahoma Republican Party has just blown this race away by exposing State Sen. Andew Rice's (D) connection to the most radical of radical organizations. The most leftest of leftist groups. We're talking shit so far out of the mainstream, that I have the vapors just thinking about it.
What groups can these be? Well, please sit down before you click over to see. It's groups like: Sierra Club ("Global warming alarmists") Twenty-First Century Democrats ("ultra-liberal [...] leaders from Planned Parenthood and labor unions") ACLU ("Civil Libertarians") MoveOn ("Betrayus") Some group called "Hollywood" ("Jeanine Garofalo") Democracy for America ("They share the same values and vision as Howard Dean") Stonewall Democrats ("Gay agenda") The Communist Party (he is a Democrat, after all) And don't get me started on the Progressive Alliance Foundation. "Rice founded The Progressive Alliance Foundation. Its goal is to convince Oklahomans that anti-war, pro-gay liberal values are actually our values. The group’s slogan is "Progressive Values, Mainstream Values, Oklahoma Values." Imagine the horror! Damn it -- Oklahoma values are all about war mongering and gay-bashing! You know, good, and wholesome values like that! But there's more! Read more... Related: Okie Funk: GOP, Inhofe Will Not Run On Record Red Stater: Run Andrew Run... Run Away Labels: Andrew Rice, Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 7:26 AM |Take Two and Call Me in the Morning… By Kyle D. Loveless Recently, our state legislature was given an extra benefit just for being elected. Each legislator’s health care “allowance” was raised from $200 per month to over $1500, roughly a 600% increase! In essence, they were given a pay raise without anyone noticing. Guess who has to pay for their aspirin… you and I, more importantly, our children. We have some serious problems with our priorities in this state. Our education system needs an overhaul. Our roads and bridges are falling apart. Our businesses and our citizens struggle under the weight of taxes. Our state should be taking measures to ensure that we will thrive in our second century, not take a step back. The reasoning for the increase is that legislators are state employees and deserve benefits equivalent to those state employees get. James Farris, a member of the commission who approved the increase, said, “It seemed appropriate to me that all state employees be treated the same. The disparity was so dramatic, it seemed to me to get people back on a level playing field.” Pardon me, but I must say, “Hogwash!” According to news reports, Mr. Farris also went on to say he “did not know how much this increase was going to cost.” What? Really? Since when do officials approve additional taxpayer-funded benefits without knowing what the costs are? The commission that oversees the salaries and benefits for legislators mentioned that they were responding to a legislators’ spouse. I find this outrageous. Our state legislators’ compensation is already among the highest in the nation, especially considering that the legislature only meets from February until the end of May. State employees work year around. Their job is their career. Legislators are supposed to have other employment since they are in session less than half the year. Elected legislators know the drill. If you seek elected office for the extra benefits, you need don’t need to be in office in the first place. I’m astounded by the audacity of elected leaders who believe they are entitled to increased health benefits when the average Oklahoman struggles to keep health insurance. Health care costs are expensive, both for businesses and individuals. Our leaders should look for solutions to this problem, not simply drain taxpayers further to increase their own benefits. Taxpayers want more out of our government. When we have teachers having to purchase paper and chalk, we need to set real, honest priorities. I don’t think that increasing health care benefits 600% for our part-time legislators should rank among the top priorities. Our roads and bridges need help now. Infrastructure needs abound throughout the state. Just one example is Sara Road in Mustang which remains undeveloped because of political infighting about who should pay for it. We need leaders who will use their position and resources to build a better state, not a better benefits package for themselves. Our education system needs a transfusion of competition, higher standards, and more parental involvement. We do not need 535 school administrative districts. It is embarrassing when Texas and Florida both have fewer districts than we do. Administrative costs sponge all the money from the teachers, principals, classrooms, and students. We need to do something about it, but everyone is afraid to even talk about this because of backlash from the education lobby. We need leaders who aren’t afraid to do the right thing even if it isn’t popular. Oklahomans have survived tornados, the Dust Bowl, oil booms and busts, and we are stronger because of it. We deserve leaders who share that Oklahoma spirit, leaders who share our belief in hard work and helping a neighbor in need, not trying to get every benefit that is permissible on the backs of the taxpayer. It’s downright shameful. It is a privilege and honor to represent Oklahomans at the state capitol, and they deserve better than this Labels: Decision '08, Kyle Loveless Posted at 6:11 AM |Here We Go Again: Anti-Incumbent Wave Next Year? by Stuart RothenbergSome story lines never go away. This year, once again, there is buzz that 2008 might be an anti-incumbent election that will sweep out sitting House Members of both parties. National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.) has been making that case for months, and more than a few journalists and talking heads have picked it up as well. A little more than a year ago in this space ("An Anti-Incumbent Election? This Year? Of Course Not," Sept. 14, 2006), I argued that 2006 would be an anti-Republican, not an anti-incumbent, year. I never thought that we'd be hearing the same anti-incumbent argument so soon. It's like a bad penny that keeps turning up. Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 10:11 AM |Senator Rice looks to Capitol HillMonday, October 22, 2007Tell Me Something I Don't KnowSenator Jim Inhofe is leading the way in funds for re-election against Liberal state Senator Andrew "Where Have You Been" Rice. The report says Inhofe's campaign has $1.6 million cash on hand. Labels: Andrew Rice, Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 10:23 AM |Democratic Strategists Wary of Overconfidence By CARL HULSE Republicans are also conversant with what might be known as political wave theory. After Democrat Niki Tsongas won a special election in Massachusetts last Tuesday by a 51-45 percent spread, the National Republican Congressional Committee heralded the result with this headline: “The Democratic Wave Breaks.” Republicans contended that the single-digit victory by the widow of Paul Tsongas in ultra-Democratic Massachusetts showed that Democrats can be had in 2008. “In a race that should have been won in a walk, Democrats were forced to funnel a massive amount of resources and dispatch an all-star cast of liberal icons at the 11th hour in order to ensure victory,” said Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma, chairman of the Republican campaign group. Read more... Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 11:30 AM |Quote of the Day "As a U.S. Senator who constantly portrays himself as a pro-national security public servant, Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe is now choosing to ignore the pleas of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of the Navy, among other military leaders, when they ask for Senate approval of UNCLOS. American military leaders have made it clear that participation in UNCLOS will enhance our national security and that changes have been made in UNCLOS provisions to explicitly protect American interests. And yet Jim Inhofe and a very small minority are working against our nation's best interests, simply because it might hurt the special interests he puts before the needs of Oklahomans again and again. Inhofe is clearly out of step with our national security needs." Sen. Andrew RiceHow can an anti-war, pro gay pacifist say with a straight (no pun intended) face, that Sen. Inhofe is "out of step with our national security needs?" Incredible! From Rice's campaign website: "Congress should force the President to implement an orderly redeployment of American troops from the Civil War in Iraq and adequately finance their health and well-being as they return home." "Once the Iraq Civil War is no longer draining American lives and treasure, the U.S. can refocus our might and skill on identifying and destroying terrorist cells around the world. Just 18 days before the start of the Iraq War, America enjoyed one of our greatest successes since 9/11 when our intelligence forces cooperated with Pakistani intelligence to capture Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. Rather than refereeing a civil war, this surgical raid in a Pakistani village 4 ½ years ago serves as an example of American strength against terror." Related: RedOklahoma.org: Rice Aligns With Communists, Graces Oklahoma With His Presence Labels: Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 2:52 PM |Jim Inhofe on Jim InhofeMonday, October 01, 2007Paging Candidate Rice...State Senator Andrew Rice, the only announced Democrat opponent to U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe’s 2008 reelection has gone completely silent as of late. The pro-choice, liberal Democrat has promised to run an open and transparent campaign, leading us to believe either he isn’t staying true to his pledge, or his campaign is just adrift. For example, a brief glance at Rice’s campaign website reveals:
Has neophyte Rice already lost his steam? Is his team incapable of fighting on all fronts? Or is Rice simply not running the open and transparent campaign he promised? In fact, conspicuously missing from the Rice “Upcoming Events” calendar is a joint Andrew Rice/Jim Roth fundraiser taking place in Oklahoma City on October 11. Only time will tell if Rice has given up on transparency, or if his campaign has simply become stagnant. Labels: Andrew Rice, Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 9:38 AM |Press One for English? No Call Your Senators for English!Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.) has introduced a bill that would make English the official language of the United States of America, and would require “The Government of the United States [to] conduct its official business in English, including publications, income tax forms, and informational materials.” It would also send a message to new immigrants that the U.S. intends to preserve its linguistic unity as a nation, and that they must have a responsibility to learn English as the first step toward pursing the American dream, and full participation in American life. Read More Labels: Decision '08, English Only, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 10:52 AM |NRCC Broke?
It seems every day brings more bad news for Republicans. As Politico first reported Friday, House Minority Leader John Boehner and his campaign chief, Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole, are at war over campaign tactics and operations. Boehner is demanding a major shake-up at the National Republican Congressional Committee. The dust-up might be the least of the GOP’s problems. Three House Republicans in very competitive districts recently announced their retirements — and several more senior GOP members have hinted they may do the same. Put simply, Republicans lack the money to fight seriously for many of these seats. The NRCC is essentially broke, with more debt than money in the bank. “When you look at what’s going on in the House, the prospects for getting back on track are pretty dim at the moment,” said Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.). Read more... Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 2:57 PM |Extremism Hits Close To Home While the Ethics panel continues to look into the GOP Fundraising, liberals around the state are taking advantage of that opportunity to really pander to their liberal base of supporters. REDOKLAHOMA has more to report on this story. It is always good when the attention is on someone else. Who would've thought that Andrew Rice was associated with people like this? But then again he is just another liberal masquerading as a "moderate". Labels: Andrew Rice, Decision '08 Posted at 8:43 AM |Race bodes well for state As ugly and quarrelsome as political races can be, the electorate profits from them, and that certainly will be the case in the race for U.S. Senate in 2008 in Oklahoma. Incumbent Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe will defend his seat against at least one candidate, and the race is sure to be filled with fire.While Inhofe’s conservative value system reflects the value system of most Oklahomans, Inhofe’s long tenure has been filled with controversy. Labels: Andrew Rice, Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 10:19 AM |OKGOP Chairman Gary Jones Announces "Very Aggressive" Statewide Voter Registration DriveWednesday, September 12, 2007Sooner Coalition to Challenge the Nation's Most Restrictive Election Laws: Press Conference at Capitol Friday Sept 14th, after Filing PetitionFor Immediate Release: September 10th, 2007 Contact: Michael Hammer 405-714-5060 Hammer@OkVoterChoice.org Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform will hold a press conference at 2:00 PM on Friday, Sept. 14th in the State Capitol (east side of first floor rotunda) after filing to circulate an initiative petition. The initiative will seek to reform Oklahoma’s ballot access laws, considered the most restrictive in the country. To form a new political party, Oklahoma law currently requires signatures equal to 5% of the last presidential or gubernatorial vote, which meant over 73,000 signatures for 2006. This number was TEN TIMES the per capita requirement of many neighboring states, including Texas, Missouri, and New Mexico. This initiative would return the number of signatures for recognition of political party back to 5,000, the number required in Oklahoma from 1924 until 1974. This would make Oklahoma the 30th state to require 5,000 or fewer signatures for a new political party or independent presidential candidate. The initiative would also make the requirements more reasonable for a party to demonstrate support and stay on the ballot. OBAR plans to collect approximately 90,000 signatures over 90 days. Supporters have already pledged to collect OVER HALF of the needed signatures and an anonymous donor will donate $25,000 once OBAR has raised $50,000. OBAR has already attracted attention nationwide, bringing Independent presidential candidate, Daniel Imperato, and National Libertarian Executive Director, Shane Cory, to Oklahoma City last week. Future plans include bringing former Congressman Bob Barr to Oklahoma to advocate for more voter choice. OBAR is a coalition of the Libertarian, Green, and Constitution Parties and the Oklahoma Coalition of Independents, unified with the simple goal of making laws fair for new political parties. Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 10:47 AM |Shouldn't he be running for President?
Someone in the Senate is listening to Conservatives across the nation and that man is none other than Senator Tom Coburn. This is who Republicans should nominate for President!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
The Senate last week approved an amendment sponsored by Sen. Tom Coburn, Oklahoma Republican, to halt all appropriations to the world body "until the secretary of state certifies that the United Nations [and subsidiaries] is fully and publicly transparent about all of its spending, including procurement purposes." Read More Labels: Decision '08, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 8:25 AM |Is There Any Question What Rice Is About? His public face here in the state is “Andrew for Oklahoma,” but when he’s courting contributions on ultraliberal blog DailyKos, is there any question as to what Andrew is running for? It isn’t about Oklahoma at all, it’s about being “against Inhofe.”Sorry, Andrew, but nothing-but-negative will not prove to be a winning message. Labels: Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 3:36 PM |Loveless to Walk 45 Miles for Senate District 45
Candidate Braves Heat to Walk from Mustang to Moore
Oklahoma City, OK – Businessman and Oklahoma State Senate Republican candidate Kyle D. Loveless will be making an unusual trip in his grassroots campaign by literally walking from one end of the district to the other in midst of the August heat.“I have already knocked on the doors of over 4,000 voters all across the district. I’m spending evenings and Saturdays after work talking and listening to people to find out what they want in their next Senator and what they want from the State Capitol,” said Loveless. In the hottest month of the year, Loveless believes that the time spent will be well worth it to get to know the people and the businesses along the route. “What better month than August to walk from Mustang to Moore? Oklahomans and the voters of Senate District 45 don’t want a fat-cat, do-nothing Senator. They want a Senator willing to work hard to get things done. They want someone who won’t shirk from the challenges or tough fights. Walking 45 miles in the heat of an Oklahoma August won’t be easy, but it will be exciting.” “Voters want to know that the person they elect is willing to work for the job. Whether managing our family business, Loveless Shoes, or walking in 100 degree heat, I’m no stranger to challenges, I am sure there will be plenty of hot air, just like down on 23rd and Lincoln. People will know that I will work for them as hard as I work at this campaign,” said Loveless. Loveless will begin his walk in Canadian County on August 28th at I-40 and Mustang Road and will conclude the walk in Cleveland County, the next day August 29th. Along the way, Loveless will be making stops at the Mustang Town Center for a community meeting, the Moore Rotary lunch, and will be walking the old downtown of Moore. He will be available to the media through his cell phone, 405-640-0740. He also welcomes any member of the press to would like to walk a portion of the route with him. Labels: Decision '08, Kyle Loveless Posted at 3:47 PM |Who Woulda Thunk it! "President" Obama on who he would like to work with in the Congress:"I would also seek out people like Tom Coburn, who is probably the most conservative member of the U.S. Senate. He has become a friend of mine.'' Sen. Barak Obama Labels: Decision '08, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 12:47 PM |Coburn Considering Run for President?
From Transworld News:
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Does Tom Coburn Have a Snowball's Chance? There has been no paperwork filed and his name does not appear on the USA Election Polls website, but one republican who is still mulling over a run for the presidency is the junior senator from the state of Oklahoma, Tom Coburn. He has the dubious distinction of being Newt Gingrich's nemesis, in part owing to Coburn's estimation that Gingrich is a symptom of what ails the Republican Party: a gradual drifting to the left. Furthermore failing to make friends with the more moderate conservatives by calling for the dismissal of embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, he is considering a run for the White House on his conservative values. While in theory there is a substantial number of conservatives who will welcome this back to basics approach Mr. Coburn embraces, the more realistically minded constituents admit that his candidacy – should he declare it – does not have a snowball's chance of taking off, suggesting that Coburn has alienated too many moderate republicans he will be unable to garner the nod of the party. Read more... Labels: Decision '08, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 12:36 PM |Chris Casteel: Chief Propagandist for Jim Inhofe?
The first line of this piece destroys any credibility it may have had!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
From Daily Kos: Chris Casteel, chief propagandist for U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, published an article in The Daily Oklahoman on Sunday that obviously tries to rehabilitate the senator’s image. Inhofe, despised throughout the world for his ignorant and outrageous comments about scientific and lifestyle issues, suddenly feels concern for the country’s dilapidated infrastructure, according to the disingenuous article. Read more... Labels: Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 12:29 PM |Hillary Gets Pandering Lesson from Chairman Jones
OKLAHOMA CITY (August 8, 2007) With Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton visiting Oklahoma this upcoming Saturday evening, Gary Jones and the State Republican Party have created a handy “Pandering Guide” for her convenience.
Monday, August 06, 2007
“Hillary has a long and painful history of pandering to people she knows nothing about,” said Jones. “So for her visit to Oklahoma, we thought it would be a nice gesture to provide her some pandering guidelines for our great state.” Oklahoma Pandering Guide 101: Number 1: Don’t wear our crimson and cream or orange, black and white You may have gotten away with wearing a Yankees hat when you campaigned in New York, but it’s not going to work here in Oklahoma. Stick with what you know: liberal east coast elitistism. Number 2: Please don’t try the southern drawl again Your southern drawl that you pulled out on your stop in Selma, Alabama was more than a little embarrassing. Oklahomans can tell real quick if you aren’t from around here. So you probably should keep that in your back pant suit pocket. Number 3: Speaking of pant suits You’ve been criticized on the campaign trail for some of your pretentious pant suit ensembles. Let me stop you before you even think about entering Oklahoma in a pair of Wranglers and a cowboy hat. Number 4: Your love for tax increases We know you want to raise taxes on everything from businesses to personal income. However, that stance isn’t going to score you any points in Oklahoma. We want our tax burden to be lower, not higher. That’s why all 77 counties in Oklahoma went for George W. Bush in 2004, and why even Oklahoma’s lone Democrat Congressman Dan Boren predicted you won’t win Oklahoma. Number 5: Last, but certainly not least, socialized healthcare We’ve heard you are still pursuing a step-by-step plan to achieve nationalized Health Care. As always, you and your liberal colleagues are advocating another government boondoggle, not a private enterprise solution, and we don’t want the government in our doctor’s offices. So steer clear of discussing this dangerous policy. “We feel if you stick to our guidelines you may just get out of Oklahoma unscathed. As far as the election, however, I’m afraid you won’t be so lucky,” concluded Jones. Labels: Decision '08, Gary Jones, OKGOP Posted at 6:16 AM |Sandy Garrett is Wrong, Again.By Kyle D. LovelessIndulge me and let me give you an example. Everyone like me needs to lose a little weight. So I decide to go to a gym and the gym offers a personal trainer. I am excited, I have never had a personal trainer, I could use one, so I sign up. For months, I pay my dues to the gym, but then on top I pay extra for the personal trainer. Months go by, I do everything the trainer asks, but somehow I see no results, my weight is still the same. At the end of my contract for six months, the trainer comes to me and says, “You just need to expand your regime to keep up with the others that are training more than you. I need more money and you need to train more.” Would you go back to the same trainer if after months you put money into them, and after no results, they not only asked for more money, but for you to come in more? I know I would not, but somehow, Sandy Garrett keeps coming back for more. It seems that every few years, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett changes the goal line. When the US Chamber of Commerce give Oklahoma schools an F, she does not accept responsibility and try to improve, she complains that the tests were skewed. Even the Moore American’s own Scott Carter jumped on the bandwagon of the idea of expanding the school year. What I would like to see is accountability and responsibility and results, and more importantly above all else, I would like to see our children get the best education. Funding is at record levels, teachers are paid more now than ever before, and we now have the biggest education coup, the education lottery. So why are there still problems with public education in Oklahoma? First, we need a transfusion of competition in our education system. Schools within districts need to compete for funding, with good schools being rewarded and underperforming schools held accountable. School vouchers, tax credits for homeschoolers, magnet schools, whatever it takes to jump start our system, on behalf of the education of our children. Second, just as competition will rise the level of excellence in our system, those quality teachers should be rewarded. There should be a multi factor test in whether or not a teacher is a good one or not. Peer review, principle input, parental input even student input and scores should be taken into factor in determining who deserves raises based on merit and those that should not. Finally, there is one area that is the most effective but is the most difficult to monitor or accomplish. Most parents want and become involved in their children’s education, but the most important factor in a child’s education is parental involvement. This is my opinion, but it also backed up by Harvard studies. I am not opposed to longer school days and longer school years, I just think we both as taxpayers and parents are not getting our monies worth. We should demand more from our government at all levels and we should view our children’s future as the consumers of a defective product that is our public education system and we need radical change for our children’s education. I have never had a personal trainer, but I know that if I was not getting results from someone, I would go somewhere else with my business. We should expect results. Oklahoma City businessman Kyle Loveless is a Republican candidate for State Senate District 45. Campaign website Labels: Decision '08, Kyle Loveless Posted at 12:50 PM |Foshee: "Voice of the People" Has Laryngitis? Disclaimer: The following post is NOT a personal attack.We have been accused by Foshee supporters (all three of them - which includes "pseudo" consultant Ron Black, Foshee himself, and his wife) of waging personal attacks when we examine their fledgling campaign and their amateurish campaign tactics. Foshee, the self described "voice of the people" seems to be experiencing chronic laryngitis. Although Foshee and his declared opponent Kyle Loveless are neck and neck in the money race - with Loveless enjoying a small cash on hand advantage, recently filed campaign reports show Loveless raised his funds through a pool of fourteen donors. Foshee's total raised funds comes entirely from personal loans to himself. You don't have to be a Dick Morris or Karl Rove to know that this is not good news for a campaign - no matter how well "The Gorilla" will attempt to spin it. The Oklahoma Political News Service will continue to investigate. Labels: Decision '08, Jerry Foshee, Kyle Loveless Posted at 2:53 PM |Wilson Research Strategies Releases Political Environment Assessment Leading national Republican research and consulting firm Wilson Research Strategies, has released its early August 2007 edition of the National Political Environment Assessment. This edition focuses on the war in Iraq and its impact on the current political climate. WRS says the data presented in the report has been collected from reputable news and academic polling organizations, with analysis and interpretation by WRS. Labels: Decision '08, WRS Posted at 11:24 AM |Poll: Oklahomans Want to Expand Term Limits Yes on Term Limits Finds Voters Support New Limits On Statewide OfficesOKLAHOMA CITY--A new statewide poll shows Oklahomans overwhelmingly in favor of the term limits laws currently in place for the governor and state legislators, and indicates that voters would likewise support a new initiative to expand term limits to cover other statewide officials. “Polling shows that Oklahomans choose term limits, and we want to expand this tool for responsible government as soon as we can,” says Yes on Term Limits Board Member Jack Dake of Oklahoma City. Yes on Term Limits sponsored the poll, which was conducted July 18, 2007 by Pulse Opinion Research. The poll surveyed 1,000 voters and has a margin of error of +/-3 percent. Yes on Term Limits, an Oklahoma ballot committee, was formed last month to pursue expanding term limits to secondary state offices: Attorney General, Lt. Governor, State Auditor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commissioner of Labor, Insurance Commissioner, and Corporations Commissioner. Dake says the poll numbers, gathered by one of America’s most reliable pollsters, are quite stunning. “We suspected good support, but not by the overwhelming numbers the Pulse Opinion Research reveals. Oklahomans are ready to hold statewide officeholders to the same standard they placed on legislators if they are only given the chance.” Oklahoma voters passed term limits for their legislators in 1990. “Incredibly, nearly 80% of Oklahomans want term limits on statewide elected officials,” Dake stated. “These numbers indicate they believe strongly that new ideas and new people need to be brought into the process. The current system of what is essentially ‘tenure’ for statewide elected officials needs to be ended immediately.” Besides Dake, officers for Yes on Term Limits include Chairman James Dunn of Oklahoma City and Board Member Dr. Michael Ritze of Tulsa. For more information about the poll or to schedule an interview with a leader of Yes on Term Limits, call (405) 947-2462, ext. 112. Contacts Yes on Term Limits Scott Mitchell, 405-947-2462, ext. 112 Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 7:00 AM |Rep. Cole On YouTube Debates
NRCC Chairman Tom Cole spoke with Ed Morrissey on BlogTalkRadio on July 30, 2007 about the YouTube debate.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Related: National Journal: "GOP Campaign Chief Touts YouTube Debate" Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 8:30 AM |Liberal Foshee Using Union Buddies to Remove Opponent's Yard Signs?
We received a tip from a reader recently regarding the removal and return of political yard signs from his lawn. The reader recounts the story:
Monday, June 25, 2007
 "As I was pulling into my garage one afternoon, I saw a guy messing with my yard signs. He claimed he was with the OKC planning commission and was instructed to take down signs out of some people’s yards because they were in the city’s easement. I asked the gentleman where was the easement and he replied "about fifteen feet from the curb." Mind you, I live in a residential housing addition, not on a major street.I told him I had never heard of the city taking or moving signs out of people’s yards. The guy rudely interrupts me and says he was just doing his job and that if he "sees it again he will do again." After I complained to the planning commission, I woke up the next morning to find all of my previously taken signs stacked on my driveway. This makes me wonder if Foshee has got some of his union goons doing his bidding?" Foshee's campaign still must not be doing well if he is resorting to dirty tricks this early. Labels: Decision '08, Jerry Foshee Posted at 7:41 AM |NRSC Starts New Website: "The Cost Of Democrats.Com"
There is a perception (and it's correct) that the left has been far more effective at harnessing the power of the Internet for grassroots organizing and fundraising. They've even coined a new phrase for their activists calling them the "netroots." The technology gap was even more evident after the first quarter fundraising reports were released. Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama raised tremendous sums on the Internet, but that wasn't the underlying story. The story was that Clinton had amassed 50,000 + contributors while Obama doubled her amount with over 100,000. As has been widely reported, Obama's contributors gave in small amounts, which makes them eligible to keep giving and giving until they reach campaign finance limits.
Friday, June 15, 2007
We received an email recently from the National Republican Senatorial Committee that suggests the Republican Party - specifically the Senatorial Committee -is making a serious effort to close that gap and compete with the Democrats on the Internet. We've learned the committee has an "e-press secretary" that monitors the blogs, and, they've started a new site called "Cost of Democats.com" The site claims that in the first 100 days of Democratic Senate control, they have passed a "$700 billion dollar tax increase." According to the site, that would equate to an extra 2,500 on the average Oklahoman. There are other features on the site including videos and links to other blogs. The RNC has a lot of ground to make up, but this is an encouraging start. Labels: Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 2:38 PM |Tip Line: Reader Questions Foshee's Campaign Strategy
A reader sent us their opinion of this story in The Oklahoman today. Once an ambulance chaser, always an ambulance chaser?
Friday, June 01, 2007
"A former city councilman, accompanied by a woman whose husband and son died in a crossover collision last month, called on the state Thursday to install median safety barriers on Interstate 44 in South Oklahoma City. But the work already is planned.Jerry Foshee said the deaths on May 17 of Michael Tiderman, 38, a firefighter, and his son Justin, 11, were preventable if safety barriers had been in place when a car crossed the median and crashed into their vehicle on I-44 near SW 119." Read more... "HMM, Interesting, since if you read the story THEY ARE ALREADY PLANNED TO GO UP. So I guess his strategy is, find out when projects are started and almost finished, hold a press conference so he can claim credit. Never mind he never bothered to contact ODOT, but conisdering his "experience" on the OKC council, I would guess he knew they were coming. If you check out also ODOT's five year plan online, they are slotted for installation in August or September of this year! What a blowhard Never mind he is using the death of a Firefighter for his political gain." The Oklahoma Politcal News Service always welcomes tips and commentary from our readers. Thanks! Labels: Decision '08, Jerry Foshee Posted at 4:55 PM |Hotline TV Discusses Sen. Coburn
Hotline TV discusses a possible Coburn presidential run.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Labels: Decision '08, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 10:15 AM |Total Body Makeovers (Politics Style) From The Daily Byte with James Davenport: It is amazing how quickly some political candidates forget their own history as elected officials. Now that they are interested in a new (usually higher office) they want you to forget their previous positions, too. It is an amazing Total Body Makeover, Politics Style! As soon as they announce, they drop inconvenient positions, equivocate on unpopular stances, and generally try to shed any problematic policies they have previously held. In some cases, it is very similar to dressing up a corpse. Maybe you are a career politician and trial attorney who has had strong ties to local police and fire fighters unions. Never mind that, just reinvent yourself into a citizen legislator who supports lawsuit reform and is a long-time supporter of our community’s first responders. Do not ask questions about the past, just listen to what I am telling you now. Read more... Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 9:31 AM |Coburn Mulling Presidential Bid?  Sen. Tom Coburn is mulling an entry into the Republican presidential primary, according to sources inside and outside the Senate. Coburn, a senator from Oklahoma, is believed to be receiving encouragement from a small group of wealthy businessmen and philanthropists in the Oklahoma-Kansas-Texas region of the country.He's all about faith, lower taxes, and staying the course in Iraq,' says an adviser outside of the Senate who has been speaking to Coburn. Coburn had been mulling a run earlier this year, but with what appeared to be a crowded field, including two sitting Senators (John McCain and Sam Brownback), along with another seriously looking (Chuck Hagel), Coburn appeared to pull back. 'He's not bound to any timetable or any fundraising imperative,' says a longtime adviser to Coburn, who has spoken with him. 'What's important for him is that there is no other true, Reagan conservative in the race, and he thinks he can fill that void.' Coburn is believed to have the backing of several low-profile members of the so called 'Swift Boaters,' men who financed the ads that doomed the presidential aspirations of Sen. John Kerry. Labels: Decision '08, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 9:05 AM |The Politico: Thompson Plans to Enter Presidential Race
From The Politico:
Friday, May 25, 2007
Fred Dalton Thompson is planning to enter the presidential race over the Fourth of July holiday, announcing that week that he has already raised several million dollars and is being backed by insiders from the past three Republican administrations,Thompson advisers told The Politico. Helping Thompson in Oklahoma are Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud and former Republican State Chairman Steve Edwards of Tulsa. Read more... Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 7:19 AM |From the Tip Line: "Poor Poor Foshee"
Check out his site -
Thursday, May 24, 2007
"There will be no way that I allow my family, my friends, and my character be attacked like they have in the past." [Are] we sure this is not Ron writing for Denise Bode - when has he been attacked? Here is another clip - "Prediction: My opponents and/or their supporters WILL go negative on me because they have no other choice. My record for this District stands on its own merit and they have no alternative. As a matter of record, they have already begun to go negative." NEGATIVE? Who has gone negative, this is such a joke and for him to look like a victim. Always seems funny to me [that] those that don't want things to get negative are those that have something to hide. Labels: 400lb Gorilla, Decision '08, Jerry Foshee Posted at 3:47 PM |Foshee Campaign Stalled?
A rumored still low campaign treasury, coupled with employing over priced consultants, may indicate why Foshee's campaign website hasn't been updated in weeks and is currently terribly disfigured and disjointed. (Website corrected as of 4:30 CST.) Sources also tell OKPNS that Foshee's recent offer to buy dinner for the Frontier Country Women's group - if he could speak to them for an hour - was politely turned down publicly. An anonymous state party official told us privately that they were not going to be a campaign tool for an "ambulance chaser's campaign piece." Another insider told us facetiously, "When did he [Foshee] become a Republican? The Oklahoma Political News will continue to investigate. Labels: 400lb Gorilla, Decision '08, Jerry Foshee Posted at 12:14 PM |"HillRaisers" Schedule Clinton Support Meeting
We wonder which accent will Senator Clinton bring to Oklahoma the next time she visits?
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Tulsa For Hillary [HillRaisers] When:Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Where:Tulsa County Democratic Party HQ 3930 E. 31st Street Tulsa, OK 74135 General Area: between Harvard and Yale, on south side of E 31st Description:Third grassroots meeting of those in and near Tulsa that support Hillary Clinton and those wanting to learn more about her and her campaign for US President in 2008. Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 6:24 AM |Demonstraters Picket Hamilton's Fundraiser MOPNS reported to you yesterday about the demonstration planned at Rep. Rebecca Hamilton's fundraiser. As you can see, the demonstraters showed up carrying signs with love quotes like: "Censor Rebecca Hamilton Hamilton" and "Sleeping with the Enemy". All that aside, we wonder how the fundraiser went?Labels: Abortion, Decision '08, Rep. Rebecca Hamilton Posted at 1:16 PM |A New Pitchman -- and a New PitchAs NRCC Chief, Cole Has Plan to Win Back House in 2008 Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 12:53 PM |Loveless for State Senate Kickoff WHEN - Thursday, May 24th, 2007 6pm to 8 pm WHERE - Loveless Campaign HQ 4400 SW 21st Street Oklahoma City, OK Questions? 405-692-7617 www.kyleloveless.com Labels: Decision '08, Kyle Loveless Posted at 11:54 AM |Presidential Hopefuls Raise Over $800k in Oklahoma in 1st Qtr
Sen. Barak Obama is getting a warm reception - and plenty of money - from the Democratic faithful in Oklahoma. Obama raised just over $300,000 from Okies last quarter, his nearest Democratic rival, John "I feel Pretty" Edwards, raised just under $220,000.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The leading fundraiser for Republicans in the state was Rudy Guiliani, with a little over $140,000. His nearest competitor Mitt Romney lags far behind with just $13,000 raised. Click here to see which city and zip codes gave the most money to the candidates. Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 11:03 AM |Senator McCain Coming to Tulsa U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate John McCain (R-AZ) will be in Tulsa May 21st for a luncheon fundraising event.Press here for the invitation. Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 10:18 AM |Congressman Cole Comments On McCain Accepting Lobbyist Money From Firms Who Represent Tribes Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who led the Senate Indian Affairs Committee investigation into the Jack Abramoff scandal, has sworn off taking tribal money in his presidential campaign but continues to accept donations from lobbyists whose firms represent tribal clients. McCain spokesman Danny Diaz said the senator believes that tribes can spend their money in other ways. He added that McCain implemented the ban on tribal money when he became chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in the midst of the Abramoff scandal, before the panel began probing the tens of millions of dollars the tribes paid the former lobbyist. Diaz, however, would not explain why McCain would not extend that policy to lobbyists representing tribes. Other members, such as Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee and is the only registered member of an Indian tribe in Congress, say they believe that tribes should not be punished for the Abramoff scandal and should be free to be as active in the political process as possible — including in the political fundraising arena. Cole said he respects McCain’s decision not to accept money from tribes, stressing that any member is free to establish his or her own policy about fundraising. But Cole argues that the Abramoff scandal is a lobbying scandal, not an Indian scandal. “I don’t know one tribe that was found to have done anything wrong — in fact, they were the victims,” Cole said last month in an interview. “But what Abramoff and others were doing was clearly criminal. Tribes have the right to participate in the system because if they are not looking out for their interests, nobody else will.” Read more... Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08, Ethics Reforms Posted at 12:01 PM |Republicans Energized for 2008
Message from Chairman Jones
 This past Saturday over three hundred Oklahoma Republicans gathered to attend the third annual Stephen’s County Fish Fry in Duncan. The “Fish Fry,” along with the Comanche County GOP Annual BBQ, have grown to become “can’t miss” GOP events, and they are great examples of the changing political landscape in Oklahoma.Since statehood, SW Oklahoma has been considered by most political experts as Democrat Country. Not any more. With the elections of Senators Don Barrington, Ron Justice, Michael Schulz and Anthony Sykes, along with Don Armes, Ann Coody, T.W. Shannon and Dennis Johnson who joined Susan Winchester in the House, Republicans became the majority party for the first time in Oklahoma’s history. With faithful activists like Steve Fair, our 4th District GOP Chairman, SW Oklahoma is sending a message that Republicans are energized and ready for 2008. The Republican Party has a message that resonates all across this state, which was evident as I interacted with the hundreds of GOP activists in Duncan this past weekend. It was also clear that Republicans in SW Oklahoma know how to throw a party. I would encourage anyone to pick up a copy of the opening video Steve Fair put together for this year’s Fish Fry. If you know Steve, you will understand. So as we prepare for the 2008 elections, let us remember that being a Republican and getting Republicans elected is rewarding…but it can also be a whole lot of fun. Labels: Decision '08, Gary Jones Posted at 11:25 AM |Real Wedge Politics
If you are Republican, you're engaging in wedge politics if you espouse the belief that the second amendment guarantees your right to own a firearm. To the Dems, you're engaging in wedge politics if your faith is important to you in your public and private life, especially if you use it to try and appeal to those with similar beliefs. It's wedge politics to declare that your faith dictates marriage should be between one man and one woman. It's gotten so ridiculous, the Dems now accuse Republicans of using national security as a wedge issue, even though radical Muslims have declared a world wide Jihad against western civilization! We believe a better definition of wedge politics is dividing people by their ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, rather than by their particular beliefs. The Democrats have popularized and mainstreamed the Balkinization of America with the hyphenated American designation - African-Americans, Irish-Americans, German-Americans, etc. The Democratic base is traditionally comprised of special interest groups - teachers unions, Blacks, Hispanics, homosexuals, environmentalists, etc. It is not uncommon for Democrats to frighten these constituencies into believing that Republicans are going to take some right from them. The OK Bluenote gives a blaring example today of "real" wedge politics. Black women across America are meeting, mobilizing and empowering themselves as a critical voting bloc for the 2008 presidential election. Three prominent civil rights organizations -- the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, headed by Melanie L. Campbell; the National Council of Negro Women, chaired by veteran women's and civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, led by Clayola Brown -- met in Washington D.C. and created the Power of the Sister Vote 2008 to lead a national debate about black women, the political process and the 2008 presidential election. "Black women represent over 56 percent of the registered black electorate. In the 2004 presidential election, black women represented 58 percent of the total black vote," Campbell said in a statement. "Our voices weigh heavily in our family's civic engagement decisions." The Sister Vote 2008 meeting represents the first in a series to draw attention to black women and young voters. More than 30 national and state-based black women leaders and opinion makers attending a session last month where they were briefed on the 2008 Republican and Democratic National Committee political process. Donna Brazile, a Democratic political consultant, said according to the 2004 Census Bureau, black women's registration and turnout rates were 67.9 percent and 59.8 percent, both higher than the overall population figures (65.9 percent and 58.3 percent); according to the exit polls in 2004, black women were 7 percent of all voters. "Black women are in a key position to help shape the debate and outcome of the 2008 presidential race," Brazile told BlackAmericaWeb.com last week. Read more... Labels: Decision '08, OK Bluenotes Posted at 10:01 AM |George Will: GOP Looks to Reclaim House in 2008
By George F. Will
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Tom Cole earned a Ph.D. in British history from the University of Oklahoma, intending to become a college professor, but he came to his senses and to a zest for politics and now, in just his third term in the House of Representatives, he is chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. As such, he is charged with recruiting the candidates and honing the tactics that will transform Speaker Nancy Pelosi back to House minority leader. "We are looking," says Cole, speaking unminced words about the Republican Party, "like a beaten down stock." Nevertheless, he is sanguine regarding 2008: "The positioning is good for us" because "we don't have to conquer new territory, we have to reclaim old territory." That is, 61 Democrats represent districts that George W. Bush carried in 2004. A 16-seat gain in 2008 would restore Republican control to the House. Read more... Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 1:02 PM |Jerry Foshee: "Voice of the People" District 45 Senate candidate Jerry Foshee calls himself the "voice of the people" on his campaign website. Foshee is expected to make his candidacy official later this month.According to campaign reports, "the voice of the people" isn't necessarily getting the financial support of the people. Foshee raised $5,250 in the first quarter – 5,000 of which came from the FOP PAC – a PAC his law firm represented while he was city councilman. Out of his 14k+ total raised last quarter, $9,000 was a loan to himself. Foshee also says on his site that a "couple very well known political figures and activists will be taking roles in his campaign, individuals from Cleveland and Canadian Counties." Campaign reports also show "political consultant" Ron black is being paid $3,500-$3,900 a month. Labels: 400lb Gorilla, Decision '08, Jerry Foshee Posted at 9:36 AM |Loveless to Run For State SenateApril 25th, 2007FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kyle D. Loveless 405-640-0740 3rd Generation of South-Side Oklahoma City Family Files for District 45 Seat Oklahoma City, OK – Today, Kyle D. Loveless, a third-generation South Oklahoma City native, made it official and announced his candidacy for State Senate District #45. The seat is currently held by Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson who is retiring due to term limits. The primary election will be held in the summer of 2008. “Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson and Senator Helen Cole leave a fine and honorable tradition of leadership that I hope to continue if elected,” said Loveless. “Oklahoma is heading into a new century, and we need a new brand of conservative leadership that is not afraid to take on the tough issues. Priorities must be made. Our state government needs to make hard decisions. I am the type of candidate who is not afraid to make the changes we need.” “For too long, the Oklahoma State Senate has been in the back pocket of the trial lawyers, and the state has suffered because of it. We need entrepreneurs with the pioneering spirit that our state was founded upon, not relics of the past.” To kick off the campaign, Loveless is inviting the public to a reception at his campaign headquarters: WHEN: May 24th, 2007 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Loveless Campaign Headquarters 4400 SW 21st Street Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73108 (Just east of SW 21st Street and S. Meridian intersection) Loveless -- Conservative Leadership for a New Century Labels: Decision '08, Kyle Loveless Posted at 9:04 AM |OCRI-homa! By John J. Miller  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - The Oklahoma Civil Rights Initiative is moving ahead with plans for a November, 2008 ballot measure banning government-sponsored race and gender preferences in the state.The Oklahoma Civil Rights Initiative will be part of a 'Super Tuesday for Equal Rights' campaign that will offer citizens of several states the chance to end such practices in public employment, public education and public contracting. Similar measures have already passed in three other states, all by overwhelming margins. "We believe the people of Oklahoma are fair and believe in equal treatment under the law," said Rep. Randy Terrill. "Ward Connerly and his organizations have done excellent work exposing policies that divide us and now we are delighted to have his support in pursuing the Oklahoma Civil Rights Initiative," Rep. Terrill continued. Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 6:56 AM |First Democratic Presidential Debate Watch Party FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mike Workman, DFA Tulsa, 918-743-8165 h/o Watch a live 90-minute broadcast of the First-In-The-Nation Democratic Presidential Debate in Orangeburg, SC, on MSNBC in our two reserved rooms with seating for 105 people. All eight Democratic presidential candidates have confirmed for this debate. Afterwards, representatives of their local campaigns will address us and a straw poll will be taken! Come learn more about the strong field and support your favorite Democrat! Space may be limited to the first 105 online RSVPs! Event Date: Thursday, April 26, 2007 Event Time: 5:30-8:00 PM Central Mazzio's Pizza, meeting room 5119 S. Sheridan Rd., Tulsa, OK 74145 Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 6:32 AM |ACRC To Announce Race Neutral Ballot Initiative in Oklahoma
From The New Leadership Blog:
Thursday, April 19, 2007
By Christopher Arps I wrote several days ago that the American Civil Rights Coalition headed by Ward Connerly - a national leader striving for a "color blind society" - would be making an important announcement regarding ballot initiatives in several states next year. Yesterday in Kansas City, I attended and spoke at the press conference announcing the formation of the Missouri Civil Rights Initiative. It was the second stop on the five state tour of Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arizona, and South Dakota. The ballot measure will seek to ban government-sponsored race and gender preferences in public employment, public education and public contracting. Here is the actual proposed language: “The state shall not discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education or public contracting." Recent ballot initiative victories in Michigan, Washington, and California, have shown that that these measures passed with strong grassroots support. The internet has become a logical extension of the power of grassroots organizing; with its advantages of quick and cost effective communication. No doubt, the opponents of the measure will use scare tactics and blatant mistruths to distort the purpose of the initiative, but fortuntiately, the blogosphere will be able to counter them. Read more... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday April 25, 2007 Contact: Ryan Steusloff at 405-286-6500 Or, Jennifer Gratz at (517) 281-6738 or (916) 444-2278 OKLAHOMA CIVIL RIGHTS INITIATIVE LAUNCHES ANTI-PREFERENCES CAMPAIGN Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - The Oklahoma Civil Rights Initiative is moving ahead with plans for a November, 2008 ballot measure banning government-sponsored race and gender preferences in the state. The Oklahoma Civil Rights Initiative will be part of a 'Super Tuesday for Equal Rights' campaign that will offer citizens of several states the chance to end such practices in public employment, public education and public contracting. Similar measures have already passed in three other states, all by overwhelming margins. "We believe the people of Oklahoma are fair and believe in equal treatment under the law," said Rep. Randy Terrill. "Ward Connerly and his organizations have done excellent work exposing policies that divide us and now we are delighted to have his support in pursuing the Oklahoma Civil Rights Initiative," Rep. Terrill continued. Connerly, chairman of the Sacramento-based American Civil Rights Institute and longtime crusader for a colorblind America, will also be speaking at the event. "Getting our nation to the point of applying a single standard to all Americans is one of the most crucial issues of our time," says Connerly, who helped lead the earlier successful anti-preferences campaigns in California, Washington state and, most recently, Michigan. "Racial preferences are nothing but state-sponsored discrimination. How can we look the other way when Americans are being deprived of their right to full and equal treatment under the law? If events of the past couple of weeks have taught us anything at all, it is that race will continue to divide our nation as long as long as we insist on treating people differently based on nothing more than the color of their skin or the origin of their ancestors,” said Connerly. “Both Don Imus, in his appalling comments on the Rutgers women's basketball team, and those who rushed to judgment in the Duke lacrosse case made the same mistake: they looked at individuals and saw only skin color. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we have to get past that kind of thinking - and we must start by getting our government out of the business of privileging some citizens because of their race or gender and penalizing others," said Connerly. The operative clause of the proposed ballot initiative reads as follows: "The state shall not discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education or public contracting." Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 8:26 AM |OK GOPers Would Sooner WaitSpecial Report By Michael D. Bates OKLAHOMA CITY -- Delivering his post mortem for the 2006 mid-term elections, Sen. Tom Coburn told delegates at Saturday's Oklahoma Republican Convention that the voters lost confidence in Republican integrity, not Republican ideas: "If Republicans will stand on ideas and have courage to back up those ideas, the courage to challenge the status quo, then the Republican Party both in Oklahoma and this country will be very successful in the future." As Coburn took a breath, a woman in the crowd cried out, "Tom for President!" It was the biggest applause line of the day. Oklahoma boasts the most conservative Senate delegation in the nation -- both Coburn and his senior colleague Jim Inhofe have a perfect score from the American Conservative Union -- and every county went red in 2004. Most of the convention's 900 delegates are waiting to find a candidate like Coburn to back in a bid for the White House -- someone with integrity who can confidently articulate conservative ideas. None of the candidates already in the race has captured their hearts. Read more... Labels: Decision '08, OKGOP Posted at 9:56 AM |Frank Keating to Stand in for McCain
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating will be the stand-in for Republican presidential hopeful John McCain at conventions in South Carolina.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
McCain's campaign says his schedule prevents him from attending the conventions in which Republican delegates will meet other G-O-P presidential candidates. Keating will speak for McCain at conventions in three counties on Saturday. RELATED: Former Governor Among 2007 Promising Children's Book Award Winners Labels: Decision '08, Frank Keating Posted at 9:48 AM |Edwards Campaign Raises 200K In OklahomaThe first quarter campaign finance reports have been filed, and the John Edwards presidential campaign did very well in Oklahoma. Okies gave over $220,000 to Edwards, second only to Barak Obama's $300,000 take. Seventy five percent of the $800,000 raised in Oklahoma went to the Democrats. Labels: Decision '08 Posted at 11:26 AM |Sen. Brownback Speaks to House  By Jaclyn HoughtonCNHI News Service OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., recognizes the field of presidential hopefuls is crowded. But he is not discouraged. “I’m the tortoise in the race; I start out slow and just have been inching forward,” said Brownback, 50, of Parker, Kan. “We’re raising sufficient funds to be able to move forward. We’re going to stay in this. And at the end of the day I’m the son of a Kansas farmer and this is America. I still believe anyone can grow up and be president of the United States and they don’t have to start out with $100 million in their pocket.” (Audio) Instead Brownback, like many other hopefuls, is touring the country in preparation for next year’s primary elections. Oklahoma’s primary comes Feb. 5, 2008. Brownback stopped at the Oklahoma Capitol Wednesday to speak before the House of Representatives. “I can assure you as a Kansan I feel right at home in Oklahoma,” he told his Republican and Democratic onlookers. Read more... Labels: Decision '08, OK House Posted at 8:35 PM |Presidential Candidate Sen. Sam Brownback to Speak to Oklahoma House of Representatives U.S. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas, one of the contenders for the Republican Party's nomination for president in 2008, will speak to the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 4."Next year's presidential race is of great historic importance, with no incumbent running for the office," said House Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah). "We've made a commitment to provide an 'open House' for presidential candidates of both parties, giving them a public forum to talk to the people of Oklahoma. We believe this helps maximize Oklahoma's visibility and impact in the presidential primary selection process." Brownback has served in the Senate since 1996, and previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives and as the Secretary of Agriculture in Kansas. Oklahoma's presidential primary is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2008 - one of the earliest in the nation. Cargill said the Oklahoma House chamber is open to announced candidates from any major party to speak to lawmakers during the regular session. Those accepting the invitation will be provided a 15-20 minute opportunity to address the entire House. U.S. Senator John McCain and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, both Republicans, have also contacted the House for upcoming speaking appearances. Brownback will address the House as the first order of business at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday for about 10 to 15 minutes. The House gallery is open to the public, and Oklahomans are encouraged to attend the event. Limited seating is available, so those wishing to view Brownback's address are encouraged to arrive early. At 1 p.m., prior to his formal comments on the House floor, Brownback will hold a press conference in the House lounge. Labels: Decision '08, OK House Posted at 2:48 PM |Tulsa World a "Republican Outfit"
Below is a quote from Daily Kos, the most popular and influential left wing blog on the Internet. The site averages over half a million hits a day. Today they gave their assessment of the Democrats chances of picking up additional Senate Seats in '08. Senator Inhofe's re-election is in the "could get interesting" category.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
"Races that are or might be interesting by Election Day 2008. The first thing that surprises is that out of 33 races this cycle, a full 20 have the potential of turning into real races. Given that 14 of those are Republicans, it's a great map for Democrats.The Tulsa World a "Republican outfit?" PLEASE!! RELATED: Tulsa World Endorses Henry. What???? Labels: Brad Henry, Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe, Sen. Tom Coburn, Tulsa World Posted at 6:08 PM |Bill Banning Elected Officials from Appearing in PSAs Clears Committee
Legislation preventing elected officials from using appearances in public service announcements (PSAs) as free campaign TV time passed a committee vote Monday.
Monday, February 26, 2007
House Bill 1451, by Rep. Rob Johnson, would ban elected officials from appearing in PSAs during election years in which they are up for re-election. The measure passed a vote of the House Rules Committee Monday and now moves to the House floor. "This practice essentially allows incumbents to have free campaign commercials," said Johnson (R-Kingfisher). "Basically, if an elected official has a buddy who's putting together a PSA, the official can appear in it, reaching hundreds, if not thousands of people at no charge to his or her campaign. It borders on being unethical, and certainly gives incumbents an unfair advantage. Rarely can a challenger afford such an opportunity.If passed by the Legislature and signed into law, HB 1451 would be in effect for the 2008 elections, in which at least all 101 of Oklahoma's House seats and 24 of the state's Senate seats will be up for grabs. Labels: Decision '08, Ethics Reforms, OK House, Rep Rob Johnson Posted at 6:34 AM |Democratic Party Infighting Now Comes to Oklahoma
Democratic Party infighting took center stage on the national stage last week. Presidential aspirant Sen. Hillary Clinton called for Sen. Barak Obama to apologize for disparaging remarks made by an Obama contributor towards the Senator and her husband. The over-reaction by the Clinton campaign was coupled with a report that Sen. Joseph Lieberman is considering changing parties due to his party's position on the war. Now it seems that same intraparty squabling is occuring withing the ODP as well.
Friday, February 23, 2007
In another "can't see the forest for the trees" piece, The Tulsa World reports that Attorney General Drew Edmondson claims Claremore Sen. Sean Burrage had a "conflict of interest" when he voted last week for a bill declaring that animal waste is not hazardous. Sen. Burrage's law firm has had Tyson Foods as a current and former client. The attorney general is correct in his assertion of a conflict of interest, but his action of throwing a fellow democrat under the bus on behalf of the poultry suit; and the World still ignoring alleged charges of corruption and harrassment within the attorney general's office, only produces more questions of conflicts of interests between the World and the attorney general. Chairman Pryor used the Utilitarian philosophy for damage control in an aptly named post today called, "The Greater Good" on the ODP blog: "Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson has repeatedly taken the position that his job is to protect the citizens and resources of our great state --- his position is a personal conviction and is inherent in his constitutional oath of office. Labels: AG, Decision '08, Drew Edmondson, OK Media, Tulsa World Posted at 10:29 AM |Richardson Receives Endorsement From Insignificant Democratic Activists Demookie.com co-owner Calvin Reese (Right) pictured with "psuedo political consultant" Ron Black last summer.From McCarville Report Online:
Labels: 400lb Gorilla, Decision '08, Demookie.com, Reese Bros. Posted at 3:00 PM |Frank Keating Endorses McCain Senator John McCain has picked up the endorsement of former governor Frank Keating, despite McCain's "nuance" of his abortion position since his last presidential run in 2000. McCain is now claiming he is pro-life, and to prove that claim to social conservatives, he will speak at a teenage abstinence rally in South Carolina later today.Keating, who is Catholic, signed a bill in June 2001 to prevent teenagers from having an abortion unless they first received the consent of their parents. The measure also held abortion practitioners liable for "physical and emotional injuries" suffered by a minor if they do not notify or receive consent from a parent prior to performing an abortion on a girl under 18 years of age. Keating also signed a bill in May 2002 authorizing the state's "Choose Life" license plates As we wrote above, McCain's position seems to have changed decidedly since 2000: By Tina Cassidy, Globe Staff, 2/25/2000 "At one point in the campaign, McCain said he would not support the repeal of Roe v. Wade because it would force women to have ''illegal and dangerous operations.'' And during a swing through New Hampshire, he told reporters that if his teenage daughter got pregnant ''the final decision'' about whether to terminate ''would be made by [her].'' In both instances, McCain later said he misspoke." This commentary appeared in a slightly different form on nationalreview.com, February 7, 2001: "John McCain is hawking a book of pro-abortion propaganda to his colleagues. Surprised? Don't be. He's the hero of the story. Richard North Patterson's novel Protect and Defend tells a familiar story: Mean-spirited conservatives, Republicans, and Christian Right anti-abortion fanatics in Washington, D.C., vs. the pro-choice, anti-gun, pro-campaign-reform forces of light.  Senator Chad Palmer is twice a hero: once for enduring being kidnapped and held hostage by Islamic extremists, and now for supporting campaign-finance reform even though he's a Republican. Palmer used to be pro-life, until his teenage daughter was able to start turning her life around by getting a legal abortion. And now he has to vote on a controversial nominee to be chief justice of the Supreme Court. The previous one, a hateful old conservative, died of a stroke while giving the oath of office to the new Democratic president. The president names a feminist judge. During her confirmation hearings, this judge writes a decision letting a 15-year-old girl abort her hydrocephalic fetus at seven and a half months over the objections of her parents, who are tyrannical religious zealots. She is bitterly opposed by anti-abortionists with names like Mace and Harshman, as well as by a group called the "Christian Commitment." Eventually a sleazy Washington lobbyist exposes the abortion in Senator Palmer's family. His daughter, distraught, drinks a bottle of wine, gets behind the wheel on an icy night, and dies. So guess who casts the deciding vote in the Senate? And guess which way he votes? Last month, real-life Senators John McCain and Barbara Boxer jointly sent a copy of this book with a letter to every member of the Senate. This evening, McCain and Boxer are hosting a reception and book-signing party for Patterson in the United States Capitol. " Labels: Abortion, Decision '08, Frank Keating, John McCain Posted at 7:09 AM |Fantasy Pick of the Day From The Outside Report:VP Contenders II: Obama Should Go With An Average Joe "Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry: Despite having an 82% approval rating and winning re-election by 67% of the vote, I don't think Brad Henry could carry Oklahoma for Obama. So why add him you ask? Because he's young and he's a reformer. In the same way that Hillary adding a woman "reinforces" the "change" element in her politics, adding Henry to the ticket would reinforce Obama's theme of "moving beyond the Vietnam era leaders and the politics of smallness." Henry (like Obama prior to 2004) is someone who is nowhere near the national scene. Having these two relatively young guys on the top of the ticket preaching on the need for a "new generation" will inspire those of us who aren't Baby Boomers but are sick and tired of their generation ruining America (that's not how I feel but that is essentially Obama's theme). Plus Henry is conservative and will show Southerners and conservative Democrats in places such as West Virginia (and more importantly) neighboring Arkansas that Obama isn't going to ignore the South or West." From The Chessboard: "Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry: Henry’s name hasn’t been speculated on nearly as much as other VP possibilities, or even at all, but if Obama is looking to create some buzz rather than go with a safe bet, much like Kerry did in 2004, then he need look no further than a few states away in Oklahoma. After narrowly winning election as governor in 2002 in a three-way race, Henry went on to garner 66.5% of the vote in his re-election bid last year. He’s currently one of the most popular governors in the nation in a state that hasn’t voted for a Democrat since, once again, the 1964 Johnson landslide. It’s not inconceivable that the state would go Democratic if the campaign focused on his successes there, and had even a skeletal campaign staff. Henry’s placement on the ticket would at least put the state in play, forcing Republicans to spend campaign resources there. Broadening the list of competitive states has to be a priority for both political parties as they head into the 2008 election, at a time when the regional strengths of each party only solidified during the past 2 elections." Labels: Brad Henry, Decision '08 Posted at 8:18 AM | |
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