Prince Harry Headed To Iraq

LONDON (April 30) - The head of the British army said Monday that he had personally decided that 22-year-old Prince Harry, the third in line to the throne, will serve with his combat regiment, The Blues and Royals, in Iraq .

Jones: Follow Henry's Money

Republican State Chairman Gary Jones said today that should anyone doubt where Brad Henry’s loyalty lies, look no further than his weekend veto of the lawsuit reform legislation, SB 507, and cross check that with the campaign finance watchdog, FollowTheMoney.org.

"It’s crystal clear that Brad Henry’s trial lawyer friends got a return on their investment this past weekend," said Jones. "According to the non-partisan website, FollowTheMoney.org, the trial lawyer industry is far and away the top contributor to his 2002 and 2006 campaigns. "It looks like they finally got what they paid for."

In Henry’s first campaign for governor in 2002, Jones said, lawyers accounted for over 27% of Henry’s receipts, far outpacing his second most lucrative source, a category referred to as "Self." Health Care Professionals were a distant third. See http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200236&c=23729.

In 2006, trial lawyers came through again, with 20% of his contributions, outpacing the number two category – health care – by an almost 4-1 margin, Jones said. See http://www.followthemoney.org/database/StateGlance/candidate.phtml?si=200636&c=416243.

"Clearly, Brad Henry has put the interest of his friends and colleagues in the courtrooms ahead of the better interest of economic development and business prosperity in Oklahoma," Jones said. "Our governor, without the specter of a re-election facing him, is showing his true liberal stripes."

Henry's Legal Reform Bill Veto Criticized

National and state business leaders are calling Governor Henry's weekend veto of the comprehensive lawsuit reform measure a killer for Oklahoma's economic climate.

"This is a mistake on his (Henry's) part that will have serious consequences for the state's business climate," stated the National Association of Manufacturers on its "ShopFloor.org" blog this weekend. The NAM posted the comments Saturday after Henry vetoed Senate Bill 507, an omnibus lawsuit reform measure that contained nearly all of the provisions the governor himself has repeatedly claimed to favor.

Though it's difficult to assign a specific dollar number, economic experts say the veto is likely to have far-reaching harmful implications for Oklahoma, a statement from Speaker Lance Cargill's House claims.

"Certainly states that neglect tort reform will fall behind states that enact lawsuit reform," said Rex Pjesky, Ph.D., an assistant professor of economics at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. "Lawsuit reform is important because it sends the message that Oklahoma is open for business. The tort reform bill would have helped everyone know that we want them to come to Oklahoma to create jobs, raise their families, and join us in prosperity."

The governor claimed in his veto message that, "SB 507 did little to help innocent business owners who rack up costs fighting a frivolous complaint that is ultimately thrown out of court."

Oklahoma's conservative legislative leaders say the governor's contention is absurd, and that business leaders were overwhelmingly in favor of SB 507.

Oklahoma's State Chamber reacted to the governor's veto with dismay: "Even though small business owners and large Oklahoma corporate citizens came together in their effort to communicate the importance of his signing of the lawsuit reform elements he himself called for, the plain fact is that he chose to listen to his trial lawyer friends," said Mike Seney, senior vice president of operations for The State Chamber.

According to the Pacific Research Institute, a think tank in favor of lawsuit reform, Oklahoma ranks among the 15 worst states overall in terms of a poor lawsuit reform environment. Oklahoma is ranked 38th for problems ranging from lawsuit threats to monetary losses from harmful verdicts.To make matters worse, surrounding states like Colorado, Kansas and Texas have all passed strong lawsuit reform measures and rank among the top 10 states with the best lawsuit reform laws, while Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana each rank far ahead of Oklahoma in terms of reform efforts.

Just across the Red River border, Texas ranks number one among all states for the best lawsuit reform. Even California, known for its litigious environment, ranks better than Oklahoma.

One respected Oklahoma legal scholar who has worked on lawsuit reform efforts agrees that the governor's veto is bad news for the state. In a recent post on the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs' "Under the Dome" blog, Oklahoma City University constitutional scholar and law professor Andrew Spiropoulos noted that, "Our leading lawyers ... ought to prefer the common good to their litigation success. We deserve better, but we won't get it, unless we are willing to demand it from our officials and ourselves."

Bible? What Bible? Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher, State Wildflower Win Quarter Design Vote

As the result of a statewide vote, Governor Brad Henry announced today that Oklahoma’s quarter will feature the state bird and state wildflower: the scissor-tailed flycatcher and the Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella).

More than 148,000 votes were cast in selecting the design for the quarter, part of a special series launched by the U.S. Mint in 1999. The Pioneer Woman statue in Ponca City was in some designs, but controversy erupted last week when it was revealed artists at the Mint had deleted the Bible carried in her right hand.

“Oklahomans have spoken and the results are clear,” Henry said of the online vote, in which people chose between five design proposals. “In the year of our glorious centennial, I felt it was important to give Oklahomans the final word on what will grace our commemorative quarter. Oklahoma has a rich heritage and diverse culture, and so it was a formidable challenge to distill everything that is Oklahoma down to a single design. But tens of thousands of our citizens took that challenge, and the result is an illustration that attests to the state’s natural beauty.”

The online vote capped a design selection that the Governor had crafted to let Oklahomans choose what would appear on the quarter. The process began last year, when two committees reviewed hundreds of designs submitted by Oklahomans and subsequently agreed on 10 final proposals. Henry then asked Oklahomans to choose the five finalists that were then submitted to the Treasury Department. Under federal guidelines, those designs were written narratives that the Mint converted to visual form. Oklahomans then voted again, choosing among the five designs crafted by the U.S. Mint. The #2 design proposal won handily. Earning more than 50 percent of the vote, it beat out competing illustrations that featured representations of the Pioneer Woman, a gushing oil derrick, waving wheat, a windmill and a calumet. The final vote tallies are as follows: #2-76,643, #3-19,710, No. 4-18,976, #1-17,784, #5-15,023.

Mary Easley In Hot Political Water

WAGONER ~ The Rousselot family, one of Wagoner County's most prominent political clans, is angry with state Senator Mary Easley that she did not renominate Jason Rousselot as county election board secretary, and that she didn't tell him about her decision. "That's not the way you treat people," said Rep. Wade Rousselot, the election board secretary's brother. "When you're dealing with people's livelihoods, you give them some notice." Read the entire story in the Tulsa World.

Reagan Allies Backing Fred Thompson

By Tim Shipman in Washington, Sunday Telegraph ~ Ronald Reagan's closest allies are throwing their weight behind the White House bid by the late president's fellow actor, Fred Thompson.

The film star and former Republican senator from Tennessee will this week use a speech in the heart of Reagan country, in southern California, to woo party bigwigs in what insiders say is the next step in his coming out as a candidate.

A key figure in the Reagan inner circle has now given his seal of approval to Mr. Thompson, best known as a star of the television crime drama Law and Order.

As deputy chief of staff, Michael Deaver was a key member of the"troika" of aides who kept the Reagan White House on track. With the chief of staff James Baker and special assistant Ed Meese, he was the master of image and presentation.

Mr. Deaver sees the same raw material in Mr. Thompson as was perceived in Ronald Reagan, describing him as someone "that could really make a difference". He added: "He is very popular in his party. He could change this whole thing and turn this primary system upside down."

As Ronald Reagan used to say, after he stole a line from Al Jolson, 'Stay tuned, you ain't seen nothing yet'."

Mr. Thompson's political and acting careers have been closely interwoven for more than 20 years. He originally worked as a lawyer and Republican campaign manager, and was a key legal counsel in the Watergate scandal in the Seventies. He was then asked to play himself in a 1985 film about a real-life judicial corruption scandal in Tennessee, supposedly because the producers could not find a professional actor who could portray him plausibly. That launched his acting career, which he has maintained alongside stints as a senator and continued Republican campaigning.

He has been a popular choice for on-screen authority figures, playing variously a White House chief of staff, a CIA boss, a highly placed FBI agent, and a senator. As one New York Times critic noted: "When Hollywood directors need someone who can personify governmental power, they often turn to him."

Mr. Deaver voiced the view of many Republicans that the current crop of declared candidates is unsatisfactory. Of the front runner, the former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, he said: "His popularity may be a mile wide and an inch deep. I'm sure that lead will shrink."

Mr. Deaver's intervention is significant. He is very close to Mr. Reagan's widow, Nancy, and is seen as the keeper of the Reagan flame.

Clark Judge, a White House speechwriter for Mr Reagan, said: "Fred Thompson, like Ronald Reagan, is a man of tremendous substance. There is a sense in the party that none of the candidates is quite 'it'." Mr Reagan, he said, had "embodied the mission of the party -entrepreneurial growth, limited government and a strong national defence. Whoever can bring that mission into this age will be the nominee. And it may be Fred Thompson."

Roger Stone, who was a Reagan campaign strategist, said: "The president Americans want is, in fact, the guy they see on Law and Order: wise, thoughtful, deliberative, confident without the cockiness of George W Bush, urbane yet country. Fred Thompson communicates all those virtues."

In 1965, when Mr. Reagan, then the host of the television show Death Valley Days, was considering whether to enter politics, members of the Lincoln Club in Orange County persuaded him to run for governor of California.

On Friday Mr. Thompson will address the 45th annual dinner of the Lincoln Club, which is billed as the "largest and most active political club in the United States." The invitation was one that other Republican candidates had tried to secure. The club includes some of California's richest businessmen, a necessity if you need to raise $20 million quickly in order to compete with Mr. Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney. The club found $100,000 for the 2003 campaign to oust California's Democrat governor, Gray Davis, which helped Arnold Schwarzenegger into the post.

Mr. Thompson has shown that he recognises the importance of assuming the Reagan mantle. He is on record as saying: "Ronald Reagan believed in something. How much we need that today. He showed what can be done if you have the will to push for tough choices, and the ability to ask the people to accept them."Mr Reagan himself, asked whether his training as an actor had prepared him for the presidency, once replied: "I don't see how any fellow that wasn't an actor could do this job."

Americans need not wait for Mr. Thompson to win next year's election to see him in the Oval Office. He plays President Ulysses S. Grant in the film, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, which opens next month.

The Gadfly On The Wall

The Royal Air Force In Oklahoma: Students of World War II history will want to pick up a copy of this new book, just out from the Oklahoma Heritage Association at $29.95. It's a work by Paula Carmack Denson that honors the memory of the British pilots who came to Ponca City and Miami to be trained beginning in the summer of 1941. Many of the pilots returned to England to fly Spitfires against German pilots; others served their nation in the skies over North Africa. Some of them returned to Oklahoma after the war and married women they met while stationed here. One of them was the late Harold Cogman, who trained at the Darr School of Aeronautics in Ponca City and after the war, formed a lifetime union with Mary Sunshine Cogman of Ponca City. "Coggy" was the father of my former associate and treasured friend Don V. Cogman of Scottsdale, Arizona, so my interest in this book is personal as well as historical. The book can be ordered online; use Google above and enter The Royal Air Force In Oklahoma.

Weekend Blogs: Brandon Dutcher speculates about the politics behind Governor Brad Henry's veto of the lawsuit reform bill (Senate Bill 507) and what role Senator Charles Laster of Shawnee may have played in it. Keith Gaddie offers his thoughts on the same subject on the Tailgate Politics blog. Army Captain Kevin Calvey, former House member, has recent posts from Baghdad and former Congressman Ernest Istook's new blog has some food-for-thought posts.

Testy, Testy: Expect the testy exchanges between legislative Republican leaders and Governor Henry to continue. Last week, they exchanged words over Henry's veto of budget measures and his veto of the legal reform bill.

Stories Of The Week: Two stories dominated coffee shop conversation this week. The "Pioneer Woman Without Her Bible" story and the campus paving tile inscribed with the name of the University of Oklahoma student who died when a bomb he was carrying went off were top topics.

Henry Vetoes Lawsuit Reform Bill

Governor Brad Henry announced Saturday he has vetoed Senate Bill 507, the lawsuit reform bill passed by the House and Senate. Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah) and Senate President Co-Pro Tem Glenn Coffee (R-Oklahoma City) both reacted to the veto.

"After campaigning for re-election as a moderate, this session we're seeing the reemergence of the liberal Brad Henry we all knew in the State Senate. If the governor isn't careful, he's going to get the nickname 'Governor No,' with all of the vetoes he has issued lately.

"It is ridiculous for the governor to claim he is trying to protect businesses. Business owners know the truth, and they wanted this reform. The governor spent the last two days attempting to water down this legislation.

"Where has the governor been the last four months? To renegotiate a complex and lengthy bill at the eleventh hour ignores the fact that this has been a topic at the Capitol for months.

"We know defenders of the status quo will come up with a long list of excuses to stop Oklahoma from moving forward. As House Republicans continue to champion much-needed reforms in areas like education, tax and civil justice, the governor has become a powerful defender of a detrimental status quo.

"In just the past several weeks, the governor has vetoed a conservative bipartisan budget, he's tried to stop important tax relief in its tracks, he killed pro-life reform, he opposed an independent outside audit of the Department of Corrections and now he has thwarted lawsuit reform.

"We want Oklahoma's second century to be better than its first. While the governor may want to keep us tied down with the failed policies of the past, we will double our efforts to move our state forward."

Coffee said, “This is one of the biggest flip-flops in Oklahoma political history. Today, the governor ignored his own promises by vetoing the genuine reforms he called for in 2004,” stated Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “To paraphrase Groucho Marx: If you don’t like Brad Henry’s stated principles on an issue, don’t worry, he has others,” he said.

“The governor missed a grand opportunity to send a message to the nation that Oklahoma is pro-jobs, pro-doctor, and pro-business,” Coffee continued. “Instead, he sent a message that millionaire trial lawyers are still running the show.”

In 2004 Henry promised to bring “Texas-Plus” lawsuit reform to Oklahoma – and even campaigned in favor of lawsuit reform during last year’s governor’s race. SB 507 contained 18 of the 28 areas of lawsuit reform Henry called for in 2004.

The Oklahoman: Morgan Paid By Title Companies Partially Owned By Steve Phipps, Gene Stipe

The Oklahoman reports in its Sunday edition ("Senator's income examined") that Senate Democratic leader Mike Morgan of Stillwater, an attorney, was paid $13,750 by "companies owned in part by two men under investigation for allegedly paying kickbacks to legislators...."

The two men are former Senator Gene Stipe and his abstract/title company empire partner, Steve Phipps of Kiowa.

Investigative reporters Nolan Clay and Tony Thornton report Morgan has not been contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is deep into an investigation involving the funneling of state funds to entities owned by Phipps and Stipe, and the use of "straw donors" to funnel illegal donations to numerous political campaigns.

Clay and Thornton report Morgan was paid $5,000 by University Land Title Services in Stillwater in May 2000, and $8,750 by Guaranty Title Company of Oklahoma City in October 2000.

Morgan's attorneys, hired to answer questions about the transactions, told the reporters Morgan did not know the two firms were partially owned by Phipps and Stipe; they said he dealt only with the man he thought was the owner, Larry Witt of Stillwater. They said Morgan "has not been involved in anything inappropriate or improper."

A key part of the on-going FBI investigation apparently has been the funneling of state funds to private businesses owned by Phipps and Stipe. The FBI alleges the two paid kickbacks to three legislators (Randall Erwin, Jerry Hefner and Mike Mass) for helping divert the funds to the Phipps/Stipe businesses. The payments to Morgan apparently were made about three years before the alleged diversion of state funds occurred.

Roth, Anthony Confer At Corporation Commission

Insiders report that Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth met with Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony today for about an hour. The meeting fuels speculation (perhaps incorrect) that Roth may have moved to the top of the list of those Governor Brad Henry is considering as a replacement for Republican Denise Bode, whose resignation becomes effective May 31st.

Roth's name has surfaced in some key Democrat circles; he apparently has the active support of lobbyist Pat Hall and others.

Roth apparently arranged the meeting with Anthony on his own. At the urging of those who want him to be named to the post, Roth reportedly contacted Henry's office to discuss his interest and followed up by meeting with Anthony, the veteran Republican commissioner.

Henry has given no indication of those he's considering and a source says it's not likely Henry will make an immediate appointment.

Oklahoma City Councilman Pete White and Pete Regan, former chief of staff for Congressman Dan Boren and a 2006 candidate for lieutenant governor, also have been mentioned.

Senate Passes 'Safe Families' Measures

Three key portions of the House Republican majority's "Safe Families" agenda were approved by the Senate this week. Measures to combat sexual violence, strengthen penalties for sex offenses against children and increase the length of conceal-carry permits in Oklahoma all passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support.

Poll: Little Support For Little Schoolers!

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs reports that new survey data tell us that Oklahoma voters, by a margin of better than two to one, oppose the creation of a public school program for three-year-olds.

A statewide survey of 500 registered voters, commissioned by OCPA and conducted by Cole, Hargrave, Snodgrass and Associates, shows that 65 percent of Oklahomans oppose the creation of a new program, while 29 percent are in favor. Six percent of respondents are undecided. The survey, which was conducted April 23-26, has a margin of error of +/- 4.3 percent.

Cheney Says Withdrawal Bad Policy

Vice President Dick Cheney predicted Friday that terrorist acts would increase in Afghanistan, Middle Eastern capitals and other cities around the world if the U.S. pulls out of Iraq.

He spoke in Tulsa at a fund-raiser for U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe.

Cheney said U.S. efforts to stabilize Iraq can succeed and, "We can be confident in the outcome of the struggle. We serve a cause that's right. The only way for us to lose is to quit, but that's not an option.''

Cheney criticized congressional Democrats for legislation approved by Congress Thursday that calls for the start of withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by October 1st.

Ten protesters were cited for alleged obstruction of free passage and one person was arrested during a protest outside the Cheney appearance.

Rice Considers U. S. Senate Race

State Senator Andrew Rice, Oklahoma City Democrat, says he may consider a run against Republican U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe next year.

Rice, in his first term, said he was in Dallas last week with Senator Charles Schumer, D-New York, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. "I said I was open to it," he told Schumer of the race.

Rice graduated in 1996 from Colby College (Waterville, Maine) with a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies and a minor in African American Studies. After graduation, he was accepted to Harvard University Divinity School, but deferred his admission for one year to work and travel in Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. In Sri Lanka, he worked with the largest Grassroots NGO in Asia, helping with rural development in Village life and in the conflict zone. In Thailand, Rice worked for the country's largest private AIDS hospice and in India, he studied drug addiction problems and treatment in urban India.

Rice received his Masters in Theological Studies from the Harvard University Divinity School in 1999. After graduate school, he worked as a freelance documentary producer and editor. He worked on programs for the BBC and PBS, including segments for The Newshour with Jim Lehrer.

His older brother, David Rice, was killed in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001.

Rice has worked for the Texas Freedom Network, which counters the influence of religious extremism in public policy. He is the founder of the Progressive Alliance Foundation which works throughout the state of Oklahoma "advancing progressive, fair-minded and constitutional solutions to public policy problems," his biography states. He also launched the Red River Democracy Project (RRDP) and is on the board of The People's Opinion Project.

Rice, 34, said he has not made a final decision about the Senate race, but an Internet site has been set up to encourage Rice to run at http://www.runandrewrun.com/.

PC Nonsense: Quarter Design Omits Bible

From The Tulsa World ~ As the deadline nears to decide what image will grace the back of Oklahoma's state quarter, several Oklahomans have taken exception with what won't be on the proposed coins. Four of the five final designs for the Oklahoma quarter include visual references to Ponca City's Pioneer Woman, a 30-foot-tall bronze statue depicting a stoic young mother, her son's hand firmly grasped in her left hand, a Bible in her right hand. However, on all four quarter designs, the Pioneer Woman's Bible is not included.

Mint Director Is Christian Activist

The director of the United States Mint in Washington may not approve of the deletion of the Bible from the design of the Oklahoma state quarter by his agency. Edmund C. Moy is a member of the board of directors of Christianity Today International, a leading exponent of evangelical, conservative Christian values and Bible-based teaching that was founded by The Reverend Billy Graham.

Moy served as Director of the Office of Coordinated Care Policy and Planning at the Health Care Financing Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services during the George H. W. Bush administration.

In between the two Bush administrations, Moy was involved in private-sector ventures. For two-and-one-half years, beginning in 1997, he suffered from a debilitating nerve illness, which was later cured by brain surgery.

Moy worked on President George W. Bush's transition team in 2001. From 2001 to 2006, Moy served as Special Assistant to the President and Associate Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House. He oversaw the selection of candidates for presidential appointments in the general areas of human, natural and cultural resources. In 2003, he served on the transition team for the newly-created Department of Homeland Security.

Moy is an active participant in organizations representing the Asian American community, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of Christianity Today International.

Gingrich To Visit Oklahoma City

Former U. S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich will visit Oklahoma City next week to speak at a dinner forum on improving health care. Gingrich's speech will help kick off the Oklahoma Executive Roundtable on Monday night at the Skirvin Hotel. The event is a gathering of corporate, government, academic and nonprofit leaders. Gingrich has founded a center in Washington to seek intelligent ways to improve America's health system. It's called the Center for Health Transformation. He's considered a possible Republican candidate for president next year.

OU Bomber Has Memorial Tile

A tile memorializing Joel H. Hinrichs III, the OU student who killed himself outside Owen Field when a bomb in his possession went off, has some upset. It's reported today the tile was installed by the university on its own; the decision apparently was made by Dean of Students Clarke Stroud. Other tiles carrying the names of honorees are paid for by the families at a cost of $150. Hinrichs died outside the stadium during an OU football game; law enforcement officials believe it went off accidentially and he had other plans for the bomb.

Teacher Retirement System Reform Passes House

The House today voted to fund Oklahoma's teacher retirement system with a plan to pump more than $200 million into the system over the next five years. "It's taken us a long time to get into this situation, and it will take us a long time to get out. But this is a major step in the right direction," said Rep. Tad Jones (R-Claremore), who presented the plan on the House floor. "This is a permanent funding solution for what is a looming crisis for our state."

Senate Passes 'Safe Families' Bill

A key portion of the House Republican "Safe Families Platform" was unanimously approved by the State Senate Wednesday. House Bill 1051, by House Speaker Lance Cargill, prevents student-aged sex offenders from attending the same school as their victims. The measure was approved in a 47-0 vote.

Senate 'Pro-life' Veto Override Attempt Fails

The evenly divided Oklahoma Senate today fell a vote short of the 32 votes needed to override Governor Brad Henry’s veto of a pro-life bill after Democrat Senator Charles Laster (pictured) of Shawnee flip-flopped by voting against an override motion after voting 3 previous times in favor of the legislation this session, once in committee and twice on the Senate floor. But Senate Bill 714’s author, Senator James A. Williamson of Tulsa, said he will press on with future attempts to override Henry’s veto.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Family Warfighter: With grandson Colby Stuck deployed in Iraq with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, I'm attuned to family members in the service. Here's distant cousin Marshall Clark, U. S. Army sergeant, on duty in Afghanistan, earlier this year. Colby and Marshall continue a long family tradition of military service (in the U. S. and Canada), all the way back to the War of 1812 and the Civil War (we fought on both sides).

Grandson Colby: Speaking of the 20-year-old Seabee, he reports long days. He works 16-7 and anytime else he's needed. Given NMCB4's mission, I suspect he works to support Marine operations, but won't know that until he returns home. He has taken to heart the "Loose Lips Sink Ships" admonition of his superiors and doesn't even hint where he is located or what he's doing. He is dedicated to the mission and, reading between the lines, he believes in the mission and what we're trying to do for Iraq and its lawful citizens. For Colby and his mates, the war is not political; it is upclose and personal.

School Systems Run Amuck: I am way past weary with the political correctness idiocy we see in our public schools, where 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds are treated as adults and suspended, kicked out or arrested (!) for doing things kids do, like placing a ham sandwich on a table in front of a Muslim student, or a 6-year-old boy kissing a 6-year-old girl on the cheek. If such rules had been in place when I was that age, I would still be in juvenile detention. (And, let me add, the nuns who used to whack my hands with steel-edged rulers would be in jail for child abuse. That hurt like hell, but I didn't turn into a nutcase and I damn sure did what Sister Mary Margaret (for example) told me to do. Except, of course, switch from writing with my left hand to my right hand; I did learn how to write with my right hand, however.)

If Memory Serves: When he names a new corporation commissioner, Governor Brad Henry will have named a state treasurer (Scott Meacham), an insurance commissioner (Kim Holland) and a corporation commissioner. Thus, he will have named three statewide elected officials. That's the most any governor has named so far as I can recollect. David Walters named one (Susan Loving as attorney general) and Frank Keating named two (Ed Apple as corporation commissioner and Denise Bode as corporation commissioner) to the best of my memory (jogged by someone with a better memory).

Weather Overkill: Okay, I'm all into live TV coverage of severe weather, but it is being taken to a place that's just silly. Yesterday, Channel 5 had reporters in the field telling us about rain and clouds and water standing in some streets...over and over. I could see both rain and clouds by looking out my window, and my street had water as well. It was as if the station aired the reporters in the field just because they were there, not because they had anything to report. And Channel 4 yesterday, with not much else to report weatherwise, showed us (again) footage of the previous day's small tornadoes.

Add Pete White To Corp Comm Speculation List

Add the name of veteran Oklahoma City Councilman Pete White, a former Democratic Party chairman, to the list of those Governor Brad Henry may consider for appointment as corporation commissioner to replace Republican Denise Bode. Capitol sources confirm that some Democrat legislators are prepared to urge Henry to consider White for the position.

Bode has resigned effective May 31st with three and a half years remaining in her term. A replacement named by Henry will serve until the 2008 election.

White served on the Oklahoma City Planning Commission from 1980 to 1982, the last year as its Chairman. He was first elected to the City Council in 1982 to fill the remainder of the term vacated by the previous councilman. He was reelected in 1985 to a full four year term.

An attorney, White served as chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party from 1989 to 1992.

In January 2005, the council chose him to serve the remaining term of office of a departing council member. He was elected to a full four year term in April, 2005. He is currently the Chairman of the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust, a post he held previously from 1984 to 1989. He also serves on the City Council Finance Committee, Social Services Committee, and Judiciary Committee.

White was the first Chairman of the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority, serving from the trust's creation in 1985 until 1989. He also served on and chaired the Oklahoma City Convention and Tourism Trust from 1985 to 1987. He served as Vice-Chariman and Chairman of the Sooner State Games from 1982 to 1997.

Around The Rotunda: House Democrats Criticized

Victim Photo Buttons: A measure to allow families of murder victims to wear photo buttons of their deceased loved ones in courtrooms passed the House, despite what Republicans described as "baffling opposition from most Democrats." The House author of Senate Bill 868, Rep. Sue Tibbs, delivered an impassioned plea for victims and their families. The bill passed 58 to 41, picking up only eight Democrat "yes" votes during a Monday evening House floor session. "Victims' rights were taken away from them the day they took their last breath," said Tibbs (R-Tulsa). "The defendants seem to have all the rights, but all you ever see of the victim are crime scene photos. If the family wants to wear a button it proves that victims were once alive and smiled and laughed. It says to the world that they lived." Though the bill passed by an essentially straight party-line vote, the emergency clause of the bill failed because of opposition from a large number of House Democrats, meaning that the bill can't take effect immediately if signed by the governor. Rep. Rex Duncan, chair of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, said it's not unusual for many Democrat lawmakers to "reveal their true liberal colors when the Legislature holds evening sessions."

Senate Advances Inmate Rehab Measure: The State Senate passed a key plank in the House GOP's legislative agenda on Tuesday, unanimously approving a measure to encourage faith-based groups to take a stronger role in rehabilitating Oklahoma prisoners. "I'm gratified by the overwhelming bipartisan support for this measure," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), author of House Bill 2101. "We should encourage faith-based and community volunteer organizations who want to help prepare inmates for life outside prison walls. With this measure, we're opening up the doors for their participation."

Tuition Lock Bill Passes Senate: Incoming Oklahoma college students could take advantage of a tuition lock proposal next year under a measure advanced by the State Senate this week. House Bill 2103 would create a locked-in tuition rate for in-state college students. The measure passed the Senate with bipartisan support by a vote of 26 to 20 this week. It now returns to the House for consideration.

Lisa Pryor Blasts Terrill Over OHLAP Funding

From the Oklahoma Democratic Party's blog, by Lisa Pryor ~ Randy Terrill, R-Moore, who once falsely claimed on his website that he "paved the way" for the National Weather Center in Norman, has proven again that he doesn't let facts and reality get in the way of his "pomp and circumstance" and political grandstanding.

In a press release from Terrill yesterday, the over-eager state representative crows that a new version of the law related to OHLAP funding would prohibit students and their families who "win the lottery" from participating in OHLAP. "If a student's family wins the lottery, they don't need state assistance and won't get it under this bill," Terrill said. This, even if the student and the student's family meet all the other criteria for participation. (What if a student is one of four children in the same family enrolled in a state university and the family's combined income is $101,000? That won't go very far with a family of five or six. Perhaps there should be a sliding scale provision for the number of students from a family attending college and utilizing OHLAP.)

I've often applauded Oklahoma's Promise, OHLAP, and see it as a very good investment in creating more college graduates for Oklahoma -- going well beyond "state assistance."

I applaud the House for its overwhelming approval of SB 820, yesterday to fund OHLAP first and to strengthen the student accountability to the program. And further I agree with Rep. Jerry McPeak, who said yesterday that Terrill's actions "tell the average Oklahoman that we don't want them to go to college."

McMullen Rips Redistricting Proposal Failure

A proposal that Rep. Ryan McMullen says would have eliminated partisanship from legislative redistricting was rejected by members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives this week. But McMullen vowed to continue his fight to reform the process.

"Voters should have the opportunity to choose their elected officials, but in Oklahoma legislators get to choose their voters," said McMullen, D-Burns Flat. "As a result, we have dozens of legislative districts so gerrymandered the incumbent never has to worry about re-election. That's not good for democracy."

McMullen's plan would allow Oklahoma voters to amend the state Constitution to establish a seven-member Independent Redistricting Commission that would redraw legislative and judicial district lines every 10 years. Currently, state lawmakers redraw their own district lines.

Loveless To Seek Senate Seat

Republican political consultant Kyle Loveless announced today he will seek the south Oklahoma City District 45 seat in the State Senate. Loveless said he'll kick off his campaign on May 24th at a 6 p.m. fundraiser at his campaign headquarters, 4400 Southwest 21st.

Oklahoma City Councilman Jerry Foshee previously announced he will seek the seat. Loveless' announcement thus sets up a Republican primary.

Loveless is the owner and founder of Phoenix Consulting. He's spent the majority of his adult life in politics or working for his family's business. He is a Georgetown University graduate. He cut his political teeth on Capitol Hill as an intern for Congressman Ernest Istook and eventually worked his way up to campaign manager. Loveless has been involved in numerous political races including city council elections, state legislative seats, statewide races, and two successful re-election bids for Congressman Istook. He was the political consultant for the Denise Bode for Congress primary campaign, and the Mick Cornett for Congress runoff campaign. He is the former Cleveland County Republican Party Chairman.

The District 45 seat is now held by Republican Kathleen Wilcoxsen, who is term-limited.

Tailgate Politics Blog Has Thoughts On Bode, Analysis Of Possible Replacements

The Tailgate Politics blog is back up and active again, with Keith Gaddie and Kyle Loveless at the helm. A post by Loveless today reflects on Denise Bode's decision to leave the Corporation Commission. A post by Gaddie offers his thoughts on the Democrats believed to be potential replacements for Bode.

House Passes Senate Tax Relief Bill

The Oklahoma House on Monday approved tax relief legislation that will speed up income tax cuts and provide needed relief for families with stay-at-home parents.

Senate Bill 861 includes all four components of a bipartisan tax relief agreement announced by legislative leaders more than a month ago. The bill now returns to the Senate for consideration before moving on to the governor's desk.

“I certainly hope the governor does not delay in signing this tax relief into law,” said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), adding that “any attempt to scale back this tax relief agreement will be nothing short of a tax hike on the people of Oklahoma.”

“This is about providing real tax relief for working families and entrepreneurs,” Cargill continued. “Passing a child care tax credit for stay-at-home parents is simply fair public policy. We should be encouraging stay-at-home parents, not discouraging them with unfair tax policies. And eliminating the franchise tax for most small businesses removes another barrier to economic growth in our state.”

Cargill expressed his disappointment in House Democrat lawmakers who voted down the emergency clause of the bill, meaning that the back-to-school sales tax holiday portion of the tax relief package won’t be implemented until next year.

“I think it’s a shame that House Democrats stopped this legislation from taking effect as soon as possible so that working parents could take advantage of it this fall,” said Cargill. “I’m puzzled by the House Democrats’ vote today. It’s too bad that parents will have to wait more than a year to save money on back-to-school expenses.”

“We must continue to bring Oklahoma’s income tax rate down so that we can compete with surrounding states for job opportunities,” said Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore), chair of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, who presented the legislation on Monday. “And getting rid of the franchise tax on most small businesses gives mom and pop enterprises the opportunity to grow and expand before they get hit with a heavy tax burden.”

Details of the tax relief package in SB 861 include acceleration of last year's tax cut plan, bringing the state's top marginal income tax rate down to 5.25 percent one year earlier (currently the rate is 5.65 percent); a tax credit for stay-at-home parents similar to that currently offered for parents with children in daycare; elimination of the state’s franchise tax on most small businesses; and a statewide three-day sales tax holiday beginning the first Friday in August for clothing and footwear with a sales price of less than $100.

House Passes OHLAP Funding Measure

Thousands of Oklahoma students will be assured of financial support as they pursue a college degree under legislation approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives today.

Senate Bill 820 would ensure that all scholarships awarded through the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program are fully funded by earmarking a share of general revenue for the program. Under the bill, the funding needed to pay for all scholarships will be taken "off the top" of general revenue collections each year.

"The great civil rights issue of the 21st Century will be access to a quality education," said House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. "This legislation provides that opportunity to many Oklahoma kids while insuring that we maintain high standards. It's not enough to get students through the college doors; we must also push them to achieve all they can. "

Nutso Bloomberg Has Another Great Idea

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has another nutso idea...an $8 per day tax to drive in NYC! Read all about it on Ernest Istook's blog.

Who Will Replace Bode? Regan At Top Of List?

Who will Governor Brad Henry name to replace Republican Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode, who has resigned effective May 31st?

Lots of names are being mentioned and the one at the top of the list appears to be Peter Regan, an attorney and former chief of staff for Congressman Dan Boren. A member of the law firm Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison & Lewis, Regan unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor last year. He lost the runoff to Lt. Governor Jari Askins.

Others being mentioned include former State Treasurer Robert Butkin, former Commissioner Cody Graves, former State Rep. Charles Gray and Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth.

Graves held the commission seat until he resigned 10 years ago, paving the way for then-Governor Frank Keating to name Bode to the seat. Last year, Graves sought to unseat incumbent Commissioner Bob Anthony, but lost in an Anthony runaway, getting less than 42 percent of the vote.

KTOK Dumps 5, Gains 4

Oklahoma City radio station KTOK has a new news and weather partner: KFOR-TV Channel 4, the NBC affiliate.

The new partnership marks the end of a long-running affiliation between the radio stations owned by Clear Channel and KOCO-TV Channel 5, the ABC affiliate. Included are KTOK, KEBC-AM, KHBZ-FM, KJYO-FM, KXXY-FM and KTST-FM, all of which will now air Channel 4's weather forescasts and severe weather warnings.

Channel 4's previous radio partner was Renda Broadcasting.

Arbaugh Linked To Stipe Train Deal

The Oklahoman's Tony Thornton reports today that Tim Arbaugh, former head of the abstract division in the auditor and inspector's office, was involved in successful efforts to secure state money to buy a train owned by former Senator Gene Stipe.

The revelation is another connection between Arbaugh and Stipe, primary target of a federal investigation into campaign straw donors and an abstract company empire Stipe built with southeastern Oklahoma businessman Steve Phipps, also a target of the probe. It's also another indication of Arbaugh's ties to Phipps and the abstract industry he was in charge of regulating.

Arbaugh was fired by Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan after Arbaugh was identified in an FBI affidavit as a straw donor. It is alleged that some illegal donations were made to McMahan's campaign. Arbaugh and his wife (pictured) operate a bed and breakfast, Victorian Garden Inn, in Guthrie.

Thornton reports that Stipe collected $300,000 in state funds for seven railroad cars, which now "sit abandoned on a track near the Guthrie train depot, having never been used for their stated purpose." The money apparently came from the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG). A letter the newspaper obtained shows the cars were owned by Phipps Enterprises, one of Steve Phipps' operations in which Stipe allegedly was involved.

Fred Thompson: Concealed Carry Saves Lives

By Fred D. Thompson ~ One of the things that's got to be going through a lot of peoples' minds now is how one man with two handguns, that he had to reload time and time again, could go from classroom to classroom on the Virginia Tech campus without being stopped. Much of the answer can be found in policies put in place by the university itself.

Virginia, like 39 other states, allows citizens with training and legal permits to carry concealed weapons. That means that Virginians regularly sit in movie theaters and eat in restaurants among armed citizens. They walk, joke and rub shoulders everyday with people who responsibly carry firearms -- and are far safer than they would be in San Francisco, Oakland, Detroit, Chicago, New York City, or Washington, D.C., where such permits are difficult or impossible to obtain.

The statistics are clear. Communities that recognize and grant Second Amendment rights to responsible adults have a significantly lower incidence of violent crime than those that do not. More to the point, incarcerated criminals tell criminologists that they consider local gun laws when they decide what sort of crime they will commit, and where they will do so.

Still, there are a lot of people who are just offended by the notion that people can carry guns around. They view everybody, or at least many of us, as potential murderers prevented only by the lack of a convenient weapon. Virginia Tech administrators overrode Virginia state law and threatened to expel or fire anybody who brings a weapon onto campus.

In recent years, however, armed Americans -- not on-duty police officers -- have successfully prevented a number of attempted mass murders. Evidence from Israel, where many teachers have weapons and have stopped serious terror attacks, has been documented. Supporting, though contrary, evidence from Great Britain, where strict gun controls have led to violent crime rates far higher than ours, is also common knowledge.

So Virginians asked their legislators to change the university's "concealed carry" policy to exempt people 21 years of age or older who have passed background checks and taken training classes. The university, however, lobbied against that bill, and a top administrator subsequently praised the legislature for blocking the measure.

The logic behind this attitude baffles me, but I suspect it has to do with a basic difference in worldviews. Some people think that power should exist only at the top, and everybody else should rely on "the authorities" for protection.

Despite such attitudes, average Americans have always made up the front line against crime. Through programs like Neighborhood Watch and Amber Alert, we are stopping and catching criminals daily. Normal people tackled "shoe bomber" Richard Reid as he was trying to blow up an airliner. It was a truck driver who found the D.C. snipers. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that civilians use firearms to prevent at least a half million crimes annually.

When people capable of performing acts of heroism are discouraged or denied the opportunity, our society is all the poorer. And from the selfless examples of the passengers on Flight 93 on 9/11 to Virginia Tech professor Liviu Librescu, a Holocaust survivor who sacrificed himself to save his students earlier this week, we know what extraordinary acts of heroism ordinary citizens are capable of.

Many other universities have been swayed by an anti-gun, anti-self defense ideology. I respect their right to hold those views, but I challenge their decision to deny Americans the right to protect themselves on their campuses -- and then proudly advertise that fact to any and all.

Whenever I've seen one of those "Gun-free Zone" signs, especially outside of a school filled with our youngest and most vulnerable citizens, I've always wondered exactly who these signs are directed at. Obviously, they don't mean much to the sort of man who murdered 32 people just a few days ago.

Via http://www.markshannon.com

The Gadfly On The Wall

Bode's Resignation: Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode's resignation surprised most. Some insiders say her heart hasn't been in the job since she lost last year's congressional primary, the theory being she wanted to return to D. C. Others say she'd grown weary of the daily grind at the Commission. Whatever the case, she's gone (with three and a half years left in the term) as of May 31st and Governor Brad Henry now gets to name her replacement. Is Cody Graves parked on the governor's door?

Adios, Gary: Gary Stearman, for 20 years a Saturday morning fixture at KTOK-AM 1000, has resigned. His final broadcast is today. Stearman has hosted the Home & Garden Shows and reportedly will be replaced by longtime Sunday night talk show host Gwin Faulconer Lippert.

U.S. Gun Control Plan from the Australian Shooter Magazine ~ "If you consider that there has been an average of 160,000 troops in the Iraq theater of operations during the past 22 months, and a total of 2112 deaths, that gives a firearm death rate of 60 per 100,000 soldiers.The firearm death rate in Washington DC is 80.6 per 100,000 for the same period. That means you are about 25 per cent more likely to be shot and killed in the U.S. capital, which has some of the strictest gun control laws in the U.S., than you are in Iraq. Conclusion: The U.S. should pull out of Washington."

Howard Dean: The screamer, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, will be the keynote speaker at the Oklahoma Democratic Party's Convention in Oklahoma City on May 19th.

From Keith Gaddie at www.tailgatepolitics.blogspot.com ~ Mike McCarville is bemoaning the lack of a Zydeco music station on the Sirius network. Well, Mike, until you can get over here to Southfork and listen to my collection of Ambrose Sam, John Delafose, Fernest Arceneaux, and the Zydeco Hurricanes, I'm directing you to a few places down in Louisiana where I get my fix when I'm online . . . laissez les bon temps rollier! http://www.kbon.com/ Louisiana variety, Cajun and Zydeco http://www.klrzfm.com/ Cajun mornings & swamp rock http://www.krvs.org/ KRVS-Lafayette (has Zydeco weekends & Mon-Fri 5am-7am) http://www.wwoz.org/ WWOZ Community Radio in N.O. radiolouisiane.com pretaped show on live365 player

Istook-isms: Former Congressman Ernest Istook presents some interesting twists on his new blog, http://istook.blogspot.com. Given his experience, it should be interesting. Among his first posts was one analyzing the "burn rate" of presidential candidates and their money, the burn rate being how fast they are going through their cash. Istook says he likes to shoot turkeys in the field and in politics.

Senate Bill 507: Don't be surprised if Governor Henry vetoes this one, a legal reform bill with lots of provisions, including one that holds gun manufacturers harmless if their products are used in crimes. The bill is backed by the National Rifle Association, which endorsed Henry for reelection last year. A sticky wicket for the governor.

Rock On: Miss America 1944 has a talent that likely has never appeared on a beauty pageant stage: She fired a handgun to shoot out a vehicle's tires and stop an intruder. Venus Ramey, 82, confronted a man on her farm in south-central Kentucky last week after she saw her dog run into a storage building where thieves had previously made off with old farm equipment.

Bode Resigns, Will Take D. C. Trade Position

Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode announced today she is resigning effective May 31st to head a new natural gas trade association, American Clean Skies Foundation, in Washington. A major member of the association, she said, is Chesapeake Energy Co. of Oklahoma City.

Appointed by Governor Frank Keating, Bode took office on August 20, 1997 and was elected on November 3, 1998 with over 60% of the vote, a record for a Republican running statewide for the first time. She was reelected to her second full term in November, 2004. Bode worked for nine years on the staff of then–U.S. Senator David Boren as his legal counsel, focusing on the areas of energy and taxation. Before joining the commission, Bode served for seven years as president of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA).

Governor Brad Henry will appoint Bode's successor; that person will serve until the 2008 election cycle.

Tecumseh Police Continue Trailer Theft Probe

From The Tecumseh Countywide News ~ A City of Tecumseh employee has been charged with knowingly concealing stolen property in the seven-month-old case of a missing campaign trailer.

Justin Lewis of Macomb faces a felony charge carrying up to five years in prison after a trailer belonging to a supporter of Gary Jones, then a candidate for State Auditor & Inspector, was found on his property.

Jones planned to use the trailer, which was decorated to look like a covered wagon, in the Frontier Days parade Sept. 16. The trailer, borrowed from a supporter, was brought to Tecumseh the night before and parked at Branson-McKiddy Real Estate on North Broadway, with a cable and lock through the wheels.

It was missing the next morning.

Jones, who was running against incumbent State Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan of Tecumseh for the second time, filed a police report that day and commented on the theft at a candidate gathering after the parade. He offered a reward for information.

Tecumseh police found skid marks indicating the trailer was taken west on Walnut, and turned the investigation over Lt. J.R. Kidney. Kidney received a call a few days later from a local resident who said he saw the trailer between midnight and 2 a.m. that night, being pulled by a red pickup truck.

On Nov. 1, Kidney was contacted by a sheriff's deputy who had spotted what he suspected was a stolen trailer in a field in Macomb owned by Lewis. Kidney and the deputy checked it out, and found it matched identifiers supplied by the owner, but the VIN number did not come back as stolen. When they traced the VIN number, it came up as being owned by the City of Tecumseh.

Then-City Manager David Johnson checked and found the trailer in the city barn where it was supposed to be, but with the VIN plate missing.

When questioned by Kidney and the deputy, Lewis claimed he did not know the trailer was stolen and “let someone park the trailer there,” according to Kidney's report. He would not say who parked it there “because of it being a political mess.”

Because of the involvement of a city employee, Kidney's report was turned over to District Attorney Richard Smothermon on Nov. 3. Smothermon in turn asked the Sheriff's Department to look into the matter. Deputy Jim Patten was assigned to look into it and recently turned his report over to Smothermon.

The DA said Lewis was “arrested yesterday (Monday) by one of my investigators, and I believe he has made bond.” The charge is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Smothermon noted that Lewis has “no prior criminal history.”Jones contacted The Countywide News Tuesday to say that he is still interested in apprehending whoever stole the trailer. “I'm upping the reward to $2,500 for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for stealing it,” said Jones, who was recently elected chairman of the state Republican Party.

Smothermon said that this week's charges don't necessarily mark the end of the investigation. “We don't have enough to charge anybody with stealing the trailer,” he said, "but as with all investigations, we'll end it when we have everybody responsible.”

Coburn Campaign Fined $33,170 By FEC

From The Tulsa World: WASHINGTON ~ The Federal Election Commission has fined U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn's 2004 campaign $33,170 after an audit found a number of reporting errors, a Coburn aide confirmed Thursday.

Jerry Morris said the Oklahoma Republican made a $30,000 personal loan to his campaign to help pay the fine. Morris said Coburn took full responsibility for the reporting mistakes.

Details of the transaction came to light in the campaign's latest report to the FEC, but that report was not available to the public until Thursday. Dates included in the FEC report indicate that Coburn made the loan March 13, and his campaign paid the FEC penalty on that same day. In its audit, which was released in January, the FEC found that Coburn's campaign had accepted contributions that exceeded the legal limit, did not provide information on contributors as required by law, and failed to file proper paperwork on last-minute donations totaling $349,100. Although refunds on the contributions that exceeded the legal limit had been made, the audit found that they had not been made within the time required by law.

"The FEC reporting errors and problems in 2004 were not intentional, nor were they the fault of the current campaign treasurer, Wade Stubbs," Morris said, adding that mistakes had been identified by the campaign even before the audit occurred.

Hip-Hop Culture Shuns Police Help

Read all of this scary report on Mark Shannon's blog: Black rap star Cam'ron says there's no situation, including a serial killer living next door, that would cause him to help police in any way, because to do so would hurt his (filthy lyric) music sales and violate his "code of ethics." Cam'ron, whose real name is Cameron Giles, talks to Anderson Cooper for a report on how the hip-hop culture's message to shun the police has undermined efforts to solve murders across the country. Cooper's report will be broadcast on 60 MINUTES Sunday, April 22 (7:00-8:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Around The Rotunda: Henry Creates Campus Security Task Force, Credit Card Bill Advances

Campus Security: Governor Brad Henry today announced the creation of the Campus Life and Safety and Security (CLASS) Task Force to study safety and security at Oklahoma’s college, university and CareerTech campuses.

Campus Credit Card Offers: Although lawmakers voted this week to restrict the sale of college students' private information to credit card companies, Rep. Joe Dorman said additional safeguards are still needed: "We took a step in the right direction today, but too many loopholes remain that allow credit card companies to target college freshmen," said Dorman, D-Rush Springs. "The door is still open for teenagers to be lured into a debt spiral that will take years to escape." Senate Bill 496, by Senator Jim Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City) and Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City), cleared the state House today and makes it illegal for any state college or university to "enter into any agreement" to "sell student data to any creditor for purposes of marketing consumer credit to students." The legislation passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 90-5 vote and now returns to the state Senate.

Senate Passes Legal Reform Bill: The Oklahoma Senate on Thursday narrowly approved a Republican-sponsored bill making changes in the state's civil justice system over objections it protects wrongdoers whose negligence hurts innocent people.The vote was 25-23 for the bill. It takes 25 votes to pass a bill in the 48-member Senate.

Istook Launches Personal Blog

Former Congressman Ernest Istook has launched a personal blog. Istook, the Republican nominee for governor last year, includes comments on politics, government and events. Initial posts deal with presidential fundraising and the Virginia murder rampage. In a jocular note, Istook presents this photo and says he is "off the congressional merry-go-round." Articles by Istook are appearing in several national public affairs journals and think tank publications. He's now a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation in Washington.

12 Years Ago Today

Twelve years ago this morning, I was knee-deep in the carnage of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. I arrived shortly after I heard KTOK colleague Carrie Hulsey's screams over the two-way radio; she was in a news car near the building when the bomb went off. News Director Jerry Bohnen was into what was to become a live broadcast marathon as the world learned of the-then worst terrorist attack in U. S. history. My most vivid memory is of the small black body bags glistening in the rain that fell into the night. I don't dwell on what I saw. I still haven't been inside the Memorial. Perhaps one day I will. - Mike McCarville

Newspapers Online: Feds Move Stipe Probation Jurisdiction; Is It Part Of A Crackdown?

The jurisdiction of former Senator Gene Stipe’s probation has been moved to U.S. District Court in Muskogee from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the Tulsa World and The Oklahoman report today on their websites.

The report immediately set off speculation that federal authorities are preparing a crackdown on Stipe; a possible additional action could include an effort to seize his assets, some speculate, under RICO statutes.

The decision streamlines the process for federal officials as a probation violation report is expected to be filed against Stipe, who lives in McAlester, in connection with an FBI and grand jury investigation that alleges kickbacks and illegal campaign contributions.

The order was signed by U.S. District Judge James Robertson in Washington and accepted by U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White for the Eastern District in Muskogee.

Stipe, a Democratic legislator for five decades, is alleged to be part of an illegal scheme with his estranged business partner Steven Phipps and three former lawmakers in which $2.27 million in state funds was earmarked to a purported nonprofit organization. It is alleged the money was then funnelled to businesses owned by Stipe and Phipps, and that lawmakers received kickbacks through the businesses.

Former House Democrat Mike Mass pleaded guilty to mail fraud last week in U.S. District Court in Muskogee for his part in the scheme. He could receive up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

In addition, the FBI affidavits allege that Stipe and Phipps were part of a straw-donor scheme to help elect State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan and U.S. Rep. Dan Boren.

The allegations are similar to those that landed Stipe on probation in the first place. Stipe pled guilty in 2004 to illegally funnelling $245,189 into the failed 1998 congressional campaign of protege Walt Roberts. Stipe received five years' probation, six months of home detention and $735,000 in fines.

Henry Vetoes Abortion-Restricting Senate Bill 714

Governor Brad Henry today vetoed Senate Bill 714, a measure advocated by those who are pro-life.

Proponents of the bill said it would get state government out of the abortion business by restricting abortions in state-owned facilities or by state employees.

“I am stunned and shocked by Governor Henry’s veto of this bipartisan legislation. Now that he has been re-elected, we’re starting to see the real Brad Henry – and we’re seeing that he is neither a moderate nor is he bipartisan,” said Senator James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa, author of SB 714.

House Speaker Lance Cargill issued the following statement: "It's especially sad that on a day when the U.S. Supreme Court is advancing the cause of life, Oklahoma is moving backwards thanks to the Governor. I don't think the Governor's actions today are in line with the beliefs of most Oklahomans, who value the sanctity of life and are in favor of stronger protections. But we can take heart in the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision is a victory for efforts to protect the unborn. The idea that taxpayer dollars could be used to perform abortions is terrible. Most Oklahomans oppose it and I am very disappointed that our Governor supports it."

Said Henry: “This was a very difficult decision to make, as there are good people of strong convictions and reasonable arguments on both sides of this bill. Nevertheless, after closely reviewing the legislation and meeting with both its supporters and opponents, I have vetoed SB 714 because I believe it ultimately does more harm than good. I do not issue this veto lightly. I believe every abortion is a tragedy, and I have a strong record of support for commonsense, reasonable restrictions on abortion. Although I have no doubt SB 714 is well-intentioned, I have grave concerns that its inadvertent consequences would prove disastrous.

“First and foremost, the measure is flawed in that it does not include exemptions for cases of incest and rape. That means many victims of rape or incest would have no option but to carry a fetus to term, no matter how horrific and violent the circumstances.

“In addition, I share the concerns of a majority of medical experts who believe this bill would severely compromise health care in our state by placing undue restrictions on the sacred relationship between doctor and patient. Under this measure, a woman may have no option but to carry to term a fetus with a fatal birth defect. There are a number of fatal birth defects in which there is no chance of survival, and yet SB 714 would add to a family’s suffering and medical costs by forcing a woman to carry that fetus to term.

“Although designed to simply prohibit taxpayer-funded abortions, in reality the bill reaches much further, impacting most community hospitals in the state and severely compromising the quality and availability of medical care.

“Furthermore, because of its flaws, it was questionable whether this legislation could withstand the legal challenges that would have awaited it. For instance, the bill disproportionately impacts health care options for low-income women and families.

“This is an emotional, highly charged issue. Sadly, some people will distort and mischaracterize this veto for political ends, but I believe the unintended consequences of this bill would do more harm than good.”

Lisa Billy: 'He tried to make me feel like some uneducated 'hick' because I didn't want to kill my child."

"The governor's veto means some doctors will continue to receive state payments when they pressure women into aborting healthy babies,"said Rep. Lisa Billy, R-Purcell. "Oklahoma government should not be in the abortion business in the first place, and the unintended consequence of that policy can be devastating for women." Billy noted that a doctor at an Oklahoma City state-funded hospital tried to talk her into aborting her son, Nahinli, when she was 22 weeks pregnant. The reason: The doctor claimed her son had "potential" to have Down Syndrome. "He tried to make me feel like some uneducated 'hick' because I didn't want to kill my child," Billy said. "It was a horrible experience."

She ignored the doctor's advice and her healthy son does not have Down Syndrome: "I was pressured to abort my child on little more than a doctor's whim," Billy said. "Nahinli is living proof that medical officials can be wrong - dramatically and irrevocably wrong. To provide those officials with state funding to perform abortions means more women could face the same terrible situation I did and healthy babies may be killed because some doctor wants to play God at taxpayer expense."

Cole Heads Effort To Raise Indian Tribe Dollars

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has launched a fundraising initiative aimed at increasing donations from deep-pocketed Indian tribes — even though the scandal involving Jack Abramoff and tribal gambling money helped hand Democrats the majority last year and still threatens to ensnare other GOP lawmakers. Read The Hill's report here.

Budget Battle: Benge Criticizes House Democrats

A month after the passage and veto of a bipartisan state budget, House Republican leaders expressed concern after House Democrats failed to provide specifics on state budget matters during a meeting of the General Conference Committee on Appropriations (GCCA) held Wednesday.

"I am disappointed the Democratic members of the GCCA did not offer a proposal, a wish list, or a specific idea, much less voice any clear disagreement with the current proposal," said Rep. Chris Benge (R-Tulsa), chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee and chair of the GCCA. "This was an opportunity to find out the areas of the bipartisan budget they disagree with and try to resolve those in order to move forward with the budget process.

"It's absurd for House Democrats to claim they haven't had enough time to come up with substantive recommendations after they've postured for weeks about the budget," Benge continued. "There have been multiple open meetings, bipartisan work in the House and Senate, and multiple opportunities for input. Today we offered Democrats yet another chance to offer substantive changes to the bipartisan budget, and the bottom line is they did not."

Cargill Presses Agency Consolidation

Building on House Republican efforts to increase government accountability and efficiency, House Speaker Lance Cargill on Wednesday announced that he will press to consolidate more than a dozen state agencies with other state functions, beginning this legislative session.

"We will press for modernization and change in state government,” said Cargill (R-Harrah). “The bottom line is that many state agencies are duplicating what other parts of state government do. I'm sure the defenders of the status quo will fight our efforts, but Oklahoma’s state government has simply grown too large. There are nearly 100 state agencies, and the average citizen must confront an alphabet's soup of acronyms and confusing red tape. That’s not serving the taxpayers well. Oklahoma can do better.”

Cargill said the House will advance consolidation and streamlining efforts for a number of state agencies. At the top of the list: the ABLE Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Mines.

Cargill said that Oklahoma’s Alcoholic Beverage Laws & Enforcement Commission (ABLE) performs functions that can be consolidated into many different state entities to achieve better efficiency, while the state’s Department of Mines has struggled to keep pace in recent years with information technology and personnel requirements. Cargill said the Department of Mines could be easily combined with the Department of Labor.

"We are also examining other state agencies we think are ripe for future consolidation, and we will be developing specific plans for them," said Cargill. As an example, the Speaker pointed to the Oklahoma Commission on Consumer Credit as one possibility.Among the other agencies that the House proposes to combine into other state functions this year are the Scenic Rivers Commission, the Centennial Commission, the Will Rogers Memorial Commission, and the Water Resources Board.

The drive for agency consolidation comes close on the heels of House Republicans’ efforts to eliminate outdated boards and commissions and to launch a statewide effort to cut back on government waste, all part of the House GOP's "Year of Ideas" legislative agenda.

Cargill has authored House Bill 2111 to eliminate nearly 20 boards, commissions and task forces in state government. “We found that in many cases these various groups were still on the books but hadn’t met in years or had finished their work a long time ago,” said Cargill. He has also authored House Bill 2110 to create a BRAC-style commission that will provide recommendations on consolidating state agencies and shuttering outdated functions. If approved, this Commission on Accountability and Review of State Agencies (CARSA) will make recommendations next year to the Legislature that will require an up or down vote.

“Combined with our strong legislation this year, our efforts to cut back on bloated bureaucracy shows we’re serious about taking action now,” said Cargill. “This is just the beginning of a comprehensive effort to make state government more accountable to our state’s citizens."

Main Stream Media Rushes To Blame Guns

From Brent Bozell's Media Research Center ~ Without any regard to how school shootings in recent years have occurred in states and nations with stricter gun laws, ABC, CBS and NBC on Tuesday night focused on Virginia's "lax" gun laws. ABC anchor Charles Gibson teased an upcoming story, "Virginia's controversial gun laws: How lax are they? Brian Ross investigates." Ross confirmed that "Virginia's gun laws, indeed, are regarded by law enforcement officials as among the most lax in the country." Ross relayed how "for gun control advocates, the ease with which Cho [Seung-Hui] was able to legally get his Glock and a box of ammunition reveals the problems with Virginia's gun laws." Over undercover footage recorded by the New York City Police Department (which NBC's Dateline also featured), Ross explained how it shows "it's possible to buy a handgun at a Virginia gun store with no waiting period and only what is called an instant background check." Though Ross aired a condemnatory soundbite from NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, he failed to note that Virginia has a lot fewer gun crimes per capita than does New York City.

Image: ABC News, pushing gun control agenda, with Edmond Post Office shooting in 1986 portrayed at upper left

Convention Largest For St. Louis, NRA

From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch ~ The National Rifle Association set a record for the biggest convention in St. Louis by attracting 64,562 attendees during its three-day gathering downtown, according to local convention officials. It also was the largest NRA convention in the association's history.

The NRA was aiming for 60,000 participants; restaurants and bars say downtown business boomed from the turnout. The convention marks the largest conference ever held in St. Louis, breaking the record set in 2005 by 52,700 Seventh-Day Adventists.

Image: Mike McCarville, Cam Edwards and Oklahoma friends on the convention floor

NRA Backs Lawsuit Reform Measure

A comprehensive lawsuit reform bill is gaining momentum with a key endorsement by the National Rifle Association, the Senate’s co-president pro tempore said Tuesday.

"The NRA’s endorsement of SB 507’s liability protection for firearms and ammunition manufacturers has added to the momentum for meaningful lawsuit reform this year," stated Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. "The NRA’s support should ensure additional votes for SB 507 from rural Democrats who support Second Amendment rights."

The bill passed the House today 57-39.

Blackwell, Corn Criticize Henry's DOC Audit Veto

House Speaker Pro-Tempore Gus Blackwell (left) and Senator Kenneth Corn (below right) said today they are disappointed in Governor Brad Henry's veto of an audit to provide accountability and financial order in state prisons.

The independent outside audit of the Department of Corrections was a key portion of a bipartisan budget agreement passed overwhelmingly by both the Senate and the House. "This was not an accounting audit but a performance audit to find ways to better use taxpayer dollars, to maximize savings, increase efficiencies and create more accountability in this state's prison system," said Blackwell, R-Goodwell. "We all came together to find a solution to the crumbling financial status of our prisons that would ensure positive results."

"This audit has strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. It's a solid effort to reform a broken system that should have been fixed years ago," said Corn, D-Poteau. "In this particular audit, we want to examine population capacity management, staffing requirements, administrative controls and more so we can ensure that Corrections is doing everything it should to keep costs down and operate as efficiently as possible."

Blackwell said this is the second time in two years that Henry has vetoed legislation dealing with performance audits for government agencies. The DOC audit has been supported by legislative leaders in both parties, and would cost $1 million. This is a mere fraction of the DOC's massive half-a-billion-dollar budget. The savings would then be reinvested into the agency to help in critical areas.

The performance audit would not only examine costs, but operations and agency policies as well. "We need to review our prisons' population-capacity management, staffing requirements, administrative controls and other areas. This will enable informed long tern planning for DOC by both legislators and DOC itself," said Blackwell. "The governor has thrown a barricade across a road that will lead to success for Oklahoma's prison system."

Tecumseh Employee Charged In Jones Trailer Theft

A City of Tecumseh employee has been charged with knowingly concealing stolen property in the theft last year of Republican State Chairman Gary Jones' campaign trailer, radio station KTOK reports today.

Named in the felony charge, filed in Pottawatomie County District Court, is Justin Michael Lewis, 29, of Macomb.

Jones, then a candidate for auditor and inspector, reported the trailer stolen from a Tecumseh side street during last year's campaign against Jeff McMahan, the incumbent who lives in Tecumseh. The trailer was recovered in a field following an investigation by the Tecumseh Police Department.

Miller: Henry May Be Skirting Spirit Of Law

A House leader on Tuesday said that by failing to provide a new detailed state budget plan, the governor could be skirting the spirit of state law.

"Clearly, the Governor has not complied with the spirit of the law, which requires him to present a balanced budget within the constraints of how much money the state has," said Ken Miller (R-Edmond), chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

"Balancing the budget with nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars of debt is not good enough. The governor's budget is obsolete. He needs to stop avoiding his responsibilities, and submit a balanced budget."

Even as the governor threatens more vetoes on five individual agency budget bills passed by the Senate last week, Miller pointed out that Henry has failed to submit a balanced budget as required by state law. Title 62, sections 41.33 and 41.34, requires the governor to submit a budget that balances revenues with expenditures, and in the event that expenditures exceed revenues, to present a plan to raise revenue sufficient to cover the additional expenditures. The governor's executive budget submitted in early February does not balance with current revenue estimates. What's more, Miller said, the governor's original budget contained funding for programs that are no longer viable this legislative session - such as an expansion of early childhood education for 3-year-olds.

Weeks ago, the House and Senate passed a $6.9 billion bipartisan state budget in House Bill 1234, a measure the governor vetoed. House Democrats have said they will uphold the governor's veto, even though most of them earlier voted for the plan.

In light of the governor's veto, House and Senate leaders in both parties have called on Henry to submit a new alternative plan with details about what he would do in contrast to the bipartisan plan he killed.

"The governor's gridlock veto games are one thing, but now the governor is just disregarding his duty by refusing to submit a new budget plan," said Miller. He noted that the governor has repeatedly refused to provide specifics about his concerns with the bipartisan budget, although he said he agreed with 90 percent of the plan before he vetoed it. According to Miller, the governor's original executive budget included a billion dollars in new spending backed mostly by hundreds of millions of dollars in new bond debt. And the governor's budget included questionable items such as a 34.1 percent spending increase for the lieutenant governor's office.

Obama Tops Oklahoma Donation List

From The Tulsa World ~ U.S. Senator Barack Obama raised almost $310,000 in Oklahoma during the first three months of 2007, almost $90,000 more than any other presidential candidate and 40 percent of all the money raised in the state, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission on Sunday.

More than half Obama's Oklahoma total -- $183,250 -- came from donors listing Tulsa ZIP codes. Among top donors was Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.

All told, Oklahomans contributed $797,098 to a dozen presidential campaigns in the first quarter, with nearly three-fourths of it going to Democrats.

A Democratic presidential nominee has not carried Oklahoma in more than 40 years, but it has been fairly fertile fund-raising territory. Republican President George W. Bush raised $1.2 million while easily winning Oklahoma in 2004, but Democratic candidates still managed to cart off a combined $970,000. They've already raised $588,168 in this campaign cycle. The most successful Democratic fundraiser in Oklahoma in 2004, John Edwards, was second to Obama in this week's filings. Edwards recorded $219,247 for the past three months, roughly two-thirds his total for the 2004 campaign. Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was the the top Republican fundraiser last quarter and third overall with $138,650. Those three were the only candidates to top $50,000 from the state. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democratic frontrunner in most polls, received only $16,860 from Oklahomans, fourth among Democrats, behind Bill Richardson's $42,000.

Graphic courtesy Tulsa World

Rinehart Online Poll Results

The McCarville Report Online's poll asking if Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart should be removed from office following the filing of charges against him resulted in 33 percent saying no, 37 percent saying only if he's convicted and 30 percent saying he "absolutely" should be removed.

Edmondson Repays Campaign $2,750

Attorney General Drew Edmondson has paid his campaign fund $2,750 for 13 improper expenses tied to other campaigns last year. Edmondson said he reimbursed the campaign after discussing ethics rules with Ethics Commission Director Marilyn Hughes. He said she clarified the rules for him. Edmondson said at the time, he thought the donations were appropriate since he attended political events at which he met potential donors to his own campaign.

Dimwit Reporterette

A dimwit reporterette on a news report late last night on the Virginia murders said, "Well, clearly, this guy had an assault pistol." (What's next? An "assault" baseball bat or knife?)

Cargill Names Morgan To Budget Committee

Speaker Lance Cargill on Monday announced appointments to the General Conference Committee on Appropriations (GCCA), which will work out the final details of the state budget for the next fiscal year. Among those named is House Minority Leader Danny Morgan, who has criticized the budget written by House Republicans and Senate Republicans and Democrats.

Cargill said the GCCA hearings are an opportunity for those who have criticized this year’s bipartisan budget effort to come up with a specific plan of their own.

“Unfortunately, so far all that the governor and House Democrats have done is throw rocks at bipartisan ideas,” said Cargill (R-Harrah). “They haven’t offered a balanced budget of their own. The GCCA meeting will be the chance for the governor and House Democrats to do more than simply criticize bipartisan ideas. They'll have the chance to offer a plan of their own."

Cargill noted that the House and Senate have already passed a $6.9 billion bipartisan state budget in House Bill 1234, a measure the governor vetoed weeks ago. House Democrats have said they will uphold the governor’s veto, even though most of them earlier voted for the plan. But in a continuing spirit of bipartisanship, Cargill said that Morgan (D-Prague) will serve as GCCA vice chair and has made recommendations on nine more members to serve on the committee. Cargill said that he has accepted all of Morgan's member recommendations.

Cargill said the House appointments to the GCCA include 15 Republican lawmakers, the Republican members of the Appropriations and Budget Committee and each of the full committee chairs in the House, as well as House Majority Floor Leader Greg Piatt (R-Ardmore) and Majority Whip Rob Johnson (R-Kingfisher).

As the GCCA completes its work, House and Senate conferees will agree on dollar allocations for each subcommittee of the general conference.

The lawmakers Cargill has appointed to the GCCA include (in alphabetical order): Dennis Adkins (R-Tulsa), John Auffet (D-Stillwell), Chris Benge (R-Tulsa), David Braddock (D-Altus), Mike Brown (D-Tahlequah), Ed Cannaday (D-Whitefield), John Carey (D-Durant), James Covey (D-Custer City), Doug Cox (R-Grove), Dale DeWitt (R-Braman), Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs), Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs), Shane Jett (R-Tecumseh), Rob Johnson (R-Kingfisher), Tad Jones (R-Claremore), Guy Liebmann (R-Oklahoma City), Ken Miller (R-Edmond), Danny Morgan (D-Prague) – Vice Chair, Bill Nations (D-Norman), Ron Peters (R-Tulsa), Ron Peterson (R-Broken Arrow), Greg Piatt (R-Ardmore), Ben Sherrer (D-Chouteau), Randy Terrill (R-Moore), and John Wright (R-Broken Arrow)

Cargill, Terrill Praise Immigration Bill Passage

House Speaker Lance Cargill and Rep. Randy Terrill today praised members of the Oklahoma Senate for passing a tough illegal immigration bill and predicted it will soon be sent to Governor Brad Henry.

"This landmark legislation recognizes that government first has a duty to those citizens who play by the rules, follow the law and pay taxes," said Cargill, R-Harrah. "We cannot expect others to abide by the law when there are rewards for breaking the law."

"This is a great day for Oklahoma taxpayers," said Terrill, R-Moore. "For too long, the working families of Oklahoma have been forced to subsidize illegal immigration. With passage of House Bill 1804, that will come to an end."

The bill creates the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007. The bill is part of the House Republican majority's legislative agenda and previously passed out of the House of Representatives by an overwhelming, 88-9 bipartisan vote. The Oklahoma Senate approved the bill today with strong bipartisan support on a 41-6 vote.

The bill has the support of two national immigration reform advocacy groups and has been labeled one of the nation's toughest anti-illegal immigration laws. Key elements of the bill focus on determining work eligibility. The measure also contains provisions to ensure taxpayer-supported benefits are made available to American citizens and legal immigrants only. The bill also gives state and local law enforcement officials the power to enforce federal immigration law.

Terrill said he is committed to working with advocacy groups to address any continuing concerns they may have about the new law.

The bill will now return to the House for a final vote before going to Henry for his signature. "After accepting Senate amendments, I sincerely hope that Governor Henry will quickly sign House Bill 1804 into law," Terrill said.

Federal Probe Continues, U. S. Attorney Says

From The McAlester News-Capital ~ A grand jury looking into political corruption and related criminal activities in Southeastern Oklahoma has recessed until June — but that doesn’t mean that everything’s on hold.

Eastern District of Oklahoma U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said the investigation remains under way.

The grand jury which will reconvene in June 13 is expected to consist of the same people who have already been hearing testimony at the federal courthouse in Muskogee.

“Sometimes investigations take longer than a grand jury sits,” Sperling said. He said he’d rather deal with grand jurors with whom he’s already built a case, rather than starting with a new panel.

Federal prosecutors don’t necessarily have to wait for a grand jury indictment before starting criminal proceedings in a case.

It’s also possible for federal authorities to file a charge in the form of what prosecutors call an information, without a grand jury indictment.

Comments On Virginia Tragedy

Local bloggers Ron Black and Mark Shannon offer thoughts on the mass murders in Virginia today.

As usual with such events, the national media is asking the kind of stupid questions that can wait until authorities figure out exactly what happened, how and why.

And, as usual, the gun-grabbers are poised to posture even when it is clear that a single armed citizen could have stopped this rampage long before so many died.

Jones Launches Information Service

Newly-elected Republican State Chairman Gary Jones, on his first day on the job, today launched a new email information service designed to let party activists know what's going on.

The lack of such information was a criticism of former Chairman Tom Daxon, whom Jones narrowly defeated in voting at the party convention last Saturday.

In his initial email, Jones lauded Daxon for his work as chairman and said both Daxon and Tulsa County GOP Chairman Jerry Buchanan, who lost out on the first ballot on Saturday, presented good ideas the party will adopt.

Tulsa-area Gun Dealer Paperwork Reveals Illegal Straw Purchase Scheme, BATFE Chief Confirms

The owners of RJ's Gun Sales in Broken Arrow and Green Country Arms and Pawn in Tulsa believe it was their work in filling out the proper federal forms that led law enforcement officials to detect a scheme by which firearms were transported to Baltimore after the so-called "straw purchases" were made in Oklahoma.

The case resulted in federal criminal charges being filed against 10 people in U.S. District Court in Tulsa. All eventually pleaded guilty to charges related to an August 2003 to February 2004 plot that prosecutors said featured various Okmulgee residents buying firearms under the pretense that they were the actual buyers of the guns. Instead, more than 200 of the weapons were taken to Baltimore, where they were sold on the street for a profit, court documents show. Many of the guns purportedly were bought in Maryland by people who couldn't buy firearms legally because of their felony records or drug involvement. The straw purchasers, who at that time had clean records, would typically buy multiple handguns during repeated visits to the same dealerships in a short period of time.

Randy James, owner of RJ's Guns, said Thursday that once he noticed that an inordinate amount of purchasers were from Okmulgee, he immediately shut them off from further transactions. He said the buyers "put a real good con on me" by telling him a convincing story about how the guns were being used as part of a program to train security officers in Okmulgee. "I did everything in a legal manner," James said. "As soon as I saw a pattern, I shut them off."

One of the owners of Green Country Arms and Pawn said nobody in his organization would have sold firearms to the Okmulgee residents if they had known what was really happening to the guns: "Had we suspected that any type of crime was going on, we wouldn't have done it," said the co-owner, Charles Taylor. He said the purchasers' story about training security officers in Okmulgee seemed legitimate, down to paperwork they provided that seemed to back up their story. Anybody can be defrauded, he said.

Both James and Taylor said it was the paperwork they filled out regarding multigun sales that led to the Okmulgee group's activity being detected.

Jeff Cochran, resident agent in charge of the Tulsa office of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, confirmed that those forms prompted the investigation of the case.

NRA Meet In St. Louis Draws Thousands

Oklahoma was well represented at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in St. Louis which concluded Sunday. The event drew an estimated 60,000-plus attendees.

I was there doing Cam Edwards' show on NRANews.com and Sirius Patriot Channel 144 and at one time, all four of us on the (fancy!) NRA News set were Oklahomans: Cam, former KTOK morning show host; Ginny Simone, former Oklahoma City television news reporter; me; and country singer Ty England from Edmond, one of the featured performers. And standing off-set at the time was Blackwell native Joe Allbaugh, a member of the NRA's Board of Directors.

In all, we broadcast 18 hours of live coverage and taped another hour's worth of interviews that will air this week during Cam's show (8-11 p.m. CDT).

I shook hands with lots of neighbors, including Norman communications expert Gary Giudice of Blue Heron Communications (wearing his Smith & Wesson ID tag) and gun buffs from Woodward, Enid, Ponca City, Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Speculation is that the NRA event drew the largest convention crowd in St. Louis history and set a new record for an NRA annual meet. All I know is that from opening hour on Friday to closing hour on Saturday, the exhibit hall was a non-stop sea of humanity and to my eye, the crowd was much larger than in Milwaukee a year ago.

Iraq: Colby's Diary

By Navy Seabee Colby Ryan McCarville Stuck, somewhere in Iraq ~ Hey, Grandpa: Well, I'm actually here and it has so far been a pretty different but exciting adventure. I can't talk about what I'm working on, who I'm working for, or where I'm at, but above that I will try to explain as much of my experience as I possibly can.

The weather, for being the desert, has been alright. Some days are hotter than others and some days there's a little bit of a chilly breeze that I wouldn't mind dealing with the entire deployment. The work, on the other hand, I could definitely handle less of for sure, because its long and hard and we sure don't get cut any slack...7 days a week I guess is what we have to do to stay on top of things and to stay on schedule.

I hope everything and everyone is doing well back home. "WOW" that word home; when you're actually there the only meaning it really has is simple, but what it means here is more. "Paradise" doesn't even attempt to come close to it at all; it is so much better than that. It is in everyone's conversations, stories, dreams and all others things that are mentioned. It almost seems an eternity away from reality some times, the time passes so slow that I wonder if I'll ever get back again, but I am constantly reminding myself that it will come soon enough and it'll be here before I know it.

All the people here are really incredible the way one minute we are complete strangers and then the next we have pulled together and formed an amazing team ready and very willing to live up to our outstanding "CAN DO" attitude! All tasks that come our way we attack and complete to our best ability to make everyone happy and make it easier for all the people we are in support of.

Please let everyone know that I'm doing well.

Thompson Easily Wins GOP Convention Poll

Fred Thompson isn't even a candidate for the Republican nomination for president, but he easily won the weekend's straw poll at the Republican State Convention.

Thompson got 37.5 percent compared to 15.2 for another not-yet-announced possible, Newt Gingrich. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has announced, got only 9.4 percent. Other candidates had lesser percentages.

Jones Retakes GOP Party Helm

Former State Republican Chairman Gary Jones is chairman again.

Jones, who lost last year's race for auditor and inspector to incumbent Jeff McMahan, defeated incumbent Chairman Tom Daxon on the second ballot, 775 to 763.

On the first ballot, Tulsa County GOP Chairman Jerry Buchanan got 397 votes to 589 for Daxon and 571 for Jones.

Mass Admits Guilt, Helps Feds

Former State Rep. Mike Mass says he's guilty as charged and is providing detailed information to federal authorities, The Oklahoman reports.

Mass, facing federal charges, admitted his guilt to a charge of conspiracy. In return, he will receive not more than five years in prison for helping divert millions of state dollars to private businesses under the control of abstact company owner Steve Phipps of Kiowa and his partner, former State Senator Gene Stipe of McAlester.

Rinehart Saga Continues

No surprise in this corner, the opinion by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater that County Commissioner Brent Rinehart can't be removed because of allegations made against him. Prater says the alleged crimes occurred before Rinehart was elected commissioner and that precludes any ouster action against him.

But. It's been reported the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation also is checking into Rinehart's actions as commissioner.

And. Rinehart has filed a complaint with the Oklahoma Bar Association over remarks Attorney General Drew Edmondson made after Rinehart was charged. Rinehart says Edmondson made "prejudicial statements that I am guilty to illegal conduct...."

Spending Database Bill Goes To Henry

Senate Bill 1, the Taxpayer Transparency Act establishing an online database of state spending, is on its way to Governor Brad Henry's desk after final legislative approval.

The measure, by Senator Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, and Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Oklahoma City, follows passage of a federal act to do the same thing at that level.

Dank Proposes That McMahan Step Aside

State Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, is preparing a resolution that calls for Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan to step aside until questions about donations to his campaigns are answered.

Dank said questions have been raised by a federal probe into the activities of southeastern Oklahoma abstract company owner Steve Phipps and his partner, former Senator Gene Stipe, and McMahan should step aside until the questions are answered.

Terri Watkins, McMahan's spokeswoman, said there is "absolutely no evidence" that McMahan is an investigative target and he won't step aside.

Dank's resolution calls for the governor to appoint a stand-in.

Edmondson Says He'll Reimburse Campaign Fund

Attorney General Drew Edmondson says he'll reimburse his campaign fund for any donations it made to other campaigns in violation of ethics rules.

His statement came after it was revealed last week he donated $500 to Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan's campaign.

State Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, said he's found six other donations from Edmondson's campaign to other candidates. Edmondson said he will abide by guidance from the Ethics Commission and repay his campaign for any donations the commission finds to be in violation.

The Gadfly On The St. Louis Wall

St. Louis, Missouri ~ It is of considerable delight to me that the liberal gun-grabbers here will be hiding behind their doors this week as I'm joined by 60,000 or so other 2nd Amendment supporters who will gather for the National Rifle Association's annual get-together.

I'm here to join former Oklahoma City broadcaster Cam Edwards, host of the NRA's Internet/Sirius Satellite Radio show, and former Oklahoma City television reporter Ginny Simone of NRA News, as we air 18 hours or so of live coverage of the event. (And I'll no doubt encounter Blackwell native and longtime friend Joe Allbaugh, former FEMA director, a member of the NRA Board of Directors.)

I was surprised at last year's event, in Milwaukee, at the number of Oklahomans who showed up; I suspect there may be more in St. Louis.

This event originally was scheduled for Columbus, Ohio, but the city fathers there adopted an anti-gun ordinance and the NRA powers-that-be said "rain on you" and moved their huge event to this more-friendly city.

If you're among those who will be in St. Louis, look me up at the NRA broadcast booth. If not and you want to partake of the event via the Internet, go to www.NRA.org or catch us on Sirius Patriot Channel 144 on Wednesday from 8-11 p.m. CDT, Thursday Noon-3 p.m., Friday Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 8-11 p.m.

'20/20' Seeks Armed Citizen Stories

Gun ban groups often claim that private citizens rarely, if ever, use guns in self-defense. ABC News’ "20/20" is now putting that claim to the test, asking viewers to submit their own real-life "Armed Citizen" stories. ABC’s website asks: "Have you ever defended yourself from a crime in your home, in your business, or in public by using a gun? Perhaps you warded off a potential attacker by simply showing a gun?"

The National Rifle Association notes the request, adding, "If you’ve personally used a gun in a legitimate act of self-protection against a criminal attacker, we encourage you to tell your story to ABC News. To tell your story, go to http://www.abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=3015150 and complete their web form."

'The Big Friendly'

Longtime Oklahoma City civic booster and advertising company executive Ray Ackerman is out today with the suggestion that Oklahoma City's new slogan be, "The Big Friendly."

Ackerman writes in The Oklahoman that another longtime civic booster, Lee Allan Smith, actually came up with the slogan and used it on some New York and California officials in New York and, "They loved it."

Ackerman says the slogan plays to Oklahoma City's strength, the friendliness of its citizens: "Hardly a week goes by that The Oklahoman doesn't print something from a recent visitor talking about a super-friendly experience they had while visiting here. Friendly people are important to those selecting a location for a new plant, a city for a convention or a destination for a vacation."

'Draft Fred Thompson' Movement Gains Speed

ABC News' Jennifer Parker Reports: The winds behind the 'Draft Fred Thompson' movement are getting stronger.

Dalton-ites have re-launched a new website in the latest effort to convince the actor-turned-politician-turned actor (and ABC News Radio host) to step out of semi-private life and back onto the political stage to make a run for the Republican presidential nomination.

The website's front page makes its pitch in bold letters: "Republicans want a presidential nominee who can bring our Nation together and who stands squarely on the conservative principles of Ronald Reagan. Fred Thompson's record is solid. He does not waffle. He knows where he stands because he is sure of what he believes."

In a press release announcing the new, revamped website, Dean Rice, treasurer of the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee said, "People across the country recognize Senator Fred Thompson as a great communicator. This new site highlights those leadership strengths, while also enabling his supporters to better spread the message about the Fred Thompson movement."

The website will fuel the rumor that the former Senator and Law & Order's conservative district attorney is seriously considering a White House bid. Thompson has not made a decision about '08, however, political blogs and mainstream media websites have been buzzing for weeks with will-he-won't-he speculation.

Oklahoman: Phipps-Stipe Investigation Could Be Expanded To Include State, Edmondson Says

The Oklahoman reports in its Sunday edition that Attorney General Drew Edmondson may pursue charges in the campaign finance scandal swirling around southeastern Oklahoma abstract company owner Steve Phipps and his partner, former Senator Gene Stipe.

Reporter Nolan Clay writes that Edmondson confirmed a meeting with U. S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling about the federal investigation into the straw donor scheme and has "offered our services," Edmondson said.

It's a significant development since some campaign finance violations would not be covered under federal law, but would be covered under Oklahoma law.

The federal probe results are being presented to a grand jury sitting in Muskogee with investigative work being handled by the FBI.

Thus far, alleged illegal donations to the campaigns of Governor Brad Henry Henry, Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, former State Rep. Mike Mass and Congressman Dan Boren have been revealed. The donations are tied to associates of Phipps and Stipe, whose abstract company empire is regulated by McMahan. He, Henry and Boren say they had no idea that tens of thousands of dollars came into their campaigns from straw donors, or those given the money to donate by others.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Rinehart-Pope: Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart and former State Rep. Tim Pope, both Republicans, say the filing of felony charges against them is a plot by Democratic Attorney General Drew Edmondson. The investigation that resulted in the charges actually began under then-Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane, Republican, and was conducted by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. And there are indications the investigation is not yet over.

Speaking Of Edmondson: The attorney general made a campaign donation to Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan back in 2005, a donation apparently tied to one of McMahan's campaign fundraiser golf tournaments. Problem is, that donation came from Edmondson's own campaign committee. That appears to be a no-no under campaign finance laws.

Budget Impasse? Governor Brad Henry says he's given all the detail he's going to. Senate Democratic leader Mike Morgan and Republicans say he needs to do it again, this time taking into account current revenue estimates. The budget battle may go down as the issue of the 2007 session.

How Rude: Mitt Romney wins the rude dude label of the political season so far for dissing the Oklahoma GOP. Romney had been scheduled for months as the keynote speaker for the GOP State Convention. Then, earlier this week, he cancelled with just 10 days to go. No explanation, no apology, no nothing. Not very politic of him, eh what?

Confirmation: Former Norman Senate candidate Tim Emrich is a member of U. S. Senator Joe Biden's presidential campaign staff, the campaign has announced.

Rinehart, Pope Post Bail, Declare Innocence

Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart and former State Rep. Tim Pope posted bail on felony charges today and declared they are innocent.

They arrived at the Oklahoma County complex in mid-morning accompanied by attorneys. A sheriff's deputy appeared to be escorting Rinehart. When they failed to appear yesterday, warrants were issued for their arrests.

Rinehart and Pope face multiple felony charges as the result of a probe by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation into the financing of Rinehart's 2004 campaign, which Pope, a political consultant, managed.

Rinehart surprised fellow commissioners when he appeared at a meeting to declare he is innocent of the "political" charges.

Three others (see story below) also face charges, although they are less serious than those facing Rinehart and Pope.

Rinehart faces 10 felony counts; Pope faces eight felony counts.

House Now Records Parliamentary Rulings

In the past, parliamentary rulings made on the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives were based on nothing more than the memories of the chamber's oldest members. That's no longer the case thanks to new reforms instituted bythe Republican majority. As part of the Republican commitment to open government, the Oklahoma House has begun recording all parliamentary rulings issued on the floor and has just published its first biannual collection of those precedents.

KTOK: Rinehart, Pope Face Charges

From KTOK Radio News ~ Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart was named today on numerous felony charges including conspiracy, money laundering and perjury.

The charges were filed at mid-afternoon.

Former State Representative Tim Pope also faces allegations connected to Rinehart, as do three others. The various charges include conspiracy to commit a felony, knowingly accepting illegal campaign contributions, state money laundering and perjury.

Three Rinehart contributors, developers Jerl Methvin, Ray Pelfrey and Robert Larkin, were each charged with one misdemeanor count of violating campaign laws by donating more than $5,000 to a political candidate.

"There is no foundation to it,” said Enid attorney Stephen Jones, representing Pope. "It is politically inspired, and it is retaliatory. It is abuse of the attorney general's power to proceed. We will fight and defend it.”

It is possible the other commissioners will move to remove Rinehart from office; they will meet Friday to discuss the situation. Attorney General Drew Edmondson indicated that if they do not act, he may do so.

Former Oklahoma County Commissioner Jack Cornett chuckled upon hearing the news that Rinehart, the man who beat him in the 2004 campaign, had been hit with criminal campaign fundraising charges: "I feel honestly, I feel like justice is shaped up here."

He was aware of the OSBI investigation into the fundraising by Rinehart, former legislator Tim Pope and three others and was interviewed by agents. "Took a long time, but I was really not convinced that the state was gonna get him--he's pretty slippery in my opinion," said Cornett, referring to Rinehart. "From my standpoint, it took a long time but from his standpoint it was probably pretty quick."

And does it now open the door for his return to politics? Would he consider being County Commissioner again? "I would if, I don't know if it's legally possible. But looks to me if fraud's been done, it opens up a whole new election."

Vaughn Named To Olympic Committee

District 3 Oklahoma County Commissioner Ray Vaughn, R-Edmond, has been appointed by the Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners to serve as the representative on the UCO’s Oklahoma Olympic Engagement Committee. Vaughn joins 18 other members of the committee comprised of UCO officials, elected officials, a former Olympian, and representatives from the various Chambers of Commerce and private sector companies.

Working with the U.S. Olympic Committee is nothing new to Vaughn. Vaughn’s father, Raymond L. Vaughn, Sr., served as the U.S. Olympic decathlon coach from 1972 to 1976, having coached Oklahoman Jeff Bennett at the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972, and Bruce Jenner who won the gold medal in 1976 at the Olympic Games in Montreal.

County Commissioners agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Central Oklahoma late last month to offer Oklahoma County’s support in assisting UCO in its effort to bring Olympic activities, Olympic athletes, and Olympic training opportunities to Edmond and Oklahoma City.

Inhofe Says Democrats Out To Get Him In '08

No surprise, as U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe tells the Tulsa World that Democrats are out to defeat him in 2008. Inhofe says that nationally, Democrats are raising money to target him and others, emphasis on him. Inhofe also discusses his fundraising activity.

Service Academies Day Planned

The offices of U.S. Reps. Mary Fallin, Tom Cole and Frank Lucas along with the office of U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. will co-sponsor "U.S. Service Academies Day" for Oklahoma students interested in attending a military service academy.

The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 14, at the Tom Steed Center at Rose State College, 6420 SE 15th St. Representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy will be on hand to meet with students and discuss the unique career opportunities a U.S. service academy can provide

Are Edmondson, McMahan Interfering With Probe?

Rep. Mike Reynolds

Questions Attorney General's

Request For Investigative Audit By State Auditor

State Rep. Mike Reynolds is questioning whether the attorney general and auditor are interfering with an ongoing Federal investigation.

Earlier this week, the office of attorney General Drew Edmondson requested that State Auditor Jeff McMahan conduct an investigative audit of the Little Dixie Community Action Agency.

The Little Dixie Community Action Agency is currently led by Randall Erwin, a former Democratic state legislator. Randal Erwin is currently being investigated by the federal government for a scheme where Erwin allegedly funneled state "special project" money to certain interests in exchange for kickbacks.

According to federal investigators, one of the alleged beneficiaries of the illegal scheme is Steve Phipps, who has also been accused of illegally funneling money to the campaign of State Auditor Jeff McMahan and other elected officials through straw donors.

Just a few weeks ago, Attorney General Drew Edmondson gave back several thousand dollars in campaign contributions that may have been tied to the Erwin/Phipps/McMahan illegal straw donors.

About the same time, Edmondson’s office asked McMahan to conduct an investigative audit of Erwin’s Little Dixie Community Action Agency.

Reynolds immediately started asking questions upon learning that Edmondson and McMahan were attempting to get involved in the investigation process.

“I called Drew Edmondson's office and asked what gave them the right to enter the investigation under the circumstances. They couldn't give me a straight answer," Reynolds said, adding that “there is a current federal investigation being conducted and Edmondson and McMahan's attempt to now get involved after questions have been raised about connections they had to the illegal funds is an obvious conflict of interest.

"The State of Oklahoma will be better served by the federal investigators finishing their efforts without being hampered by state officials who may be associated with the alleged criminals or absconded funds," Reynolds said.

Romney Cancels GOP Appearance, Source Says

From BatesLine.com ~ Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Republican State Convention on April 14th, has cancelled his appearance.

The campaign staff of Romney, the former governor of Massaschusetts who surprised many by raising more money for his campaign thus far than any other Republican, has not formally announced his change of schedule. Developing....

Cheney To Campaign For Inhofe

Vice President Dick Cheney will headline an April 27th fundraising luncheon for U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe in Tulsa, Republicans sources tell The McCarville Report Online.

The $250 per person luncheon will be held at the Doubletree Hotel. It begins with an 11:30 a.m. reception. Cheney will speak during the noon luncheon.

Inhofe, first elected in a special election in 1994, was reelected in 1996 and 2002.

Henry Stands Up Senate Democrats

Governor Brad Henry did not show for last night's fundraiser for Senate Democrats, adding to what many say is a rift between the governor and Senate Democrats under Co-President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan.

Henry's office said he attended a daughter's soccer game in Shawnee rather than the fundraiser.

Sources say Henry agreed to help headline the dinner with Morgan before the Senate Democrats joined Senate and House Republicans in adopting the budget that Henry vetoed. The invitations announcing Henry's presence were received about the time Henry, on spring vacation in Mexico, objected to the budget.

Walters Upsets Washington; O'Neil Defeats Pettigrew In Edmond Mayoral Race

Oklahoma City Councilman-elect Brian Walters pulled off what could easily be classified as the upset of the year on Tuesday, defeating front-runner George Washington, who "went from being within just a few votes of winning the whole banana to losing in a run-off to a virtual unknown," in the words of blogger and political analyst Ron Black.

As Black observes, "Having Rep. Mike Reynolds knocking doors for him didn't hurt Walters one single bit and the negative letter sent by the legendary Al Snipes helped as well. As I told The Oklahoman, that race was to be won on the ground and Walters did just that. Southern Hills Baptist Church truly got out the vote and this is one example of a church making a significant difference in a local election."

Washington, who missed winning the southside council primary outright by just 12 votes, had the strong support of outgoing Councilman Jerry Foshee, while Walters benefited from an alliance orchestrated by political consultants Neva Hill And Company, members of which also designed and executed Walters' "ground game."

In Edmond, Dan O'Neil defeated former State Rep. Wayne Pettigrew easily in a race that apparently hinged on views about development of the bursting-at-the-seams city.

Trebilcock Apologizes For 'Poor Decision Making'

From The Tulsa World Online: Rep. John Trebilcock, Broken Arrow Republican who was arrested on a drunken-driving complaint over the weekend, apologized to his family and others Tuesday in a statement in which he explained the circumstances surrounding his arrest and took responsibility for what he said was "poor decision making."

"Driving and alcohol don't mix," said Trebilcock. "I am prepared to accept the consequences, legal and otherwise, for my actions."

Senate Committee Passes Immigration Bill

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Tuesday in favor of House Bill 1804, the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizens Protection Act of 2007, part of the House Republican majority's legislative agenda.

Henry Appointees Announced

Governor Brad Henry has announced the following appointments to a number of state boards and commissions:

Leroy Lage, Watonga, to the State Geographic Information Systems Council for a term expiring Nov. 1, 2010. He replaces himself.

Viki Resler, Enid, to the Board of Chiropractic Examiners for a term expiring Nov. 1, 2010. She replaces Kurt Carder.

Wes Salous, Oklahoma City, to the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. He replaces Karen Bak, who resigned.

Sue Ann Hamm, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2009. She replaces herself.

Margaret Crump, Tulsa, to the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2007. She replaces Kay Todd, who resigned.

Casey Worthen, Oklahoma City, to the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2007. She replaces Sherry Bynum.

T.L. Walker, Ponca City, to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2012. She replaces Robyn Batson, who resigned. Senate confirmation required.

Frank Patterson Sims, Shawnee, to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2013. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Armando Rosell, Oklahoma City, to the Commission on Consumer Credit for a term expiring Jan, 1, 2012. He replaces Lynn Jones. Senate confirmation required.

Jim Dunegan, Calera, to the Transportation Commission for a term expiring Feb. 15, 2015. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Susan Turpen, Oklahoma City, to the State Election Board for a term expiring March 1, 2011. She replaces Glo Henley. Senate confirmation required.

Claudia San Pedro, Oklahoma City, to the Board of Investors of the EDGE Fund for a term expiring June 30, 2007. She fills a new position.

Ron Wilson, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Compensation and Unclassified Positions Review Board for a term expiring July 1, 2010. He replaces himself.

Howard H. Hendrick, Bethany, , to the Oklahoma Compensation and Unclassified Positions Review Board for a term expiring July 1, 2010. He replaces Albert Smith.

William T. Swigert Jr., Oklahoma City, to the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities for a term expiring Dec. 9, 2008. He replaces Dana Crowe, who resigned.

Tom Prince, Edmond, to the State Election Board for a term expiring March 1, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required. Jay Dee Chase, Norman, to the Human Services Commission for a term expiring Aug. 5, 2015. He replaces Steve Beebe.

Rudy Herrmann, Tulsa, to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for a term expiring May 14, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Ron Looney, Tulsa, to the Board of Regents of the Tulsa Community College for a term expiring June 30, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Jerry Hudson, Tulsa, to the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority for a term expiring June 1, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Elmer Maddux, Mooreland, to the Organ Donor Education and Awareness Program Advisory Council for a term expiring Nov. 1, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Marc Edwards, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners for Long-Term Care Administrators for a term expiring July 1, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Molly Tolbert, Oklahoma City, to the Board of Regents of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma for a term expiring June 30, 2014. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Linda Lambert, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board for a term expiring May 14, 2014. She replaces William “Bill” Secrest. Senate confirmation required.

Charles Locust, Stilwell, to the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission for a term expiring Aug. 15, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Wren Stratton, Muskogee, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and Centennial Commemoration Commission to serve coterminously with the Governor. She replaces Elzie Smith, who resigned.

Scott Anthony Mitchell, Oklahoma City, to the Physician Advisory Committee for a term expiring Jan. 1, 2010. He replaces himself.

James Everell Smith, Shawnee, to the Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma to serve coterminously with the Governor. He replaces himself.

Richard Gorman, McAlester, to the Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma to serve coterminously with the Governor. He replaces himself.

Galeard Wayne Roper, Elk City, to the Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma to serve coterminously with the Governor. He replaces himself.

Richard Allan Neptune, Lawton, to the Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma to serve coterminously with the Governor. He replaces himself.

Cris Hart Wolfe, Clinton, to the State Board of Health for a term expiring June 30, 2016. She replaces Ron Osterhout. Senate confirmation required.

Jim Goodwin, Tulsa, to the Board of Trustees for Oklahoma State University/Tulsa for a term expiring June 30, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Frank S. Johnson, Kingston, to the Board of Regents of Murray State College for a term expiring June 1, 2014. He replaces Bill Weldon. Senate confirmation required.

Bob Weaver, Shawnee, to the State Banking Board for a term expiring June 1, 2012. He replaces Jim Meyer, who resigned. Senate confirmation required.

Tony Hutchison, Oklahoma City, to the Education Commission of the States to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. He replaces Claudia San Pedro.

Cathy Ann Conway, Durant, to the Board of Trustees of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma for a term expiring July 1, 2011. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Glen Smith, Edmond, to the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for a term expiring June 28, 2013. He replaces Jon D. Nelson. Senate confirmation required.

Earl L. Hatley, Vinita, to the Hazardous Waste Management Advisory Council for a term expiring March 1, 2009. He replaces Kathy Martin.

Brent Houston, Shawnee, to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority for a term expiring June 30, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Hank Bradley, Oklahoma City, to the Industrial Finance Authority and the Development Finance Authority for a term expiring Oct. 11, 2013. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Senate Democrats Plan Fundraiser; Will Henry Attend As Promised Given Budget Disagreement?

Originally posted 3/27/07 ~ UPDATE: Will he or won't he? No word yet from the governor about attendng the fundraiser. Spokesman Paul Sund indicates a decision isn't made yet. Developing.... Senate Democrats plan a fundraiser on April 3rd with Governor Brad Henry and Senate President Co-Pro Tempore Mike Morgan inviting supporters to join them, but there's speculation today the governor may not be there. The event, announced in invitations received this week, is at 6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.

The invitations apparently were approved before Senate Democrats joined Senate Republicans and House Republicans to prepare a budget without Henry's input. That has soured relations between Henry and Senate Democrats, with words being exchanged and Henry describing the budget process so far as being secret. Morgan said, in essence, the governor doesn't know what he's talking about.

Whether the disagreement will see Henry spurn the fundraiser isn't confirmed, but the Capitol rumor mill says it is so. A question about it to the governor's office has yet to be answered.

The fundraiser is scheduled to last an hour and a half. Suggested donation for couples is $125, for individuals $75. For more information, call (405) 424-6889.

Rejected Tulsa Chief Candidates File Lawsuit

Three rejected internal police chief candidates filed a civil lawsuit asking a judge to consider whether the city charter requires that one of them be selected for the job, setting up yet another confrontation with Mayor Kathy Taylor. Attorney James Moore, who represents Deputy Chief Bill Wells, Major Rob Turner and Major Paul Williams, said the Mayor's Office has agreed to hold off on hiring a chief externally until the legal questions are answered.

Taylor insists she be allowed to hire a chief from outside the force; her critics say that means she wants to hire a chief who will pursue the anti-gun policies she espouses as a member of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's coalition of mayors against guns. 2nd Amendment advocates note that Taylor is the only Oklahoma mayor who is a member of Bloomberg's coalition and they note also she has been silent about her involvement in Tulsa while attending meetings and speaking in other places.

The Tulsa World has a detailed story.

Brownback Speaks To House On Wednesday

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas,one of the contenders for the Republican Party's nomination for president in 2008, will speak to the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. The House gallery is open to the public, which is invited to attend.

House, Senate Leaders Ask Henry To Provide 'Comprehensive, Detailed Alternative' Budget

Leaders in the House and Senate today sent this letter to Governor Brad Henry: "Dear Governor Henry: Thank you for your letter inviting us to discuss the Fiscal Year 2008 budget. Before such a meeting is scheduled, please provide us with a copy of your comprehensive, detailed alternative to the Legislature's bipartisan budget plan. We look forward to meeting with you once we have received your alternative proposal and compared it to the Legislature's bipartisan budget plan. The bipartisan budget in HB 1234 has been open to the public for two weeks. We presume your alternative plan will be similarly open and detailed.

"The budget adopted by the Legislature through HB 1234 is a constitutionally-mandated balanced budget based on revised revenue estimates adopted by the Board of Equalization in February. Inasmuch as your Executive Budget was prepared using revenue estimates that are no longer valid, we would like to see your alternative plan reflecting the revised revenue estimates."

The letter was signed by Senate President Co-Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, Co-Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, and House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah.

Spiropoulos: Stand Fast, Republicans

From the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs Blog by Andrew Spiropoulos ~ The problem with the conventional wisdom is that it is generally more conventional than wise. The story everyone is telling at the Capitol these days is that the Governor and the Senate Democrats are deeply at odds; the Senators were just delighted with the now aborted budget deal while the Governor was betrayed by them. He is now lashing out by vetoing their deal. Nice story, but what if it's not true? Read the entire post here.

Trebilcock Arrested On DUI Charge

State Rep. John Trebilcock, R-Broken Arrow, was arrested over the weekend for allegedly driving under the influence, Tulsa police report. He was taken into custody about 2:30 a.m. Saturday near Second Street and Greenwood Avenue.

Trebilcock, the arresting officer said in his report, refused to take a breath analyzer test because he said he didn't trust the test's validity. He was booked into the Tulsa Jail and released about six hours later after posting $570 bond.

Trebilcock couldn't watch the tip of a pen move without turning his head during a field sobriety test but was able to stand on one leg and count aloud, the police report said.

Trebilcock was eastbound on Second Street in a black sport utility vehicle that didn't have its headlights on when he was pulled over, the report added.

Trebilcock said he had "two drinks with dinner" when the arresting officer asked him how much alcohol he had consumed, the report said. "When I told Mr. Trebilcock that I smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from him, he replied that he had just kissed a girl that had been drinking and that is why he smelled like he had been drinking," the arresting officer wrote.

Trebilcock is the author of a 2005 law that requires people who are convicted of a second DUI charge to install ignition interlocking alcohol-detection devices in their automobiles before they can get their driver's licenses back.

Salute Courtney Paris!

NATIONAL

PLAYER

OF THE YEAR

Nutcase

On "The View," Rosie O’Donnell veered into the theory that World Trade Center 7, which fell hours after the Twin Towers on September 11th, 2001, was destroyed purposely by explosives. It's her latest nutty comment.

Media Research Center Gives 'Dishonor Awards'

From www.markshannon.com ~ A mostly conservative audience turned out last night in Washington at the Media Research Center's annual "Dishonors Awards" for what it calls the most outrageously biased liberal reporters of 2006.

The "God I Hate America Award" went to New York Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr., who apologized to students at the State University of New York for all of the wrongs of America.

The "Dan Rather Memorial Award for the Stupidest Analysis" went to Katie Couric for a "60 Minutes" interview with Secretary of State Rice, in which Couric quoted her daughter commenting on U.S. foreign relations by saying, "who made us the boss of them?"

The "I'm Not a Political Genius but I Play One on TV" award went to Rosie O'Donnell for saying that 9/11 caused America to invade two countries and kill innocent people, and for comparing radical Christianity to radical Islam.

And the "Tin Foil Hat Award for Crazy Conspiracy Theories" went to CNN's Jack Cafferty for suggesting the Bush administration might be coordinating with Osama bin Laden.