Jones, Odom Spar Over Meacham's Ads
By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ As Democratic State Treasurer Scott Meacham launched a series of TV ads against the coal-fired power plant proposed by Oklahoma Gas and Electric and the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, he finds himself criticized by Republicans and defended by leaders of his own party.
"I think it's purely political and it's not what a political official should be doing," professed Gary Jones, chairman of the Oklahoma Republican party.
"Well, I think that this boils down to, he's being a leader," responded Ben Odom, former State Democratic party vice-chairman. "He's telling people what he thinks about an issue and it's gutsy for him to do it."
Both were interviewed for their weekly segment today on KTOK's 1st News with Reid Mullins who asked them about Meacham's public stance against the use of coal to power the generating plant at Red Rock.
The State Corporation Commission has yet to vote on the request for approval and had planned another hearing on Monday.
"It is the job of our public officials to take stands on the issues of he day," argued Odom. "He's doing what he thinks is the right thing to do. I think people like it when public officials don't mess around with it and tell 'em exactly what they think about it."
Jones thinks there are political motives behind Meacham's controversial stand. "It is so suspect when he hasn't said anything about the issue and all of a sudden, there's a fundraiser for him." He referred to a September 19th fundraiser planned for Meacham in Oklahoma City. "It's just an effort to go out and gain some political support and some contributions for his future."
Meacham's been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor but as KTOK reported last week, aides said the fundraiser was to collect money for reimbursements to his treasurer's campaign account.
"I think it's purely political and it's not what a political official should be doing," professed Gary Jones, chairman of the Oklahoma Republican party.
"Well, I think that this boils down to, he's being a leader," responded Ben Odom, former State Democratic party vice-chairman. "He's telling people what he thinks about an issue and it's gutsy for him to do it."
Both were interviewed for their weekly segment today on KTOK's 1st News with Reid Mullins who asked them about Meacham's public stance against the use of coal to power the generating plant at Red Rock.
The State Corporation Commission has yet to vote on the request for approval and had planned another hearing on Monday.
"It is the job of our public officials to take stands on the issues of he day," argued Odom. "He's doing what he thinks is the right thing to do. I think people like it when public officials don't mess around with it and tell 'em exactly what they think about it."
Jones thinks there are political motives behind Meacham's controversial stand. "It is so suspect when he hasn't said anything about the issue and all of a sudden, there's a fundraiser for him." He referred to a September 19th fundraiser planned for Meacham in Oklahoma City. "It's just an effort to go out and gain some political support and some contributions for his future."
Meacham's been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor but as KTOK reported last week, aides said the fundraiser was to collect money for reimbursements to his treasurer's campaign account.
Labels: Ben Odom, Gary Jones, Scott Meacham
posted by Mike McCarville @ 9:34 AM
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