Tell Henry And Istook: The Top Issues

What are the top issues in this year's race for governor between incumbent Democrat Brad Henry and the challenger, Republican Ernest Istook? Here's your chance to let them know what YOU believe the top issues to be. Simply log on to the "comment" line below and post your thoughts and tell us how you believe the issues might differentiate between the two. Will it be the lottery? State spending? Immigration?

Supreme Court Tosses TABOR Petition; Coffee, ORG React

State Senator Glenn Coffee, Republican leader in the Senate, said Thursday afternoon that even though the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) won't be on the fall ballot, "voters still have an opportunity to bring fiscal responsibility to the State Capitol this November by sending a conservative, Republican majority to the Oklahoma State Senate." The Oklahoma Supreme Court tossed the TABOR petition Thursday morning. The court ruled the petition did not have enough valid signatures because some were gathered illegally by out-of-state circulators (prohibited by state law). The court did not rule on the constitutionality of the provisions of TABOR. The group opposed to TABOR, Oklahomans For Responsible Government, hailed the decision: "The SQ 726 petition drive was conducted by out of state operatives that engaged in fraudulent and deceptive signature-gathering processes that threatened to make a mockery of our laws," said Kell Kelly, CEO of SpiritBank and ORG spokesman. Burns Hargis (pictured), vice chair of Bank of Oklahoma and immediate past chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, said, "Oklahoma has avoided an arbitrary shackle on its ability to prosper and pass our peers. Within the requirement of a balanced budget, the spending decisions will continue to be made those that are accountable, namely the Governor and the Legislature."

Jones Adds Black, Archer

Republican nominee for auditor and inspector Gary Jones has added former radio talk show host Ron Black and GOP activist Dale Archer to his campaign team. Black was communications director for Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode in her unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination for Congress in the 5th District and spent one day as campaign coordinator for Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett's campaign in the runoff and left for family reasons (ill daughter). Archer was named campaign coordinator. Photo: Ron Black

Keith Gaddie: State Senate Looks A Little Better Every Day For The D's

In the overall, the battle for control of the Oklahoma State Senate may be the most important event of election year 2006. Republicans are optimistic they can take control, just like they took control of the House in 2004. Their optimism faded somewhat when Senator Nancy Riley, fresh off her loss in the race for the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor, bolted the party and became a Democrat; that made the Senate count 26-22 instead of the 25-23 GOP leaders had been counting on. Nonetheless, even in private, those same leaders say they are confident they will win the Senate for the first time in history. They key on four, possibly five, Senate races they believe could give them control of the Senate.

But there are other factors now at work, chief among them the belief by many Democrats that their governor, Brad Henry, is likely to win reelection over Republican challenger Ernest Istook and provide "coattails" for Democratic legislative candidates. They say that Henry has enthusiastic support across the state and that will help their local candidates. The whole question of coattails is one political scientists, consultants and candidates have debated for years. Some swear it occurs, others say it doesn't. Sometimes it's obvious; the 1972 Dewey Bartlett-Ed Edmondson Senate race, for example, when Democrats ran from George McGovern and stayed home or voted for Richard Nixon and Republican Bartlett on election day. In 2004, year of the GOP takeover of the State House, some believe George W. Bush provided coattails for legislative candidates of his party. Keith Gaddie, University of Oklahoma professor of political science, author, observer and pollster, says, "There likely were some Bush coattails. The way they work is by turning out voters who might otherwise not have voted, and they might have 'pulled the elephant' all the way down." So, we asked Gaddie, could Brad Henry have coattails for Democrats if he wins reelection? "Henry could have some small coats, but more than likely what Republicans suffer from is having to make up ballots among people who decide not to show up. The D's seem pretty fired up. Still, it will be tough for the GOP to lose the House, but the Senate looks a little better every day for the D's."

If Democrats do manage to stave off the surging GOP electoral legislative victories (Mike Schulz winning the late Bob Kerr's seat, for example) that have changed the complexion of the Legislature, they will have effected a sea change. The tide has been carrying GOP candidates in many cases. This year, Republicans pin their hopes on at least four top Senate races to give them control. Those races are Senate District 2, where political newcomer Ami Shaffer, Republican, faces another political newcomer in Democrat Sean Burrage; District 12, where Republican State Rep. Brian Bingman faces Democrat John Mark Young, the same man he defeated for the House seat two years ago; District 18, where incumbent Democrat Mary Easley is challenged by Republican Mark Wofford; and District 24, where incumbent Democrat Daisy Lawler faces Republican Anthony Sykes. Another race, in Senate District 26 pitting Democrat Tom Ivester against Republican Todd Russ, is on everyone's watch list. Stay with TMRO as we profile these top races in the days ahead.

McCain Plans OKC Visit

U. S. Senator John McCain, potential candidate for the Republican nomination for president in 2008, will be in Oklahoma City on September 8th. The Oklahoma Republican Party is hosting McCain's 6 p.m. appearance, at the Petroleum Club. Hosts and sponsors are paying $5,000 and $2,500, while the tab for tickets to a reception before dinner is $500. Individual dinner seats are $100 each. For information, contact Jay Mandraccia at (405) 528-3501 or at Jay@GOP.com.

Vote On State Quarter Design

You can vote on the design you prefer for Oklahoma's new state quarter, scheduled to be issued in early 2008. Governor Brad Henry is asking citizens to go online to express their preference for the designs that will be submitted to the U. S. Mint, officials at which will make the final design selection. You can vote for up to five of the possible designs, which were submitted to a committee named by Henry. The committee received about a thousand suggestions, trimmed to 30 by the commitee and then trimmed to 10 by a Henry task force. Henry had the option of selecting three to five designs to submit; he elected to ask citizens to help make the selections.

Will Sparks Fly In Reneau-Fields Rematch?

She's fiesty, he's determined. That's the essence of how some analysts view this year's race for labor commissioner, as incumbent Republican Brenda Reneau again faces the challenge of Democrat Lloyd Fields, the man she defeated 52.2-47.8 percent four years ago. The race has been quiet thus far, but don't expect that to last long. Fields, fresh off his primary victory over Senator Frank Shurden with 55.2 percent of the vote, reportedly is raising money; his last Ethics Commission report indicates he needs to. That report shows Fields had raised just $39,000 and spent $36,400. The sum raised includes $9,500 in personal loans. Reneau had raised $91,000 and spent $59,000. She, too, reportedly is working the donor lists. Their expenditure reports reveal routine campaign activities; Reneau has spent $15,000 already on a media buy for the general election.

Randall Erwin Recovers From Burn Surgery

Randall Erwin, executive director of the Little Dixie Community Action Agency and former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, is recuperating from surgery for burns received in an explosion and fire Sunday morning at his cabin near Nashoba. Erwin was airlifted to Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, where surgery at the Burn Center began this morning. At mid-afternoon, a family member told TMRO he is in a recovery room and is in stable condition after hours in the operating room. He was burned over 28 percent of his body by hot grease and debris from the stove he was near when it exploded. His wife, Dianne, was burned on 16 percent of her body and daughter Brittany was burned over 38 percent of her body. Erwin was fixing breakfast for the family when two explosions blew the cabin apart. Investigators believe the twin blasts were caused by escaping propane, but details remain sketchy. By the time firefighters arrived, the cabin was totally engulfed. Windows were blown out and glass littered the yard. The three injured members of the family were driven to a local hospital by family members for emergency treatment. Erwin was airlifted almost immediately; his wife and daughter were later transferred to Hillcrest as well. Photo: Randall, wife Dianne and daughter Brittany

Henry Tour: Visits Pryor

Governor Brad Henry's "Oklahoma On The Move" reelection campaign RV tour drew a decent rotating crowd during a noon stop in Muskogee on Wednesday. The tour then moved on to Tahlequah, Pryor and Vinita. The tour began in Norman, where Henry spoke to 100+ supporters at a restaurant. It then moved on to southeastern Oklahoma, with stops in Atoka, Hugo, Durant and other cities. Photo courtesy the Pryor Daily Times

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor's Misfire

When Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor accepted the invitation of liberal Republican New York City Mayor Michael (RINO) Bloomberg to attend his summit on illegal guns (or his illegal summit on gun control, as some put it) and consort with Bloomberg and other gun control advocates, she gave any future political opponents all the ammunition they need. Taylor, a Democrat who defeated incumbent Republican Bill LaFortune earlier this year, portrayed the Gracie Mansion event as being all about crime control and getting illegal guns off the streets. Partially true. There was a lot of talk about illegal guns and criminals, but the underlying theme was gun control. Corporation Counsel Michael Cardozo briefed the mayors on the status of New York City's litigation against gun manufacturers; in essence, the city is trying to end the manufacture of firearms, a pretty basic gun control measure. It is opposed by the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America and just about every other group that defends the 2nd Amendment. The mayors also were briefed on efforts in Jersey City, NJ, where a gun buyback program (a favorite PR tool of the gun control crowd) resulted in "900 potentially dangerous weapons off the streets...." What the briefer didn't say is that these were legally-owned firearms; none of them came from criminals. The mayor of Philadelphia bragged about that city's efforts to restrict the "availability of firearms." Again, basic gun-grabber code for gun control. Taylor put the best spin she could on the summit, saying, "Crime has no place in our city. The Tulsa Police Department has developed a plan consisting of immediate tactics and longer term strategies. I am anxious to learn how other cities have been successful in combating violent crime and to share what has been successful in Tulsa. Only by uniting across America can we solve the problem." Her spin was matched by the compliant Tulsa World, a liberal publication that treats Taylor with kid gloves and joined her in describing the summit as being about crime and criminals. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, a classic liberal, told the attendees a story about a sixth grade class in which 9 out of 10 pupils knew where they could find a gun. He didn't say how they knew, or if the guns were in their own homes, but his point was clear: There are too many guns out there. Again, the classic gun control mantra. Bloomberg himself has, WCBS Radio in New York reported, "zeroed in on gun control as a priority for his second term. Bloomberg recently testified before Congress with harsh words against a bill that would prevent authorities from being able to share gun trace data with local governments. Some municipalities had used the information to launch lawsuits against gun manufacturers and dealers." Again, the classic liberal position that if gun manufacturers and gun dealers can be shut down, or scared out of business, gun control is a done deal. Taylor's judgment in consorting with Bloomberg and the other gun control advocates struck some Oklahoma Democratic insiders and political consultants as odd. "What a poor choice for a woman with obvious statewide ambitions," said one well-known and respected Democratic campaign consultant who works for several of the state's top elected officials upon learning of her participation. "I heard about that," said another Democrat consultant with the promise of anonymity. "I was stunned. I don't know what she was thinking." What Taylor may not know is that she and the 14 other mayors who attended the summit are now under the constant scrutiny of numerous conservative groups opposed to any form of gun control, especially attempts by Bloomberg and others to shut down the American firearms industry. Her participation, and the event, is a regular (hot) topic of discussion on the NRA's Internet and Sirius Satellite Radio show, "Cam and Company" that airs to a wide national audience weeknights from 8 to 11 p.m. CDT. Should Taylor seek higher elective office in gun-friendly Oklahoma (where polls historically have shown opposition to gun control), she might study the 1994 Jim Inhofe-Dave McCurdy U. S. Senate race in which Inhofe battered McCurdy on the issue and carried heavily Democratic areas as a result. Smart Democrats today embrace the 2nd Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms; current examples are Congressman Dan Boren, D-2nd District, and Governor Brad Henry, campaigning for reelection this year with the endorsement of the Oklahoma Rifle Association.

The Shrinking Katie Couric

Matt Drudge has done it again. The Internet snooper is out today with these photos of CBS anchorette Katie Couric. At left, the Real Katie; at right, the PhotoShop-revised Katie, appearing 20+ pounds lighter. The Lighter Katie photo is being used by CBS to promote her.

Jones vs. McMahan: A Matter Of Dollars?

Republican Gary Jones, challenging Democrat Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan, has a long way to go to catch up to McMahan's war chest. As of August 7th, date of their last Ethics Commission filings, Jones had raised $32,000 and spent $8,500, compared to McMahan's $313,000 and $214,000 spent. Their contest is a rematch of their 2002 battle, when McMahan won 52-48 percent. Jones, who resigned as State Republican Party chairman to make the race, can be expected to report significant contributions on his next report. Insiders say McMahan is raising money and they expect his new report will show an increase as well. There are signs the race will turn nasty as Jones challenges McMahan at almost every turn. Jones and his wife are shown at right, McMahan at left.

Brogdon Rips Henry On Budget Claim

State Senator Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, says today that claims by Governor Brad Henry, Democrat seeking reelection, that he replenished the Rainy Day Fund and improved the state budget don't match the facts. Brogdon said, "overspending by Brad Henry sent the state spiraling downward" in years past. He said the Rainy Day Fund ran dry "because big spending politicians like then-Senator Henry spent hundreds of millions" and thus, set the state up for budgetary problems. Henry's first television commercial of the general election campaign is based on his claims that he met the financial crisis the state faced in his first year in office and that he presented a balanced budget and filled the once-depleted Rainy Day Fund.

BBB Recognizes 10 Companies

The Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma has recognized 10 companies for outstanding customer service with its Torch Award for Customer Service and Ethics in the Marketplace. They are AutoMax, Brookshire Homes, Champion Windows, Cingular Wireless, Elliott Roofing, Hertz Rent A Car, KFOR-TV, Mathis Brothers Furniture, MidFirst Bank and Southwest Builders Supply.

Seven State Companies Cited By Inc. Magazine

Inc. Magazine has cited seven Oklahoma companies with its 2006 "500 Ranking," meaning they are among the nation's fastest-growing firms. Cited by the magazine are Totally Tickets of Norman, ranked 132nd with a 3-year growth rate of 758 percent; Paycom, ranked 156th with a growth rate of 685 percent; GHD Consulting of Tulsa, ranked 160th with a 679 percent growth rate; The Busey Group of Oklahoma City, ranked 294th with a 454 percent growth rate; Gateway Mortgage Group of Tulsa, ranked 325th with a 414 percent growth rate; Long Wave of Oklahoma City, ranked 363rd with a growth rate of 386 percent; and ArticShield of Broken Arrow, ranked 385th with a 372 percent growth rate.

The USS William Jefferson Clinton

Here it is, the USS William Jefferson Clinton (CVS1). It's made of recycled aluminum, is solar powered and will hit 5 knots tops. It has a 100-foot flight deck, on which sits an F14 Tomcat, unarmed. But it looks mean. There are no firearms allowed on board and the 20-man crew has orders to head to Canada in the event trouble develops. Bill thought he was the skipper, but Hillary has taken over. (It's called political satire!)

Words Of Wisdom

"The only people who like change are babies in diapers." - Mark Twain, as quoted by Randy Allsbury.

Marshall Responds To Sparks' Critics

Democratic political consultant Chebon Marshall responds to the critics of the John Sparks campaign, and criticism of his firm Marshall and Carrier, in this statement to TMRO: "I am proud of John Sparks' campaign effort that led to his being the Democratic nominee for Senate District 16 and honored to have played a small role in his success. John is a good family man and a leader in his community; the voters saw that in the long nominating process. I am saddened that a few disgruntled individuals would attempt to harm Mr. Sparks' ability to compete in the general election. I believe that they are not representative of the thousands of Democrats, Independents and Republicans who have responded positively to John Sparks' message of providing better health care, improved educational opportunities and creating a strong economy that touches all portions of District 16."

Fire 'Smear Tactic' Consultants, Sparks Told

Democrat John Sparks must fire his campaign consulting firm, publicly apologize to Tim Emrich and promise to run a clean general election campaign if he's to have their support, a Senate District 16 group says. The group, "Citizens for Campaign Integrity," aired their displeasure with Sparks in an ad that appeared Sunday in The Norman Transcript. The group, chaired by Mary Maggi of Noble, demands Sparks fire Carrier Marshall & Associates, the Oklahoma City-based politial consulting firm headed by Chebon Marshall and Mike Carrier. The group claims the firm is "infamous for its smear tactics," which it alleges were used against Emrich by Sparks. They cited a "push poll" they say was used to spread rumors about Emrich in one of the "dirtiest local campaigns in recent memory."

Barnett, Meacham Near $2 Million Total

Republican Howard Barnett and Democrat Scott Meacham by now may have surpassed the $2 million mark between them in their quest for the office of state treasurer, based on TMRO's examination of their campaign finance reports. Barnett, the challenger, had raised $797,000 as of his last Ethics Commission report on August 7th. Meacham had raised $771,000. Barnett thus far has loaned his campaign $545,000; the sum came in loans of $245,000 on March 16th, $250,000 on June 28th and $50,000 on July 27th. As of August 7th, he had spent about $40,000 on consulting fees. Meacham, appointed treasurer by his mentor, Governor Brad Henry, and facing his first electoral test this year, spent about $12,250 on consulting fees.

A Liberal's Thought Process

You'll love this one and want to share it over coffee: The Federal Election Commission dismissed a complaint from one Jennifer Messer during the 2004 presidential campaign because, it found, the complaint was groundless. Here's the deal: Ms. Messer was listening to her local Indianapolis radio station, WFBQ, and heard a commercial by World Class Gun Shows. She heard the word "Kerry" and, in her FEC complaint, alleged the commercial had no disclaimer but referred to the Democratic presidential nominee, John Kerry. KFBQ and owner Clear Channel Communications responded that what Mrs. Messer heard was a reference to the possession of a concealed weapon by licensed individuals...which is described as "concealed carry." Ms. Messer learned that "Carry" is not the same as "Kerry." Common sense should have told her that. (And who would want to tote around a "Concealed Kerry" anyway?)

Impeach Bush Group In Norman

The "Committee To Impeach Bush" has set up a "drive-thru impeachment table" at Floyd and Symmes in Norman and apparently will be there all week. The group, headed by some of the same people who headed up the "Impeach Nixon" movement in 1973, is circulating a petition calling for the president's impeachment.

Who Loves You, Ernest?

Congressman Ernest Istook is getting a lot of love, and help, from other elected Republicans in his quest to oust Democrat Brad Henry from the governor's office. A letter on Istook's behalf seeking maximum $5,000 donations was signed by U. S. Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe, Congressmen Tom Cole, Frank Lucas and John Sullivan, and by former U. S. Senator Don Nickles and former Governor Frank Keating. The letter says, "...Ernest needs your financial support and needs it immediately." (See companion story for fundraising details.)

Spending In Lieutenant Governor's Races May Have Neared $4 Million

Spending in the four primary and runoff campaigns for lieutenant governor may have neared $4 million, examination of reports indicates. Ethics Commission finance reports filed by the candidates as of August 7th showed expenditures at that time of about $3.5 million with the election two weeks off. Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett, as of his last report, had raised and spent about $1.24 million. His opponent, State Senator Scott Pruitt, had raised $928,000 (including loans of $23,000 on July 20th and $15,000 on July 28th) and spent $904,000. Democrat Rep. Jari Askins had raised almost $790,000 (including $530,000 in personal loans) and her opponent, Pete Regan, had raised about $565,000 and spent $433,000. Hiett and Askins now face each other in the general election.

Henry Outraises Istook 3-to-1

Governor Brad Henry has raised $3,429,285 for his reelection campaign as of August 7th. He spent $899,000 and had $2,471,335 cash on hand. Republican Congressman Ernest Istook's campaign finance report shows he raised $1,084,625, spent $1,051,167 and had about $30,000 on hand. Most insiders believe Henry can raise as much as he wants, possibly up to $6 million. Istook's challenge is to raise enough to stay competitive. As the general election campaign gets underway, Henry enjoys an approval rating that hovers in the 65 percent range; some analysts, however, believe his approval is a mile wide but an inch deep. Why is Henry apparently so popular? Some key reasons: First, he's followed the "make no mistakes" model to perfection. Second, he keeps his mouth shut (unlike Governor Frank "Popoff" Keating) and thus, has not irritated or upset voters in any significant numbers. Third, he's done just about everything right, from signing Republican-sponsored bills into law, adopting or co-opting conservative issues as his own, and chided others in both parties at times. His budget agreement compromise with GOP House Speaker Todd Hiett made him appear a statesman and left cry-baby Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan and his Democrats looking like they showed up at a gunfight with a slingshot. There's no doubt that, on most issues, Istook is more conservative than Henry, perceived a moderate. The challenge to Istook is to find issues that cut Henry's approval rating down to size, peel voters away from him and then move them to Istook.

ORA Honors Edwards, NRA News Staff

The Oklahoma Rifle Association has presented its 2006 Mike McCarville Media Award to National Rifle Association broadcast host Cam Edwards and the staff of NRA News in Washington. Edwards, former morning show host at KTOK in Oklahoma City, was presented the award by McCarville, three-time recipient of the award before it was named in his honor last year. The award recognizes those in the media who defend the 2nd Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms. Edwards was the featured speaker at the ORA's annual convention banquet Saturday night. He is the host of the NRA's "Cam and Company," which airs from 8 to 11 p.m. CDT at NRANews.com and on Sirius Satellite Radio Patriot Channel 144. McCarville, longtime gun rights activist, is a featured commentator on the show. Former Oklahoma City television reporter Ginny Simone, the show's primary field reporter, is featured as well. Also on hand was Governor Brad Henry, who was saluted for signing into law the Oklahoma version of Florida's "Castle Doctrine," which permits citizens to defend themselves no matter where they are rather than being required by law to first try to flee. Henry spoke of his support of the 2nd Amendment during his years in the State Senate and the last 3-1/2 years as governor. - Photo courtesy NRA. Pictured are Cam Edwards (right), Ginny Simone, and Mike McCarville interviewing NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre during the group's Milwaukee event earlier this year.

Fight Media Bias

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin

Why is this man still the mayor of New Orleans? Best known among 2nd Amendment defenders as "Ray No-gun" for the illegal confiscation of legally-owned firearms from law-abiding citizens in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he's uttered statements that have made him a laughing stock. And now, he's talking about that "hole" in Manhattan where the World Trade Center towers stood. For details, click here or here.

Coming Soon To Oklahoma County: More Controversy For Rinehart

With the ouster of Oklahoma County Commissioner Stan Inman by voters, Commissioner Brent Rinehart says he sees the handwriting on the wall. And while Rinehart was referring to the budget board controversy, he might just as well have been referring to what's about to happen in his end of county business. Rinehart and Inman, Republicans, often voted en bloc, with Democrat Jim Roth the odd man out. The sniping has been non-stop. Inman's defeat leaves Rinehart dangling and while he's talking semi-nice about former State Rep. Ray Vaughn, who defeated Inman, few expect there'll be much "nice" about their relationship. Vaughn, in effect, ran against Rinehart as much as he did Inman. Rinehart says he'll soon see how conservative Vaughn is, but it seems likely to most observers that personalities will have as much to do with Vaughn's initial votes as politics. "Thing is," said a longtime county observer, "these two just don't like each other very much."

And Now, This Family Commercial Message

If you're ever near Centereach, Long Island, New York, and need help with your vehicle, please turn to cousin Mike McCarville (yes, there's another one!) and his trusty crew.

KWTV Top News Choice

KWTV-9 in Oklahoma City is the top choice for news among those who voted in TMRO's online poll. The station topped the field at 33 percent (although our poll is far from scientific and the vote total was low), followed by Fox News Channel at 19 percent, KFOR-Channel 4 at 14 percent, KOCO-Channel 5 at 10 percent, KOKH-Channel 25 at 10 percent and Other at 14 percent. Our new poll (at lower right) seeks your opinion on the Republican nominee for president in 2008. Please take a moment to share your opinion.

Do Senate Democrats Want To Give Riley Back To The Republicans?

State Senator Nancy Riley, who switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party in a fit of pique after running third in the GOP primary for lieutenant governor, reportedly is now irritating the Democrats just like she irritated a lot of Republican colleagues. Here's the deal, as our mysterious and unnamed Capitol sources tell it: When Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan and a few others decided to endorse Pete Regan (the loser) in his lieutenant governor primary with State Rep. Jari Askins, Morgan didn't consult Riley or any female Democrat in the Senate. And Riley reportedly was offended, almost as offended as she certainly was by the in-print lashing she got from the Sand Springs Leader when she switched parties. The newspaper's editorial said Riley's complaint that she didn't get money or endorsements from the GOP during her race simply meant "there were more qualified candidates." And the editorial added: "She also whined that she wasn't taken seriously because of her gender. That type of comment is offensive to women who are successful in government. Just look at the state's current lieutenant governor, Mary Fallin (Ed's Note: Or Brenda Reneau...or Sandy Garrett on the Democrat side). She's a fine example that competent, articulate females will be taken seriously by male counterparts." The editorial describes Riley as a "turncoat" and asks, "What was she thinking?" Only she knows.

Weekend Portrait: Dr. David Hunter On His Way To Vote

Dr. David Hunter, liberal Democrat and party nominee for the 5th District in Congress, caught by our spy cam on his way to vote. (Hey, Doc, all's fair in political punditry!) PS: We KNOW it's not yet the weekend; we just couldn't wait to get this posted.

Rumors Swirl Around Nichols

What's up with State Senator Jonathan Nichols, Norman Republican? Rumors are swirling that Nichols, who is the Senate GOP Caucus chairman, may be about to resign his seat to accept a federal post, probably that of magistrate. Capitol sources tell TMRO that Nichols last week suggested to his executive assistant that she resign because she would no longer be needed. Another Capitol worker confirmed the request, but attempts to reach the executive assistant were unsuccessful, as were attempts to reach Nichols. Nichols was elected to the Senate District 15 seat in 2000 and reelected in 2004. He is a former Cleveland-McClain County assistant district attorney and graduate of the University of Oklahoma Law School. Nichols is a close friend of 4th District Congressman Tom Cole and there's speculation Cole has helped Nichols in contacts with U. S. Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe, who would recommend someone for a federal opening in the state. But that speculation apparently is off base. Following our initial story, Cole's district director, John Woods, told TMRO that Cole knows nothing about Nichols' situation. Woods said he, like others, has heard the speculation. Should Nichols resign, another Senate seat would become an open seat race in a year when Republicans are poised to take over the Senate they have never controlled, and the political considerations apparently have come into play.

TVPoll's Results Give Fallin-Cornett Insight

TVPoll, a new firm formed by University of Oklahoma political science professor, author, and expert Keith Gaddie and pollster Bill Shapard, has made public its study of the Republican runoff for the 5th District congressional seat and it is fascinating. The poll, conducted for KWTV-Channel 9, found Fallin's strength and popularity and also found Cornett well-respected. Fallin topped Cornett in support across every major issue discussed in their campaign, and Fallin's lengthy record of public service actually played to voters' preferences; Cornett had contrasted her service to his own "outsider" position. To read the poll in its entirety, click here.

Voter Turnout: 17%

Turnout in Tuesday's runoff elections was 17 percent, at the top end of pre-voting predictions (14-18 percent was the guess). Election Board Secretary Mike Clingman said 310,982 ballots were cast. The drop-off from the primary to the runoff was almost a third; the norm, he said, is about 25 percent. Despite the drop-off, voting in the Republican runoff for Congress in the 5th District was not nearly as low as some expected; pre-vote modeling of the runoff by some had only 20,000-25,000 votes being cast. The total exceeded 42,000.

Robo Calls: How Aggravating Are They?

Lots of talk in the primaries and runoffs about those robo calls some campaigns employed. The calls are generated by vendors hired by campaigns. Messages from candidates and their surrogates are recorded and potential voters are bulk-called. A problem with the use of robo calls is that if several campaigns in one race use them, voters are inundated with calls at all times of the day (and sometimes the night). Have robo calls resulted in some voters tuning them out, or hanging up when they receive them? In the words of one consultant, "The only reason we keep using them is because they work." For insight into the world of robo calls from the perspective of one vendor, click on the Automated Voter Contact ad at the top of this page or go to Google for other links.

Behind Hunter's Campaign For Congress

Dr. David Hunter, Democratic nominee for Congress in the 5th District, is a political neophyte with no real experience in the Democratic Party anyone can recall. But helping in his campaign are party stalwarts from Oklahoma and Washington. Hunter has retained (and thus far paid $5,000) the firm of LHKK Media, officed in Washington and Seattle, WA. LHKK Media is Laguens Hamburger Kully Klose, names of the four principles. The firm has specialized in beating back conservative efforts to enact laws and initiatives impacting gays; the firm refers to the efforts as "anti-gay measures." Among the firm's other clients are EMILY's List, the ultra-liberal group. An executive in the company is Oklahoman Sarah Flowers, who worked in then-Congressman Brad Carson's office, leaving in 2001 to join LHKK. She is described as a "progressive (liberal) issues specialist." She attended the University of Oklahoma. Also helping Hunter is the Oklahoma Democratic Party's finance director, Jason Ziesch. He's been paid more than $16,000 thus far in consulting fees and what Hunter's Federal Election Commission report lists as salary. Hunter has raised some money from those in the medical profession, but he launched his campaign, the FEC records show, with personal loans totaling $78,000. Interviewed by KTOK's morning man Reid Mullins on Thursday, Hunter said the war in Iraq is a "mess." He said he knows he will "be outraised and outspent by Mary Fallin" in the race. He said the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has yet to offer financial or other support to his campaign.

Edmondson Clears Campaigns In AJS Calls

Attorney General Drew Edmondson on Wednesday said he's reached a settlement with Americans For Job Security about robo calls placed against Mary Fallin and Denise Bode in the 5th District Republican primary and has found no evidence that any of their opponents was involved in the calls. Edmondson said AJS and vendor Advantage Inc. have agreed to pay $3,000 each to cover investigative costs into the violation Edmondson alleged, that the calls did not contain the name of the entity sponsoring them in the proper place and did not contain a call-back telephone number. Edmondson said the investigation by his Consumer Protection Division concluded that "no other candidates were found to be associated with the calls."

FLASH: Vann Leaves Fallin's Staff

Tony Vann, for three years the director of communications for Lt. Governor Mary Fallin, has resigned to become communications manager for the City of Mesquite, Texas. In an email to friends, Vann said the move will take him and his family closer to relatives in the Dallas area.

FLASH: Henry's First TV Spot

Governor Brad Henry's first television spot of the general election campaign is airing. The spot says Henry took office when the state had a $700 million deficit and he has balanced the state budget and replenished the Rainy Day Fund. "Oklahoma's On The Move" is the tag line.

Political Events & People

Oklahoma First is hosting two dinners featuring Congressmen Tom Cole and John Sullivan and House Speaker-designate Lance Cargill of Harrah. The first event is Tuesday, August 29th, at Chef Michael Fusco's Flavors Restaurant in Tulsa with Sullivan as the special guest. The 6 p.m. event is limited to just 30 participants at $1,500 per attendee. The Oklahoma City event, at Boulevard Steakhouse in Edmond, also begins at 6 p.m. and the per-seat price also is $1,500. For details and more information, contact Crystal at OKfirst@cox.net or 405-410-7668.

State Senator Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, accuses Senator Cal Hobson of issuing a "misleading rant" about the Stop Over Spending (SOS) initiative. Brogdon says, "State spending is out of control because liberal politicians like Senator Hobson have never met a spending proposal they didn't like. The best way to rein in spending is to put the Legislature on a diet with the SOS initiative, which limits spending while still allowing for reasonable growth in government spending at the rate of inflation plus population growth." Brogdon notes that in the past two years, state spending has grown by more than 30 percent, 18 percent in the last budget alone, and that in the years from 1988 to 2003, the budget increased almost 150 percent.

Analyzing Fallin's Victory

Lt. Governor Mary Fallin's huge runoff victory over Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett for the Republican 5th District Congress nomination was built on two Fallin attributes Cornett could not match, or overcome. First, Fallin's 16 years as a GOP activist and bridge-builder, with the accompanying long-time contact with GOP stalwarts, including the all-important older group that always votes. Second, Fallin's repeated presence on a GOP ballot for years. Cornett won three elections (city council, mayor) on a non-partisan ballot, not the same as on a partisan ballot. Fallin went into the primary with a leg up on every other contender, including Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode, State Rep. Kevin Calvey, State Rep. Fred Morgan, Cornett and Dr. Johnny Roy; she's gone out of her way during her political career to befriend everyone she meets and has a knack of remembering names no matter how much time passes between encounters. Over time, that kind of personal touch translates to support at the polls and Fallin's impressive victory proves the point. - Election Night photo courtesy Eyewitness News 5.

And Now...The Campaign Begins

With the runoffs out of the way, attention swings to the biggest race of the year, the challenge by 5th District Congressman Ernest Istook to the incumbency of Democrat Brad Henry, who won the governor's office in a 2002 upset with just 43 percent of the vote. In defeating Republican front-runner Steve Largent and spoiler Gary Richardson, Independent, Henry moved from the State Senate into the top executive office. Istook is giving up a seat in Congress most believe he could have held for the rest of his life. There is the perception his race against Henry is a foolish one, given Henry's high approval ratings (65 percent-plus in most polls). But Istook obviously believes Henry is vulnerable and has gone after him on the lottery and gambling and has focused on an immigration issue that could produce fire as the campaign develops.

Today's College Freshmen...

Are wireless, but always connected. Have never actually heard anyone "ring it up" on a cash register. Have known only one Germany. Weren't around when there was a "Soviet Union." Have known only two presidents. Can't remember a vibrant "down town" in their towns. Believe contact lenses have always been available. Think wars have always been live on television. Believe stamps are what old people use to send birthday cards to other old people. - From a compilation at Beloit University, Wisconsin, and personal observation. Add your own cultural landmark observations as a comment below.

Senate Battle Tops In Nation

The battle at the ballot box in November for control of the Oklahoma State Senate is one of the top 10 legislative battles this year, the National Conference of State Legislatures reports. Tim Storey, election expert with the NCSL, called attention to the importance of the coming elections and cited 10 states that bear watching. Republicans took control of the Oklahoma House in 2004 and are optimistic they can take control of the Senate this year. If they do, it will be the first time in state history they've controlled the Senate, now split 26 Democrats, 22 Republicans; it was 25-23 until the recent switch of Senator Nancy Riley of Tulsa from Republican to Democrat.

Voters Pick Askins, Hiett, Fallin, Vaughn

Oklahoma voters picked Democrat Jari Askins to be their nominee for lieutenant governor, while Republicans picked House Speaker Todd Hiett in Tuesday's runoff primaries. Lt. Governor Mary Fallin easily won the GOP nomination in the 5th District over Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, 63-37 percent, or 26,744 votes to 15,665 votes. Former State Rep. Ray Vaughn ousted incumbent Oklahoma County Commissioner Stan Inman, 54-46 percent, 12,054 votes to 10,220 votes. Askins, state representative from Duncan, defeated Pete Regan 54-46 percent, or 95,087 votes to 81,622 votes. Hiett defeated Senator Scott Pruitt 50.9-49.1 percent, a 2,405 margin for Hiett in a tight race, 66,217 votes to 63,812 votes.

McCarville Reacquires The Report

Mike McCarville, founder of the newsletter that for 13 years has been The Hill Report, has reacquired the publication and converted to an online publication. Neva Hill will continue her involvement, as contributing editor. For an introductory period, the website will be available for anyone to view, but after that period, it will become available to subscribers only. Subscribers will be notified of their subscription renewal dates and may renew via credit card or e-check by clicking on the "PayPal Subscribe" button on the right side of this page just beneath the Links section. New subscribers also may utilitize this service, which many have requested. The website will allow us to provide instant news and analysis and will be available 24/7. It also will allow subscribers to share the site with associates within their companies; all that is necessary for that to occur is for the subscriber to email Mike (mikes1voice@aol.com) with the email addresses of associates. There is no charge for this expanded service. There will no longer be a printed edition, a decision reached after talking to many subscribers who expressed their preference for an online product. It is our goal to continue providing the information that has resulted in The Report being the oldest (26 years) still-in-publication product of its type.

Bitter Bode's Robo Calls, Emails

Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode, whose chance at making the 5th District Republican runoff with Lt. Governor Mary Fallin went out the window when Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett got into the race late, fired off an angry email late on election eve because, she claimed, Cornett's campaign made a nasty robo call stating the call came from a Bode consultant. Turns out the truth doesn't quite match Bode's claim. The voice on the call is that of Kyle Loveless, former Bode consultant who joined Cornett's campaign. In the call, Loveless explains he did help Bode but is now helping Cornett. The call is not negative, but is positive for Cornett. And here's the kicker: TMRO has learned that Loveless provided Bode, and her husband John, with copies of the script two days in advance and asked if they had objections. They did not reply. Bode's outburst matches a previous outburst, when she came out with robo calls to GOP voters warning them to expect nasty anti-Fallin calls just before the election. (That didn't happen.) Bode doesn't name Cornett, but since he was Fallin's opponent, it's obvious at whom the calls are aimed. Bode endorsed Fallin after the primary, as did the other three also-rans. Bode spent a fortune trying to win a runoff spot against Fallin, but for whatever reason, her message just didn't take with GOP voters. Insiders say Bode is bitter about her out-of-the-money finish and blames Cornett for taking "her spot." She had been polled in second place until Cornett got into the race and knocked her into the No. 3 spot, where she finished. Bode was on the platform with Fallin at Fallin's victory party Tuesday night.

Where Are They Now? Jay Parmley

Jay Parmley resigned his post as chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party in the spring of 2005 and...vanished. At least it seems that way to many given Parmley's high visibility in the 2004 elections. But Parmley has far from "vanished" in Democratic Party politics elsewhere, as this story from U. S. News & World Report, dated July 17th and datelined Diamondhead, Mississippi, reports: "Here's what the front line of Howard Dean's revolution looks like: two dozen senior citizens seated inside this gated community's clubhouse listening intently as operatives from the state Democratic Party pitch them on becoming precinct captains. A rep named Jay Parmley approaches an oversize easel and flips to a page showing John Kerry's share of the 2004 presidential vote here in Hancock County. '28%' is scrawled in magic marker. 'Kind of scary,' Parmley says." Parmley, whose politics skews to the liberal and who was among the first party chairmen to endorse Dean for the national party's top leadership post, has been working in Mississippi since he left Oklahoma. His departure surprised some, given his connections and heavy involvement in the state party. His rise to the party chairmanship occurred, at least in part, because of his association with former Governor George Nigh and now-party vice chairman Ben Odom. When Parmley left the state party, it had a huge debt it is still trying to pay off; some blame Parmley for that, but his defenders say that's unfair. The debt, right at half a million dollars, came because of Congressman Brad Carson's unsuccessful campaign for the U. S. Senate and the resources the party poured into it trying to beat Republican Tom Coburn. After Parmley left, the party dismissed all of its paid staff and operated with volunteers. It now has paid the debt down by a substantial sum and has a paid staff, even if much of it is funded by the national party and the employees are flaming liberals straight out of the Dean school. As for Parmley, Dean named him to the Democratic National Committee as an at-large member in the fall of 2005. Parmley reports, "I am alive and well." He said he is directing the state party coordinated campaign in Mississippi for the 2007 state elections. "I just figured that since I went out on a limb for Howard to be chair of the DNC and really put forth a meaningful 50-state strategy that I should have the guts to back up my endorsement with work," Parmley wrote in an email to TMRO. He adds, "I am in Oklahoma all the time. I try to spend at least a week each month at home." He still owns his home in Norman and his family is here, as is his Tulsa-based girlfriend. Parmley is the past national president of the Young Democrats of America, the first Oklahoman to hold that post in the group's then-70-year-old history. Previously, he was president of Young Democrats of Oklahoma. He was student body president in his sophomore year at Northeastern A&M College and student body president during his senior year at the University of Oklahoma. He worked as assistant to the president of OU from 1993-95 and was chancellor's student relations liaison for the State Regents for Higher Education from 1995-97. He then was director of the Oklahoma City Downtown College Consortium until he was elected to his first two-year term as state party chairman. At the time, 2001, he was the youngest chairman of a state party. He's now 35.

Where Are They Now? Joe M. Allbaugh

(This is the first in a series of profiles of prominent Oklahoma political figures.) It's a long way from the Blackwell farm to the White House, but that's the road Joe Allbaugh has traveled. The 54-year-old now heads The Allbaugh Company in Washington. He began his political career as a 12-year-old volunteer in Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign and by the time he enrolled at Oklahoma State University, he was a died-in-the-wool GOP activist. His first paid political job was with Henry Bellmon in 1974, thus beginning a long association with the former governor and U. S. senator. In 1978, Allbaugh was director of organization in Dr. Robert Kamm's U. S. Senate campaign (against winner David Boren). Allbaugh graduated to Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign and worked on the Reagan Transition Team. He returned to Oklahoma and managed Bellmon's successful 1986 campaign for governor. After the election of Democrat David Walters in 1990, Allbaugh became deputy secretary of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation under his friend Delmas Ford. In 1994, Allbaugh was hired by George W. Bush to manage his campaign for governor at the recommendation of Bellmon. After Bush was elected, Allbaugh became his chief of staff. In 1998, he managed Bush's successful reelection campaign. In 1999, he became campaign manager of Bush's successful presidential campaign. When Bush decided to name Dick Cheney as his running mate, Bush asked Allbaugh to "vet" Cheney since it was Cheney himself who was then in charge of vetting possible vice presidential running mates. Allbaugh was named by Bush to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a post he held until FEMA's transfer into the Department of Homeland Security. Allbaugh resigned in March 2003 and formed The Allbaugh Company, a firm that operates globally providing advice and counsel to numerous corporations. The firm has offices in Washington, Austin and Oklahoma City. Allbaugh is a member of the board of directors of the National Rifle Association and lives, with wife Diane, in a Virginia home purchased from Vice President Dick Cheney.

Weekend Portrait: Frosty Troy

Liberal gadfly and NEA mouthpiece Frosty Troy, scanning for bargains at Mary's Swap Meet in Spencer on a crisp fall morning.

Democrats First On The Ballot

Democrats will be listed first on the 2006 general election ballot as the result of a drawing at the State Election Board on Tuesday. Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor drew an envelope with her own party's name on it to win the top ballot spot. She drew first after Kent Frates, former Republican legislator representing his party, said, "Ladies first" when asked by Election Board Secretary Mike Clingman who wanted to draw. Democrats also were listed first in 2004. Republicans had the top spot in 1998, 2000 and 2002.

Headline: Circumcision May Be The Answer To Aids, Says Clinton

And to other things. See Monica Lewinsky for details.

Creek Nation Bans Tulsa Talk Show Host

The Creek Nation has banned Tulsa radio talk show host Michael DelGiorno from its casinos. The Tulsa World reports DelGiorno, who hosts a morning show on KFAQ-1170AM, was banned after allegedly taking poker chips following a losing hand at a blackjack table. It's the second time he's been booted from a Cherokee Nation casino; last year, he was sent packing after allegedly making sexually inappropriate remarks. DelGiorno, who professes his conservatism on the air, at first denied any knowledge of the new allegation. Informed that a videotape of the incident had been viewed by reporter Ziva Branstetter, he then said his station's corporate policy prevented him from commenting. For the World's entire story, click here.

It's Not Your Imagination

It's not your imagination; the cost of almost everything is way up in the past five years. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, checking prices as part of a national survey for The Council for Community and Economic Research, found Oklahoma Cityans are paying way more for some items: Gasoline is up 117 percent, coffee is up 40 percent, milk is up 21 percent, orange juice is up 70 percent and ground beef is up 81 percent, all since 2002.