The Gadfly On The Wall

Election Day: Voters in Oklahoma County's district 1 vote today on a commissioner to succeed Democrat Jim Roth. Republican Forrest Claunch faces Democrat Willa Johnson in the special general election. Voters in our online poll picked Claunch to win, 62% to 38% for Johnson. Today, the actual voters speak.

Taking Sides: State Treasurer Scott Meacham's presence in the anti-coal plant debate on behalf of Chesapeake Energy and others aligned with the company have some pundits wondering if he's bitten off more than he can chew. Why would the treasurer, who plays no role in the energy industry, insert himself into a debate that involves the Corporation Commission? No easy answer. But Meacham says its an issue tied to the economy of the state, and a health issue given the relative "dirtiness" of coal compared to the relative cleanness of natural gas. Meacham is considered by some to be a sure bet to seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010 to succeed his political godfather, Governor Brad Henry.

Sooners/Cowboys: OU's football team moved up to No. 3 in the AP poll after an impressive win over Miami on Saturday. How about freshman QB Sam Bradford? 5 TDs! That's 8 TDs in two games with a pass completion percentage tops in the nation. Good for him. OSU's Cowboys got it rolling Saturday; let's hope the roll continues.

Family Ties: Way distant cousin Brian Red Moon Hawk McCarville of Fitchburg, Massachusetts is shown in his native costume as he prepares to join the other dancers at the Pequot Pow Wow at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Brian descends from the Lakota Sioux First Nation (and, natch, from the Irish McCarville clan).

Grandson Colby: The Navy Seabee's tour in Iraq, which began in January, apparently is near its end. He writes, guardedly ("Loose lips sink ships!"), that his unit's assignment is almost complete and he may be back with us soon. God speed.

Share |