The Gadfly On The Wall

Another new year. With age, the new years appear with increasing rapidity and while there is joy in renewal, there is certainty the road behind is wider than the road ahead.

A crowd of...three? KOCO-TV's News Department apparently was eager to show local protesters unhappy over Saddam's execution. So they shot video of protesters gathered at the Northwest Highway and Pennsylvania. I counted three protesters. May have been four. Some protest. Gives new definition to newsworthy.

Stay tuned. The national news media today appears perplexed (and unhappy?) that nationwide violence in Iraq (as most had speculated would happen) has not followed Saddam's execution. A vapid female CNN anchor speculated this morning that viewers should "stay tuned" for the expected violence. Sheez!

An improvement. Arnold Hamilton, new publisher of the liberal Oklahoma Observer Frosty Troy has used for years to spread his bile, has established a website and has posted a good interview with Governor Brad Henry. Hamilton's as liberal as Troy, but Hamilton has decent bones in his body.

Not at all PC. Brandon Dutcher has a post on his blog that'll send the gun-grabbers screaming into the winter air. Brandon relates that, with family, he spent holiday time in Bartlesville where he grew up. He writes that 14-year-old son Lincoln and his cousin had been fishing and shooting BB guns, just as he did when he was that age. Shooting BB guns, we know, is politically incorrect in the opinion of some; BB guns are even outlawed in some locales. After reading Brandon's blog, I grabbed my own BB gun, stepped into the back yard and ripped off a couple of BBs at nothing in particular. Just because I could.

Tomorrow, our Sooners take the national stage. This follows a season that surely qualifies as one of the team's best given that we booted our QB and suffered through AD's injury. OU takes the stage after my sister's Razorbacks do the same. (To maintain family harmony, I always root for the Hogs. After OU and OSU, of course.) And speaking of OSU...a sweet victory, especially the way it occurred, a field goal with just eight ticks left on the clock. Given how many games the Pokes lost in the final seconds this year, it was especially sweet and surely indicates a good year ahead for Coach Mike Gundy and his team.

Flurry ahead. Expect a flurry of interesting personnel announcements in coming days. Outgoing Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau's top assistants will land somewhere, there will be new hires in some agencies and shuffling in others. A couple of former legislators will announce their new jobs as well and we can expect to learn what Ernest Istook and Wes Lane plan for their professional lives. We'll also learn who will be the new president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs to replace the departed Mark Nichols.

Federal grand jury. On January 17th, a federal grand jury is scheduled to convene in Muskogee. Will there be more revelations about Steve Phipps and his southeastern Oklahoma business empire allegedly built on state money funneled to him by three legislators?

Back of my hand. Common decency would have prescribed that the stories about Gerald Ford's opinions on Iraq and things politic could have waited a week until he was in the ground. But no. Proof again the national media's agenda is anti-Bush, anti-Iraq, anti-military, anti-conservative.

Lady Sooners: Courtney Paris, 43 points (record) and 25 rebounds on Saturday. And how about that little Plumley lady? What is she...five-four or something close? Fun to watch.

Good Riddance

Oklahoma Escapes 'Worst Roads' Designation In National Survey, But As For Interstate 40...

Still plodding through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina over 15 months later, Louisiana has displaced Pennsylvania as having the worst roads in the nation. Never having taken the top spot in the worst roads category, Louisiana is no rookie to the top five on the Highway Report Card, a survey conducted by Overdrive Magazine.

While Oklahoma is not among the states with the worst roads overall, Interstate 40 in Oklahoma was ranked fifth worst in the nation and Interstate 40 in Arkansas was ranked third worst in the nation as well as among the "most improved." Oklahoma was ranked second for "weakest law enforcement," apparently having to do with trucking regulation.

House, Senate Will Convene On Tuesday

House Speaker-elect Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan (D-Stillwater) and Senate Co-President Pro Tempore-elect Glenn Coffee (R-Oklahoma City), today issued the following statement regarding the National Day of Mourning called by President Bush and the constitutionally-required organizational day for Oklahoma's State Legislature, scheduled for 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2: "Like all citizens, we are saddened by the passing of a great American leader, President Gerald Ford. Article 5, Section 26 of Oklahoma's state constitution requires that the state Legislature meet this coming Tuesday at noon. Though state offices will be closed in observance of the National Day of Mourning designated by President Bush, the state House and state Senate will convene at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2 to hold formal elections for the offices of Speaker, Speaker Pro Tempore, Senate President Pro Tempore and Co-President Pro Tempore. Following these elections, we will hold a joint session to publish statewide results from November's general election. As part of the National Day of Mourning, House and Senate lawmakers will observe a moment of silence to honor President Ford's memory when we convene at noon on Tuesday."

Cowboys Win It, 34-31

OSU defeated Alabama in a classic, down-to-the-wire, kick-a-field-goal-and-win-it game. Congrats to the Cowboys and Coach Mike Gundy and his associates.

Fallin Takes Early Out; Askins To Be Named

Congresswoman-elect Mary Fallin has resigned as lieutenant governor as of 5 p.m. Tuesday and Governor Brad Henry says he'll appoint Lieutenant Governor-elect Jari Askins (pictured) to serve the final days of Fallin's term.

Fallin submitted her resignation to Henry today in a move that caught most by surprise.

Fallin will be sworn in as a Member of Congress on January 4th while Askins will be sworn in on January 8th. On Wednesday, Fallin is expected to be attending GOP conferences on Capitol Hill.

Fallin succeeds Congressman Ernest Istook, who was defeated by Henry.

Reynolds Seeks Phramacy Board Overhaul

Because the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy is "playing games with the lives of Oklahoma's elderly," Rep. Mike Reynolds today announced he will seek an overhaul of the board's membership during the 2007 session.

Reynolds said the board's recent efforts to kill programs at Wal-Mart and Target that provide $4 generic prescription drugs prove the group needs reform.

"The Pharmacy Board is running a big bluff against the citizens of Oklahoma," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "They claim it is illegal to sell affordable drugs to elderly Oklahomans, but they haven't asked district attorneys to prosecute anyone. This is nothing but a protectionist scheme to protect Wal-Mart's competitors."

Board officials have claimed the $4 program violates a state law requiring companies to impose a minimum 6-percent markup on goods. Wal-Mart officials have said they are complying with the law.

Board officials claim they will request an opinion from the Office of the Attorney General, but Reynolds said that move is just a diversionary tactic.

"The board's request is comparable to asking the attorney general whether or not it is illegal to drive 80 miles per hour when the speed limit is 65," Reynolds said. "The law is pretty clear. If the board had proof Wal-Mart was violating state law, they would contact a district attorney and prosecute the store for the heinous 'crime' of selling affordable drugs to needy Oklahomans. It appears they haven't done that."

Reynolds filed legislation last year that would have reformed the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy by changing its membership. He plans to revive that measure in the coming legislative session.

The Oklahoma City lawmaker also plans to request that an investigation of the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy be conducted by members of the House Government Modernization, Agency Review & Administrative Rules Subcommittee.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Top 5 Political Stories Of 2006: Some of Oklahoma's top political consultants offer their selections for the Top 5 Political Stories of the year next week in a special report here on The McCarville Report Online. Democrats and Republicans offer some selections that may surprise.

In Houston, it is reported: "Police attribute the 15 percent increase in the homicide count to the influx of Katrina evacuees." From this, we can deduce (1) criminals are criminals no matter where they live and (2) Katrina helped rid New Orleans of some of its worst residents.

Headline: "Gangs, guns reason for murder increase." From this, we can deduce (1) the headline writer makes no distinction between a gun owned by a law-abiding citizen and one owned by a criminal, (2) the headline writer failed to note the number of homicides by stabbing and (3) a gun is not a "reason," but a means by which a criminal commits a crime just as a knife, baseball bat, chain, or pool cue. A huge difference, but one apparently too intellectual for some editors to grasp.

Oh, Good: In Nevada, Governor-elect Jim Gibbons won't face prosecution for allegedly assaulting a cocktail waitress in a parking garage three weeks before his election. So what was he doing in the parking garage with the waitress...trying to get her vote?

So now that he's gone, all the previous critics agree: Jerry Ford was a great guy and a good president. Thirty years ago, however, Ford couldn't buy a break. He was savaged everywhere he turned and the national media delighted in portraying him as some sort of country bumpkin who couldn't take a step without falling on his face. Even the ultimate hypocrite, Ted Kennedy, now says Ford was right to pardon Richard Nixon.

Former TV Reporter Serves In House

Nearly 30 years ago, Weldon Watson promised to serve in the Legislature if he had the chance. It's a promise he kept. The retired Oneok Inc. executive was sworn in last month as the new state representative from District 79 in southeast Tulsa. Watson, though, is something of an old hand at the House of Representatives. Read all of Tulsa World reporter Randy Krehbiel's story.

President Ford Visited Oklahoma Often

From former President Gerald Rudolph Ford's first official visit to Oklahoma in 1967 to his last in 1991, the football star-turned-politician visited the state at least 24 times. Read the Tulsa World's story.

Untold Story: How 'Damaging Events' Helped Democrat David Prater Defeat Republican Wes Lane

One of the most surprising upsets of Election Year 2006 to many was the 824-vote defeat of incumbent Republican Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane by Democrat David Prater.

In the aftermath of Lane's defeat, there's been a lot of head-scratching: What happened, given Lane's lead in almost all the polls leading up to that final weekend before election day?

Now, we have an idea of what happened and it comes from a post-election "focus group" meeting conducted by Lane's pollster and consultant, Chris Wilson of Wilson Research Strategies of Oklahoma City and Washington.

Wilson's study was of a selected group of 10 "likely" Lane voters who switched their votes to Prater in the final hours. The participants were paid $50 each for their time.

TMRO obtained a copy of Wilson's report to Lane and it essentially confirms our earlier conclusion that two events on that final weekend sealed Lane's fate. First, was the arrest of an assistant district attorney following a minor traffic accident and allegations he was under the influence of drugs. Second, was the Prater news conference with the relative of a crime victim who had appeared in a Lane commercial and her comments critical of Lane. Both events resulted in wide news coverage in the hours leading up to election day and, Wilson's report concludes, "the sustained negative media coverage had a devastating impact." Those were the final blows to Lane, but the ground beneath him already had been eroded by several other factors.

Erosion Of Support For Lane: (1) Wilson's study found that "every participant (in the focus group) said they had voted more Democratic in 2006 than is the norm." Some of the participants mentioned they voted for Prater because he is a Democrat. (2) The endorsements Prater received from law enforcement organizations prompted some to switch their votes from Lane to Prater as the campaign evolved. The endorsements were "seen as tantamount to being supported by the police themselves," Wilson reported. "Participants voiced strong concern over the prospect of electing a district attorney who had lost the support of the police." (3) Some of the participants were not necessarily for Prater, but against Lane, the study found. "Each participant had their own specific negative story about either Lane himself, or the DA's office, with each story coming straight from the news media. There can be no question the sustained negative media coverage had a devastating impact." The study also found that some believe the DA's office under Lane exuded an "air of incompetence," citing the departures of assistant DAs, the Crystal Dittmeyer case, the Brian Bates prosecution and other, less public, incidents. (4) "Another key issue discussed by participants was Wes Lane's perceived lack of visibility as a district attorney. Several respondents stated it was their opinion, that throughout his term, Lane was much less visible than his predecessor, Bob Macy. Participants felt they 'seldom' or 'never' saw nor heard from Lane unless it was because of a negative news story about him or the office. This perception of a lack of visibility clearly played into Prater's message of an office in turmoil and created a view of secrecy and/or underhanded operations."

Damaging Events: "Wes Lane was the casualty of several damaging events over the course of the campaign that culminated over the last weekend to result in his defeat. (1) The foremost problem was the down year for all Republican candidates. To a person, every participant said they voted more Democratic this year than in the past; a close examination of the straight party voting pattern proves this to be the case and likely cost Lane far more than the ultimate vote difference between he and Prater. (2) Secondly, Prater's advertising campaign seemed to generate more recall among voters than did Lane's. Participants remembered Prater's advertisement about police department endorsements more than any other. This was a determining factor amongst many voters and caused several of our participants to change their vote in the final hours. The perception with these voters that Lane had lost police support to Prater was without a doubt one of the principal factors in the outcome of this race. As one participant said, 'That was the one thing that ensured me to vote for Prater instead of Wes Lane.' (3) Lastly, voters' views of Lane were heavily impacted by the negative news coverage throughout the campaign, concluding with the barrage of negative stories in the final weekend before the election. Each of the voters in our group had a negative view of the district attorney's office, and each seemed to have their own unique reason. In the opinion of participants, during his tenure Lane seemed to only be the recipient of negative coverage." (4) The two stories over the final weekend, the ADA being arrested for what voters remember as some form of substance abuse and the press conference in which Mrs. McCurdy denounced Lane, said she had been misled and endorsed Prater, were devastating. Even if not for the other factors, these stories may have been terminal to the reelection effort."

Summary: "When grouped together, these issues were simply too much to overcome. Republican Party affiliation in a Democrat year, scores of negative media attention with two very damaging stories in the final days created a public sentiment toward Wes Lane that allowed David Prater to win over enough voters in the final days to win this election."

Prater Consultant Don Hoover Cites Hard Work: "In my humble opinion, David Prater won because of his tremendous personal effort. I’ve never had a client who worked harder or longer. The police endorsements were certainly a key but they would never have happened without David’s unrelenting effort. David’s work made my job easy. All I had to do was make a few television and newspaper ads and leave the heavy lifting to him. David and his wife, Tamara, won it because 'quit' is not in their vocabulary."

Image courtesy Fox 25 News

FBI Faulted In Murrah Building Bombing Probe

The FBI failed to fully investigate information suggesting other suspects may have helped Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols with the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, allowing questions to linger more than a decade after the deadly attack, a congressional inquiry concludes.

The House International Relations investigative subcommittee will release the findings of its two-year-review as early as Wednesday, declaring there is no conclusive evidence of a foreign connection to the attack but that far too many unanswered questions remain.

The subcommittee's report will conclude there is no doubt McVeigh and Nichols were the main perpetrators, and it discloses for the first time that Nichols confirmed to House investigators he participated in the robbery of an Arkansas gun dealer that provided the proceeds for the attack.

There have long been questions about that robbery because the FBI concluded McVeigh was in another state at the time it occurred.

The report also sharply criticizes the FBI for failing to be curious enough to pursue credible information that foreign or U.S. citizens may have had contact with Nichols or McVeigh and could have assisted their plot.

"We did our best with limited resources, and I think we moved the understanding of this issue forward a couple of notches even though important questions remain unanswered," Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., the subcommittee chairman, said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Rohrabacher's subcommittee saved its sharpest words for the Justice Department, saying officials there exhibited a mind-set of thwarting congressional oversight and did not assist the investigation fully.

The report rebukes the FBI for not fully pursuing leads suggesting other suspects may have provided support to McVeigh and Nichols before their truck bomb killed 168 people in the main federal building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995.

The report says the inadequacy of the bureau's work was exposed two years ago when some bombing evidence overlooked for 10 years was discovered in a home linked to Nichols that had been searched repeatedly by agents.

Officials at the FBI press office had no immediate comment Sunday but were looking into the details of the report.

Previously, the bureau has said it believes its investigation of the bombing was exhaustive and that there is no credible evidence that other people were involved.

The subcommittee concludes the Justice Department should not have rushed to execute McVeigh in 2001 after he dropped his court appeals, and that officials should have made more efforts to interview and question him about evidence suggesting he might have gotten help from other people who remain unpunished.

The former lead FBI agent in the case, Dan Defenbaugh, told AP a few years ago he was trying to get one last interview with McVeigh to go over unanswered questions in the case but could not get it arranged before McVeigh was executed.

Rohrabacher's report cites several leads the subcommittee believes were not fully investigated, including information that McVeigh called a German citizen living at a white supremacist compound in Oklahoma two weeks before the bombing and that two witnesses saw the men together before the bombing, and witness accounts that another man was seen with McVeigh around the time of the bombing. The FBI originally looked for another suspect it named John Doe 2, even providing a sketch, but abruptly dropped that line of inquiry. The subcommittee concludes that decision was a mistake. The report also cites findings in AP articles in 2003 and 2004 that indicated the FBI had gathered some evidence suggesting a group of neo-Nazi bank robbers may have been tied to McVeigh. The subcommittee interviewed three of those robbers, and all denied a connection. A fourth member of the gang died and a fifth member could not be located by Congress. Also cited: phone records and witness testimony that persons associated with Middle Eastern terrorism in the Philippines may have had contact with Nichols, and that Nichols took a book about explosives to the Philippines. The FBI and Filipino police spent months investigating such a connection, but ruled it out, and information from former Oklahoma City KFOR-TV reporter Jayna Davis concerning an Iraqi national who was in Oklahoma around the time of the bombing.

Coffee Names Morgan, Retains Other Staffers

Senate Co-President Pro Tempore-designate Glenn Coffee announced that former State Rep. Fred Morgan (pictured) will serve as Coffee’s Senior Policy Advisor and Legal Counsel for the 2007-08 legislative sessions.

“Fred is an exceptional leader and is one of the sharpest political minds in our state. He will be a tremendous asset for Senate Republicans as we enter into this era of historic parity in the State Senate,” Coffee said.

As he prepares to move to his new leadership position in the State Senate, Coffee also announced he will retain the three staff members from his Minority leader’s staff: Paul Ziriax, Republican Leadership Assistant; Gwendolyn Caldwell, Republican Deputy Leadership Assistant; and Becky Woodie, Executive Assistant.

“Becky has been my go-to staffer since I first came to the Senate eight years ago, and she will continue to play a critical role in the Co-Pro Tem’s office,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

“Paul and Gwendolyn have also proven themselves to be exceptional and loyal legislative aides, and our caucus is proud to have them continue as part of our Senate Republican team.”

Coffee served as the Senate’s Minority leader the past two years, but will now serve as the Senate’s Co-President Pro Tempore as part of the power-sharing agreement in the Oklahoma State Senate, where Democrats and Republicans are tied at 24 seats each.

Morgan was first elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1994. A graduate of the Oklahoma City University School of Law, he served as Special Counsel to Governor Frank Keating from 1995-1996. From 1998-2003, he served as House Republican Leader, and was chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2005-2006. The veteran lawmaker is a former State Chairman for the American Legislative Exchange Council. Morgan is a past president of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City, and is a senior partner with the Oklahoma City law form of Reynolds, Ridings, Vogt and Morgan.

Ziriax continues his duties as Republican Leadership Assistant, serving as a legislative and public relations advisor to the Republican leader. Ziriax, who joined the Senate GOP’s staff in 2003, will also oversee the day-to-day operations of Coffee’s leadership office. He is a former chief of staff and press secretary to ex-Congressman Wes Watkins of Stillwater, and a former press secretary for the Oklahoma Republican Party. He is a member of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, where he lives with his wife, Lisa, and newborn daughter Alexandra.

Caldwell continues her role as a legislative advisor as the Republican deputy leadership assistant, a position she held during the 2005 and 2006 legislative sessions. Caldwell, a native Kansan who now resides in Tulsa, came to Oklahoma after serving as a senior staff member to Kansas Lt. Governor Gary Sherrer and Congressmen Todd Tiahrt and Jim Ryun. Caldwell brings an extensive legislative background to Oklahoma, including her experience as Director of Government Affairs for the American Cancer Society of Kansas.

Woodie has served as Coffee’s executive assistant since he was first elected eight years ago, and will continue this role as he moves to the office of Co-President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate.

Another UN Corruption Case Revealed

Captain's Quarters has the story: Federal prosecutors have successfully concluded another case of corruption at the United Nations, this time getting a guilty plea from an Indian businessman who coughed up favors in order to garner millions in procurement contracts.

About Those Gun Grabbers...

Keep up with 2nd Amendment issues at Gun Law News, where there's lots of ammunition for thought.

Tulsa May See The Light

The Tulsa Parking Authority is considering a one-year pilot program to provide free parking in its facilities after 5 p.m. and on weekends as a first step toward totally free downtown parking. Read more of the Tulsa World's story.

NOW We Find Out!

The AP obtained the November 4, 2005 report from the Inspector General of the National Archives and in a dispatch late Wednesday led with how "President Clinton's national security adviser removed classified documents from the National Archives, hid them under a construction trailer and later tried to find the trash collector to retrieve them, the agency's internal watchdog said Wednesday."

Cargill Announces Staff Leadership Positions

Republican House Speaker-elect Lance Cargill announced his leadership staff for the upcoming legislative session.

“Our staff at the House is among the most qualified and skilled I’ve ever seen,” said Cargill (R-Harrah). “I’m excited about the new faces that will become a part of the excellent senior and administrative staff we already have in place."

Cargill said that Chad Warmington would continue in his role as chief of staff. Before coming to the House two years ago, Warmington worked as a staffer for U.S. Senator Don Nickles’ offices in Washington, D.C. and in Oklahoma City.

Joining the House in existing senior staff positions are Katie Altshuler as policy director and counselor to the Speaker, John Woods as leadership assistant, and Britton Langdon as deputy leadership assistant.

Altshuler, an Oklahoma City native, currently serves as staff director of the U.S. Senate Republican Policy Committee, where she oversees a 20-person staff that develops and directs policy initiatives for the Senate. The Hill, a Washington, D.C. newspaper that covers Capitol Hill, recently named Altshuler in its list of top 35 young staffers on Capitol Hill under 35 years old.

Woods, a Moore native, is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. He has served as U.S. Congressman Tom Cole’s district director for more than four years, and he served with Congressman J.C. Watts for six years prior to that. Cole recently praised Woods’ work. “John Woods has set the bar high and he will be missed in our office,” said Cole.

Langdon, an Edmond native, graduated from the University of Oklahoma’s business school in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing. Bilingual in French and English, Langdon is also the founder of an international trade consulting firm, Global-Catalyst Consultants, LLC, and previously was director of corporate development for the Global Fusion Foundation of Oklahoma.

Cargill also said the following individuals would remain in their roles: Regina Birchum, executive director, Office of the Speaker – A graduate of Texas State University, Birchum holds a bachelor’s in mass communication/journalism. She began working for the House in 2001 as a media specialist, helping to craft daily communications on behalf of lawmakers. In 2005, she began serving as assistant to the Majority Floor Leader. Janice Buchanan, fiscal director – Buchanan graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.S. in Behavioral Science in 1983. She later received an M.B.A. from the University of Oklahoma. She joined the House staff in 1989 as a fiscal analyst. Her prior experience includes employment as a financial analyst for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and director of credit and accounts receivable for Mistletoe Freight.

Sue Ann Derr, legal division director – Derr earned her law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1978. She has served as a staff attorney within the House legal division since 1980. Beginning in 1990, she served as assistant chief counsel, and was promoted to director of the legal division this year.

Rick Farmer, director of committee services – Before joining the Oklahoma House two years ago, Farmer, a Tahlequah native, was an associate professor of political science at the University of Akron and a Fellow in the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics. He remains active in several professional organizations including the American Political Science Association and the Oklahoma Political Science Association.

Damon Gardenhire, communications director – Gardenhire, a Norman native and a former television reporter who covered the Murrah building bombing, joined the House in January 2005. Before his work at the House, he served more than seven years as spokesman for Integris Health, handling crises including the intense influx of national media during the May, 1999 tornadoes in Oklahoma City. A 2004 OKC Business "40 Under 40" honoree, Gardenhire’s reporting has been published in the Dallas Morning News, The Houston Chronicle, National Journal and Oklahoma Today magazine.

Joel Kintsel, chief clerk – Kintsel, an Oilton native, earned his law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2003. He has served the past two years as chief clerk for the House. Previously, he was special counsel to the chief of staff. Kintsel is also a commissioned officer in the Army JAG Corps. He currently is assigned to the JAG section of Oklahoma’s Joint Forces Headquarters.

Poll: Guns Make Homes Safer

Oklahoma Insider has an online poll asking viewers if they believe that guns in homes make them safer places to be. Thus far, 59 percent said guns do make homes safer; 29 percent said guns make homes more dangerous; and 12 percent said it makes no difference.

Lottery Bucks Worse Than Expected

The Oklahoma Lottery this week revised its projected budget, reporting that sales figures for fiscal year 2007 are expected to reach $243.6 million, down more than 41 percent from earlier estimates. Read the Tulsa World's story.

Did Turpen Try To Kill KFOR Story?

Oklahoma Political News Service sources say former Attorney General Mike Turpen conducted a frantic effort to kill a KFOR story that ran Tuesday night which brought forth shocking allegations against current Attorney General Drew Edmondson. Developing.

The Gadfly On The Wall: Thad Balkman Says Rumors About His Future Are 'False'

(Originally posted 12/18) ~ Former State Rep. Thad Balkman, Norman Republican, says it's not true. The rumor mill has Balkman going to work for the House Republican PAC as a consultant. He says he isn't, and won't, and his next career move comes after the first of the year. Tim Reese at the Democrats of Oklahoma blog says (12/21), however, Balkman is going to work for the GOP Caucus. And Balkman on Thursday told TMRO, "False again. Legislators cannot by law go to work for the state until 2 years after they leave the Legislature. (Ben Brown and Danny Hilliard was/is paid with federal funds . . .the Caucus doesn’t get any federal funding)."

Rumor mill also has consultant Chris Lowther ready to run for State Republican chairman this spring. Incumbent Tom Daxon hasn't announced if he'll run again. We asked Lowther about it and he replied, "I have been asked by several people to run and I am going to deeply consider it over the holiday."

I've been asked, given my radio experience, how I'd program an all-local, all-political talk radio station in Oklahoma City. If there were no constraints on budget (not likely in the real radio world), you'd find my mythical radio station lineup thus: 6-9a Reid Mullins (now 5-8a on KTOK); 9-Noon Cam Edwards (now 9-12p EST on NRANews.com/Sirius Satellite Radio Patriot Channel 144); Noon-3p Ron Black (former WKY radio host, GOP consultant); 3-6p Mark Shannon (former FM jock/AM talk show host); 6-9p Ben Odom (former KREF morning host, attorney, "progressive" Democrat, vice-chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party); 9-12m Keith Gaddie (OU prof of political science, pollster, fellow gadfly, co-host of "Tailgate Political Hour" on KTLR) and Kyle Loveless (GOP consultant, co-host of "Tailgate Political Hour on KTLR). Why, you might wonder, such an...eclectic(?)...lineup? In a word: Buzz. Each of these men has a following; some of it comes from their blogs and their former shows, or their media presence in the market. Some of it comes from their controversial views. All they'd need is a tough program director (ah...hem) to ride herd on them! Then, stand back and watch the ratings rise.

Put The Jersey Names Back, Coach Stoops!

Berry Tramel in The Oklahoman this morning gets me going; Berry asks, "Why not put names back?" on the jerseys of OU football players. I join him in asking the question.

Coach Bob Stoops made the decision to remove the names this season. He says he doesn't understand the "brouhaha" about the names. "They can't tell by the number?" Stoops asked. "Wilkinson's teams, none of them ever had 'em, did they?"

Well, gee, Coach, you got us...no, the jerseys on Wilkinson's teams back in the dark ages didn't have the names. That was back when there was little television coverage and the radio announcers always told us what player did what. Today, we see each play with multiple closeups of the players and NO, COACH, I CAN'T TELL THE PLAYERS BY THEIR NUMBERS. I'll agree I may be numerically challenged, or whatever, but trying to remember the numbers of players is just not my thing.

Coach said the reasons for dropping the names included a desire to become "a little more selfless, and more team-oriented...."

On behalf of my fellow Sooners fans, Coach, how about being a little more selfless and fan-oriented by putting the names back on the backs?

Give Them Parking, And They Will Come

Downtown Oklahoma City's Bricktown is a great place; we love it. We drive through once in a while. We never stop. Why? Parking, lack thereof.

When I was on the air at KTOK, I sometimes decried the lack of parking and endured the wrath of the chamber, the Bricktown brass and Downtown Now folks who seemed unable to understand why I had that attitude when there are parking garages available. I often explained that (1) like most, we are spoiled; we like to park close to the place we're going and at night, we are not going to park four or five blocks away and walk in the shadows and (2) I hate paying for parking, whether it's in a garage or a meter. (Meters are dinosaurs and kill downtown business.)

As time has passed and Bricktown has grown, the parking issue has faded. Until now. Now, I read that The Laughing Fish, longest-running retail outlet in Bricktown, is closing down. The owner, Stephen Wistrand, says the availability of parking has been a huge issue. Owners of Boone's General Store said the same thing earlier this year when they closed their gift shop.

Auctioneer Louis Dakil, handling The Laughing Fish sell-off, said, "The parking situation has really been a detriment to them."

Frank Sims, director of the Bricktown Association, lamented the passing of the shop and acknowledged complaints continue about parking in the area.

Wistrand says retail won't thrive in Bricktown unless a developer provides the kind of parking most consumers are used to; convenient and at no cost.

Gumm Tops Senate Poll

State Senator Jay Paul Gumm topped TMRO's online poll of possible Democratic candidates for the U. S. Senate in 2008. Tied for second were Congressman Dan Boren and Attorney General Drew Edmondson. Gumm took about 21 percent of the vote. Boren and Edmondson tied at about 15 percent. Third was Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, at just over 10 percent. Fourth was Kenneth Corn, at about 10 percent, followed by Clifford Hudson at just under 8 percent. Others were Robert Butkin, 6 percent; Sandy Garrett, 6 percent; Jim Meyer, 1 percent; Susan Savage, 6 percent.

Oklahoma Has It All: Tonight, An Earthquake

Truly, Oklahoma has it all; tonight, a 2.6 Richter scale earthquake about six miles south of my home. I didn't feel it; I was on my first Martini at Old Germany Restaurant in Choctaw at R. D. Deiner's annual Christmas party, but daughter Cheryl thought someone ran into her home in Del City, only a couple of miles from the epicenter at I-240 and Sooner Road. Not many know, but Oklahoma has more fault lines than California!

Coffee Names Senate GOP Co-Chairs

Senate Co-President Pro Tempore-designate Glenn Coffee announced his appointments for Republican committee co-chairs today.

As part of the historic power-sharing agreement, each Senate committee will have equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans, as well as a co-chair from each party who will share the responsibility of running the committee.

“This is the first time in state history that Republicans will have a significant impact on the legislative process in the State Senate. We look forward to adding our new leadership and fresh ideas to the Senate committees during the upcoming legislative session,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

Coffee’s appointees as Republican co-chairs are: Appropriations Committee ~ Appropriations co-chair: Sen. Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher; Appropriations co-vice chair: Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City.

Education subcommittee co-chair ~ Sen. Clark Jolley, R- Edmond.

Health and Social Services subcommittee co-chair ~ Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa.

Human Services subcommittee co-chair ~ Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid.

Natural Resources and Regulatory Services subcommittee co-chair ~ Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City.

General Government and Transportation subcommittee co-chair ~ Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso.

Public Safety and Judiciary subcommittee co-chair ~ Sen. Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman.

Standing committees: Agriculture co-chair: Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha; Business and Labor co-chair: Sen. Harry Coates, R-Seminole; Criminal Jurisprudence co-chair: Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore; Education co-chair: Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City; Energy and Environment co-chair: Sen. Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa; Finance co-chair: Sen. Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa; General Government co-chair: Sen. Cliff Aldridge, R-Midwest City; Health and Human Resources co-chair: Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond; Judiciary co-chair: James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa; Public Safety and Homeland Security co-chair: Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton; Retirement and Insurance co-chair: Sen. Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow; Rules co-chair: Sen. Mike Schulz, R-Altus; Tourism and Wildlife co-chair: Sen. John Ford, R-Bartlesville; Transportation co-chair: Sen. Cliff Branan, R-Oklahoma City; Veterans and Military Affairs co-chair: Sen. Jim Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City

Coffee said he will select and announce his appointments of the Republican members to the Senate committees at a later date.

Morgan Names Leadership Team

Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater has announced the members of his leadership team.

Morgan said Senator Charlie Laster of Shawnee will serve as floor leader for the Democrats, while Senators Jeff Rabon of Hugo and Jay Paul Gumm of Durant will be assistant floor leaders.

Morgan also announced the Democratic co-chairs of Senate committees for the 51st Oklahoma Legislature, which will convene in February.

“As we approach Oklahoma’s Centennial, I firmly believe we have a dedicated group of senators who are passionately committed to making Oklahoma an even stronger state in our next 100 years,” said Morgan, D-Stillwater. “I am excited to begin the First Session of the 51st Oklahoma Legislature because I know we have a unique opportunity to lay aside partisan politics and move common sense measures through the legislative process. I have every ounce of confidence in the Senators who are guiding these committees to do their part to make Oklahoma the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Senator Johnny Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, will serve as the Democratic Co-Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Crutchfield has been the Senate’s chief budget negotiator for the last two years.

Democratic co-chairs of the Appropriations sub-committees are: Senator Susan Paddack, D-Ada, Education; Senator Mary Easley, D-Tulsa, General Government and Transportation; Senator Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, Health and Social Services; Senator Nancy Riley, D-Tulsa, Human Services; Senator Randy Bass, D-Lawton, Natural Resources and Regulatory Services; And Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, Public Safety and Judiciary. Senator Tom Adelson will also serve as the Democratic Co-Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Democratic co-chairs of Standing Committees are: Senator Charles Wyrick, D-Fairland, Agriculture and Rural Development; Senator Debbe Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, Business and Labor; Senator Constance N. Johnson, D-Oklahoma City, Criminal Jurisprudence; Senator Judy Eason-McIntyre, D-Tulsa, Education; Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, Energy and Environment; Senator Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, Finance; Senator Joe Sweeden, D-Pawhuska, General Government; Senator Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, Health and Human Resources; Senator Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, Judiciary; Senator Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee, Public Safety and Homeland Security; Senator John Sparks, D-Norman, Retirement and Insurance; Senator Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, Rules; Senator Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee, Tourism and Wildlife; Senator Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, Transportation; And Senator Tom Ivester, D-Sayre, Veterans and Military Affairs

The Senate is now split, 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans. The sides have agreed to a power-sharing agreement involving co-floor leaders from each party.

My Nominee For Communicator Of The Year

Hood River County Sheriff Joe Wampler, whose patience, expertise, humanity, compassion and personality were evident as he struggled with the search for three missing climbers.

Keating Tests South Carolina Waters

Former Governor Frank Keating, toying with the idea of a run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, is in South Carolina today for a private meeting with GOP leaders in that important primary state. His trip has set off national speculation.

Keating's trip is the latest development fueling speculation about his plans. The first inkling he was considering the '08 race came when it was learned he had visited with GOP strategist Ed Rollins about it over lunch, an event reported by columnist Bob Novak and noted here on December 4th. Next, Keating showed up in New York at a meeting with Governor George Pataki and other governors; Pataki is considered a possible candidate himself.

South Carolina is important because it holds the first southern state presidential primary.

Keating's spokesman, Dan Mahoney, told The Oklahoman Keating knows he has to make a decision early and that's likely within a few weeks. While a Keating presidential race seems unlikely to some, there is the belief that the possible GOP field is weak and he might be able to get traction.

Keating now heads the American Council of Life Insurers in Washington. Keating has been president and chief operating officer of the Washington, D.C.-based trade organization since 2003.

Image courtesy Simon & Schuster

Keating A Leading Conservative?

Would Frank Keating immediately become the leading conservative in a run for the Republican nomination for president? Some say that's so, and thus, he'd have a leg up in the South. Keating's a staunch 2nd Amendment advocate and seems "right" on most other core conservative issues.

Here are the (partial) records of other potential GOP candidates:

Rudy Giuliani's record: Giuliani is a Roman Catholic who is pro-choice, favors same-sex civil unions, gun control, and embryonic stem-cell research.

John McCain's voting record: 2005, Senator McCain supported the interests of the Gun Owners of America 0 percent. 2004, Based on lifetime voting records on gun issues and the results of a questionnaire sent to all Congressional candidates in 2004, the National Rifle Association assigned Senator McCain a grade of C+ (with grades ranging from a high of A+ to a low of F). 2003-2004, Senator McCain supported the interests of the Gun Owners of America 0 percent.

Mike Huckabee on the 2nd Amendment, in a letter: In 1999, I signed into law an act prohibiting Arkansas' local governments from suing firearms manufacturers seeking compensation for injuries and deaths resulting from the illegal use of these companies' products. To hold the gun industry accountable for crime is like holding our nation's farmers liable for the healthcare costs associated with obesity. The desire of some to blame the gun manufacturers for crime rather than prosecute criminals seems to me a sadly misguided attempt at protecting our citizens. It is also a rather thinly veiled attempt to vilify and control those who engage in a business which is eminently legal and necessary, yet not particularly smiled upon by the current administration in Washington. I thank God previous administrations understood and appreciated not only the sanctity of the Second Amendment, but its necessity as well. Gun manufacturers make the Second Amendment a viable right rather than some theoretical proposition. I will not abuse my authority as Governor to pursue their demise or dictate their business practices through coercion. So the answer is a definite "no," I will not seek the capitulation of firearm manufacturers through the use of asinine lawsuits or the doling out of taxpayer-funded government contracts.

From Mitt Romney's record: "The candidate reiterated his support for an assault weapons ban contained in Congress' crime bill, and the Brady law which imposes a five-day waiting period on handgun purchases. `I don't think (the waiting period) will have a massive effect on crime but I think it will have a positive effect,' Romney said." Source: Joe Battenfeld in the Boston Herald August 1, 1994.

Bateman To Become McMahan Investigator?

A Capitol source says KTOK Capitol Correspondent Bill Bateman is joining the staff of Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan as an investigator. We previously reported that Bateman had resigned, but has not revealed what he'll be doing and there's been no official announcement. However, a well-connected Democrat says he's been told what we speculate here. McMahan has announced that former KOCO-TV reporter Terri Watkins is joining his staff to head a new office of public information.

Fallin Announces New Staff Members

Congresswoman-elect Mary Fallin announced today the hiring of members of her congressional staff.

In the district office, located in Oklahoma City, Fallin named Dena Drabek Press Secretary and Special Events Coordinator. Drabek will be leaving the Lieutenant Governor’s office, where she currently serves as Fallin’s Press Secretary.

She is joined by Office Manager Janet Petty, who will be leaving the Lieutenant Governor’s office to perform similar responsibilities at the district office.

Kristen Cox, an Oklahoma City resident who most recently worked for Congressman Ernest Istook, will also be joining the district office to perform constituent services. In Washington, D.C., Fallin named Lulie Maumenee her Senior Legislative Assistant. Maumenee is an experienced Hill staffer from who has most recently worked for Congresswoman Sue Kelly of New York.

Del City native Hannah Barton was hired as Scheduler. Barton was previously the Office Manager at the Fallin Campaign.

Fallin also named Alex Weintz her Communications Director. Weintz has been an Associate Writer at National Journal’s “The Hotline” as well as an analyst at The Tarrance Group, a survey research firm located in Alexandria, Virginia.

“I am very pleased with the staff that we are beginning the New Year with,” said Fallin. “This is a strong and effective team which will serve the interests of the Fifth District well.”

Fallin’s new congressional staff members will serve under District Director Denise Northrup and Chief of Staff Nate Webb.

Personnel Announcements To Spice Holidays?

Slow news days at the State Capitol may be spiced by personnel announcements as we near year's end. We've seen a few already (Terri Watkins to Jeff McMahan, Dick Pryor to Jari Askins, Bill Bateman to ?) and more can be expected. Incoming Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields has a few top positions to fill and McMahan has at least one top staff position to fill. Askins may have another announcement as well. There's speculation, as well, that some agencies (Department of Agriculture mentioned as one) where personnel may be added or changed with the new year. On the federal side, Congresswoman-elect Mary Fallin may have a few more staff members to add.

LaPierre Rips Bloomberg, Menino

Wayne LaPierre, the National Rifle Association's executive vice president, writes in his blog today that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Tom Menino want the state of Vermont to adopt New York City's gun ban because, they claim, Vermont guns contribute to problems in their cities. LaPierre says that's....well, read for yourself.

Kathy Taylor's Gun Control Buddy

Note to Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor ~ Here's what the New York Daily News wrote about Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose anti-gun group you joined: "He mounted a national gun control crusade, and he scored unprecedented court victories against firearms dealers...."

We record this so when you try to paint Bloomberg's coalition of mayors against guns as a law enforcement effort, the record will be clear; it is aimed at firearms owned by ordinary, law-abiding citizens.

Image: Taylor (at right) at Bloomberg's Gracie Mansion anti-gun coalition organizational meeting.

Jay Paul Gumm Takes Lead In '08 Senate Poll

State Senator Jay Paul Gumm (pictured), Attorney General Drew Edmondson and Congressman Dan Boren are top vote-getters thus far in The McCarville Report Online's poll about the 2008 U. S. Senate race and what Democrats might be contenders. There's a wide selection listed and there is spirited voting, so jump in now and make your picks. The poll is at right.

Our Military's (Sorry) Health Care Plan

Blogger Ron Black is ticked today about the sorry health care plan afforded members of the U. S. military.

The Gadfly On The Wall

More speculation this Sunday about former Governor Frank Keating and a possible run for the Republican nomination for president in 2008.

Many political bloggers have focused in the past 48 hours on former Republican Congressman Bob Barr's departure from the GOP for the Libertarian Party.

Chris Arps at Oklahoma Political News Service says his blog will be back in full swing come January.

Rudy Giuliani's hosting a huge fundraising event in New York City for his presidential campaign exploratory committee. The Tuesday event asks for donations of $2,100 per person, $4,200 per couple. Ken Langone, chairman of the Giuliani "Presidential Exploratory Committee," has said he expects a huge turnout for the former mayor's kick-off event. Most insiders believe Giuliani will have no problem raising the initial seed money; his challenge will be to sustain fundraising over the next six months or so.

Cornett Says It's News To Him

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett says the suggestion he discussed gun control issues with Brady Campaign Chairman Paul Helmke recently is incorrect. Cornett's comments came Friday night on "Cam & Company," the National Rifle Association's Internet/Sirius Satellite Radio show broadcast 8-11 p.m. CST weeknights.

Host Cam Edwards, former host of Oklahoma City radio station KTOK's morning show, asked Cornett if the implication, by Helmke in a report he wrote on his activities, that he and other mayors had discussed gun control issues recently in Dearborn, Michigan, was accurate.

Cornett said he was with Helmke and other mayors in Dearborn earlier this month, but no issues were discussed while he was present. He reiterated his support for the NRA and the 2nd Amendment. Earlier this year, Cornett was the first big city mayor to sign the NRA's pledge that he would never order the confiscation of firearms from law-abiding citizens as occurred in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Cornett was in Dearborn for the funeral of Mayor Michael Guido, who died suddenly.

Noted Quote: John Hart On Behalf Of Tom Coburn

"If this project was such an urgent priority for Senator (Mary) Landrieu (D-Louisiana), why did she and her staff spend countless hours pushing through earmarks for things like blackbird control and a study of infectious diseases on alligator farms?" (Senator Tom Coburn's spokesman John) Hart asked. "Members of Congress were elected to make tough choices between competing priorities. We'll leave it to taxpayers in Louisiana and elsewhere to check the facts on Senator Landrieu's own Web site, which boasts about her work in securing pork, and decide if she has prioritized wisely." ~ Landrieu criticized Coburn for blocking a measure that, among other things, would reauthorize payment for hurricane protection measures.

Barr Leaves GOP, Joins Libertarian Party

Former Republican Congressman Bob Barr has left the GOP to become the new Regional 4 Representative of the Libertarian National Committee, spurring speculation he may make a third-party bid for president in 2008.

Libertarian Party leaders endorsed Barr as their representative to lead them into the 2008 presidential election season and elected him to the position.

In addition to having served eight years in the House of Representatives, Barr serves as a Board Member of the National Rifle Association and is chairman of Patriots to Restore Checks and Balances. He also is a member of The Constitution Project’s Initiative on Liberty and Security at Georgetown University. He advises a variety of public policy organizations, including the American Conservative Union and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Barr is President and CEO of Liberty Strategies, an Atlanta-based consulting firm with offices in the Washington, DC area. He practices both civil and criminal law.

LNC Chair William Redpath stated, "Bob Barr's willingness to serve as a leader of the Libertarian Party represents a significant and positive development for our organization. The Libertarian Party played a pivotal role in key races in 2006 and has emerged as a strong and principled political force."

Redpath continued, "The antiquated two-party system was dealt a blow today as we have welcomed a patriotic statesman into our ranks with the intent of using his vast experience and widespread respect to help recruit and elect Libertarian candidates of his caliber."

Barr's first official action as LNC representative will be to organize a meeting with state party leaders to address party building and political goals for 2007.

After accepting the position, Barr said, "I'm pleased to assist the Party of Principle in this capacity and hope to further our political success as we move closer to the 2008 election cycle. Being a member of this body is a serious and long-term commitment that I gladly accept. As importantly, I'm happy to announce that I am now a proud, card-carrying Libertarian who is committed to helping elect leaders who will strive for smaller government, lower taxes and abundant individual freedom. I encourage other Americans from across the political spectrum to join me."

For more information, see http://www.bobbarr.org/.

As a Republican, Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, serving as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, as Vice-Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Financial Services.

'Bloggers Are The Minutemen Of Today'

Bloggers (and the blogosphere, and the influence they have on the traditional news media) were discussed tonight on "Cam & Company," the National Rifle Association's Internet/Sirius Satellite Radio show (8-11 p.m. CST) by host Cam Edwards and guests Tim Graham of the Media Research Center/Newsbusters in Washington and TMRO's Mike McCarville. The growing influence of the blogosphere in shaping public attitudes was summarized by McCarville, who said, "Bloggers are the Minutemen of today." He said bloggers are the first to grab their weapons (their computers) and rush out to defend their beliefs (liberal or conservative) in the face of contrary opinions or attacks. Bloggers, it was agreed, have redefined the dissemination of news and often uncover newsworthy events and actions before the traditional media.

Cargill Announces Leadership Team Details

House Speaker-elect Lance Cargill announced details today of the House leadership team, unveiling those to assume assistant majority floor leader posts, become deputy and assistant whips and fill other key positions.

"We now have a solid team of talented individuals ready to accomplish great things for Oklahoma," said Cargill (R-Harrah). "Our leadership team is unified and focused on ensuring that lawmakers keep promises that have been made to the citizens of Oklahoma."

In early November, in addition to electing Cargill, the GOP caucus elected Rep. Gus Blackwell (R-Goodwell) as Speaker Pro Tempore and Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow) as Majority Caucus Chairman. In November, Cargill also announced that Reps. Greg Piatt (R-Ardmore), Chris Benge (R-Tulsa) and Rob Johnson (R-Kingfisher) would serve in the key positions of Majority Floor Leader, Appropriations and Budget Committee Chair and Majority Whip, respectively.

"I'm very pleased with the team of assistant majority floor leaders we have in place," said Majority Floor Leader Piatt. "They are all quality individuals. I am excited about the upcoming session and about working with these talented individuals who will help keep the daily business of the House moving along smoothly."

Majority Whip Johnson added, "Our deputy and assistant whips are a great mix of energy and experience, and they will ensure that our caucus members are kept informed on the fast pace of floor and committee action during the session."

Cargill appointed the following individuals to leadership posts: Majority Caucus Vice Chairman: Rep. Lisa Billy (R-Purcell); Majority Caucus Secretary: Rep. Ann Coody (R-Lawton); Assistant Majority Floor Leaders: Rep. Lee Denney (R-Cushing), Rep. Terry Ingmire (R-Stillwater), Rep. Mike Jackson (R-Enid), Rep. Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa), Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore). Deputy Majority Whips: Rep. Don Armes (R-Faxon), Rep. Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma), Rep. Lisa Billy (R-Purcell), Rep. Mike Thompson (R-Oklahoma City). Assistant Majority Whips: Rep. Marian Cooksey (R-Edmond), Rep. Fred Jordan (R-Tulsa), Rep. Steve Martin (R-Bartlesville), Rep. Scott Martin (R-Norman), Rep. Skye McNeil (R-Bristow), Rep. Phil Richardson (R-Minco), Rep. Colby Schwartz (R-Yukon), Rep. T.W. Shannon (R-Lawton).

The Gadfly On The Wall

Former radio talk show host and political consultant Ron Black will become a columnist for the Oklahoma Gazette in January.

Mike Easley is getting his job back. The ABLE special agent was canned eight months ago and now, an administrative law judge has ruled he has to be put back on the job with back pay. Judge P. Kay Floyd ruled there was not enough evidence to prove the contention that Easley used a state vehicle to drive to a second job as a teacher at Bacone College in Muskogee while he was supposed to be on the ABLE clock.

There's more (AP) chit-chat about Frank Keating and the 2008 presidential race. His name keeps bubbling up. We'll see if it remains so when the talk gets serious.

Don't ask me: I don't know. Some inquiries about Oklahoma Political News Service, the Chris Arps blog, and whether it is still active. Arps has not responded to several emails asking about it. Since November 22nd, he's had a single post, on December 14, saying he's been on "sabbatical" and is back.

Will Bill Bateman join Terri Watkins in the auditor & inspector's office? Lots of speculation (testimony to how slow the news biz at the Capitol is these days) about where Bateman, KTOK's capitol correspondent who has resigned to take an as-yet unannounced state job, will land. Some speculate the Ag Department, others the Labor Department. Watkins has been hired by Jeff McMahan to head up a new public information office.

If, as the antis argue, guns kill people, it can be extended that pencils kill spelling and good grammar. One is as silly as the other.

Mark Nichols has resigned as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs to join Koch Industries in Wichita as director of public affairs. It is Oklahoma's loss.

KTOK News Director Jerry Bohnen has another award for his crowded wall, this one for his series on a medical procedure performed on him.

Female Homeowner Shoots Invaders; One Dead

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- A former University of Cincinnati basketball player was shot and killed by a female homeowner after invading a home, authorities said.

The Clark County sheriff's office identified the dead intruder as Jonathon Carson. He was 29. Carson, a guard, played in 17 games for the Bearcats during the 1997-98 season, starting in one and averaging 3.1 points. Prior to that, he was a standout at South High School in Springfield.

Carson was one of two men who broke into the home, the sheriff's office said. Both men were shot by the woman. The other man, Dow Huffman, 23, of West Liberty, was listed in fair condition at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

"These individuals came in intent to commit a felony. They were armed with three firearms," said Sheriff Gene Kelly, adding that one of the men wore a mask.

Kelly said one of the men began to beat up a male homeowner and that the female homeowner retrieved a gun from the bedroom and shot both suspects. Carson died on the front porch.

Gazette: Mary Fallin, 'Wonder Woman'

The Oklahoma Gazette cites Congresswoman Mary Fallin as Oklahoma's new "Wonder Woman" in an article about "Oklahoma's New Champion In Washington, D. C."

Mark Nichols Leaving OCPA

Mark Nichols, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, has resigned to accept a position in Wichita, Kansas, as director of public affairs for Koch Industries.

His departure is revealed in a post on the blog of OCPA executive Brandon Dutcher by Dutcher's wife. The families have been neighbors and friends for years.

Nichols, president of OCPA for four years, is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma School of Law. He was a member of former U. S. Senator Don Nickles' staff, was involved in the Bush-Cheney Oklahoma campaign and managed Steve Largent's campaign for governor in 2002.

Coffee, GOP Caucus Name Senate Leadership Team

Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee of Oklahoma City and the Republican Caucus have selected the members of their leadership team, TMRO is told. An official announcement is expected sometime today. Named to the leadership posts:

Floor Leader: Owen Laughlin, Woodward.

Republican leader emeritus: James Williamson, Tulsa.

Assistant floor leaders: Randy Brogdon, Owasso, and Mike Mazzei, Tulsa.

Whips: Kathleen Wilcoxson, Oklahoma City; Cliff Branan, Oklahoma City; and Clark Jolley, Edmond.

Caucus Chair: Todd Lamb, Edmond.

Coffee was elected to his post on Tuesday by the Republican caucus after the power-sharing agreement was adopted, we're told. Coffee then appointed Laughlin and Williamson to their posts. The remainder of the leadership team was elected by the Republican caucus on Wednesday.

Here's Coffee's official announcement, issued this morning: Republicans in the Oklahoma State Senate have selected their leadership team for the 2007-08 legislative sessions, Co-President Pro Tempore designate Glenn Coffee announced Wednesday.

Coffee, who was elected co-president pro tempore designate by his caucus on Tuesday, named Senator Owen Laughlin of Woodward to serve as Republican co-floor leader.

Coffee also announced that Senator James A. Williamson of Tulsa will serve on the Senate GOP’s leadership team as Republican leader emeritus.

On Wednesday, the Senate Republican caucus elected the following senators to leadership positions: Senator Randy Brogdon of Owasso as assistant co-floor leader, Senator Mike Mazzei of Tulsa as assistant co-floor leader, Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson of Oklahoma City as whip, Senator Cliff Branan of Oklahoma City as whip, Senator Clark Jolley of Edmond as whip, Senator Todd Lamb of Oklahoma City/Edmond as caucus chair.

“This talented team will do a great job working for the people of Oklahoma in the State Senate. It is an honor to serve with this fine group of leaders,” stated Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

Coffee said committee co-chairs and membership will be selected at a later date, and will be announced jointly with Senate Democrats.

Republicans gained two seats in the 2006 elections, which led to a historic 24 to 24 tie in the Oklahoma State Senate. Earlier this week, Republicans and Democrats announced a power-sharing agreement.

History Made In Ohio, Too

Oklahoma isn't the only state where the Senate has been involved in historic action this week. While the Ohio Senate's action isn't quite as historic as the Oklahoma Senate's power-sharing agreement, it is remarkable. For the first time in 29 years, a gubernatorial veto has been overridden, and by a Senate that is the same party as the governor. Details here.

The Gadfly On The Wall

KTOK State Capitol Correspondent Bill Bateman has resigned to take a state job with someone come January 1st.

Terri Watkins (Jeff McMahan) and Dick Pryor (Jari Askins) are going from television journalism to political flimflamery. Having gone from newshawk to flimflamerist myself 40 years ago, three words of advice times three: Don't look back. Save your money. It won't last. Note to the powers-that-be at the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, from whence Pryor departs: How about Keith Gaddie (right, with Pryor on left) as the host of "Oklahoma Forum"? An expert. Loads of institutional knowledge. No political party baggage. Wide list of friends and acquaintances on both sides of the aisle. Gravitas.

Senate leaders Mike Morgan (D) and Glenn Coffee (R) have issued their Senate power-sharing agreement. Paper is one thing; implementation is another. Ron Black is optimistic.

Democrats of Oklahoma the blog has some compassionate users. Of the just-deceased Jeane Kirkpatrick, "Bobbie" posted this: "Dead or alive, the woman was a bitch." Look up "class" in the dictionary and you won't find Bobbie's photo.

Mark Shannon this morning: "Democrats knew about it and lied."

Media creation Barack Obama has about as much chance being elected president as does John McCain. None.

It's not over. Texan Jim Cardle's "Just The Facts America" secretly-funded attack on Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland continues to bubble beneath the surface more than a month after the failed attempt to defeat Holland.

My friend Eric at Christian Brothers Automotive at Hefner and Rockwell in Oklahoma City hosted our final "Coats For Kids" radio fundraising event last Friday, his 38th birthday. I've got sport coats older than that.

Steve Phipps, he in deep doodoo because of the ongoing FBI investigation in southeastern Oklahoma...and his wife, Brenda...graduated from Kiowa High School in 1973. Their classmate: Reba Nell McEntire. Another classmate: Roy Hatridge, who was one of Phipps' partners in that controversial proposed dog food factory.

Captain Kevin Calvey, U. S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, departs (again) for Iraq in January about the same time as my 20-year-old Navy Seabee grandson, Colby Stuck. God speed and keep them both.

Inhofe Says Clinton Likely Democrat Nominee

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe turned handicapper Tuesday, pegging fellow Sen. Hillary Clinton as the likely winner of the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination and predicting Govs. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas and Mitt Romney of Massachusetts will emerge as favorites on the Republican side. Read more.

Bohnen Cites 'Going Over To The Dark Side'

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ Some journalists like to refer to it as 'going over to the dark side'--leaving journalism to become what some call a flack...a public relations spokesman. Others see it as simply the next step in their careers.

Longtime OETA news anchorman and News Director Dick Pryor is the latest (Editor's Note: Well, not quite; just after Bohnen wrote this, his own Capitol Correspondent Bill Bateman resigned to join an as-yet undisclosed state agency) to leave journalism for the world of politics at the Oklahoma State Capitol. He has been named to be chief of staff for Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor elect Jari Askins. Askins, a Democrat who'll be sworn into office next month says Pryor will also double as her spokesman. Pryor is also the husband of Lisa Pryor, the chairwoman of the Oklahoma Democratic party.

He will be leaving OETA at the end of the month and joins a long list of other former journalists who have gone to work in various capacities for the State government. "He brings a really solid background to the job," said Askins in an interview with KTOK.

Others include: former KXY and KTOK newsman Nate Webb who has been with the Lieutenant Governor and is moving to Washington to be chief of Staff for Congresswoman-elect Mary Fallin; Tim Allen, former KTOK Capitol Correspondent who now works at the State Treasurer's office; Scott Rowland, former KTOK Capitol Corresondent who has been the Legal Counsel for the State Drug Bureau;Terri Watkins, former KTOK Capitol Correspondent and longtime KOCO reporter who is leaving to take a new Public Information officer's slot at the office of the State Auditor; former KTOK News Director Matt Skinner who is now the Communications Director for the State Corporation Commission; former KTOK Capitol Correspondent Trey Davis who is Chief of Staff for Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau; former KOCO investigative reporter Skip Nicholson who used to work for Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony and now is on the staff of the State Labor Commission; former KOSU reporter Paul Sund who is the Communications Director for Governor Brad Henry; and former KWTV producer Phil Bacharach is the Press Secretary to Governor Henry.

Senate Power-Sharing Accord Reached

DEVELOPING ~ Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan and Republican leader Glenn Coffee announced this afternoon they will share Senate leadership duties. Democrat Morgan will remain as president pro tem of the evenly split (24-24) Senate, with Coffee as co-president pro tem.

Here is the agreement: The Oklahoma State Senate has a rich history as the model of civility, stability, and leadership in our state government. Now, as Oklahoma prepares to enter its second century, history has been made by the creation of an unprecedented 24 to 24 tie in the State Senate. The 2007 legislative session will be the first time that an equal number of Democratic and Republican state senators have been seated in this august legislative body. While some skeptics have seen this historic equilibrium as a recipe for gridlock, we view it as an opportunity to work together to do the people’s business. Therefore, in order to ensure that the Oklahoma State Senate continues to function as the Oklahoma Legislature’s center of debate and deliberation, we, the members of the Oklahoma State Senate, set forth the following agreement and pledge to conduct the people’s business in a fair and impartial manner, to work in good faith and to honor both the letter and the spirit of this agreement.

1. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE and CO-PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE a. One member nominated by the Democratic Party shall be elected to serve as President Pro Tempore from January 2, 2007 through June 30, 2007 and from August 1, 2007 through November 19, 2008, and shall be elected to serve as co-President Pro Tempore from July 1, 2007 through July 31, 2007. b. One member nominated by the Republican Party shall be elected to serve as co-President Pro Tempore from January 2, 2007 through June 30, 2007 and from August 1, 2007 through November 19, 2008, and shall be elected to serve as President Pro Tempore from July 1, 2007 through July 31, 2007. c. The administrative duties imposed upon the President Pro Tempore by the Senate Rules shall be exercised jointly by the President Pro Tempore and the co-President Pro Tempore. d. The President Pro Tempore shall not exercise his appointment authority to boards, commissions, and other entities without the prior agreement of the co-President Pro Tempore. This provision shall not apply to appointment authority specifically granted in this agreement which is to be exercised solely by the President Pro Tempore or the co-President Pro Tempore.

2. CO-PRESIDING OFFICERS a. The President Pro Tempore and the co-President Pro Tempore shall serve as co-presiding officers of the Senate during its daily sessions but may designate other members of the Senate to serve as presiding officers. b. The co-presiding officers shall serve individually when the Senate is in daily session and shall alternate daily. c. The designated co-presiding officers shall perform the duties traditionally associated with the position as provided in the Senate Rules.

3. CO-FLOOR LEADERS a. The President Pro Tempore shall designate a floor leader from his political party. b. The co-President Pro Tempore shall designate a floor leader from his political party. c. The co-floor leaders jointly shall determine the order in which legislation is considered by the Senate. d. If the co-floor leaders cannot agree on the order in which legislation is determined, such determination shall be made jointly by the President Pro Tempore and the co-President Pro Tempore. e. The co-floor leaders shall serve individually when the Senate is in daily session and shall alternate daily. The Republican floor leader shall serve on days when a Democrat is serving as presiding officer. The Democratic floor leader shall serve on days when a Republican is serving as presiding officer. f. Measures on general order shall be heard unless the party leader of the author requests the measure not be heard.

4. ORGANIZATION OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE a. Each standing committee shall be composed of an equal number of members from each political party. b. The President Pro Tempore shall appoint the standing committee members from his political party. The co-President Pro Tempore shall appoint the standing committee members from his political party. c. Each standing committee shall have co-chairs from each political party. d. Unless they otherwise agree, the co-chairs shall alternate the duty to preside over their committees from meeting to meeting. e. The co-chairs shall jointly schedule special meetings and jointly cancel any meeting. f. There shall be no ex officio voting members of any committee. g. Measures shall be assigned to committees jointly by the President Pro Tempore and the co-President Pro Tempore. If they cannot agree on an assignment, the measure shall be sent to the Rules Committee; provided, however, each leader shall have the right each year to assign to the committees of his choice three (3) Senate measures and three (3) House measures authored by members of his political party without the assent of the other. h. A committee agenda shall be determined by joint agreement of that committee’s co-chairs; provided, however, each co-chair shall have the right to place on the agenda each year three (3) Senate and three (3) House measures authored by members of his or her political party without the assent of the other. i. Any measure assigned to a committee agenda by a co-chair without the assent of his or her co-chair shall be communicated in writing by the assigning co-chair to his or her co-chair and to the President Pro Tempore and the co-President Pro Tempore at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the committee meeting at which the measures are scheduled to be heard. j. Subsection D of Rule 7-7 of Senate Rules 2005-2006 shall remain in effect during the term of this agreement. “D. A quorum shall be present when any committee votes on any matter. Any member of a committee may request a quorum call at any time the committee is meeting. A number equal to a majority of the appointed members of the committee shall constitute a quorum.” k. Paragraph 9 of subsection F of Rule 7-7 of Senate Rules 2005-2006 shall remain in effect during the term of this agreement. “F. When considering legislation or conducting other business, committees shall observe the following procedures: . . .9. The vote on a recommendation by the committee to the Senate concerning a legislative measure shall be by recorded roll call and shall require a majority vote of a quorum of the members of the committee for passage. The only permitted recommendations to the Senate on a legislative measure are DO PASS or DO PASS, AS AMENDED.” l. A tie vote in a committee on the motion of “DO PASS” or “DO PASS, AS AMENDED” shall result in failure of the motion. m. All committee votes on the motion of “DO PASS” or “DO PASS, AS AMENDED” shall be entered in the Journal.

5. ORGANIZATION OF SUBCOMMITTEES OF THE SENATE a. Each subcommittee shall be composed of an equal number of members from each political party. b. The President Pro Tempore shall appoint the subcommittee members of his political party. The co-President Pro Tempore shall appoint the subcommittee members from his political party. c. Each subcommittee shall have co-chairs from each political party. d. Unless they otherwise agree, the co-chairs shall alternate the duty to preside over their committees from meeting to meeting. e. The co-chairs shall jointly schedule special meetings and jointly cancel any meeting.

6. OTHER COMMITTEES Conference Committees shall be composed of three (3) members from the Democratic Party and three (3) members from the Republican Party unless the President Pro Tempore and the co-President Pro Tempore agree otherwise. a. Joint Committees and any other committee composed of members of the Senate shall be composed of an equal number of members from each political party. b. The President Pro Tempore shall appoint the members from his political party. The co-President Pro Tempore shall appoint the members from his political party. c. The committees shall have co-chairs from each political party.

7. FINAL ACTION If final action is such as to defeat a bill or resolution, no other bill or resolution having the same effect and covering the same specific subject matter shall be considered by the Senate during either session of the current Legislature, unless the President Pro Tempore and the co-President Pro Tempore agree otherwise. Action constituting “final action” includes: failure of the motion “Do Pass” or “Do Pass as Amended” in a committee, if a motion to reconsider the vote on Third Reading or Fourth Reading fails to prevail, if a motion to table the motion to reconsider prevails, or if a vote is taken on Third Reading or Fourth Reading and no notice is served to reconsider the vote.

8. LEADERSHIP STAFF The President Pro Tempore and co-President Pro Tempore shall be allocated equal budgets for the staffing of leadership personnel.

9. AMENDMENTS a. It is agreed that a Senate Rule will be adopted to provide a two-day notice to members prior to the consideration of an amendment on the floor and a one-day notice on any amendment to a proposed floor amendment. b. The terms of this agreement may be amended upon two-thirds vote of the members of the Senate.

10. CONFLICT Where there is a conflict between the terms of this agreement and the Senate Rules, the terms of this agreement supersede the Senate Rules.

11. TERMINATION In the event a Senate seat becomes vacant and a special election results in either party reaching twenty-five members or more, this agreement shall terminate, otherwise this agreement shall terminate on November 20, 2008.

Askins Taps Dick Pryor As Chief Of Staff

Lt. Governor Jari Askins today named Dick Pryor of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority as her chief of staff. He is the husband of Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor.

Istook Faces Campaign Debt

From Congressman Ernest Istook's website: "We're working to resolve the debts left from the campaign, and your generous financial aid is needed. To send a check, click on this link to print the form you should send with your check to: Friends of Ernest Istook, 6113 Inland Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73132."

The amount of Istook's debt is not publicly known; his final Ethics Commission report has not yet been filed.

KTOK: Rowland Joins Prater Staff

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ After several years as legal counsel to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Scott Rowland is resigning to be First Assistant to Oklahoma County District Attorney-elect David Prater.

Rowland's resignation from the OBNDD is effective December 31st. He will become the number two man in the D-A's office when Prater is sworn into office. Rowland admits he was taken aback by the job offer because he had no involvement in Prater's campaign to unseat D-A Wes Lane.

"I thought it over a few days and after meeting with David, I realized the things he wants to do, the way in which he wants to do them and the people he wants to bring in to do them with are exactly the way I'd do it were I just elected," said Rowland in an e-mail to KTOK.

Rowland said he didn't want to "sit on the sidelines and watch."

Rowland once was the State Capitol Correspondent for KTOK before going to law school and briefly working with former D-A Bob Macy.

S&W's Turnaround Is Golden

It comes as no surprise to me that gunmaker Smith & Wesson is on a roll. The news about S&W is this: From a net loss of five million bucks in fiscal year 2002, the company is now poised for a record year. Sales are up almost 43 percent from a year ago...sales of S&W pistols, one of which is on my hip, are up a whopping 87 percent. Sales of S&W's M and P units...military and police sidearms...are skyrocketing.

In short, for a company that just four years ago was in sad shape, the present is rosy and the future is bright.

How did this happen?

Mike Golden. Mike is the president of Smith & Wesson, took over just two years ago. Mike's the guy who rescued Black and Decker a few years back, added the DeWalt line of tools to Black and Decker's portfolio and restored Black and Decker's financial health.

When the owners of Smith & Wesson looked for a miracle man, they picked Mike Golden. It was, pun intended, a golden decision.

Cam Edwards of NRA News introduced me to Mike in Milwaukee earlier this year. Just a few months back, I spent an evening with Mike in Oklahoma City and heard his personal version of the Smith & Wesson turn-around story. He credited the team he brought in...the incredible power of the S&W brand name...everything he credited but his own savvy and marketing expertise.

By just talking to Mike Golden, it was apparent S&W was about to reap huge rewards from his leadership. The guy just exudes confidence.

I'm tickled to see this happen. Mike deserves it, S&W deserves it and, as importantly, the firearms industry deserves it. It is a great American business success story. Hats off to Mike Golden and Smith & Wesson.

Fields Says Reneau Prevents Smooth Transition: Davis Says There's No Interference

By Beth Myers, Oklahoma News Network/NewsRadio 1000 KTOK Oklahoma Labor Commissioner-Elect Lloyd Fields is blasting current Commissioner Brenda Reneau for preventing a smooth transition from taking place at the State Labor Department.

He says, "We haven't been able to hire anybody because she won't let us in over there. She won't talk to us. When I called over there the other day after she said she'd let us in on January 3rd, I said I need more time than that."

He says Reneau will not let him talk to agency employees to get to know them and what they do for the department. He calls it a disservice to the taxpayers.

Labor Department Chief of Staff Trey Davis says Reneau is taking great pains to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible. "He (Fields) is not the commissioner until January 8th and there is really nothing to transition except for his personal staff who will also assume positions on January 8th. Technically he can't begin hiring people until January 8th. We've made no effort to interfere in any way, rather we've gone out of our way to accomodate him, requesting that the division directors prepare summaries and status reports to be presented to him on January 3rd."

Gaddie: Lessons From The Silly Season

By Keith Gaddie ~ Let’s take one last look over the shoulder to examine the smoldering wreckage of the 2006 campaigns. Lessons loom for all of us who watch politics or who try to make a coin or two off of the misery of others that is electoral democracy.

To wit: “The public is smarter than Karl Rove.” White House adviser Rove evidently was hermetically sealed in a mayonnaise jar underneath the front porch of Funk & Wagnalls since noon of 2004. The Bush win in 2004 came after early exit polls showed a John Kerry win.

Rove subsequently discounted most polling other than his own, to which he applied some special sort of “Rove Math” to determine political results. Rove held that Republicans would hold Congress in 2006, but the public disagreed, delivering Democratic majorities in both national chambers.“Demographics are not destiny.” Despite pronouncements of some Oklahoma Republican operatives that the demographics of Oklahoma could not be denied, demographics were not destiny. It was vehemently argued that Republicans would prevail in major statewide races because of white, churchgoing evangelical types who would “never” vote for a Democrat.

The election eve TvPoll showed incumbent Gov. Brad Henry getting 60 percent support from regular churchgoers and 52 percent from the more-than-once-a-week evangelical crowd. Jari Askins ran behind those numbers in the lieutenant governor race, but led among every group except the more-than-once-a-week crowd, where she took two in five ballots. “Negative campaigning works when it is true and relevant.” Efforts to pull down Democratic candidates didn’t go far because true content wasn’t particularly relevant to voters.

Voters didn’t really care that much about the Republicans’ issues, because they’d heard them all before. Attacking Henry on crime failed because of his efforts to combat methamphetamine production. Henry delivered where it counted for swing voters — tax cuts — and he played bipartisanship to the hilt.

“You can say it, but if you can’t pay for it, it didn’t happen.” Where were the Republicans’ campaigns? Ernest Istook, Todd Hiett, Bill Case, Gary Jones, Brenda Reneau and James Dunn barely registered on the airwaves, and the organizational failures of some of these campaigns are sufficiently well-documented to not merit repeating here.

While Republicans, smitten with a dozen years of success in Oklahoma, may have thought that they had cornered God and prosperity and the benefits that come with same, evidently there wasn’t a prayer of raising enough money to run successful statewide campaigns.

“The center is back.” Voters split their tickets all over the place in Oklahoma, electing Democratic executives and Republican lawmakers, while all over the country voters shifted Democratically in general. Both events mark a political shift to the center, which felt abandoned by the strong-arm, “with-us-or-with-the-terrorists” style of politics that trickled down from the brain of Rove. Put simply, scaring the shit out of people with the “gay Mexican terrorists are coming” campaign doesn’t work anymore. The electorate grew numb to entreaties of the neocon/social conservative playbook, which denied a reality evident to a body of voters who evidently are smarter than the hijackers of principled conservatism.

Gaddie is a professor of political science at the University of Oklahoma, contributing editor of The McCarville Report Online and partner in TvPoll.com. He is the author of numerous books on politics, including Born To Run.

Why Did The Republicans Lose?

That was the question that began a week-long cruise of the Pacific with an all-star lineup of conservative thinkers and writers gathered to discuss politics, culture, the status of conservatism, radical Islam and the war in Iraq. Read more from Accuracy In Media.

UPDATE: Seattle Christmas Trees Go Back Up!

All nine Christmas trees have been removed from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport instead of adding a giant Jewish menorah to the holiday display as a rabbi had requested. Read more. Friend Mark Shannon has some thoughts on this topic as well.

UPDATE 12/12: Christmas trees are going back up at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Pat Davis, president of the Port of Seattle commission, which directs airport operations, said late Monday that maintenance staff would restore the 14 plastic holiday trees, festooned with red ribbons and bows, that were removed over the weekend because of a rabbi's complaint that holiday decor did not include a menorah.

Airport managers believed that if they allowed the addition of an 8-foot-tall menorah to the display, as Seattle Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky had requested, they would also have to display symbols of other religions and cultures, which was not something airport workers had time for during the busiest travel season of the year, Airport Director Mark Reis said earlier Monday. Port officials received word Monday afternoon that Bogomilsky's organization would not file a lawsuit at this time over the placement of a menorah, Davis said in a statement.

Politics: The Gadfly On The Wall

It is of considerable angst to some Democrats that Lt. Governor Jari Askins is leaving organization of the split State Senate to the members and leadership of the Senate. To my mind, she's simply showing good judgment. (I am chided by Tim Reese for the characterization of posts on the Democrats of Oklahoma blog as displaying "angst" on this subject. I deserve the criticism; posts added since this writing have, generally, agreed with my own position that Askins is showing good judgment. As frequently happens on the Democrat blog, however, Tim is not satisfied to chide me; he then adds childish personal insults.)

Some Republicans see a split in the party's leadership; it is their belief Chairman Tom Daxon and Vice-Chair Dana Murphy are on a collision course. The issue: State Rep. Randy Terrill's endorsement of Democrat Lloyd Fields in the labor commissioner's race, and what party leaders will, or will not, do about it, the party's "11th Commandment" in mind. Murphy and others want Terrill stripped of his House committee leadership position; Speaker Lance Cargill says he stays.

What next from that federal grand jury meeting in Muskogee and its (FBI) probe of Alleged Things Unlawful in southeastern Oklahoma? The grapevine says several of those involved are singing loudly and that 2007 will see even more revelations and allegations about legislators and the use of state money funneled to companies owned by abstractor Steve Phipps, Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan's buddy. Phipps likely will face the full force of the feds as did his abstract company empire partner, former State Senator Gene Stipe, in the Walt Roberts campaign finance scandal.

Rumors fly about retired General Tommy Franks and his reported plan to sell his home in Tampa and move to the ranch near Roosevelt in Kiowa County. Is he planning a 2008 run for the U. S. Senate? Or for the 3rd District seat in Congress? If the former, Jim Inhofe must be retiring, the wags say, given the mutual admiration society to which the two belong. If the latter, Frank Lucas must be retiring. Franks himself is mum; those of us who pay attention to such politicial machinations are not.

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, sooner or later, will pay a political price for getting wrapped up in gun-grabber Michael Bloomberg's crusade to ban firearms. Democrat Taylor's among mayors who have joined the New York City mayor's group and although she's attending meetings in places like Chicago, she's mum on the topic in her own city. Hmmmmmm.

Vets4Victory: Military Heroes Say Don't Quit

It's one of the best uses of the blogosphere I've seen in a while, and it comes from veterans of the war in Iraq, including Lt. Col. Steve Russell of Del City (Oklahoma) and Lt. Col. Scott Rutter. Colonel Russell and others, who have "been there, done that" believe our military must win in Iraq and they have solid reasons for so believing. Learn more. Colonel Rutter has written President Bush a letter that Mark Shannon prints this morning. Well worth reading.

No Commendation Here

I was jolted this morning, while reading an otherwise well-done piece in the Sunday newspaper on our military, to read that a soldier had been awarded the U. S. Army's "Accomodation Medal." And then, multiple paragraphs later, I read that a second soldier also had been awarded this "Accomodation Medal." So it's obvious the writer and his editor(s) believe such an award exists. Those of us with military backgrounds recognize it as the "Commendation Medal." (And if I learn the Army has, indeed, instituted an "Accomodation Medal," I'm going to put my Expert Marksman shingle and Good Conduct Medal deeper in the sock drawer.)

Keating Attends Pataki Meeting In New York

Race42008.com reports today that former Governor Frank Keating will be in New York for an interesting meeting on Sunday: Outgoing New York Governor George Pataki will, on Sunday, host a gathering of former United States governors, which, surprisingly and yet not surprisingly, includes two other potential presidential candidates–former OK Gov. Frank Keating and former WI Gov. Tommy Thompson. Not only this, but Pataki will also be holding the event in New York City, specifically–potential rival Rudy Giuliani’s home turf. Perhaps it’s the old adage of “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

Tripping Through The Saturday Blogosphere

Bloggers are letting it rip this Saturday. Just spent a couple of hours perusing blogs from one end of the spectrum to the other and share some you might want to check out in your idle time (no football, wind outside is cold, too early for Christmas shopping!) today:

At Accuracy In Media, Cliff Kincaid has a great piece on "Building The UN At US Expense."

At Alphecca, 2nd Amendment defender Jeff Soyer always provides an interesting read; today is no different.

For those into firearms, retired law enforcement officer "Gunner" gives us a look at his arsenal on Gunner's Journal.

Friend Michael Bates at BatesLine always has great material. Be sure to click down the home page and under "Blogroll," look for the small type that says "NewsGator Page." Click on it and you'll find news, information and thoughts from some of the best blogs in the state, and the country. Great stuff. (And it is at Michael's "NewsGator Page" that I am reminded of a fun blog I ran across a few months back and mentioned here: "Yet Another Small Town Moment." Check it out.)

Ron Black today posts a list of email addresses for all members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Handy to have.

Brent Bozell and his crew at Media Research Center have multiple posts today revealing the bias of the national media.

And, at Keep And Bear Arms, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his anti-gun buddies, including Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, get a lashing.

Watkins Leaves KOCO, Joins McMahan's Staff

Veteran reporter Terri Watkins of KOCO-Channel 5 is leaving the station after 24 years to join the staff of Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan.

Watkins will head up a new office of pubic information for Democrat McMahan.

Watkins is a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and holds numerous awards for reporting.

Cargill Announces House Committee Assignments

House Speaker-elect Lance Cargill on Friday announced new committee assignments and provided additional details about the restructured framework for 36 full standing committees and subcommittees.

“Our new committee structure truly meets the needs of a 21st century legislature,” said Cargill (R-Harrah). “I’m pleased that we’ll be able to offer all members a meaningful role in shaping both policy and budget issues, as well as offering greater input into the legislative process. And we have achieved the right balance of experience and diverse viewpoints among the 101 lawmakers.”

Cargill said the new committee framework includes 10 full standing committees and 26 subcommittees. Work on bills will begin in subcommittees before moving to the full committee and then to the floor for action. Additionally, 9 of the full standing committees will unify both policy and budgetary responsibilities.

“This new combined approach will give lawmakers all of the necessary information they need when reviewing bills,” said Cargill. “And it will help the Appropriations and Budget Committee complete its work more quickly and efficiently."

Cargill noted that the A&B Committee will continue to be responsible for drafting and negotiating the state budget.

Last week, Cargill announced chairmanships for the committees, appointing three Democrat members as chairs and giving the minority party in the Oklahoma House the most chairmanships in the history of the state.

Cargill also pointed out that committee assignments reflect the proportional party affiliation representation within the Oklahoma House, with a number of committees actually having Democrat majorities. There are 57 Republican lawmakers and 44 Democrats in the House. Representation on the 36 committees now stands at 56.8 percent for Republicans and 43.1 percent for Democrats.

Committees and their new membership include:

Appropriations & Budget - Rep. Chris Benge (R-Tulsa), Chair; Vice Chair: Ken Miller (R-Edmond). Members: Randy Terrill (R-Moore) Guy Liebmann (R-Oklahoma City), Shane Jett (R-Tecumseh), John Carey (D-Durant), Bill Nations (D-Norman), James Covey (D-Custer City), John Auffett (D-Stilwell)

Revenue & Taxation Subcommittee - Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore), Chair; Vice Chair: Danny Morgan (D-Prague) Members: Dale DeWitt (R-Braman), Tad Jones (R-Claremore), Earl Sears (R-Bartlesville), Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs), Richard Morrisette (D-Oklahoma City)

Rules Committee - Rep. Shane Jett (R-Tecumseh), Chair; Vice Chair: Bill Nations (D-Norman). Members: Rob Johnson (R-Kingfisher), Greg Piatt (R-Ardmore), Tad Jones (R-Claremore), Trebor Worthen –subchair -(R-Oklahoma City), James Covey (D-Custer City), Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs), Rep. Ryan Kiesel (D-Seminole)

Elections & Redistricting Subcommittee - Rep. Trebor Worthen (R-Oklahoma City), Chair; Vice Chair: Purcy Walker (D-Elk City) Members: Randy Terrill (R-Moore), Dennis Adkins (R-Tulsa), Ryan McMullen (D-Burns Flat)

Education Committee - Rep. Tad Jones (R-Claremore), Chair; Vice Chair: Todd Thomsen (R-Ada). Members: Ann Coody -subchair – (R-Lawton), Lee Denney – subchair- (R-Cushing), Terry Ingmire - subchair- (R-Bartlesville), Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City), David Dank (R-Oklahoma City), Doug Cox (R-Grove), Phil Richardson (R-Minco), Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa), Neil Brannon (D-Arkoma), Ray McCarter (D-Marlowe), Jabar Shumate (D-Tulsa), Eric Proctor (D-Tulsa), Jeannie McDaniel (D-Tulsa), Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs), Terry Hyman (D-Leon)

Common Education Subcommittee - Rep. Ann Coody (R-Lawton), Chair; Vice Chair: Neil Brannon (D-Arkoma) Members: Dale DeWitt (R-Braman), Susan Winchester (R-Chickasha), Weldon Watson (R-Tulsa), Ray McCarter (D-Marlowe), Ed Cannaday (D-Porum)

Higher Education & Career Tech Subcommittee - Rep. Terry Ingmire (R-Stillwater), Chair; Vice Chair: David Derby (R-Owasso) Members: Pam Peterson (R-Tulsa), Charlie Joyner (R-Midwest City), Bill Nations (D-Norman), Jabar Shumate (D-Tulsa), Terry Hyman (D-Leon)

Arts & Culture Subcommittee - Rep. Lee Denney (R-Cushing), Chair; Vice Chair: Ben Sherrer (D-Pryor) Members: Scott Martin (R-Norman), Randy McDaniel (R-Oklahoma City), Darrell Gilbert (D-Tulsa), Al McAffrey (D-Oklahoma City)

Judiciary & Public Safety Committee - Rep. Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs), Chair; Vice Chair: T.W. Shannon (R-Lawton). Members: Marian Cooksey (R-Edmond), Rob Johnson (R-Kingfisher), Fred Jordan (R-Tulsa), Charlie Joyner (R-Midwest City), Mark McCullough (R-Sapulpa), Dan Sullivan – subchair – (R-Tulsa), Sue Tibbs – subchair – (R-Tulsa), Ron Peterson (R-Broken Arrow), David Braddock – subchair- (D-Altus), Ben Sherrer (D-Pryor), Ryan Kiesel (D-Seminole), Richard Morrisette (D-Oklahoma City), Scott Inman (D-Del City), Paul Roan (D-Tishomingo), Terry Harrison (D-McAlester)

Civil Justice Subcommittee - Rep. Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa), Chair; Vice Chair: Paul Roan (D-Tishomingo) Members: Colby Schwartz (R-Yukon), Todd Thomsen (R-Ada), John Trebilcock (R-Broken Arrow), Richard Morrisette (D-Oklahoma City), Ryan Kiesel (D-Seminole)

Criminal Justice & Corrections Subcommittee - Rep. Sue Tibbs (R-Tulsa), Chair; Vice Chair: Mark McCullough (R-Sapulpa) Members: Terry Ingmire (R-Stillwater), Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie), Pam Peterson (R-Tulsa), Terry Harrison (D-McAlester), Glen Bud Smithson (D-Sallisaw), Chuck Hoskin (D-Vinita), Brian Renegar (D-McAlester)

Homeland Security Subcommittee - Rep. Terry Hyman (D-Leon), Chair; Vice Chair: Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie) Members: Gary Banz (R-Midwest City), Paul Roan (D-Tishomingo), Glen Bud Smithson (D-Sallisaw)

General Government & Transportation Committee - Rep. Guy Liebmann (R-Oklahoma City), Chair; Vice Chair: Scott Martin (R-Norman). Members: Steve Martin (R-Bartlesville), Mike Thompson – subchair – (R-Oklahoma City), John Wright – subchair – (R-Broken Arrow), Rex Duncan (R-Sands Springs), Charlie Joyner (R-Midwest City), Mike Jackson (R-Enid), Lisa Billy (R-Purcell), R.C. Pruett – subchair – (D-Antlers), Mike Brown (D-Tahlequah), Dale Turner (D-Holdenville), Jerry McPeak (D-Warner), Eric Proctor (D-Tulsa), Al Lindley (D-Oklahoma City)

Transportation Subcommittee - Rep. Mike Thompson (R-Oklahoma City); Chair; Vice Chair: Richard Morrissette (D-Oklahoma City) Members: Don Armes (R-Faxon), Dennis Johnson (R-Duncan), Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma), Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie), Phil Richardson (R-Minco), T.W. Shannon (R-Lawton), Trebor Worthen (R-Oklahoma City), Eric Proctor (D-Tulsa), Dale Turner (D-Holdenville), R.C. Pruett (D-Antlers), Jerry McPeak (D-Warner), Al McAffrey (D-Oklahoma City)

County & Municipal Government Subcommittee - Rep. R.C. Pruett (D-Antlers), Chair; Vice Chair: Charlie Joyner (R-Midwest City) Members: John Enns (R-Waukomis), Sue Tibbs (R-Tulsa), John Trebilcock (R-Broken Arrow), Rebecca Hamilton (D-Oklahoma City), Daryl Gilbert (D-Tulsa)

Government Modernization, Agency Review & Administrative Rules Subcommittee - Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow), Chair; Vice Chair: Mike Brown (D-Tahlequah) Members: Dennis Johnson (R-Duncan), John Trebilcock (R-Tulsa), Mike Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City), Ken Miller (R-Edmond), Lucky Lamons (D-Tulsa), Ryan McMullen (D-Burns Flat)

Public Health Committee - Rep. Doug Cox (R-Grove), Chair; Vice Chair: Colby Schwartz (R-Yukon). Members: Gary Banz – subchair – (R-Midwest City), David Dank – subchair – (R-Oklahoma City), Dennis Adkins (R-Tulsa), John Enns (R-Waukomis), Greg Piatt (R-Ardmore), Kris Steele –subchair - (R-Shawnee), Randy Terrill (R-Moore), Wes Hilliard (D-Sulphur), Larry Glenn (D-Miami), Rebecca Hamilton (D-Oklahoma City), Glen Bud Smithson (D-Sallisaw), Jeannie McDaniel (D-Tulsa), Darrell Gilbert (D-Tulsa)

Health Subcommittee - Rep. Kris Steele (R-Shawnee), Chair; Vice Chair: Jerry Shoemake (D-Morris) Members: Wes Hilliard (D-Sulphur), Weldon Watson (R-Tulsa), George Faught (R-Muskogee), Todd Thomsen (R-Ada), Guy Liebmann (R-Oklahoma City), John Trebilcock (R-Broken Arrow), Mark McCullough (R-Sapulpa), Randy McDaniel (R-Oklahoma City), Ron Peters (R-Tulsa), Charles Key (R-Bethany), John Wright (R-Broken Arrow), Larry Glenn (D-Miami), Rebecca Hamilton (D-Oklahoma City), John Auffet (D-Stilwell), Jeannie McDaniel (D-Tulsa), Lucky Lamons (D-Tulsa), Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City), Scott BigHorse (D-Pawhuska)

Elderly & Long-term Care Subcommittee - Rep. David Dank (R-Oklahoma City), Chair; Vice Chair: Larry Glenn (D-Miami) Members: David Derby (R-Owasso), Ann Coody (R-Lawton), George Faught (R-Muskogee), Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City), Jerry Ellis (D-Valliant)

Veterans Subcommittee - Rep. Gary Banz (R-Midwest City), Chair; Vice Chair: Ryan Kiesel (D-Seminole) Members: Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs), Ann Coody (R-Lawton), Fred Jordan (R-Tulsa), Kris Steele (R-Shawnee), Paul Wesselhoft (R-Moore), Wallace Collins (D-Norman), Jerry Ellis (D-Valliant), Scott Inman (D-Del City), Paul Roan (D-Tishomingo)

Human Services Committee - Rep. Ron Peters (R-Tulsa), Chair; Vice Chair: Dennis Johnson (R-Duncan). Members: Lisa Billy – subchair - (R-Purcell), Charles Key (R-Bethany), Sally Kern – subchair - (R-Oklahoma City), Kris Steele (R-Shawnee), Pam Peterson (R-Tulsa), Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie), Scott Martin (R-Norman), Randy McDaniel (R-Oklahoma City), Al McAffrey (D-Oklahoma City), Scott BigHorse (D-Pawhuska), Al Lindley (D-Oklahoma City), Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City), Jabar Shumate (D-Tulsa), Wade Rousselot (D-Okay), Jerry Ellis (D-Valliant)

Social Services Subcommittee - Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City), Chair; Vice Chair: Jerry Ellis (D-Valliant) Members: Tad Jones (R-Claremore), Skye McNiel (R-Bristow), Mike Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City), Al Lindley (D-Oklahoma City)

Children & Families Subcommittee - Rep. Pam Peterson (R-Tulsa), Chair; Vice Chair: Jabar Shumate (D-Tulsa) Members: Lisa Billy (R-Purcell), Mike Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City), Jeannie McDaniel (D-Tulsa)

International, Federal & Tribal Relations Subcommittee - Rep. Lisa Billy (R-Purcell), Chair; Vice Chair: Wade Rousselot (D-Okay) Members: Shane Jett (R-Tecumseh), David Braddock (D-Altus), Chuck Hoskins (D-Vinita), John Trebilcock (R-Broken Arrow)

Energy & Technology Committee - Rep. Dennis Adkins (R-Tulsa), Chair; Vice Chair: Weldon Watson (R-Tulsa). Members: Terry Ingmire (R-Stillwater), Mike Jackson – subchair - (R-Enid), Rob Johnson (R-Kingfisher), Mike Thompson (R-Oklahoma City), Steve Martin – subchair - (R-Bartlesville), Trebor Worthen (R-Oklahoma City), Marian Cooksey – subchair – (R-Edmond), Ken Miller (R-Edmond), Sue Tibbs (R-Tulsa), Danny Morgan (D-Prague), Lucky Lamons (D-Tulsa), Ryan McMullen (D-Burns Flat), Ken Luttrell (D-Ponca City), Ben Sherrer (D-Pryor), Terry Harrison (D-McAlester), Ray McCarter (D-Marlowe)

Energy Subcommittee - Rep. Marian Cooksey (R-Edmond), Chair; Vice Chair: Fred Jordan (R-Tulsa) Members: Lee Denney (R-Cushing), David Derby (R-Owasso), John Enns (R-Waukomis), Skye McNiel (R-Bristow), Colby Schwartz (R-Yukon), Dennis Johnson (R-Duncan), Ron Peters (R-Tulsa), Ron Peterson (R-Broken Arrow), Scott Martin (R-Norman), Earl Sears (R-Bartlesville), Paul Wesselhoft (R-Moore), Danny Morgan (D-Prague), Lucky Lamons (D-Tulsa), Ryan McMullen (D-Burns Flat), Ken Luttrell (D-Ponca City), Ben Sherrer (D-Pryor), Terry Harrison (D-McAlester), Ray McCarter (D-Marlowe), Jerry McPeak (D-Warner), Ryan Kiesel (D-Seminole), Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs)

Telecommunications & Utility Regulation Subcommittee - Rep. Steve Martin (R-Bartlesville), Chair; Vice Chair: Earl Sears (R-Bartlesville) Members: Shane Jett (R-Tecumseh), Ron Peterson (R-Broken Arrow), Wes Hilliard (D-Sulphur), Scott Inman (D-Midwest City), Scott BigHorse (D-Pawhuska

Aerospace & Technology Subcommittee - Rep. Mike Jackson (R-Enid), Chair; Vice Chair: Mike Shelton (D-Oklahoma City) Members: Skye McNiel (R-Bristow), Mark McCullough (R-Sapulpa), Gary Banz (R-Midwest City), T.W. Shannon (R-Lawton), James Covey (D-Custer City), Purcy Walker (D-Elk City), Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City)

Economic Development & Financial Services Committee - Rep. Ron Peterson (R-Tulsa), Chair; Vice Chair: George Faught (R-Muskogee). Members: Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma), Ron Peters (R-Tulsa), Greg Piatt (R-Ardmore), Earl Sears (R-Bartlesville), David Derby (R-Owasso), Paul Wesselhoft (R-Moore), Susan Winchester (R-Chickasha), Fred Jordan (R-Tulsa), John Auffett (D-Stillwell), Mike Brown (D-Tahlequah), Mike Shelton (D-Oklahoma City), Wallace Collins (D-Norman), Chuck Hoskins (D-Vinita), Jerry McPeak (D-Warner), Ed Cannaday (D-Porum)

Insurance & Retirement Subcommittee - Rep. Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma), Chair; Vice Chair: Charles Key (R-Bethany) Members: Guy Liebmann (R-Oklahoma City), Chris Benge (R-Tulsa), Danny Morgan (D-Prague), Mike Shelton (D-Oklahoma City), John Carey (D-Durant)

Banking Subcommittee- Rep. Susan Winchester (R-Chickasha), Chair; Vice Chair: John Carey (D-Durant) Members: Chris Benge (R-Tulsa), Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs), Charles Key (R-Bethany), Steve Martin (R-Bartlesville), Neil Brannon (D-Arkoma), Purcy Walker (D-Elk City), Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City), R.C. Pruett (D-Antlers)

Industry & Labor Subcommittee - Rep. Paul Wesselhoft (R-Moore), Chair; Vice Chair: Ed Cannaday (D-Porum) Members: David Dank (R-Oklahoma City), Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City), Weldon Watson (R-Tulsa), Wallace Collins (D-Norman), Jerry Shoemake (D-Morris)

Natural Resources Committee - Rep. Dale DeWitt (R-Braman), Chair; Vice Chair: Skye McNiel (R-Bristow). Members: Don Armes –subchair- (R-Faxon), Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma), Phil Richardson (R-Minco), Terry Hyman – subchair – (D-Leon), Dale Turner (D-Holdenville), Purcy Walker (D-Elk City), Brian Renegar (D-McAlester)

Agriculture & Commerce Subcommittee - Rep. Don Armes (R-Faxon), Chair; Vice Chair: John Enns (R-Waukomis) Members: Mike Jackson (R-Enid), Rob Johnson (R-Kingfisher), Ryan McMullen (D-Burns Flat), James Covey (D-Custer City) , Wade Rousselot (D-Okay)

Tourism & Recreation Subcommittee - Rep. Phil Richardson (R-Minco), Chair; Vice Chair: Randy McDaniel (R-Oklahoma City) Members: Doug Cox (R-Grove), George Faught (R-Muskogee), Mike Brown (D-Tahlequah), Ken Luttrell (D-Ponca City), Ed Cannaday (D-Porum)

Environment & Wildlife Subcommittee - Rep. David Braddock (D-Altus), Chair; Vice Chair: Glen Bud Smithson (D-Sallisaw) Members: Dennis Adkins (R-Tulsa), Colby Schwartz (R-Yukon), Mike Thompson (R-Oklahoma City), Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa), Jerry Shoemake (D-Morris), Brian Renegar (D-McAlester), Dale Turner (D-Holdenville)

Boren Raised $1,065,099, Report Shows

Congressman Dan Boren, D-2nd District, raised $1,065,099 in the 2005-06 election cycle, his new report with the Federal Election Commission shows.

The report shows Boren spent $675,004 and had $338,194 cash on hand.

The sum raised put Boren in second place among congressional candidates in the state this year. Lt. Governor Mary Fallin was first, raising $1.7 million in her successful race for the 5th District seat. Congressman Tom Cole was third, raising just over a million dollars.

Fallin Sees Senate Power-Sharing Agreement

Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin says she is confident that Senate Democrats and Republicans can come to a power-sharing agreement and she will not be required to get involved. Read more of the Tulsa World's story by Barbara Hoberock.

Dunegan Named Durant City Manager

Former State Rep. James Dunegan has been named city manager of Durant.

Dunegan, 66, served in the House for 12 years; his service there ended in 2002. He is a member of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission.

Dunegan ran for governor in 2002, but gathered only 8 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary.

2nd Amendment Debate Rages In DC Court

In a case that could shape firearms laws nationwide, attorneys for the District of Columbia argued Thursday that the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms applies only to militias, not individuals. Read more.

Cole Tops Million; Lucas, Sullivan Also File Reports

Congressman Tom Cole, R-4th District, raised and spent more than a million dollars this year, his new Federal Election Commission report, filed this afternoon, shows.

Congressman John Sullivan, R-1st District, raised $875,011, spent $732,164 and had $160,680 cash on hand.

Congressman Frank Lucas, R-3rd District, raised $555,784, spent $509,118 and had $312,068 cash on hand; he entered the election year with a substantial sum on hand.

Cole's report shows he raised $1,014,947, spent $1,029,516 and had $358,377 on hand. Cole also entered the election year with a substantial sum on hand. Cole made numerous contributions to other GOP candidates.

The report of Congressman Dan Boren, D-2nd District, is not yet on file with the FEC.

We've previously reported that Lt. Governor Mary Fallin raised $1.7 million in her successful race for the 5th District seat.

Oklahoma Political Race In Tommy Franks' Future?

DEVELOPING: NBC's "First Read" reports that retired General Tommy Franks' "decision to sell his house" in Florida and move to Oklahoma "is based on his desire to run for federal office from the Sooner State." Franks was born in Wynnewood. After his retirement, he authored a best-selling book and has been a high-dollar personality on the lecture circuit. Franks could not be reached for comment at the offices of Franks & Associates in Tampa.

Franks and his wife own a ranch outside Roosevelt, Oklahoma, south of Hobart in Kiowa County. Franks' wife, Cathy, is from Hobart. They have plans to build a $15 million leadership institute and museum in Hobart; the city has a promotional advertisement on Franks' website.

Franks has been mentioned as a possible Republican candidate for the U. S. Senate in Florida; a straw poll there had him even with the incumbent Democrat. Franks has been hailed as an American hero by U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe, whose present term ends in 2008.

Norman Transcript Comes To Terrill's Defense

The Norman Transcript has weighed in on the criticism by some of Republican State Rep. Randy Terrill, who endorsed Democrat Lloyd Fields in his successful race against incumbent Republican Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau.

The Transcript's editorial notes that Terrill's "appointment as chairman of the House Appropriation and Budget Subcommittee on Revenue and Taxation is quite an honor for the second-term legislator who represents parts of north and west Cleveland County. The Moore Republican was called 'one of the hardest working members of the House' by Speaker-elect Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. We agree Mr. Terrill is a tireless worker who is passionate about his causes. So we're disappointed to see some state Republicans launching a campaign to try to keep Mr. Terrill from getting the subcommittee chairmanship because of his support of former state Rep. Lloyd Fields' candidacy for state labor commissioner. Mr.Fields is a Democrat. Mr. Terrill said in a Transcript story published Wednesday that he and Mr. Fields had been personal friends for many years and that relationship pre-dated both his and Mr. Fields' elections. It's the politics of personal destruction taking hold here. That mentality says if you're not with me, we're going to get you. We appreciate that Mr. Terrill's loyalty to a friend superseded party allegiance. It's a sad statement that some are trying to punish that loyalty. We hope the campaign stalls in mid-air."

For background, see our story of Monday, December 4th by clicking on the December Archives line below right. Center left image from Rep. Randy Terrill's website.

Passionate America Cites Deming's Testimony

Passionate America today cites University of Oklahoma professor David Deming, who spoke on U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe's favorite issue, global warming. Deming says, “There is an overwhelming bias today in the media regarding the issue of global warming. In the past two years, this bias has bloomed into an irrational hysteria. Every natural disaster that occurs is now linked with global warming, no matter how tenuous or impossible the connection. As a result, the public has become vastly misinformed.” (more)

Lawmakers Discuss 2007 Session Issues

From Mick Hinton in the Tulsa World: Lawmakers hinted Wednesday at what issues they will bring up in next year's legislative session, although those attending a State Chamber forum came up with some issues they said were being missed. Read more.

Lest We Forget....

Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith, United States Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Iraq on April 4th, 2005. He died while defending his position and his men against an overwhelming terrorist force.

Fallin Raised $1.7 Million, New Report Shows

Lt. Governor Mary Fallin raised $1,723,024 to finance her successful campaign for Congress in the 5th District, a new Federal Election Commission report posted today shows.

Fallin's report shows she spent $1,560,521 and as of November 27th, had $143,766 cash on hand.

Fallin blew through a packed Republican primary field, defeated Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett easily in the runoff and trounced Democrat Dr. David Hunter in the general election.

Hunter's report, filed today, shows he raised $407,766 and spent $358,302; he had $35,108 cash on hand at the end of the reporting period.

Image courtesy Tulsa World

Cole Promotes Daugherty, Woods Joins Cargill

Congressman Tom Cole announced today that Jill Daugherty has been promoted to district director and will begin her responsibilities in this new position on December 11, 2006. The District Director manages the three district offices located in Norman, Ada and Lawton. Daugherty replaces John Woods, who is joining the staff of House Speaker Lance Cargill.

"I am very excited to have Jill as our District Director--she has proven herself to be a motivated field rep, a smart politician and a strong leader. John Woods has certainly set the bar high and he will be missed in our office, but I know Jill is up for the challenge," Cole said. "Jill's experience and knowledge of the district will continue to make here an asset to our staff in this new position."

Daugherty is currently a senior field representative for Congressman Cole in the Southeastern portion of the district. She has held this position since Congressman Cole was elected to Congress in 2003. Daugherty, an Oklahoma State University graduate, worked for Governor Frank Keating as a public policy specialist and Cabinet liaison.

"Jill is well suited to lead the Congressman's Oklahoma offices. She has the knowledge of the district and the workings of the federal government to lead the staff exceptionally well," John Woods said.

Political People & Events

Rand Phipps Named To Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Post: Oklahoma City oil company executive Rand Phillips has been named chairman of the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association. Phipps succeeds Bruce Bell. Phipps is senior vice president, COO, general counsel and secretary of Mustang Fuel Corp. He has been Mid-Continent's vice chairman for the past six years.

Like Father, Like Son: Brandon Webb has been named president of Carl Albert State College in Poteau. He is the son of Roger Webb, president of the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. Brandon Webb, 36, follows Joe White, who held the position for 32 years. Webb will be paid $100,000 per year and have the use of a college-owned home and vehicle.

KOCO Tops TV Ratings: Oklahoma City television station KOCO-Channel 5 topped two of three time slots in the newest Nielsen ratings. The station was first at 5 and 6 p.m. KOCO, at both 5 and 6, was followed by KFOR and KWTV. At 10 p.m., KWTV was first, followed by KFOR and KOCO.

Wal-Mart Fuels Sales Tax Boosts For Del City, Purcell: A new Wal-Mart within its city limits has sent sales tax collections in Del City soaring. November collections there were up about 59 percent over November 2005, with a total of $603,429 compared to $380,088. The Wal-Mart relocated from Midwest City in May. And in Purcell, a new Wal-Mart sent collections soaring by about 69 percent, $312,629 compared to $185,290 a year ago.

Dutcher's Thoughts On Conservative Think Tanks

By Brandon Dutcher ~ One of the most rewarding aspects of my work here at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs is having an opportunity to interact with state think tank compadres from around the country and to realize that our organizations truly are making a difference. Last week I traveled to the nation’s capital for a series of meetings hosted by the State Policy Network, the professional service organization for America’s state-based, free-market think tank community. Read Brandon's column here.

White House photo, President Bush at left, Brandon Dutcher center right

Johnson Named Chancellor; Cargill Comments

Former House Speaker Glen Johnson, the president of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, is the new chancellor of Higher Education. His selection was announced this afternoon.

House Speaker-elect Lance Cargill (R-Harrah) said, "We are ready to work with President Johnson in his new role, and congratulate him on his appointment as the new Chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Our state’s system of colleges and universities is vital to Oklahoma’s future growth and the enhancement of opportunity for our next generation of citizens. The 21st century economy will be one based on ideas, innovation and entrepreneurship. I’m looking forward to working with President Johnson closely as we promote excellence in education for our state.”

Coburn Cites Senate's 'Biggest Mistake'

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn says the Senate's "biggest mistake" is not confirming John Bolton as U. N. ambassador. Coburn told The Oklahoman's Washington Bureau that Bolton, who said yesterday he's resigning, did a great job representing the U. S. at the UN during a time when U.S. policies are unpopular there. Coburn said Bolton would have been confirmed had his nomination reached the Senate floor for a full vote. Bolton angered some liberal Democrats when he refused to join others calling for passage of the U. N.'s global ban on guns, and when he was critical of U. N. policies and actions in some parts of the world.

Democrats Aren't Eager To Take On Inhofe?

Oklahoma Democrats' near-sweep of statewide offices in the November elections has prompted some brave talk among the rank and file about unseating Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe in 2008. But the Democrats who are mentioned as the most likely challengers are not exactly falling over each other to get into the ring with Inhofe. Read more of this story by the Tulsa World's Randy Krehbiel.

You've Got To BB Kidding Me!

The National Rifle Association's executive vice president, Wayne LaPierre, says officials in Bridgeport, CT have lost their minds. Read more.

Controversy Erupts Over Randy Terrill's Support Of Lloyd Fields In Labor Commissioner's Race

There's controversy today over Republican Rep. Randy Terrill's endorsement of Democrat Lloyd Fields in this year's race for labor commissioner in which incumbent Republican Brenda Reneau was defeated by Fields. Terrill recorded a message that was a "robo call" to voters in some counties. In the call, Terrill endorsed Fields.

Today, at least one Republican wants Terrill stripped of the key committee assignment he was given by House Speaker-elect Lance Cargill.

It's said that numerous emails are flying as the controversy escalates; here are two of them, the first from the Oklahoma Republican Party's Vice Chair Dana Murphy of Edmond:

"Republican Friends, inserted below is an e-mail message that is being sent by another Republican friend from Elk City to Speaker Cargill. You can e-mail your own thoughts or send this e-mail and state your agreement with it to your own elected Republican representative and Speaker Cargill as I received permission from Stephen to send it out to other Republicans. I have personally called my own Representative and Speaker Cargill today expressing my opinion.

"As Republicans, we receive so many e-mails asking us to express an opinion or show our support/opposition on this national issue or that national issue and e-mail or call here or there, but here is an issue right in your own backyard of this State where you can take action. If you have an opinion, please let your Republican Representative and Speaker Cargill know where you stand. Thanks for giving your consideration to this issue, Dana L. Murphy."

"Dear Mr. Cargill,

"During the 2006 campaign fellow Republican and House member Randy Terrill actively campaigned against now former Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau. His campaigning included recording a message in support of Lloyd Fields, a recording that was used in at least three counties via Fields' Robo-call machines.

"Brenda Reneau is one of the Party's best supporters, someone who put herself on the ledge when she actively supported Right to Work, someone who has continually stood for Republican values and actively supported Republican candidates.

"Mr. Terrill has broken one of the Party's cardinal rules, the 11th Commandment.

"As you know, the 11th Commandment is simple. Republicans will refrain from attacking fellow Republicans in ways that their Democrat opponents could use in the general election campaign.

"How in the world could you take Mr. Terrill, who helped a Democrat defeat Commissioner Reneau, and appoint him chairman of one of the most valued committee's in the House, that of House Revenue and Taxation?

"I've been told that there has been discussion about removing him as a voting member of the State Committee at the State Party level. I hope the elected party officials do the right thing and strip Mr. Terrill of all rights and privileges associated with his position as a Member of the House.

"In a day when Republicans are finally wresting control of state government, it is not the time to award Mr. Terrill a committee chairmanship after he trashed a valued Republican office holder and helped defeat her.

"I am asking you to rethink this appointment and remove Mr. Terrill from the Chairmanship of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. He doesn't deserve the honor. Sincerely, Stephen Rhymer Elk City, OK"

Rhymer is a former member of Lt. Governor Mary Fallin's staff and was campaign manager for Congressman Ernest Istook; he is now with the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City.

Sources Say McGoodwin Leaving A&I Office

Democratic sources report today that Jim McGoodwin, attorney in Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan's office, is leaving to accept a position in the Office of State Finance.

McGoodwin was among top staff members McMahan retained after he succeeded Clifton Scott in 2002. Prior to being named the department's legal counsel, McGoodwin was director of special investigations.

Henry Rules Out U. S. Senate Race

It's being reported that Governor Brad Henry has ruled out a run for the U. S. Senate in 2008 or beyond.

Speculation that the popular two-term governor might consider the '08 race began after his landslide victory over Congressman Ernest Istook on November 7th.

U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe faces reelection in '08 and some Democrats had Henry at the top of their wish lists in terms of a Democrat who, in their opinion, stood the best chance of defeating the veteran GOP senator.

Has Emrich Joined Biden?

A source reports today that Tim Emrich, who lost the Democratic runoff for the State Senate in Norman earlier this year, has joined the staff of U. S. Senator Joe Biden in Washington.

Emrich has been the director of marketing for Walters Power International, the company owned by former Governor David Walters.

Biden is considering a race for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008.

Novak: Keating For President?

Former Governor Frank Keating has talked to Republican strategists about a possible run for president, syndicated columnist Robert Novak reports.

Novak writes that Keating met recently with GOP consultant Ed Rollins, who managed President Reagan's 1984 reelection campaign and has been a sought-after national consultant for years.

Keating now heads the life insurance industry's trade association in Washington. In 2000, Keating was said to be on a list of possible vice presidential candidates with George W. Bush.

Novak writes that the rationale for a possible Keating presidential bid is the lack of a "clear and viable right-of-center presidential candidate" in the mix.

Iraq Sets Up Media Monitor

Irritated by the reporting out of Iraq, the government has set up a media monitor to ensure the truth is told: Iraq's interior ministry has formed a press monitoring unit in response to what it described as "fabricated and false news" that misrepresents the country's security situation. Singling out the Associated Press for criticism, spokesman Brigadier General Abdul-Karim Khalaf said yesterday that dedicated unit would monitor news coverage and even initiate legal action if journalists do not correct stories it believes to be incorrect. Read more.

Big 12: Free Speech Stops In The End Zone

The Big 12 now says that coaches and school administrators can't say anything...as in nothing...about officiating. Muzzling critics is nothing new to the Big 12, but this step makes it clear the Big 12 and its officials can't stand the heat.

The previous rule, which prohibited criticism of officiating, was bad enough. Now, the Big 12 honcho says any comment about officiating is verboten. Am I the only one who finds this offensive?

The Big 12's presidents adopted the new policy, with Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman (chairman of the Big 12's board of directors) saying his group believes that "commenting about officiating is increasing to some degree" and, "I think the board felt that has a detrimental effect on college football."

Oh, really? Would that effect be more detrimental than the specter of the Big 12 telling its minions that, no matter how lousy the officiating, not a word can be said about it?

The Big 12 has done itself no service by this latest rule. Officiating gaffs like the calls during the OU-Oregon game cry out for public criticism, often the only way outrage can be properly focused.

I'm hard-pressed to determine exactly what is the purpose of the new rule (or the old one, for that matter). What is it that the Big 12 fears so much about coaches speaking out about the quality, or lack thereof, of officiating?

And what's next for the Big 12? Will it want to ban sports radio fans from venting on talk radio, ban sports writers from taking note of the gaffs, miscues, mistakes and confusion that sometimes overtakes officials?

It appears to be the position of the Big 12 that free speech stops in the end zone and it reminds one of what can be found in totalitarian nations where dissent and discussion is not allowed. Sad.

PC Now Precludes U. S. Winning A War

Columnist Doug Patton offers thoughts on the held-by-some attitude that we can't win a war: Bill Cosby once did a comedy routine wherein he described the “rules” of the American Revolution. Intoning, as would a referee, Cosby announced that the British had to fight in the open, wearing bright red uniforms, that they must march in straight lines and could fire their muskets only when the order was given. Meanwhile, the colonists could wear clothing that blended into the landscape, could hide behind rocks and trees and could fire at will.

Unfortunately, American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan find themselves in a decidedly unfunny situation that is eerily similar to the comedic description Cosby gave us all those years ago. They are expected to observe rules of engagement that do not apply to our enemy and are guaranteed to get Americans killed. Read Doug's entire column.

BOOMER SOONER!

Big 12 Title Game: OU 21, Nebraska 7. How sweet it is!

Cargill Announces Committee Leadership Posts

As lawmakers prepare for the upcoming 2007 legislative session, Oklahoma Speaker-elect Lance Cargill announced Friday chairmanship appointments to the 36 full standing committees and subcommittees within the legislative body -- with a record number of minority party lawmakers serving as chairs.

“This will help the House conduct daily business in a more efficient and streamlined manner,” said Cargill (R-Harrah). “We want good ideas, regardless of political party affiliation. That’s why I’m pleased that we’ve been able to have such a good mix of representation geographically and from both sides of the aisle.”

Cargill noted he had appointed three Democrat members to chair committees -- giving the minority party in the Oklahoma House the most chairmanships in the history of the state. There are 57 Republican lawmakers and 44 Democrats in the House.

As part of announced committee chair appointments, Cargill said he was restructuring the committee framework to include 10 full standing committees and 26 subcommittees. Work on bills will begin in subcommittees before moving to the full committee and then to the floor for action.

“We’re giving more responsibility to lawmakers at the committee level, enhancing the process by making it more thoughtful and deliberative,” said Cargill.

Cargill said he anticipates announcing committee assignments for all 101 members of the Oklahoma House next week. Committees and their new appointed chairs include:

* Appropriations & Budget - Rep. Chris Benge (R-Tulsa), Chair

* Revenue & Taxation Subcommittee - Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore), Chair

* Rules Committee - Rep. Shane Jett (R-Tecumseh), Chair

* Elections & Redistricting Subcommittee - Rep. Trebor Worthen (R-Oklahoma City), Chair

* Education Committee - Rep. Tad Jones (R-Claremore), Chair

* Common Education Subcommittee - Rep. Ann Coody (R-Lawton), Chair

* Higher Education & Career Tech Subcommittee - Rep. Terry Ingmire (R-Stillwater), Chair

* Arts & Culture Subcommittee - Rep. Lee Denney (R-Cushing), Chair

* Judiciary & Public Safety Committee - Rep. Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs), Chair * Civil Justice Subcommittee - Rep. Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa), Chair

* Criminal Justice & Corrections Subcommittee - Rep. Sue Tibbs (R-Tulsa), Chair

* Homeland Security Subcommittee - Rep. David Braddock (D-Altus), Chair

* General Government & Transportation Committee - Rep. Guy Liebmann (R-Oklahoma City), Chair

* Transportation Subcommittee - Rep. Mike Thompson (R-Oklahoma City); Chair

* County & Municipal Government Subcommittee - Rep. R.C. Pruett (D-Antlers), Chair

* Government Modernization, Agency Review & Administrative Rules Subcommittee - Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow), Chair

* Public Health Committee - Rep. Doug Cox (R-Grove), Chair

* Health Subcommittee - Rep. Kris Steele (R-Shawnee), Chair

* Elderly & Long-term Care Subcommittee - Rep. David Dank (R-Oklahoma City), Chair

* Veterans Subcommittee - Rep. Gary Banz (R-Midwest City), Chair

* Human Services Committee - Rep. Ron Peters (R-Tulsa), Chair

* Social Services Subcommittee - Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City), Chair

* Children & Families Subcommittee - Rep. Pam Peterson (R-Tulsa), Chair

* International, Federal & Tribal Relations Subcommittee - Rep. Lisa Billy (R-Purcell), Chair

* Energy & Technology Committee - Rep. Dennis Adkins (R-Tulsa), Chair

* Energy Subcommittee - Rep. Marian Cooksey (R-Edmond), Chair

* Telecommunications & Utility Regulation Subcommittee - Rep. Steve Martin (R-Bartlesville), Chair

* Aerospace & Technology Subcommittee - Rep. Mike Jackson (R-Enid), Chair

* Economic Development & Financial Services Committee - Rep. Ron Peterson (R-Tulsa), Chair

* Insurance & Retirement Subcommittee - Rep. Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma), Chair

* Banking Subcommittee- Rep. Susan Winchester (R-Oklahoma City), Chair

* Industry & Labor Subcommittee - Rep. Paul Wesselhoft (R-Moore), Chair

* Natural Resources Committee - Rep. Dale DeWitt (R-Braman), Chair

* Agriculture & Commerce Subcommittee - Rep. Don Armes (R-Faxon), Chair

* Tourism & Recreation Subcommittee - Rep. Terry Hyman (D-Leon), Chair

* Environment & Wildlife Subcommittee - Rep. Phil Richardson (R-Minco), Chair

Latest Arbitron Radio Trends

Mark Shannon has the latest Arbitron radio rating trends.

Coburn's Anti-Spending Stance Widens

U. S. Senator Tom Coburn's opposition to pork barrel spending has become a hot topic among bloggers. As we learn from BatesLine, there's new comment today on the World Magazine blog.

Two Snow-bound Days In A Drafty Cabin

Ann and I just spent two days in a drafty, snow-covered cabin at Lake Murray State Park. The getaway seemed like a good idea when the temps were in the 70s: A lakeside cabin, not many others around. But alas, our plans went south as fast as the cold front. We arrived Wednesday mid-afternoon, temp in the 60s and light rain. By nightfall, the temp was in the 30s and thunderstorms boomed, the rain poured. By Thursday, it was ice and sleet and stiff winds. By Thursday night, it was snow, bone-chilling cold and iced-up roads. The cabin we stayed in was drafty (as in daylight could be seen around the front door), ill-maintained and dirty (as in cobwebs hanging in the bathroom). I was disappointed. For the nightly off-season rate I paid ($88 plus tax) for the cabin, it was too much by double. Doubt we'll visit the place again.

Image courtesy Tulsa Today

Join The Coats For Kids Campaign

This year, as in years past, Mike McCarville is teaming up with the Oklahoma City Public School District, MidFirst Bank, and radio station KTOK (and show hosts Reid Mullins, 5-8 a.m., and Lee Matthews, 5-7 p.m.) to raise money to buy winter coats for elementary school students in the Oklahoma City system. The "Coats For Kids" campaign begins now and runs through mid-December. It may be hard for some to believe, but every year, the need exists for up to 3,000 warm winter coats for kids who don't have them. Donations go to the school system and the coats are purchased at discounts from participating retailers and wholesalers. The coats then are delivered to the administration building, where volunteers and school personnel sort them by lists provided by teachers at the elementary schools. The coats are sorted by male/female and size. They then are bagged and delivered by volunteers, or taken by school personnel, to each school to be given to the kids. There are several important things about this effort: First, every penny donated goes to buy a coat. There is no administrative overhead. Everything is handled by volunteers or school personnel. Second, donations are not tax-deductible since the district has no 501(3)c fund for this project.

If you'd like to help purchase coats for these kids, contributions may be dropped off at any MidFirst Bank location or sent to: Coats For Kids, 900 North Klein, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Any amount is received with thanks. If you have a question, call 587-0010. Dr. Rochelle Converse is the administrator of the program.

UN's Failures Continue, Blogger Asserts

Almost from the first days of this blog, I have noted the continuing scandal of the United Nations peacekeeping efforts and their chronic sexual abuse of female refugees, many of them young girls. Despite over two years of these stories, the UN still has done nothing to purge itself of the disgusting practices of sexual exploitation and extortion. The BBC reports today that yet another peacekeeping mission has turned itself into a pimping expedition. Read more from the Captain's Quarters.

Fallin, Askins Rubbing Elbows In New Orleans

Lt. Governor Mary Fallin and Lt. Governor-elect Jari Askins will attend the National Lieutenant Governors Association Conference in New Orleans.

The conference includes executive committee and new member meetings.

Fallin, whose 12 years in office make her the longest-serving lieutenant governor in the country, will conduct a session for new members. Fallin's seminar will include information on staffing, scheduling and appearance requests and making constituent contacts.

Fallin will assume her newly elected post as U.S. congresswoman for the 5th District in January. Askins will be sworn in Jan. 8.