Henry Signs Financial Literacy Act Into Law

Rep. Ann Coody's effort to increase the financial literacy of Oklahoma high school graduates has culminated in Governor Brad Henry signing House Bill 1476, which creates the Passport to Financial Literacy Act, into law today. The bill, authored by Coody and Senator Clark Jolley (R-Edmond), requires financial literacy instruction for all Oklahoma secondary school students to help them avoid money problems in their adult years.

Duncan: DOC Audit On Schedule

A comprehensive Department of Corrections audit and performance review will move forward this year, after legislative approval of the project. State Rep. Rex Duncan, chairman of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, said the process is underway to find a qualified firm to conduct the review of both the DOC's operational costs and its internal policies that may be contributing to the agency's annual budget shortfall.

Henry Signs Internet Predator Bill

Governor Brad Henry signed a bill today aimed at keeping registered sex offenders from prowling MySpace and other online web sites where they might come into contact with children.

House Bill 1714 allows a judge to prohibit a registered sex offender from accessing a social networking web site in which he or she has the potential of contacting a minor. In addition, the measure gives courts the ability to require that a convicted sex offender register any email addresses and other Internet-related identification for communication.

A Tale Of Two Parties

Ivan Holmes and Gary Jones have nothing in common politically; the only bond they share is that each just took charge of his respective state political party, Holmes as chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, Jones as chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party.

It's a tale of two parties, insiders say, and the differences couldn't be more pronounced even though they're not talking about political philosophy.

They are talking about the operational challenges both faced when they took charge and that Holmes apparently continues to face today.

Jones was elected to head the Oklahoma Republican Party on April 14th, defeating incumbent Tom Daxon, the man who replaced Jones when he resigned in 2006 to seek the office of auditor and inspector. The campaign for GOP chairman was contentious but not brutally so; underdog Jones' popularity with conservative party activists and displeasure with some of Daxon's actions (and inactions) resulted in Jones' election.

It's not uncommon during such a change in administration for personnel changes to occur. Jones, however, walked into the GOP's headquarters, the Bartlett Center on North Lincoln Boulevard, with some of his old staff intact. Asked if he "cleaned house" when he took over, Jones replied, "I was elected April 14th and took office that day. At the time we had 3 people on staff. The office manager who I had hired has been here 4 years. We kept everyone. One person made the decision to resign and do something different about 15 days ago. The others are still on board."

While Jones did not inherit a huge party operating fund, the party did have about $34,000 in cash on hand as of its last finance report, for the first quarter of the year. For the most part, party fundraisers and donors seem satisified with Jones' election and there's been no hint of reluctance to help. Jones has spent most of his time since taking office criss-crossing the state meeting with local party leaders and activists. His goal is Republican control of the State Senate in 2008. It was during Jones' previous tenure as chairman that the groundwork was laid, his supporters say, that allowed Republicans to achieve parity with Democrats in the Senate and solidify their control of the State House.

Holmes' initial days as chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party have been rocky. Elected by defeating front-runner Ben Odom, Norman attorney, Holmes resigned his job on the staff of Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields, whose campaign he managed. Word spread that Holmes was going to "clean house" at the party headquarters, even getting rid of three staffers who were being paid by the Democratic National Committee, a gesture made by Chairman Howard Dean to keep the party operating as it staggered under a debt of half a million dollars left over from the 2004 election cycle and the "coordinated campaign" for Senate candidate Brad Carson.

Holmes did clean house; he's confirmed the entire staff has been asked to resign or is resigning, including the headquarters receptionist.

Some viewed Holmes' attitude as a slap in the face of Odom, who had been party vice chairman, and Chair Lisa Pryor, who spent much of her tenure trying to reduce the party debt. As chair, Pryor also was the party's executive director, paid $60,000 per year. Pryor instituted a party website, kept it updated regularly and is credited with trying to get the party's factions working together. Pryor's fans are fuming today after Holmes was quoted as telling a reporter on Tuesday the reason she wasn't asked to resign along with the staff members is because she just has a few days left to serve. It was, one Democrat confided, "the ultimate insult" to Pryor.

Odom disagreed with Holmes' action in dismissing the staff; Odom said he would have kept them.

What made Holmes' election a surprise to outsiders was how completely the party's most liberal activists (described by some as the "radical fringe element") took control of the convention and adopted numerous controversial resolutions. The convention was, one conservative Democrat moaned, "all about gay rights, gay marriage, abortion and keeping God out of schools."

Holmes, elected on May 19th, says that when he took over a week ago, the party had less than $2,000 in cash on hand. And, equally daunting, some Democrats say party fundraisers and donors are reluctant to help Holmes and the party given the influence of the liberals who now are in control. The party wasn't flush with cash in the first quarter; its finance report shows it had just under $11,000 on hand as of March 31st.

Former Governor David Walters could be an important player in whether the party can raise money quickly to help Holmes. In recent years, Walters has helped acquire the party's headquarters building on North Lincoln, held fundraisers for the party and candidates in his home, and raised money from others. He is credited with helping engineer the DNC's agreement to pay the salaries of the three staff members and is close to Dean.

A highly-placed party source says that although Holmes asked for the resignations of the three DNC-paid staff members, he will be able to replace them with those of his own choosing. The DNC has about the same number of staffers it pays in almost every state and apparently has assured Holmes it will continue to cover the three staff salaries here.

As Holmes struggles with building his headquarters staff without ready money on hand and facing ready critics among the party's moderates and conservatives, the political grape vine continues to sing with rumors about who might help him in the DNC-paid positions. Activist Todd Goodman is mentioned, as is consultant Jeremy Hendricks, said by several to be Holmes' choice as executive director. Whatever the real situation, it's clear Holmes faces a longer stretch of rocky road ahead, one that would be much more bumpy without the DNC financial support.

Women In Government Conference Due

Oklahoma City is in the national spotlight this week as host of the Women in Government 14th Annual Midwestern Conference, Rep. Marian Cooksey said today.

Women In Government is a national non-profit, bi-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums, and educational resources to address and resolve complex public policy issues. Every year the group holds a conference for Midwestern states to discuss cutting-edge public policy issues.

Cooksey, who serves as an Oklahoma state director of Women in Government, said she looks forward to the Impact of Cancer Care on States and the Patient Legislative Training session, one of the sessions offered at the conference. "This subject is something I am very passionate about-we need to address the increasing cancer rates plaguing Oklahoma and ensure these citizens have the best health care possible," said Cooksey, R-Edmond.

The conference will be held at the Oklahoma City Waterford Marriott today through June 2.

Inman Says He's Considering County Race

Former Oklahoma County Commissioner Stan Inman said today he is considering a race for another county office, possibly that of county clerk, a seat now held by Republican Carolyn Caudill. Inman's comments came during the "Tailgate Political Hour" hosted by Keith Gaddie and Kyle Loveless, with James Davenport (Inman's former assistant) and Mike McCarville sitting in, on KTLR-890 AM. Inman said he's made no decision but clearly has the "itch" to return to elective politics. He was defeated in his reelection bid for county commissioner. Inman responded to blogger reports that he's being mentioned as a candidate and he made it clear he doesn't plan to seek a legislative seat and is focused on a county office.

Miss America's Signs Posted In Lawton

Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson, Transportation Commissioner Brad Burgess, Gov. Brad Henry and Lawton Mayor John Purcell unveil a small replica of new highway signs that will greet visitors to Lawton, her hometown. The signs were posted today in Nelson's honor.

GOP Leaders Laud Legislative Progress

House Speaker Lance Cargill (left) and Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee (right) Tuesday vowed they will continue to advance state government streamlining efforts and pointed to "progress made in restraining growth in spending and reforms during the recently concluded 2007 legislative session."

"The protectors of the status quo were able to kill some of our reform legislation this year, but we will continue to demand that state government be responsive to the needs of citizens, and we will continue to trim the fat of unnecessary bureaucracy," said Cargill, R-Harrah.

"The Legislature must take great care to ensure that tax dollars are spent efficiently and effectively. We made a lot of progress this year by holding the line on spending and passing needed fiscal reforms, but more remains to be done," stated Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

Cargill and Coffee said "advancement of the conservative agenda at the Capitol this year shifted priorities in state government for the first time in decades."

They said they are pleased that conservatives succeeded in passing an overall state budget smaller than last year's, coupled with accelerated tax relief. And the Legislature passed a plan to eliminate nearly 20 outdated state boards and task forces, along with a "Google government" measure to track how taxpayer dollars are spent.

One reform bill, House Bill 2100, did not win final approval in this year's legislative session, one of the few GOP legislative agenda items that did not make it through the process. Cargill and Coffee said in 2008 they plan to reintroduce the bill, which would have created a comprehensive effort to crack down on government waste and inefficiency by establishing an independent panel to review state agencies every eight years. Modeled after similar efforts at the federal level, the Commission on the Accountability and Review of State Agencies (CARSA) would examine opportunities for consolidation and streamlining of duplicative state agencies.

"Over the past few decades, the size of Oklahoma's government has grown dramatically, but this year we truly began the process of cutting back on waste, duplication and inefficiency in state government," said Coffee.

"Oklahomans literally face an alphabet soup of departments and agencies when it comes to our state government," said Cargill. "Government has just grown too large in our state, and I intend to keep pressing for reforms to change that."

Thompson Plans July 4th 'Bang'

From The Politico ~ Fred Dalton Thompson is planning to enter the presidential race over the Fourth of July holiday, announcing that week that he has already raised several million dollars and is being backed by insiders from the past three Republican administrations, Thompson advisers told The Politico.

Thompson, the "Law and Order" star and former U.S. senator from Tennessee, has been publicly coy, even as people close to him have been furiously preparing for a late entry into the wide-open contest. But the advisers said Thompson dropped all pretenses on Tuesday afternoon during a conference call with more than 100 potential donors, each of whom was urged to raise about $50,000.

Thompson's formal announcement is planned for Nashville. Organizers say the red pickup truck that was a hallmark of Thompson's first Senate race will begin showing up in Iowa and New Hampshire as an emblem of what they consider his folksy, populist appeal.

A testing-the-waters committee is to be formed June 4 so Thompson can start raising money, and staffers will go on the payroll in early June, the organizers said. A policy team has been formed, but remains under wraps.

Helping Thompson in Oklahoma are Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud and former Republican State Chairman Steve Edwards of Tulsa.

Chris Wilson: Ads Make Richardson A Real Player

National pollster Chris Wilson says Democrat Bill Richardson's innovative televisions commercials aired in Iowa make Richardson a solid contender for the Democratic nomination for president.

Wilson's remarks came on "Mullins In The Morning" with Reid Mullins today on radio station KTOK in Oklahoma City.

Wilson heads the survey research firm Wilson Research Strategies with offices in Oklahoma City, Washington and elsewhere.

Wilson said his firm, as part of its national research, conducted a comprehensive study (www.w-r-s.com/thehill) for The Hill, a Washington political publication, and found that Richardson's two television commercials, described as "job interviews," set Richardson apart from others seeking the nomination. Wilson said the commercials are the kind that come along "only every 10 years or so." He said the commercials make Richardson one of the top four Democrats in the race.

Richardson's Oklahoma chairman is Tulsan Jim East, husband of Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland.

To read more and see the two Richardson commercials, click on Richardson's name under "labels" below.

Here's The Hill's story about the commercials: Republicans are almost as impressed as Democrats by Gov. Bill Richardson’s resume — or at least, his advertising about his resume — according to a survey by Wilson Research Strategies.

Two campaign ads feature New Mexico’s Richardson (D), a presidential candidate, in a job interview. In one, the interviewer sums up Richardson’s many experiences in public service, including his roles as governor, energy secretary and congressman, and then as a punchline asks him why he’s qualified to be president. In the second one, the interviewer suggests the governor might be overqualified.

The ads have gotten widespread praise on the Web for their clever message. It appears Republicans almost wholeheartedly agree.

GOPers rated Richardson’s offerings far above average across the board, giving them a 7.2 for their appeal and a 7.6 for their memorability.

Respondents are asked to rate the ads in six categories from zero to 10.Democrats and independents rated the ads even higher, including several marks above 8.0, making them among the best-reviewed ads in the history of the bi-weekly survey.

The ads also scored well among members of the news media, typically the most critical group in the survey, and consultants. Both groups gave the spot marks around 9.0.

The Richardson ads are the kind “that could change a campaign,” Chris Wilson, chief executive of Wilson Research Strategies, said. Wilson cited several other memorable ads from campaigns past, including Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) famous 1984 ad in which bloodhounds went searching for his incumbent opponent after he missed many Senate votes.

“Bill Richardson is in a situation where he’s got to define himself quickly,” Wilson said. “This is the kind of ad that Richardson can put in front of his donors to show that he has the ability to run a serious campaign, that he can change the face of this campaign” to include a four-candidate top tier.

Two other ads tested in the survey appear to have hit their targets as well, even if they failed to garner a comparable bipartisan groundswell.

One ad, which was paid for by VoteVets.org, features former Army Maj. Gen. John Batiste criticizing President Bush for failing to listen to the troops. It was well reviewed by Democrats, who gave it two ratings of 8.5 for strength of message and credibility, and got above-average marks from independents too. Republicans were unimpressed.

The other, a Web video by former Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.), who is weighing a presidential run, responds to a recent request for a debate by liberal documentary filmmaker Michael Moore. Thompson, holding a cigar, criticizes Moore’s visit to Cuba and suggests he might need to check into a mental institution. Republicans gave it around a 7.0, across the board, but independents and Democrats rated it below average.

Another ad, in which Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) attempts to establish himself as a leader on getting a withdrawal timetable for the Iraq war, was greeted lukewarmly by Democrats and independents, though slightly above average.When comparing all the ads, nearly six in 10 Republicans said Richardson’s were the most effective, while 32 percent said Thompson’s was.

Democratic Party Broke, Holmes Says

State Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes says the party has less than $2,000 on hand to meet next month's operating bill of $30,000 and he's depending on donors to keep operating.

Holmes' remarks came after The McCarville Report Online disclosed on Tuesday that he had asked for staff resignations shortly after taking office and faced reluctance from some party donors to help fund his new administration. Holmes was elected chairman at the party convention on May 19th, defeating Norman attorney Ben Odom, the vice chairman.

Holmes said the party still faces a debt of about $75,000, the remainder of almost half a million dollars in debt left over from the 2004 elections. Former Party Chair Lisa Pryor is credited with reducing the debt and maintaining the party's operation for two years.

Holmes said that now, because of the lack of paid staff, "...I need help...." He said he may have to assume some of the duties of the party's executive director to keep expenses down. Pryor was both chair and executive director and paid $60,000 per year. Holmes planned only to serve as chairman and hire an executive director.

Odom said that, had he been elected chairman, he would not have asked for the staff members to resign, describing them as "all terrific folks...."

Among those asked to resign were staff members being paid by the Democratic National Committee in an arrangement designed to help Pryor maintain party operations while retiring the past debt.

Turmoil Strikes Oklahoma Democratic Party; Sources Say Staffers Leave, Donors Hesitant

The Oklahoma Democratic Party appears to be in turmoil today, with the forced resignations of three staff members and some potential major donors said to be reluctant to help fund the administration of new Chairman Ivan Holmes.

Word of the turmoil comes a few weeks after Holmes won the chairmanship in a surprise over Norman attorney Ben Odom, the outgoing vice chairman, in what one party source described as a victory for the "radical fringe element" of the party.

One of Holmes' first acts as chairman apparently was to ask for the resignations of three party workers who have been paid by the Democratic National Committee, part of Chairman Howard Dean's effort to help the party recover from the 2004 election cycle, which ended with the party in debt by about half a million dollars.

Holmes, The McCarville Report Online was told, campaigned on a pledge to fire the entire party headquarters staff. He apparently did not know that three of the four staff members were on the DNC payroll and that he could not "fire" them because they were DNC employees. They are Courtney Ruark, Teresa Hill and Jason McCarthy. Nonetheless, two days after being elected, Holmes “requested” their resignations. A source said the three were preparing to resign anyway, and they did.

Dean, one source asserts, told Pryor and Odom that the DNC now may abandon Oklahoma and not pay for any new employees because the party’s "radical fringe element" has taken control.

The only staff the Party apparently now has operating the headquarters is Holmes; outgoing Chair Lisa Pryor, whose tenure as the paid executive director will end by June 10th; and a receptionist.

Jeremy Hendricks, a Democratic political consultant, is expected to be named executive director by Holmes but even that possible move has concerned some because they've been told Hendricks will be allowed to continue to operate his campaign consulting business, creating possible conflicts of interest.

Some who are familiar with the party's inner workings say the turmoil began during the convention when many of the delegates spent time criticizing moderate Democratic Congressman Dan Boren for being too conservative and arguing with his defenders. They note that resolutions adopted by the delegates included three supporting gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender issues, and others opposing tort reform and the teaching of creationism in public schools, and favoring the impeachment of President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, abortion, and withdrawal from Iraq.

Holmes reportedly spent much of his time at the convention pushing the resolutions; Odom reportedly spent most of his time discussing the nuts and bolts operation of the party including the need for continued fundraising and organizational efforts.

Holmes managed the successful campaign of Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields, who upset incumbent Republican Brenda Reneau last year. Holmes is a member of Fields' staff and reportedly is giving that job up to become party chairman, a non-paid position. Outgoing Chair Lisa Pryor also held the title of executive director and has been paid the position's annual salary of about $60,000.

Many of those who supported Holmes post their thoughts on the active Democrat blog, demookie.com. Some of those who post there regularly are hosting a party fundraising event on June 23rd, a hotdog cookout, and hope to raise a thousand dollars.

A Picture's Worth...

Hat tip to Reid Mullins, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK

Publication Speculates About Coburn

From The Spectator ~ "Sen. Tom Coburn is mulling an entry into the Republican presidential primary, according to sources inside and outside the Senate. Coburn, a senator from Oklahoma, is believed to be receiving encouragement from a small group of wealthy businessmen and philanthropists in the Oklahoma-Kansas-Texas region of the country. 'He's all about faith, lower taxes, and staying the course in Iraq,' says an adviser outside of the Senate who has been speaking to Coburn. Coburn had been mulling a run earlier this year, but with what appeared to be a crowded field, including two sitting Senators (John McCain and Sam Brownback), along with another seriously looking (Chuck Hagel), Coburn appeared to pull back. 'He's not bound to any timetable or any fundraising imperative,' says a longtime adviser to Coburn, who has spoken with him. 'What's important for him is that there is no other true, Reagan conservative in the race, and he thinks he can fill that void.' Coburn is believed to have the backing of several low-profile members of the so called 'Swift Boaters,' men who financed the ads that doomed the presidential aspirations of Sen. John Kerry."

Mickey Edwards Tees Off On Bush

From The New Yorker ~ "Disillusionment with the Administration has become widespread among the conservatives who once were Bush’s strongest supporters. Mickey Edwards, a former Republican congressman from Oklahoma, said recently, 'The Republican Administration has shown itself to be completely incompetent to the point that, of Republicans in Iowa, fifty-two per cent thought we should be out of Iraq in six months.' Edwards, who left Congress in 1993 and now teaches at Princeton, is helping to lead an effort among some conservatives to curtail the President’s power in such areas as warrantless wiretapping. 'This Administration is beyond the pale in terms of arrogance and incompetence,' he said. 'This guy thinks he’s a monarch, and that’s scary as hell.'"

Highway Signs To Honor Lawton's Lauren Nelson

Governor Brad Henry on Wednesday will present Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson with a replica of large highway signs proclaiming Lawton as her hometown. The four actual signs will be installed by noon on Wednesday, May 30.

FEC Cites Istook 2004 Campaign

Former Republican Congressman Ernest Istook improperly spent nearly $7,000 in campaign funds on personal items, including a trip to the 2004 Sugar Bowl, according to a Federal Election Commission audit of Istook's 2004 reelection campaign.

The FEC audit, which was provided by Istook to The Oklahoman, uncovered numerous other financial violations, the newspaper reported. In 2003 and 2004, Istook's campaign took donations from corporations, which are prohibited; took excessive contributions from donors; failed to provide required information for some donors; failed to disclose more than $26,000 in last-minute contributions; and misstated its receipts and expenditures, the audit says. Among the nearly $7,000 worth of items improperly purchased with campaign funds were CDs, jewelry, airfare, groceries and gas.

11-Year-Old Kills Monster Wild Hog

An 11-year-old Alabama boy used eight shots from a .50 caliber pistol to kill a wild hog his father says weighed a staggering 1,051 pounds and measured 9 feet 4, from the tip of its snout to the base of its tail. If the claims are accurate, Jamison Stone's trophy boar would be bigger than Hogzilla, the famed wild hog that grew to seemingly mythical proportions in south Georgia in 2004.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Winners, Losers: The end of the 2007 Legislature offers opportunity to assess. Winners appear to be Republicans, now in charge of the House and co-equal in the Senate. They got most of what they wanted. Governor Brad Henry emerged from the session with a few bumps and bruises, most of them self-inflicted. Some still trying to figure out what his stand on the budget was all about, and what his real position on lawsuit reform may be. Mike Morgan, Senate Democratic leader, got through this session without the mistakes he made a year ago. Lance Cargill and Glenn Coffee get high marks from most for their leadership in the House and Senate.

Stipe Stuff: Expect, sooner rather than later, more news about former State Senator Gene Stipe. The feds, no doubt, are about to repeal his probation and the IRS probably has him in its sights as well. The convicted felon has more rocky days ahead.

Speaking Of 'Rocky': Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart and former State Rep. Tim Pope, Rinehart's campaign manager, will again be in the news as criminal charges against them are pursued. The campaign-finance related cases against them took an interesting twist when businessman Bob Larkin, also charged in the case, reached a plea agreement and is cooperating with investigators. Never a good sign for others charged in the same case.

Oklahoma County Commission: Comes word there may be yet another Democrat eyeing the seat being vacated by Jim Roth. Former State House member Bart Bates, also a former Capitol lobbyist, is said to be taking a look. He served from 1989 to 1993 representing District 19. He now lives in the Jones area.

Family Hero: From time to time, I recall the military members of Family McCarville, and it seems especially fitting on Memorial Day weekend. This is Army Sergeant Stephen L. McCarvel (distant cousin) of Montana, the only family member to die in Vietnam. Steve was awarded the Silver Star for bravery under fire. He was on his second (and voluntary) tour in Vietnam when he died on May 24, 1969 at the age of 19. Stephen’s name is the only McCarvel or McCarville name found on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall which now lists the names of 58,249 U.S Military Casualties in Southeast Asia between 1956 and 1975. Among those names is Army Warrant Officer and helicopter pilot Mike Johnson Hope, my best friend in high school, who died when his chopper was shot down.

Jones: Henry Failed Lawsuit Reform Test

Republican State Chairman Gary Jones (pictured) today issued this statement: On the final week of the legislative session, Gov. Brad Henry rejected the legislature’s second lawsuit reform proposal of the year. And with the legislative session now wrapped up, it will be yet another year without lawsuit reform in Oklahoma.

“Governor Henry has effectively told the business community that Oklahoma is closed for business. Henry promised Oklahoma citizens Texas Plus tort reform, and now he won’t even sign Texas Lite reform, which is essentially what this compromise was. I would ask Gov. Henry how he expects us to compete with Texas and other surrounding states without reform?”

The compromise proposal was developed by physicians and business groups, and addresses the governor’s concerns about Senate Bill 507 (which Henry vetoed) as outlined in a recent memo from State Treasurer Scott Meacham.

“If we want to stop being at the bottom of every list, we need tort reform. Unfortunately, we have a Governor who takes his marching orders from the trial bar, and who has once again ignored the calls from Oklahoma taxpayers of the need for tort reform.”

Coffee Gives Session Grade Of B+

Oklahoma Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee graded the 2007 legislative session a “B+,” but said the session could have gotten an “A” if Gov. Brad Henry had signed a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill passed by the Legislature.

“This was a ‘B+’ session that could have been an ‘A’ if Gov. Henry had signed the lawsuit reform bill,” stated Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “But we still accomplished a lot for the people of Oklahoma, and the Senate finished the people’s business early and in an orderly fashion.

“The tie in the Oklahoma Senate has changed everything at the State Capitol,” Coffee said about the Legislature’s evenly divided upper chamber. “Under Democrat control, the Senate was known as the place where good bills go to die. Now that Republicans have an equal say here, we have made the Senate a place where good ideas can thrive.”

The Senate ended work late Thursday; the House essentially finished its work and should officially adjourn by noon today.

Coffee noted that Senate Republicans used their new authority in the Senate to pass nearly every major component of their legislative agenda.

“This was a very successful legislative session for Senate Republicans. We passed new tax relief for Oklahoma families and small businesses. We enacted new protections for the unborn. We developed a long-term fix for the Teacher Retirement System, and passed a major immigration reform bill. We held the line on spending by enacting a state budget that actually spends less money than the current budget,” Coffee said. “And, for the first time ever, a meaningful lawsuit reform bill passed the state Senate and reached the governor’s desk.”

Highlights of Senate Republicans’ accomplishments in 2007:

Lawsuit reform: Although it was vetoed by the governor, this was the first time a meaningful lawsuit reform bill passed the Senate and made it to the governor’s desk.

Tax relief: Senate Bill 861 speeds up an income tax cut and includes a back-to-school sales tax holiday.

Held the line on spending: The FY 2008 budget agreement spends less than total spending for FY 2007 – and leaves money on the table for future needs.

Government accountability: SB 1, the Taxpayer Transparency Act, places the state budget online in a searchable database.

Merit pay for teachers: A portion of the teacher pay increase was weighted toward veteran teachers and those with advanced degrees – a first step toward merit pay. Funding was also increased for the Academic Achievement Awards, a bonus program for teachers.

Pro-life: Two bills (SB 714 and SB 139) prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds for abortions made it through the Senate, and the second one became law.

Teacher Retirement System: Senate Republicans helped push through a permanent increase in funding that will help make the system more solvent in the long-term, and we insisted that a downpayment on the plan ($10 million) be made in the FY 08 budget.

Immigration Reform.

Access to Health Care: Senate Republicans helped increase access to healthcare for thousands of Oklahomans by increasing Medicaid payment rates to doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes to ensure greater participation in the program.

Legislation Protecting Military Bases Approved

Fort Sill and other military installations in Oklahoma will be less likely to face closure in the future thanks to legislation approved today, southwest lawmakers said.

Senate Bill 751 would create the Military Base Protection and Expansion Act, which would provide funds to military communities for infrastructure improvements needed as the result of an increased military presence. The latest round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decisions resulted in expansions at several Oklahoma bases.

The bill now goes to Governor Brad Henry.

Early Adjournment Effort Coming?

Capitol sources say there may be an effort to adjourn the Legislature tonight, ending its business a day early.

Some House and Senate members say there's been talk of a late-night session tonight, the goal being to wrap up all work and adjourn sine die before midnight.

Terrorist Torture Methods Shown

Blogger Mark Shannon has posted a link to graphic photos of the torture methods being employed by terrorists in Iraq. Not for the squeamish, but evidence of their brutality. Find the link under Mark's "News 2 Me" section.

Oklahoma City Police Officer Needs Help

From ronblackradio.com ~ Oklahoma City Police Officer Terry Turner is going through the nightmare of a liver transplant and his family's insurance has reached its maximum amount. They are taking donations to help this hero and I challenge you to help out.

Send your contributions to: Oklahoma City FOP c/o Terry Turner Fund 1624 South Agnew Oklahoma City, OK 73108

It's Thumbs Down For Henry In Online Poll

Voters in The McCarville Report Online's poll about Governor Brad Henry's approval rating gave the governor a thumbs down.

Unlike more scientific statewide polls that show his approval rating in the 70 percent range, Henry drew approval from only 35 percent of those voting in our poll, with 65 percent disapproving.

Final Results: Approve 13%, Strongly Approve 22%, Disapprove 23%, Strongly Disapprove 42%.

Henry Rejects Second Lawsuit Reform Proposal

UPDATE: Governor Henry rejected the proposal late Wednesday. (Originally posted 5.23). Legislative leaders in the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives have submitted a compromise lawsuit reform proposal to Governor Brad Henry in an effort to reach an agreement before the Legislature adjourns for the year, the leaders said Wednesday.

The proposal was developed by physicians and business groups, and addresses the governor’s concerns about Senate Bill 507 as outlined in a recent memo from the governor’s chief negotiator, State Treasurer Scott Meacham. Henry has been under fire in Oklahoman and nationally for his veto of Senate Bill 507, a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill passed by the Legislature last month.

“The need for lawsuit reform is one of the most critical issues facing our state, so in the spirit of bipartisan cooperation we have agreed to accept the compromise proposal submitted by the medical and business communities. We encourage the governor to accept this proposal so we can take a major step toward stamping out lawsuit abuse in Oklahoma,” stated Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The ball is now in the governor’s court.”

“Time is growing very short in the session's final days, but we're hopeful the governor will accept this important compromise," said Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. "This bill represents a true compromise, but also achieves reform. Oklahoma desperately needs lawsuit reform if our state is going to move forward.”

Pro-Life Bill Becomes Law

Resorting to a seldom-used means of enacting a law, Governor Brad Henry on Wednesday night declined to either veto pro-life Senate Bill 139 or sign it into law, instead allowing the bill to become law without his signature. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, a bill approved by the legislature automatically becomes law after five days if the governor declines to take action on it.

Former Jones Mayor Enters Commissioner Race

Blogger Ron Black reports today that the former mayor of Jones, Republican Bill Hoag (pictured), has told a local newspaper, The Midwest City Sun, that he will be a candidate for the Oklahoma County District 1 seat being vacated by Jim Roth.

Former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City announced as a candidate for the GOP nomination yesterday.

Image courtesy The Midwest City Sun

It's A Stinky Award

State Rep. Paul Wesselhoft today awarded his second annual "skunk master award" to House Bill 1278, the "stinkiest bill of the session."

Wesselhoft said even though HB 1278 funded the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the bill was full of senatorial pork such as $150,000 for the Pollard Theater, a privately owned business; $150,000 for the Greenwood Cultural Center and $200,000 for "A Pocket Full of Hope," a community project in Tulsa. "There was strong debate arguing that the bill ought to be returned to the Senate in order to remove obvious pork, but the bill passed 55-15 with the large number of 31 representatives not voting at all," said Wesselhoft, R-Moore.

Is It Who You Know Or Where You Live, Or Both?

Gubernatorial appointments almost always signal the political connections of the appointees and sometimes can be based on where they live. And sometimes it's difficult to separate the two.

Whatever the case with the latest list of 100-plus appointees announced by Governor Brad Henry, it is clear that, with this group at least, you had a leg up if you lived in Eastern Oklahoma, particularly the southeastern quadrant.

And if you lived in Southwest Oklahoma, you were among the chosen few.

The governor's list shows 49 appointees in the eastern half of the state and just 11 in the western half. Forty-one are from the Oklahoma City metro area and 10 are from the Tulsa metro area.

Stillwater alone had more appointees (6) than did the southwestern quadrant (5).

Here's how the numbers break down: Metro Oklahoma City 41; Southeast 26; Northeast 23; Metro Tulsa 10; Northwest 6; Southwest 5.

The breakdown of numbers from this list does not represent the overall geographic location of Henry appointees since he took office.

Tulsa Judge: Concealed Carry A Good Thing

From the Tulsa World Online ~ A new law specifying that district judges can have guns in courthouses is "important and wise legislation," said a Tulsa judge who made headlines when he armed himself during a court commotion a year and a half ago.

The law, signed last week by Gov. Brad Henry, "will greatly enhance court house security for all the citizens," Tulsa County District Judge Tom Thornbrugh said.

The law clarifies what had been the common understanding of the law and adds the component of requiring a judge who wants to keep a firearm at the courthouse to have appropriate training, he said. The law requires a judge to possess a concealed handgun license if he or she is to have a gun on the job.

In 2005, Thornbrugh armed himself in the wake of a disturbance involving deputy sheriffs and an in-custody defendant who was on trial for attempted rape. While jurors were excused from the courtroom, a loud struggle developed behind the closed door of a room where the defendant had been taken for a restroom break. Thornbrugh said he retrieved a pistol from his chambers and positioned himself in the courtroom to watch the door of that room until other deputies arrived. He said he had a permit to carry a concealed weapon and that he kept the gun unloaded in a desk but loaded it before responding to the emergency.

Naifeh To Seek Corporation Commission Seat?

Is former Edmond Mayor Saundra Naifeh preparing to run for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission next year? Blogger Ron Black suspects so.

Transformational Justice Act Passes House

Legislation encouraging faith-based groups and other volunteer organizations to take a stronger role in rehabilitating Oklahoma inmates passed a vote of the State House on Tuesday with broad bipartisan support.

House Bill 2101, the Transformational Justice Act, authored by Speaker Lance Cargill, would encourage state prisons to partner with faith-based, community and voluntary organizations to help inmates rejoin society and reduce the rate of repeat offenders. "The state needs to be supporting these groups and their efforts in every way possible," said Cargill (R-Harrah). "These groups help inmates get back on their feet and become constructive members of society instead of criminals, and this bill removes roadblocks that these groups face as they seek to serve."

The measure, part of the Safe Families Platform of the 2007 House Republican Year of Ideas Agenda, passed the House on Tuesday by a vote of 93-4.

Cargill said faith-based groups can offer unique tools and assistance that can not only help shrink recidivism rates at Oklahoma prisons, but also change inmates' lives for the better. "I think faith plays an important role in a person's life," Cargillsaid. "It can fill a hole that no government program can replace. Inmates in prison need human contact, and many of them don't have families. They can't be loved by a government program, but they can be loved by people. These private, faith-based groups can help inmates find that connection they need in order to turn their life around. It's important that these groups not have to face any unreasonable barriers, and this bill helps to tear down those walls."

Henry Announces New Appointments

Governor Brad Henry today announced the following appointments to a number of state boards and commissions: Bill Willis, Granite, to the Oklahoma Mining Commission for a term expiring Jan. 1, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Larry Ennis, Ada, to the Oklahoma Mining Commission for a term expiring Jan. 1, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

W.B. Parker, Spencer, to the Employment Security Commission for a term expiring July 2, 2013. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Sam Grubb, Miami, to the Oklahoma Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission to serve coterminously with the Governor. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Loise Washington, McAlester, to the Board of Regents of Eastern Oklahoma State College for a term expiring June 1, 2014. She replaces Dale Covington. Senate confirmation required.

Jeff Tidwell, Marlow, to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for a term expiring May 9, 2012. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

F.L. Holton Jr., Poteau, to the Board of Regents for Carl Albert State College for a term expiring July 1, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Michael (Mickey) Ray Perry, Chickasha, to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

D. Casey Davis, Oklahoma City, to the Capitol-Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission for a term expiring Jan. 31, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Martin VanMeter, Durant, to the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Charles Henry Barnes, Choctaw, to the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

David K. Griesel, El Reno, to the Environmental Quality Board for a term expiring Jan. 31, 2012. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Karol Theresa Savage, Oklahoma City, to the Environmental Quality Board for a term expiring Jan. 31, 2012. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Bob Drake, Davis, to the Environmental Quality Board for a term expiring Jan. 31, 2012. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Robert Henry Croak, Midwest City, to the Board of Regents for Rose State College for a term expiring July 1, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Terry V. Dean, Yukon, to the Board of Regents for Redlands Community College for a term expiring April 22, 2014. He replaces Carl Hamilton. Senate confirmation required.

David Wilson, Seminole, to the Board of Regents of Seminole State College for a term expiring July 1, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Dr. Jan Ralls Henry, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Arts Council for a term expiring July 1, 2010. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Wanda O. Westheimer, Ardmore, to the Oklahoma Arts Council for a term expiring July 1, 2010. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Brenda McDaniel, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Arts Council for a term expiring July 1, 2010. She replaces Ira H. Schlezinger. Senate confirmation required.

Dr. Simon A. Levit, Tulsa, to the Oklahoma Arts Council for a term expiring July 1, 2010. He replaces Billie T. Barnett. Senate confirmation required.

Jeannette F. Sias, Edmond, to the Oklahoma Arts Council for a term expiring July 1, 2010. She replaces Harvey Pratt. Senate confirmation required.

Sharon King Davis, Tulsa, to the Oklahoma Arts Council for a term expiring July 1, 2009. She replaces Jennifer MacIvor Dunning, who resigned. Senate confirmation required.

Andy Dearth, Tecumseh, to the Oklahoma Professional Boxing Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Johnny B. Cullison, Shawnee, to the Committee of Home Inspector Examiners for a term expiring June 30, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

John Hester, Frederick, to the Board of Regents of Western Oklahoma State College for a term expiring March 24, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Lowell Caneday, Stillwater, to the Board of Trustees for Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference Center and Nature Park for a term expiring June 30, 2014. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Desmond Sides, Poteau, to the Alcoholic Beverage and Law Enforcement (ABLE) Commission for a term expiring June 23, 2012. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Dr. Ed Miller, Stillwater, to the State Board of Registration for Foresters for a term expiring June 1, 2012. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Dennis J. McGrath, Stillwater, to the Polygraph Examiners Board for a term expiring May 17, 2013. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Dr. Mary Anne McCaffree, Oklahoma City, to the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2013. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Don G. Pope, Norman, to the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board for a term expiring July 1, 2012. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Matthew Hunter McBee, Poteau, to the State Board of Corrections for a term expiring March 15, 2013. He replaces W. Mark Luttrell. Senate confirmation required.

Keith Miller, Sallisaw, to the Construction Industries Board for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2011. He replaces Ken Callahan. Senate confirmation required.

Lou Barlow, Oklahoma City, to the Construction Industries Board for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Larry S. Shea, Oklahoma City, to the Construction Industries Board for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Mike Burton, Tulsa, to the Construction Industries Board for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Mitchell Hort, Yukon, to the Construction Industries Board for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Glen R. Boyd, Oklahoma City, to the Construction Industries Board for a term expiring Nov. 1, 2011. He replaces Charles Boyd Darr III. Senate confirmation required.

Tommy O’Donnell, Carney, to the Construction Industries Board for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Mark Ryan Huff, Watonga, to the State Fire Marshal Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2009. He replaces Jerry Bower, who resigned. Senate confirmation required.

Harold Crews, Yukon, to the State Fire Marshal Commission for a term expiring Nov. 1, 2012. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Diane Abernathy, Norman, to the State Fire Marshal Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2012. She replaces Kelley Mattocks. Senate confirmation required.

Stan B. Noble, Tulsa, to the Commission on Marginally Producing Oil & Gas Wells for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2009. He replaces Tommy Hull, who resigned. Senate confirmation required.

Mike Voorhees, Oklahoma City, to the Board of Regents for Oklahoma City Community College for a term expiring April 22, 2014. He replaces Tom Hoskison. Senate confirmation required.

Mike Rooker, Shawnee, to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2012. He replaces Rick Jeans. Senate confirmation required.

Stephen W. Painton, Edmond, to the Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology for a term expiring Aug. 17, 2010. He replaces Kurt Eric Kalies. Senate confirmation required.

W. Dean Derieg, Cordell, to the War Veterans Commission of Oklahoma for a term expiring July 1, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Wesley Hull, Ardmore, to the War Veterans Commission of Oklahoma for a term expiring July 1, 2010. He replaces Loretta J. Rethard. Senate confirmation required.

Jessica Pfau, Ardmore, to the Board of Trustees for the Ardmore Higher Education Program for a term expiring June 30, 2016. She replaces Charlie Clowe. Senate confirmation required.

Harlene Wills, Tahlequah, to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board for a term expiring July 1, 2013. She replaces Duchess Bartmess. Senate confirmation required.

Dr. J.T. O’Connor Jr., Marietta, 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.

Terry W. Clark, Tulsa, to the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners for Long-Term Care Administrators for a term expiring July 1, 2010. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Dr. Maurice W. Payne, Checotah, 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.

James M. Jakubovitz, Owasso, 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.

Jim Haught, Broken Arrow, to the Air Quality Advisory Council for a term expiring June 15, 2014. He replaces Robert “Bob” W. Curtis. Senate confirmation required.

Ed Kelsay, Bethany, to the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He replaces George William Velotta II. Senate confirmation required.

Kevin Huddleston, Lexington, to the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Dave Baltes, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Dr. J. Andy Sullivan, Oklahoma City, to the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2013. He replaces Beverly Eubanks. Senate confirmation required.

Agnes C. Berkenbile, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma State Credit Union Board for a term expiring Oct. 1, 2010. She replaces Steve Rasmussen. Senate confirmation required.

Hilarie Hefton Blaney, Nichols Hills, to the Student Loan Authority for a term expiring April 6, 2012. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Chuck Darby, Broken Bow, to the Board of Trustees for the McCurtain County Higher Education Program for a term expiring June 30, 2016. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Betty Pollard, Idabel, to the Board of Trustees for the McCurtain County Higher Education Program for a term expiring June 30, 2016. She replaces George Walters, who resigned. Senate confirmation required.

A.D. Ellis, Beggs, to the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission for a term expiring Aug. 15, 2010. He replaces John Froman. Senate confirmation required.

John A. Barrett, Shawnee, to the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission for a term expiring Aug. 15, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Robert Newcomb, Elk City, to the State Banking Board for a term expiring June 1, 2013. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Jane Lepak, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors for a term expiring July 1, 2012. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Rhonda Y. Cochran, Tahlequah, to the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors for a term expiring July 1, 2012. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Rudy Alvarado, Bethany, to the Science and Technology Council to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Anil Gollahalli, Norman, to the Science and Technology Council to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. He replaces Bob Craine. Senate confirmation required.

Craig D. Shimasaki, Edmond, to the Science and Technology Council to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. He replaces Howard Barnett. Senate confirmation required.

Sheri Stickley, Edmond, to the Science and Technology Council to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. She replaces Dave Bialis. Senate confirmation required.

Bob Whitson, Stillwater, to the Science and Technology Council to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. He replaces Joseph Alexander. Senate confirmation required.

Jack Baldwin, Enid, to the Science and Technology Council to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Stan Evans, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission for a term expiring July 15, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Teresa Ann Rendon, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission for a term expiring July 15, 2010. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Elvia Hernandez, Guymon, to the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission for a term expiring July 15, 2010. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

William O. Johnstone, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Securities Commission for a term expiring July 27, 2013. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Linda Andrews, Yukon, to the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools for a term expiring July 1, 2013. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

Mike Bloodworth, Hugo, to the Wildlife Conservation Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2015. He replaces Lewis Stiles. Senate confirmation required.

Stephanie Crane, Shawnee, to the State Textbook Committee for a term expiring March 1, 2010. She replaces Brooke Meiller. Senate confirmation required.

Kevin McDonald, Edmond, to the State Textbook Committee for a term expiring March 1, 2010. He replaces Cathy Gayle Barker. Senate confirmation required.

Tammy Edwards, Fort Towson, to the State Textbook Committee for a term expiring March 1, 2010. She replaces Deborah Tustin. Senate confirmation required.

Pageant Ferriabough, Jenks, to the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board for a term expiring June 30, 2010. She replaces herself. Senate confirmation required.

John Harley, Edmond, to the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Karl Reid, Stillwater, to the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Louis Sims, Hobart, to the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Gilmer Capps, Snyder, to the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He replaces Harry Phillip Kliewer. Senate confirmation required.

Ken McGill, Tulsa, to the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Joe King, Norman, to the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority for a term expiring June 30, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Brad Stringer, Owasso, to the Committee of Home Inspector Examiners for a term expiring June 30, 2010. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Connie Reilly, Okemah, to the Regional University System of Oklahoma for a term expiring June 10, 2016. She replaces Michael Thompson. Senate confirmation required.

Jesse Perez Mendez, Stillwater, to the Board of Regents of the Northern Oklahoma College for a term expiring June 30, 2012. He replaces George Paczkowski. Senate confirmation required.

Randy Coy, Tulsa, to the Motor Vehicle Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2013. He replaces Don Thornton. Senate confirmation required.

Greg Cable, Edmond, to the Motor Vehicle Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2013. He replaces Bob Howard. Senate confirmation required.

David Warren Jones, Ardmore, to the Organ Donor Education and Awareness Program Advisory Council for a term expiring Nov. 1, 2011. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Diane Lewis, Norman, to the Organ Donor Education and Awareness Program Advisory Council for a term expiring Nov. 1, 2011. She replaces Phil Van Stavern. Senate confirmation required.

Tom Volturo, Ada, to the Oklahoma Accountancy Board to serve coterminously with the Governor. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Barbara A. Ley, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Accountancy Board for a term expiring June 30, 2012. She replaces J.H. “Jay” Engelbach. Senate confirmation required.

Cara Cowan Watts, Claremore, to the Will Rogers Memorial Commission for a term expiring March 1, 2013. She replaces Pat Crume. Senate confirmation required.

Bill Osborn, Miami, to the Board of Pharmacy for a term expiring June 30, 2012. He replaces himself. Senate confirmation required.

Dr. Diana Elizabeth Hampton, Edmond, to the Board of Pharmacy to serve coterminously with the Governor. She replaces herself.

Sarah Sagran, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools for a term expiring July 1, 2012. She replaces Joe Merrifield, who resigned. Senate confirmation required.

Bill Andrew, Seiling, to the Capital Investment Board for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2011. He replaces Cy Elmburg. Senate confirmation required.

John Payton Lomax, Miami, to the Lead-Impacted Communities Relocation Assistance Trust for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2007. He replaces Ed Keheley, who resigned. Senate confirmation required.

Greg Massey, Durant, to the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges for a term expiring April 4, 2015. He replaces Fred Harlan. Senate confirmation required.

Tax-Cut Lovers Won Legislative Battle This Year

From The Journal Record ~ What spurs the economy more: tax cuts or increased investment in government services? The groups on opposing sides of the issue may never agree, but it appears the tax-cut lovers won the battle this year in the Oklahoma Legislature. Read this excellent exposition by writer Janice Francis-Smith. (Registration required.)

Claunch Makes It Official; He's In

Midwest City resident Forrest Claunch announced Tuesday that he will be a Republican candidate for the Oklahoma County Commissioner seat being vacated by Democrat Jim Roth, who was recently named to fill a vacancy on the Corporation Commission.

"This is an important position not only to Oklahoma County, but to every city within the county," Claunch said. "The decisions made by the county commissioners impact almost all of us no matter which city we live in. Spending tax dollars places a special responsibility on county commissioners. I guarded tax dollars as a member of the Legislature and I'll do the same as county commissioner."

First elected to the State House in 1994, Claunch voluntarily retired in 2004. At that time he left the door open to future political endeavors.

"I was grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of District 101 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. It was an honor and privilege to fight for the conservative values and principles of our great state and country. Oklahomans want and expect elected officials to stand on solid principles regarding the priorities of spending tax dollars and making decisions affecting all of our lives. As County Commissioner, I will continue to serve the public trust with honesty, fairness, and integrity," Claunch said.

Claunch has been recognized as a strong voice for economic growth by groups including chambers of commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the bipartisan Oklahoma Conference of Mayors. Claunch was also recognized as one of the top legislators for his positive voting record on job and economic growth issues over a 5-year period by the Research Institute for Economic Development.

Noted Quote

“The American people want Congress to fix our broken immigration system, but this bill takes the wrong approach. Offering amnesty to illegal immigrants and not taking steps to secure our borders is the wrong way to approach immigration reform and will only postpone meaningful reform." ~ U. S. Senator Tom Coburn

Claunch Prepares County Commission Campaign

Former State Rep. Forrest Claunch, Midwest City Republican, is preparing to seek the Oklahoma County Commission District 1 post being vacated by the appointment of Commissioner Jim Roth to the Corporation Commission.

An announcement from Claunch is expected as early as Tuesday.

As reported earlier today on The McCarville Report Online, the field of possible Democratic candidates includes former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn, Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson and Oklahoma City Councilwoman Ann Simank. Former State Senator Dave Herbert, Midwest City Democrat, took himself out of the race today, telling radio station KTOK he will continue as a Capitol lobbyist.

Republican sources, meanwhile, say that Jason Nelson, a former member of Goveror Frank Keating's staff and currently a principal of the consulting firm CMA Strategies considered getting into the race but will not do so if Claunch announces as expected.

Taylor Names Gun Control Advocate Interim Chief

Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor has named gun control advocate David Bostrom as the city's new interim police chief.

Bostrom, a former commander in the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington DC (site of the most stringent gun control in the nation) and the Wilmington, Delaware, police department, has been working as a independent contractor and consultant to Street Law, Inc.

Street Law, Inc., in partnership with the Soros Foundation, is establishing an Open Society Street Law Program which currently involves 13 countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The goals of this program are to provide training and technical assistance to partner country teams. The Soros Foundation is headed by billionaire gun control advocate George Soros.

Directly and through his organization Open Society Institute (OSI), Soros (pictured) has funded various gun control organizations, such as the Tides Foundation, the HELP Network and SAFE Colorado. He and seven friends founded their own political committee — Campaign for a Progressive Future — and spent $2 million on political activities in 2000, including providing the prime financial backing for the Million Mom March. OSI has supported UN efforts to create international gun control regulations and has singled out the United States for failing to go along with the international consensus on protective gun control measures.

Bostrom has 35 years of police experience, including work commanding the Special Operations Division of the Washington D.C. police department. He has been active in the International Association of Chiefs of Police, an organization that supported the Clinton gun ban (AKA "The Brady Bill") and opposes concealed carry by law-abiding citizens. The IACP has received millions of dollars in funding from the ultra-liberal, anti-gun Joyce Foundation.

Bostrom is not a candidate for the permanent police chief's position, Taylor and Bostrom said.

Taylor declined to name a chief from within the department; three officers applied and when they were passed over, a legal challenge was mounted. Taylor contracted with an out-of-state firm to recommend potential chiefs to her. That action fueled speculation that Taylor, a charter member of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's coalition of mayors with gun control as an agenda item, wanted a pro-gun control chief.

Hat tip to readers of batesline.com in Tulsa for research assistance on Bostrom.

County Developments: Debbie Blackburn Eyes Roth Seat, Debbe Leftwich Talks About Rinehart Seat

Former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn, sources say, may enter the race to succeed Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth. She is the third Democrat known to be considering the race to succeed Roth in the District 1 post. Others are Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson and Oklahoma City Councilwoman Ann Simank. Former State Senator Dave Herbert considered the race, but told radio station KTOK today he will not be a candidate.

Blackburn completed 12 years in the House and left because of term limits. She is active in numerous civic organizations, including the Downtown Oklahoma City Rotary Club, the Neighborhood Alliance of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Academy of State Goals, and the Paseo Redevelopment Corporation Board of Directors.

The only Republican known to be exploring a race is former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City.

In another Oklahoma County political development, some insiders expect State Senator Debbe Leftwich to seek the District 2 seat now held by embattled Republican Brent Rinehart, who faces criminal charges related to the financing of his campaign. Leftwich, a Democrat elected to replace her late husband in 2003 and reelected in 2006, reportedly has discussed the possibility with supporters and some party insiders.

New Poll: 60% Own Guns, Most Oppose Control

Oklahomans are about twice as likely to own guns as their fellow Americans, according to the most recent Oklahoma Poll, and they're not too keen on further regulation of them, either.

The poll was taken by, and reported in, the Tulsa World.

"I'm not for much of any restrictions, except on fully automatic weapons, and that's already there," said Sally Kimsey, a rancher near Wardville in southeastern Oklahoma.

Almost 60 percent of the 752 likely voters surveyed by SoonerPoll.com on April 27-30 said they own guns. That compares to the 32 percent nationally, according to an AP/Ipsos National Public Affairs poll conducted one week earlier.

Fifty-four percent of Oklahoma Poll respondents said they do not believe the U.S. needs stricter gun laws in view of the 33 shooting deaths at Virginia Tech University last month.

Republican Dan Newberry Eyes Riley Seat

Republican Dan Newberry of Tulsa has announced he will seek his party's 2008 nomination in Senate District 37, the seat now held by former Republican Senator Nancy Riley (D), who switched parties halfway through her term after she finished third in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor.

Newberry emphasized the importance of bringing businesses to Oklahoma to create new jobs, passing meaningful lawsuit reform, abolishing the state income tax, and protecting the life of the unborn.

Senator Randy Brogden (R-Owasso) introduced Newberry at his announcement and spoke on the importance of having a Republican majority in the State Senate. "Last session, I didn't even get one of my bills heard in committee, let alone on the Senate floor. But this year with the 24-24 split, I have had several bills pass, and the Democrats have learned to work with us instead of walking all over us," he said.

For more details, visit Get Right OK.

Democrats Elect Ivan Holmes Chairman

Oklahoma Democrats today elected Dr. Ivan Holmes as the party's new state chairman. Kitti Asberry was elected vice chair, defeating Rep. Anastasia Pittman. Holmes defeated Norman attorney Ben Odom, who has been vice chairman under outgoing Chair Lisa Pryor. Odom and Pittman ran as a team.

Holmes, a retired journalism professor from Northeastern State University and a former Oklahoma State University Regent, said he wants to build a grassroots effort similar to the campaign he ran successfully for Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields.

Bode To Interview Roth On Sunday Radio Show

From www.ronblackradio.com ~ SUNDAY EVENING ON ENERGY MATTERS, COUNTY COMMISSIONER JIM ROTH: Sunday evening on Energy Matters with Denise Bode and Ron Black (KTOK, 6pm), County Commissioner Jim Roth will be on the program to talk about the Corporation Commission to which he has been appointed. Tune in and learn more about your new Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner.

McCain's 'Salty Exchange' Raises Questions

From The Washington Post ~ Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) hasn't spent much time in the Capitol this year as he seeks the GOP presidential nomination. But one of his rare appearances this week provided a pretty salty exchange with a fellow Republican. During a meeting Thursday on immigration legislation, McCain and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) got into a shouting match when Cornyn started voicing concerns about the number of judicial appeals that illegal immigrants could receive, according to multiple sources -- both Democrats and Republicans -- who heard firsthand accounts of the exchange from lawmakers who were in the room. (If you think McCain is presidential material, read this entire column.)

McCain To Speak On Monday

Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Senator John McCain will address the Oklahoma State Legislature on Monday at 3:45 in the House chamber.

Brick's Hot Dogs Tickle Magazine's Fancy

What fans of the Oklahoma Redhawks have known for quite some time has reached the pages of one of America’s most popular magazines. According to the May issue of Southern Living magazine, The Dog Pound at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark is the place for some of America’s finest ballpark hot dogs. The article, entitled “Ballpark Fare, An Oklahoma City stadium hits the majors with signature hot dogs from five different cities” stretches across page 56 of Southern Living complete with photos of the tantalizing dogs and satisfied fans doing their part sampling the American ballpark staple.

The ballpark offers five unique hot dogs identical to those served in major league venues across the United States – Chicago Red Dog, Cincinnati Cheese Coney, Dodger Dog, Fenway Frank and Milwaukee Brat – and each are dressed in a manner exclusive to its hometown. Southern Living reporter Karen Lingo sampled all five over the course of a recent Redhawks double-header.

“To be featured in such a renowned publication as Southern Living is quite an honor for the entire Redhawks organization but especially for our fans,” said Scott Pruitt, Redhawks managing general partner. “They are the ones that keep the ballpark hopping with activity each game. Our hot dogs are worth raving about but so are our loyal fans. They are the ones that make baseball and hot dogs the American pastime.”

Herbert Says He'll Have Announcement Next Week

Capitol lobbyist Dave Herbert says he'll announce next week if he will be a candidate for the Oklahoma County Commission.

The former state senator told radio station KTOK he is a forming an exploratory committee and will meet with members over the weekend to assess the race.

Herbert, a Democrat, could face two members of the Oklahoma City Council, Willa Johnson and Ann Simank, if he decides to run. Johnson told KTOK she's not ready to announce yet, but sounded much like a candidate. Simank has declared she is running.

Republican Forrest Claunch, former House member, also is considering the race for the seat being vacated by Jim Roth.

Rinehart Donor Says He's Guilty

Oklahoma City engineer Bob Larkin has entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge and agreed to a three-year deferred sentence plus a $1,500 fine for giving more than the legal limit to County Commissioner Brent Rinehart's campaign.

Rinehart and his former campaign manager, Tim Pope, face multiple felonies tied to Rinehart's 2004 campaign. Rinehart, 42, and Pope, 49, are charged with money laundering, conspiracy, and perjury. Attorney General Drew Edmondson filed the charges, claiming Pope and Rinehart solicited excessive campaign donations from at least three people and illegally funneled the money into Rinehart's campaign.

Larkin apparently has agreed to cooperate with prosecutors as they pursue the charges against Rinehart and Pope. Both men, Republicans, have declared their innocence and accused Edmondson, a Democrat, of playing politics by filing the charges against them.

Surprise: Obama Leads Oklahoma Fundraising

Barack Obama leads all presidential candidates in money raised in Oklahoma in the first quarter of the year, The Washington Post reports after studying Federal Election Commission reports.

Obama raised $309,113. Other Democrats and their totals include John Edwards, $21,948; Bill Richardson, $42,200; and Hillary Clinton, $16,860.

The top Republican money-raiser was Rudy Giuliani at $141,973. Others are Mitt Romney, $32,500, and John McCain, $23,050.

In all, the candidates raised $804,694 in the state in the first quarter from 684 donors. Tulsa donors contributed $290,260 and those in Oklahoma City gave $212,646.

For details, go to http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/finance/2007/q1/states/ok/

Willa Johnson Eyes County Commissioner Vacancy

Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson has given an indication she, too, is interested in running for the Oklahoma County Commission seat being vacated by Jim Roth.

Sources say Johnson has contacted previous supporters about making the race.

Earlier Wednesday, Councilwoman Ann Simank indicated she is running, as did former State Senator Dave Herbert of Midwest City, now a Capitol lobbyist. Former State Rep. Forrest Claunch, also of Midwest City, also is known to be considering the race.

Ann Simank Says She'll Seek Roth Post

Oklahoma City Councilwoman Ann Simank of Ward 6 says she'll run for the County Commission seat being vacated by Commissioner Jim Roth's appointment to the Corporation Commission.

Simank apparently will join former State Senator Dave Herbert in the race. Former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City also is considering the race.

Simank was eleced to the council in 1995. She confirmed rumors she'll run in an interview with the publication OKCBusiness.

Veto Proof? Senate Approves Anti-Abortion Bill

The Senate has approved and sent to Governor Brad Henry a controversial abortion measure.

Senate Bill 139 by Sen. James Williamson, R-Tulsa, passed by a 34-14 vote in what appears to be a veto-proof margin.

The bill bans the use of public money for abortions except to save the life of a woman or in cases of rape or incest.

The governor vetoed a similar measure that didn't contain those exceptions. The Senate sustained his veto twice. Senators Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee; Debbe Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City; and Nancy Riley, D-Sand Springs, voted earlier to sustain the veto but today voted for the new bill.

KTOK: Herbert Eyes County Commissioner Seat

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ He's not commenting officially yet but former Midwest City State Senator Dave Herbert has his sights set on becoming the next Oklahoma County Commissioner. Herbert, a Democrat who now lobbies for Oklahoma County, has a meeting later this week with County Commsisioner Jim Roth who is leaving in two weeks to become a State Corporation Commissioner. Herbert is hoping to get Roth's support in a bid for the job once Governor Henry sets a date for a special election. Herbert spent years in the State Senate and has indicated he shares the same vision of Oklahoma County as Roth has. The two have worked together as Herbert lobbied the legislature for the county.

Herbert was defeated in 2002 as he sought reelection to the Senate seat he held for years. The former Midwest City mayor and police officer was attacked by organized labor, which spent a small fortune in the Democratic primary to beat him because of his support for right to work. His loss resulted in the seat falling into Republican hands, where it has been since.

Meanwhile, supporters of former State Rep. Forrest Claunch, Midwest City Republican, say he is seriously considering seeking the commission seat. Claunch voluntarily left the Legislature in 2004.

Cleta Mitchell Joins Allbaugh, Brewster, Burtt On National Rifle Association's Board Of Directors

Former Oklahoma legislative leader Cleta (Deatherage) Mitchell has been elected to the board of directors of the National Rifle Association.

Mitchell, an attorney and conservative legal activist in Washington, joins former FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh, former Democratic Congressman Bill Brewster and Shawnee businessman John Burtt on the group's governing body.

Mitchell served in the Oklahoma House from 1976 to 1984. At the time a liberal Democrat, she was chair of the powerful Appropriations and Budget Committee. Since leaving Oklahoma in the early 1990s, Mitchell has represented numerous conservative entities, including the NRA and several national Republican associations, in legal actions.

Budget Agreement Details Listed

One day after the enactment of a bipartisan tax relief package, legislative leaders and the governor on Tuesday announced the outlines of a $7.1 billion state budget agreement that speeds up tax cuts for working Oklahomans, boosts teacher pay and includes important funds for critical state services such as public safety and state prisons.

“This budget agreement is the result of hard work and bipartisan cooperation, Governor Brad Henry said, "and I thank legislative leaders of both parties for finding consensus on important issues. It hasn’t always been an easy process, but lawmakers ultimately came together to do significant things for Oklahoma, such as strengthening higher education, establishing a state bioenergy center and increasing teacher pay. This bipartisan budget addresses a number of other priorities, as well as ensuring tax relief. In all, it marks a win-win for Oklahoma."

“We said very early on that the hallmark of this legislative session would be fiscal restraint and restored accountability from government. This is the first time ever in the history of our state that a Legislature cut government spending when there was the opportunity to spend more,” said Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. “We delivered a responsible state budget that makes record investments in core services while putting in place reforms that make clear we expect in return quality performance and results. At the same time, we have achieved real tax relief for Oklahoma’s working families, the very people whose productivity has helped fuel our economic growth. Important reforms include taking a first step toward a merit-based pay system for Oklahoma teachers and motivating our OHLAP scholars to earn better grades while in college. And for the first time, we will take a major step toward fixing our state’s prison problem by conducting a top-to-bottom review of the Department of Corrections.”

“This budget agreement focuses on protecting middle class families and provides a fiscally-responsible framework for Oklahoma’s future by opening the door to educational opportunities for the next generation. It includes important funding to keep tuition increases to a minimum at our colleges and universities and establishes a permanent funding source to ensure the long-term stability of the Oklahoma’s Promise Scholarship Program,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater.

“This fiscally-responsible agreement builds on the bipartisan budget and tax relief plan passed by the Legislature earlier this session, and represents a common sense compromise that Oklahomans can all be proud of, especially the tax cuts for working families and the long-term fix for the Teacher Retirement System,” stated Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The Senate’s power-sharing agreement has resulted in a spirit of cooperation in the Legislature’s upper chamber, and this bipartisanship is evident in today’s agreement. The stage is now set for an orderly and on-time adjournment of the 2007 legislative session.”

“Great things happen when different sides work out different priorities,” said House Minority Leader Danny Morgan, D- Prague. “Our constituents sent us to the Capitol to adequately fund state agencies that meet the needs of all Oklahomans. This inclusive bi-partisan budget is truly a victory for this state.”

Highlights of the agreement include: A four-point tax relief package to speed reduction of the state’s top marginal income tax rate, provide a childcare credit for stay-at-home parents, offer a back-to-school sales tax holiday and eliminate the franchise tax on most small businesses; An average $1,000 per-teacher pay increase, weighted toward veteran teachers and those with advanced degrees. Funds in this area also include an incentive-based program to encourage the hiring of specially-qualified teachers; $5 million to fund per diem increases at private prisons and halfway houses to ease state prison overcrowding; $1 million to the Department of Public Safety to replace obsolete vehicles; $3 million for drug courts and the “Smart on Crime Initiative"; A permanent funding source for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) with new college GPA requirements for OHLAP scholarship students; A tuition-lock program that allows incoming in-state Oklahoma college and university students to opt in to a guaranteed tuition rate for four years; A $33 million increase for the State Regents for Higher Education to cover operational expenses; An increase of the authorization for endowed chairs at Oklahoma colleges and universities from the current $50 million to $100 million; A deposit of $10 million into the Oklahoma Teacher Retirement System as an initial down payment on a long-term historic reform to fund Oklahoma’s broken teacher retirement system that will pump more than $200 million into the system over the next five years; $15 million for the Oklahoma Centennial Commission, as that entity completes celebrations, plans and projects for the 2007 State Centennial; $10 million for a state Bioenergy Fund, using $4 million in existing appropriations from Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). $5 million in funds for Educare centers to match private funds from the George Kaiser Family Foundation; $16.5 million for capital projects at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and regional universities, including the state’s Cancer Center; $2.5 million for rural fire department equipment costs and $1.4 million for firefighter training; $6.5 million for the Conservation Commission to address critical needs for flood control structures across the state – leveraging state funds for 2-to-1 matching federal dollars; $10 million for State Emergency Fund and costs from devastating ice storms earlier this year.

Cargill, Coffee Praise Henry's Tax Relief Signature

Speaker Lance Cargill and Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee issued the following joint statement Monday evening after the governor signed into law Senate Bill 861, a package of tax relief for working families including childcare credits for stay-at-home parents, a back-to-school sales tax holiday, acceleration of income tax cuts and elimination of the franchise tax on most small businesses.

CARGILL: “This is a positive step forward in achieving a final budget agreement. Today’s enactment of tax relief is a victory for working families across Oklahoma. Tax relief has been a cornerstone issue for us, and we’re glad we can once again deliver for the people who work for a living in this state.”

COFFEE: “This tax relief package allows families to keep more of their own money. We’ve made significant progress in achieving a final budget agreement, and enactment of this tax relief package goes a long way toward moving Oklahoma forward.”

Cloud, Edwards Join Thompson Draft Effort

The Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee announced that Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chair Jeff Cloud (pictured) and former Oklahoma State Republican Party Chair Steve Edwards have joined the Committee’s Leadership Team.

“Fred Thompson is the right man for America,” said Cloud. “I enthusiastically endorse Senator Thompson because he is a strong, extremely bright, consistent conservative who will be the best candidate by far to lead us in these difficult times.”

Edwards, former State Party Chair and former Chief Counsel to the National Republican Congressional Committee, added, “Senator Thompson is without a doubt the right leader for our nation. His core convictions and resolve will make him an outstanding candidate and even better president.”

“Commissioner Cloud and Chairman Edwards both have tremendous reputations in Republican politics and their leadership will be a tremendous addition to our committee,” said Dean Rice, Draft Committee Treasurer.

The Draft Committee also announced that Thompson won the May 12 Wisconsin Republican Party straw poll with 31 percent of the vote. Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson — home town favorite — came in second with 27 percent ahead of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s 13 percent and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s 11 percent. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) had 3 percent.

For information about the Draft Fred Thompson 2008 Committee’s effort, visit http://www.fred08.com/.

Republicans Try Again On Pro-life Bill

House lawmakers on Monday passed a pro-life reform measure that would prohibit taxpayer dollars and state-operated hospitals from performing abortions. The legislation includes new language that garnered a veto-proof majority in the House Monday. By a vote of 77 to 19, the House voted to send Senate Bill 139 back to the Senate for consideration. SB 139 mirrors provisions contained in Senate Bill 714, vetoed by Governor Brad Henry in April.

Will Claunch Seek County Commission Seat?

With the appointment of Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth to the Corporation Commission, word quickly spread that former State Rep. Forrest Claunch, Midwest City Republican, may seek the seat Roth is vacating.

Governor Brad Henry will set a special election date; state law requires that the election be within six months of a vacancy.

Claunch, who became a leader in the anti-gambling movement during his years in the Legislature, left the House in 2004. An active Southern Baptist lay leader, the conservative Claunch was a member of the House GOP leadership during his tenure.

Henry Names Roth To Corporation Commission

Governor Brad Henry today appointed two-term Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth to the Corporation Commission.

Roth succeeds Republican Denise Bode, who is resigning the seat for a job in the private sector effective May 31st.

Henry called the 38-year-old Roth an ideal choice to serve on the commission, which regulates oil and gas drilling, utilities and telecommunications in Oklahoma. “Jim Roth has the intellect, the integrity and the dedication to public service needed to be an outstanding Corporation Commissioner,” Henry said. “Not only does he exemplify the highest ethical standards, but he is a consensus-builder who recognizes the importance of bipartisanship and working together. I am confident that Jim’s fair-mindedness, honesty and attention to detail will make him an excellent addition to the commission.”

Roth was first elected county commissioner in 2002 and won reelection in 2006 with more than 63 percent of the vote. Prior to his term in office, he served eight years as a chief deputy and attorney to the Oklahoma County Clerk and a previous administration for District One of the county commission.

Roth said he is honored by the appointment. “I am thankful to Governor Henry for this opportunity to serve the people of Oklahoma, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead on the Corporation Commission,” he said. “I pledge to approach my work as a commissioner with balance and careful consideration. The duties of the Corporation Commission have a far-reaching impact on both businesses and consumers, and that calls for complete fairness and working to build a consensus.”

A native of Prairie Village, Kansas, Roth received his B.A. degree at Kansas State University in 1991. Three years later, he earned a law degree at Oklahoma City University School of Law. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Democratic Party blog

Will Roth Be New Corporation Commissioner?

Governor Brad Henry will announce at 2 p.m. his choice to replace Republican Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode and insiders claimed early this afternoon the governor will name Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth.

Roth, who is openly gay, won election in 2002 and easily won reelection in 2006; he reportedly sought the Corporation Commission post. Insiders say he contacted the governor's office to express his interest and then met with Republican Commissioner Bob Anthony to discuss the duties of commissioners.

Roth was the attorney for County Commissioner District One from 1995 to 1998. He also served as Chief Deputy County Clerk and Staff Attorney from 1999 to 2002.

Also said to be in the running for the Corporation Commission post were Oklahoma City Councilman Pete White and Pete Regan, who lost his race for lieutenant governor to Jari Askins last year.

Thompson Leads With Active GOP Voters In Poll

By Pat McFerron, The Sooner Survey ~ With support from 27% of registered voters, John McCain currently leads the Republican presidential field in Oklahoma. The recent survey of 300 Registered Republican Voters in Oklahoma, conducted as part of the Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates’ Sooner Survey, reveals that McCain holds a lead while only two other prospects, former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani (17%) and unannounced candidate former Senator Fred Thompson (12%), are in double-digits. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who recently canceled an appearance at the State Republican Party Convention, was among a second tier of candidates in the single-digits, including Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (5%), Kansas Senator Sam Brownback (2%), California Congressman Duncan Hunter (1%) and former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson (1%).

It should be noted that Giuliani suffers in the Sooner State among the more conservative elements that tend to participate in primaries. For example, 24% of the Republican primary electorate describes itself as being “evangelical Christians.” Among this critical voting bloc, Giuliani is a distant third (McCain 30% vs. Fred Thompson 21% vs. Giuliani 10%). Similarly, among the 33% of Republicans that say pro-life issue is of top importance, Giuliani only has support of 8%, while McCain (33%) and Fred Thompson (17%) improve their showing.

Fred Thompson’s potential in the Sooner State is best exemplified by how well he does among those with an actual history of voting. Among the 28% of Republicans that have voted in at least 4 of the last 5 statewide primary elections, Thompson actually leads (24% Fred Thompson vs. 18% Giuliani vs. 17% McCain).

Common Sense Prevails In Greensburg, Kansas

Blogger Jeff Soyer has the details about the proper action of law enforcement officers in the wake of a tornado that wiped the town off the map.

Noted Quote: Prison Crowding Crisis Looms

"We're going to have to close our doors. We're a week away from doing that." ~ Robert Rainey, chairman of the Board of Corrections, pointing out that state prisons are at 98 percent of capacity.

Oklahoma Poll Measures War Support

Clever Iowa Commercials Boost Richardson

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's presidential campaign is airing clever television commercials in Iowa that have Democrats (and everyone else, it seems) talking about him. The commercials are far from the "norm" expected in presidential races. Read the full story and watch the commercials here.

Pistol-Packin' Grandma Thwarts Robbery

LAWTON (From KSWO-TV) ~ Criminals listen up. You might want to think twice before messing with one pistol-packin' grandma. A couple of would-be-robbers found out the hard way when they tried to hold up a west Lawton liquor store. What they didn't know was that the owner, 75-year-old Rosemarie O'Keeffe, was waiting for them, armed with a gun and ready to pull the trigger. It seems they changed their minds pretty quickly when they realized they were staring down the barrel of her pistol.

O'Keeffe says she just did what she had to do to protect herself and her business. She was behind the register at her liquor store this week, when she saw something that didn't look right. Two men wearing hoodies, with gauze bandages over their faces walking up to her store. "It really made me think an ancient mummy, the way he was covered up, so you know he wasn't doing anything good."

O'Keeffe says it happened very quick. She could see out of the window from her register, saw the two guys walk by, and by the time they got to the door, she had a surprise for them. "I said, 'Oh my God he's going to rob me. What do I do?' I get up. I grab my gun and I point it at the door. He came in and I said, 'Get out or I'll shoot'."

She wasn't joking. That was all the two masked men needed to see. O'Keeffe says they immediately high-tailed it out the door and ran away through the alley. "I had them all in my view. I could have shot them. I could have killed them both."

O'Keeffe says her sons taught her how to use a gun, and when she told them what had happened, they couldn't have been prouder. So, is her daughter-in-law Pam Dobbs. "She takes no bull," Dobbs said. "We really need that in today's society. Our society has gotten meaner, so I wasn't a bit surprised because she's very tough."

Believe it or not, this is the second time O'Keeffe has stopped a robber. She says a couple of years ago, she chased another man off with a whiskey bottle. She says she was going to beat him with it.

So far police have not arrested the two men in the most recent robbery attempt. O'Keeffe believes they were likely in their late teens.

The Gadfly On The Ground

No Flight Zone: It likely is of little interest to anyone but me, but I feel compelled to explain why I haven't boarded a plane since 1990. I'm compelled because I recently was offered a temporary, on-site gig on the East Coast and I declined because the client wanted me there the next day. I first flew at age 7 in a brand new, yellow Piper Cub owned by family friend Dennis Cantrell, operator of the municipal airport in Conway, Arkansas. My first passenger plane experience came in 1958, when I flew from Nashville to Washington, D. C. A few months later, I crossed the Atlantic in a Military Air Transport System cargo plane and landed in the Azore Islands with the right engine on fire. (That's 1.) In 1960, I flew along the East-West German border in a U. S. Army Piper during a snowstorm and skidded to a landing in a field not designed for landing. (That's No. 2.) In 1966, I flew from Guatemala City into the rain forest on an ancient cargo airplane with no door, loaded with passengers and their chickens and goats. To land near Tikal, this huge plane had to dive onto the landing strip. (That's 3.) In 1970, the Aero Commander (flown by an Oklahoma Highway Patrol pilot) I was in with Governor Dewey Bartlett was landing in Guymon when we took a Great Horned Owl in the left engine. (That's No. 4.) In 1972, I flew across Los Angeles in a bubble helicopter. (That's No. 5.) In 1979, I landed in Concord, New Hampshire in an Otter with wicker seats in a blizzard. (That's No. 6.) In 1982, I and associates were at National Airport in Washington waiting to board our Air Florida flight when AF 80 (which we almost were on) went down on the 14th Street Bridge into the Potomac. (That's No. 7.) In 1986, flying from Pittsburg to Tulsa with a stop in St. Louis, my plane came within 50 yards of landing on top of another plane that was taking off. (That's No. 8.) In 1987, landing at DFW on a flight from Atlanta, wind shear dropped the jet I was on and the pilot narrowly recovered to get us on the runway on the third bounce. (That's No. 9.) In 1990, returning to Oklahoma City from Tampa, the landing gear malfunctioned and we circled for over an hour. (That's No. 10.) I got off the plane and haven't been on one since. I figure my airplane lives have been used up.

Bush Approval: The president's Oklahoma approval rating is at about 47 percent, based on the latest statewide survey. Nationwide, he hovers in the low to mid 30s.

Labeling Henry: Anyone trying to put a label on Governor Brad Henry over the past couple of weeks might be confused. He vetoed budget bills, tort reform and an anti-abortion measure, then signed the immigration reform bill into law (to the surprise of many). Republicans in the Legislature say he's reverting to the liberalism they say he displayed as a member of the Senate. Pollster and pundit Keith Gaddie opines that the governor is using up some of that immense approval rating he's had; latest Sooner Survey shows he's "all the way down" to 70 percent approval. Some believe Henry may be about to stub a toe bigtime as he remains somewhat aloof from the budget process, having vetoed earlier bipartisan budget bills. Henry's office says there is discussion, legislative leaders say there is no discussion. And time is running out in this session. Who blinks first?

The Queen: Movie reviews aren't my thing here, but this exception to note The Queen. It's out on DVD and features stellar performances. The movie, by the way, is about how Queen Elizabeth et al reacted in the days following Princess Diana's death. You can watch it with your kids, too.

Democratic Congress Has Low Approval Rating

The blog Little Green Footballs has an insightful piece today on the only entity with an approval rating as low as President Bush's rating: The Democrats in Congress.

How's Henry Doing? Vote Now In Our Poll

How do you rate the job Brad Henry is doing as governor? Vote now in our online poll on the right side of this page. The usual disclaimer: Nothing scientific about our polls, but they do represent the opinions of the most astute, in-tune political observers in the state (and, some would say, the most conservative). In February, the Oklahoma Poll had him at 83 percent approval, 10 percent disapproval. The recent Sooner Survey had him at 70 percent approval.

Henry Urged To Sign Tax Relief Bill

A House budget leader today urged Governor Brad Henry to sign a new round of targeted tax cuts into law, saying the benefit to working families and the state economy will far outweigh any alleged "loss" of revenue.

Rep. Randy Terrill, chair of the House Revenue and Taxation Subcommittee, noted this year's tax cut plan is "modest and carefully calibrated" to benefit families: "The tax cuts contained in Senate Bill 861 are carefully targeted to help working families, particularly those with young children," said Terrill, R-Moore. "Allowing parents keep more of their money to benefit their children is more than good policy, it's common sense."

Senate Bill 861 includes all four components of a bipartisan tax relief agreement announced by legislative leaders more than a month ago. Details of the tax relief package in SB 861 include: A tax credit for stay-at-home parents similar to that currently offered for parents with children in daycare; 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; 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); Elimination of the state's franchise tax on most small businesses.

Fallin Wins New Committee Seat

U.S. Congresswoman Mary Fallin (R-OK) was named today as a new member of the Committee on Natural Resources. The committee has jurisdiction over issues relating to public lands, water and energy, as well as issues affecting Native Americans.

Wall Street Journal Slices, Dices Henry

From The Wall Street Journal ~ "For a case study in the political power of trial lawyers, consider Oklahoma. The public wants tort reform, the state Legislature wants it, and even Democratic Governor Brad Henry claims to want it. Yet that didn't stop Mr. Henry from recently vetoing an impressive reform bill at the urging of his plaintiff lawyer funders.

"Oklahoma sure needs something. The state is 38th on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's rankings of state liability systems. It suffers badly in comparison to neighboring Texas, which has used its sweeping 2003 tort reform to lure business across the border. Malpractice premiums are high, and rural areas in Oklahoma report shortages of such specialty doctors as obstetricians.

"The good news is that Oklahomans understand the trouble and want change. A public furor erupted in 2003, when former state Senate leader Stratton Taylor -- a partner in a personal injury law firm -- was caught inviting trial lawyers unhappy with the Texas tort reform to sue in Oklahoma. Tort reform has since become a top election issue.

"The issue helped Republicans draw even with Democrats in the state Senate in 2006 for the first time in history. It also helped state Senator Susan Paddack prevail in a Democratic primary runoff against a favorite of the trial bar. Last month Ms. Paddack became the sole Democrat to break Senate ranks and pass comprehensive tort reform on a 25-23 vote.

"The bill's reforms included a stricter definition of 'frivolous' lawsuits, a cap on pain and suffering awards, new standards for expert witnesses and the elimination of joint and several liability. Most impressive, it would have required anyone who wanted to join a class-action lawsuit to sign an agreement to actually be represented by an attorney. The bill would have gone a long way toward making Oklahoma a far more welcoming place for new business and job creation.

"Mr. Henry has been claiming to support reform for three years, and at one point he promised to "out Texas" Texas on the issue. Then again, Mr. Henry is himself an attorney and was elected with the help of trial bar donations. He may also have assumed he'd never have to act on his promises because a heretofore Democratic Senate could always be counted on to kill any reform. Well, Mr. Henry has now shown his untrue colors. As soon as the Senate passed the bill, Democrats and the plaintiffs bar dug in.

"Democratic Attorney General Drew Edmondson issued a hastily written opinion saying the legislation would make it harder to prevent pollution in the state. Trial lawyers took their usual line, claiming many provisions were "unconstitutional." Mr. Henry used all of this malarkey as an excuse to veto the bill. Even for a politician, this was an impressive back flip with a twist off the high bar.

"Mr. Henry says he wants to work out a compromise, but he delayed his veto long enough to give the Legislature little time in this session. Meanwhile, what he wants the Legislature to abandon is the heart of the bill, including the cap on economic damages. What he says he'll accept isn't even 'Texas lite.'

"Having won re-election last year, Mr. Henry now faces no electoral pressure to stick to his campaign promises. But we hope Oklahomans keep reminding him that his double cross is hurting everyone who wants to do business in their state."

Oklahoma Poll Abortion Question Results

Democrats Name Three To Activist Hall Of Fame

The Oklahoma Democratic Party has announced that Inez Hall, Okfuskee County; the late Keith Smith, Oklahoma County; and Gladys Walters, Sequoyah County, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Democratic Party Activist Hall of Fame on May 19th in Oklahoma City at the party's state convention.

The ODP Activist Hall of Fame, created in 2002, recognizes individuals for their commitment and hard work electing Democrats and improving the Oklahoma Democratic Party: "These inductees embody our party and the willingness we have to help people and make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family. The combined commitment of the inductees represents many years of leadership, responsibility and action in our state," said ODP Chairman Lisa Pryor.

Pryor said inductees were chosen from a statewide nomination process which fielded dozens of worthy nominations. "These three inductees were chosen after the selection committee painstakingly reviewed numerous nominations," said Pryor. "The Oklahoma Democratic Party has such a strong history, this will be a competitive process for decades."

The 2007 Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored at a dinner at the ODP convention in Oklahoma City at 7 p.m. in the Cox Convention Center. In addition to the induction ceremonies, the honored activists will also be memorialized on a permanent plaque in the party's headquarters located on Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City.

This year's inductees are: Inez Hall is an Okfuskee County Democrat with a long history of being active in local, district, and state Democratic Party politics. Her experience as the Second District Secretary and accomplishments have validated her position in the Activist Hall of Fame.

The late Keith Smith, who passed away in 2006, was an activist on behalf of women, children, the environment, and the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Smith was a Yellow Dog Democrat who lobbied for the Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood. He was an advocate for civil rights.

Gladys Walters is an active member of the Sequoyah County Women's Democrat Club with over 50 years of service. Also known as Ms. Democrat, Walters has set an example for Democrats in her county by being dedicated and willing to work for the party. She has served as the Sequoyah County Chair, Co-Chair, and Secretary.

Veto Override Attempt Fails Again, 3rd Try Likely

On Wednesday the evenly divided Oklahoma Senate again fell one short of the 32 votes needed to override Governor Brad Henry's veto of SB 714, a pro-life bill that would prohibit state funds, facilities, and employees from being used to perform abortions except to save the life of the mother.

The bill's author, Senator James A. Williamson of Tulsa, said he will continue the effort to ban state funding for abortions: "I will continue the effort to override the governor as long as I believe there is a realistic chance to change someone's mind," Williamson said. "Our fight on behalf of unborn Oklahomans to enact the protections contained in SB 714 will continue," Williamson said.

Senate Bill 714 is a pro-life bill that prohibits the use of state funds, facilities, and employees to perform abortions. It also requires abortionists to file paperwork with the state showing they are following laws requiring informed consent of patients and the notification of minors' parents before abortions are performed.

Washington Post Profiles Tom Cole

Congressman Tom Cole, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, is profiled in The Washington Post. To read the article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/08/AR2007050801924.html?hpid=topnews.

Arbitron Radio Ratings Listed

Bloggers Mark Shannon and Ron Black have the new Arbitron radio ratings for Oklahoma City.

Henry Signs Immigration Reform Bill

Governor Brad Henry today signed into law the immigration reform bill that is described as among the toughest in the nation. Henry said he signed the bill into law because the state cannot wait on the federal government to deal with the problems caused by illegal immigration.

"Illegal immigration is a very serious national security issue that must be addressed at the federal level," Henry said. "States can take some actions on their own, but until the U.S. Congress enacts a comprehensive, national immigration policy, citizens will see little progress on this issue."

Henry said that House Bill 1804 will not effectively address immigration reform, although some will claim it is a landmark step: "State leaders should closely monitor the impact of House Bill 1804 in the months and years to come to ensure that it does not have any unintended consequences," the governor said.

Reynolds: McMahan's Use Of Watkins Illegal

State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan's use of state personnel to handle campaign controversies appears to be an illegal use of state funds, Rep. Mike Reynolds (pictured) said today, commenting on the use of office spokeswoman Terri Watkins to answer campaign-related questions.

"It's illegal to use taxpayer money to support campaign activity in any way, but the auditor apparently doesn't care," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "It is impossible to justify using state employees for any task related to political campaign activity."

Last week it was revealed that McMahan had filed incorrect political campaign reports. However, it was McMahan's state-funded office spokesperson who discussed the campaign funding issue with reporters and not the auditor, something Reynolds said is unethical and apparently illegal.

"Mr. McMahan should have personally answered all campaign-related questions instead of having an office employee do it on state time at taxpayer expense," Reynolds said. "It is indefensible to commingle political activity with the official state functions of the office. Taxpayers should not be forced to fund the activities of any political candidate."

He noted that the use of state personnel for campaign work is a violation of Oklahoma's criminal code. State law declares that no public official "shall directly or indirectly coerce, attempt to coerce, command, advise or direct any state employee to pay, lend or contribute any part of his or her salary or compensation, time, effort or anything else of value to any party, committee, organization, agency or person for political purposes."

Under that law, McMahan could face a fine of up to $10,000 and two years in prison, Reynolds noted. McMahan is already embroiled in controversy due to allegations that he was funded in part by illegal "straw donors" and Reynolds said the use of office personnel to address those issues does not improve public perception of the office.

Henry Blamed For 'Budget Impasse'

Legislative leaders in the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives said Tuesday that budget negotiations have reached an impasse.

The leaders claim that Governor Brad Henry has attempted to "create a false choice between tax relief and other budget priorities," even as Henry still refuses to publicly (or privately, in discussions with legislative leaders) submit a complete balanced budget proposal.

"Governor Henry has continued to play leak and spin games in the media, but he's not willing to lay out a specific budget plan, even in our private discussions with him," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah). "It's clear he's not serious about working with the Legislature. We're open to discussing all options and budget priorities, but we are not interested in writing blank checks. And we are not going to stand by while the governor attempts to kill needed tax relief for working families. If we're forced into a special session, Governor Henry will be to blame."

Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee (R-Oklahoma City) said, "Budget negotiations have broken down because this governor refuses to reach a compromise with the bipartisan legislative leadership. His 'my-way-or-the-highway' approach is putting the state on a path toward a government shutdown," Coffee said. "The governor's behavior is bewildering and, quite frankly, a little childish. The talk at the Capitol is Governor Henry's behavior would qualify him for his own proposed kindergarten-for-three-year-olds program."

The legislative leaders said they remain firmly committed to investments in state services and priorities -- including a $600 pay increase for teachers that will complete the multi-year commitment to raise teacher salaries.

"We have an obligation to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money, and the governor seems intent on pushing vague spending priorities," said Rep. Chris Benge (R-Tulsa), chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. "As we look at extra money the state may have, we must make sure to keep our commitment to tax relief and examine other investments in top priorities."

"The governor's ego is writing checks the state treasury can't cash. He keeps promising money to every special interest group and agency he meets with, knowing that there isn't enough money to meet his vague wish list of promises and still fund essential services," stated Senator Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, co-chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Henry Declares State Of Emergency

Governor Brad Henry today declared a State of Emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties in the wake of tornadoes, torrential rains and flooding that have impacted much of Oklahoma since Friday, May 4. The declaration provides a formal mechanism for local governments to seek reimbursement for recovery costs through the state’s disaster public assistance program should conditions warrant. It also serves as a prelude to a federal disaster request, should one be necessary.

Henry's declaration came as more heavy rain moved into the state from the southwest. Areas already saturated are expected to experience more flooding tonight.

Oklahoma City street flooding photo courtesy Eyewitness News Five

Pro-Lifers Support Henry Veto Override

On Wednesday afternoon the Oklahoma Senate apparently will vote again on a motion to override Governor Brad Henry's veto of pro-life Senate Bill 714, supporters of the bill say, and they have asked supporters to contact four Democrats who have been both for and against it.

The vote is expected to occur shortly after 1:30 p.m.

"If you can come to the Capitol for the vote, you might arrive early and try to visit during the noon hour with the senators listed below," wrote Tony Lauinger of Oklahomans For Life in an email to supporters today. "There are four Democratic senators who voted for SB 714 earlier in the process, and have since reversed their position and voted against the pro-life bill. They, their hometowns (and other major district towns), Capitol phone numbers (leave message on voice mail after hours), and email addresses, are: 1) Charlie Laster, Shawnee, 405-521-55392); Nancy Riley, Tulsa, 405-521-56003); Joe Sweeden, Pawhuska, 405-521-55814); Charles Wyrick, Fairland, (Miami, Grove) 405-521- 5561. Please urge these senators to support the pro-life bill, as they had earlier in the legislative session, and to vote to override the Governor's veto. To send an email to all four senators, just send to this address Pro-LifeBill@OkForLife.org and your message will reach all four of them," Lauinger wrote.

Is Henry's Approval Rating Starting To Slip?

By Pat McFerron, Sooner Survey ~There is no argument that Brad Henry remains very popular in the Sooner State (73% favorable vs. 17% unfavorable), but the legislative session may be taking a toll. His favorable is actually down four points and his negative up by four points since our January study (77% favorable vs. 13% unfavorable).

There is also movement at the extremes, as his strongly favorable is down nine points (45% in January, 36% today).

The overall net eight-point movement is driven along demographic and partisan splits. The greatest movement has occurred among self-described “very conservatives” and registered Republicans.

While the movement is not yet near the tipping point, it must be welcomed by Republicans who are coming off an election year in which, for the first time ever, a Republican nominee for Governor failed to get a greater percentage of the vote than the percentage of voters who are registered as Republicans.

For Republican candidates in 2008, motivating and reconstituting the base are two of the most important developments. It appears that this is beginning to take shape in the Sooner State.

Of perhaps greatest concern to Henry and his supporters should be the change in attitude about the direction of the state. In just three months, the percentage of Oklahomans believing the state is headed in the right direction has declined by 13 points, while those thinking it is going on the wrong track have increased by an identical number. While more than half of Oklahomans (52%) are still optimistic, it is significantly lower than the 65% we saw in January. In addition, those upset about the direction of the state give Henry much lower numbers (57% favorable vs. 29% unfavorable) than do those who are pleased with the direction of the state (82% favorable vs. 11% unfavorable). Women are more concerned about the direction of the state (47% right track vs. 37% wrong track) than are men (58% right track vs. 26% wrong track).

Brad Henry vetoed a budget agreement that was supported by both Republicans and Democrats, including both the Republican and Democrat leaders of the State Senate. Greatly improves opinion 8%, Somewhat improves opinion 17%, Somewhat worsens opinion 21%, Greatly worsens opinion 13%, Do not know(vol.) 41%.

The last budget Brad Henry sent to the legislature does not balance because official tax revenue estimates have been revised. Since that time Henry has publicly refused to send a revised budget to the legislature and instead has vetoed the agreements that have been sent to him. Greatly improves opinion 9%, Somewhat improves opinion 13%, Somewhat worsens opinion 33%, Greatly worsens opinion 16%, Do not know (vol.) 29%.

Pat McFerron (pictured above right) is director of the respected Sooner Survey conducted by Cole Hargrave Snodgrass And Associates.

Senate Approves Tax Relief Package

The evenly-divided Oklahoma Senate voted Monday to send Governor Brad Henry a tax relief package that speeds up income tax cuts and provides Oklahomans with a back-to-school sales tax holiday.

Senate Bill 861, by Senator Don Barrington, R-Lawton, passed on a bipartisan 33 to 15 vote. This bill is the result of a bipartisan tax relief agreement announced by Senate and House leaders in March.

Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, called on Henry to sign the legislation.“This bill provides much-needed relief to Oklahoma taxpayers. It’s a very good bill for Oklahoma families and small businesses, so the governor should sign it,” Coffee said.

Senate Finance Committee co-chair Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa, said cutting the state’s income tax rate provides a boost to the state economy. “This bill speeds up the income tax cuts enacted in 2006, which is a boost to the economy and job creation here in Oklahoma. History is replete with examples of income tax cuts resulting in unprecedented economic growth – from America in the 1960s and 1980s to Ireland in the 1990s,” stated Mazzei.

Barrington said the sales tax holiday will help back-to-school shoppers in Oklahoma, especially in areas that border Oklahoma’s neighbors. “Oklahoma businesses lose many customers to states like Texas that offer sales tax holidays to back-to-school shoppers. SB 861 helps level the playing field by giving Oklahoma families a break, too,” said Barrington.

Details of the tax relief package in SB 861 include:• Acceleration of last year's income 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 statewide three-day sales tax holiday beginning the first Friday in August for clothing and footwear with a sales price of less than $100.• Elimination of the state’s franchise tax on most small businesses.• A tax credit for stay-at-home parents similar to that currently offered for parents with children in daycare.

Extended Concealed Carry License Now Possible

Oklahomans will now be able to obtain a 10-year concealed handgun license thanks to a new law authored by Rep. Rex Duncan.

"I believe that law-abiding citizens who are willing to undergo training and subject themselves to stringent background checks can be trusted with a 10-year license," said Duncan, R-Sand Springs.

House Bill 1742, by Duncan, allows Oklahomans to obtain a concealed carry license for either five years or 10 years. Previously, a five-year license was the only type available. The cost of the 10-year license will be twice the amount charged for the five-year license. The bill passed the House 96-0 and then cleared the Senate 43-1. Governor Brad Henry signed the bill into law last week.

The legislation was part of the House Republican "Safe Families"platform in the Year of Ideas agenda.

"This is a pro-Second Amendment bill that respects the Constitutional rights of law-abiding Oklahomans," Duncan said. "This legislation halves the government bureaucracy facing citizens who want to protect themselves and their families. I'm not aware of any other state license that is good for 10 years. We're blazing new territory with this bill."

Lawsuit Reform Compromise? What Compromise?

Legislative leaders from the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives today disputed published comments by Governor Brad Henry that an agreement is near on a lawsuit reform compromise.

Henry recently vetoed Senate Bill 507, a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill passed by the Legislature. In the May 6, 2007, edition of The Sunday Oklahoman, Henry said he feels a compromise on lawsuit reform is "very, very close."

"Negotiations on lawsuit reform are nonexistent, one could even say they've broken down. The Legislature put a very good lawsuit reform bill on the governor's desk, but we haven't heard a peep from him since he vetoed it," stated Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. "We're willing to talk to the governor if he gets serious about meaningful reform, but we're not going to let him water down the key reforms just for the sake of getting an agreement."

Don Cogman Joins LA Management Consulting Firm

Ponca City native Don V. Cogman has been named a senior counselor with Feldman & Partners of Los Angeles, a management consulting firm whose focus is to help companies, associations and institutions maximize their return on investment in the communications function. This includes particular attention to organizational structure and client-agency return on investment.

Cogman, former Oklahoma City political consultant and chief of staff to the late U. S. Senator Dewey F. Bartlett, is a leader in the communications industry, with nearly 30 years of public relations, public affairs and advertising experience in New York and Washington, D.C. He is a former president and chief operating officer of Burson-Marsteller and an executive vice president of Young & Rubicam.

Cogman is chairman of CC Investments LLC, a private investment firm in Scottsdale, Arizona; chairman of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Young Entrepreneur Foundation, NFIB’s education arm; a member of the NFIB Board of Directors; and a Presidential Appointee to the National Council of the National Endowment for the Arts.

He is a Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in Washington D.C. and a member of the Advisory Committee to the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma and serves on their Governance Committee.

Cogman was a founder of the National Association of Business Political Action Committees which was headquartered in Oklahoma City until 1986 and now is located in Washington.

He has also served on the Executive Committee and chairman of the Governance Committee of The Acting Company, a national traveling repertory theatre company founded at the Juilliard School in New York and was a recent appointee to the President’s Commission on the U.S. Postal Service.

Cogman is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and is married to Sue; they have four children. He's the son of the late Harold Cogman and Mary Sunshine McDaniel Cogman of Ponca City.

Reporter J. D. Cash Dead At 55

From NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ Journalist J. D. "John" Cash, best known for his 12-year investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing, died today at a hospital in Tulsa. He was 55.

Cash had been diagnosed recently with liver disease and developed pneumonia after being released last month from St. Francis hospital in Tulsa. He had been living with his mother for nearly the past month, but developed pneumonia and was rushed to the hospital Saturday night. He died at 1:30 Sunday morning.

Cash once was a mortgage banker and held a law degree from the University of Tulsa. He went to live in a cabin that he had constructed in the hills in northern McCurtain County, then began writing stories for the McCurtain Daily Gazette. His writings about the Oklahoma City bombing first gained attention because they included interviews with an undercover IRS operative who maintained that she had warned the government of the plans of right-wing extremists to attack federal buildings in 1995. Cash went on to delve deeper and deeper into Tim McVeigh and others who had lived or visited Elohim City, the religious compound in eastern Oklahoma. Using the Freedom of Information Act, he was able to make a case that the FBI had McVeigh and other members of a gang of Midwest Bank robbers under investigation prior to the 1995 bombing of the Murrah building.

In recent years, Cash and fellow journalist and investigator Roger Charles were preparing a book about their findings. Cash was recently interviewed by the BBC about his documentation of his written stories. Cash lived alone in his mountain cabin and was a co-host of a morning radio talk-show on KKBI in Broken Bow. Until he turned seriously ill in April, he would make the 45-minute morning drive from his home to the radio station to hold interviews and do commentary. Cash is survived by his mother. A private service is planned in Tulsa.

Corporation Commission: Possible '08 Candidates Await Henry's Replacement For Bode

Capitol sources say some Republican politicians are preparing to run for the Corporation Commission seat being vacated by Republican Denise Bode, but the possible candidates are waiting to see what Democrat Henry names to replace her before they talk openly about their plans.

Bode has resigned effective May 31st to take charge of a new energy industry association in Washington. She's been a commissioner since she was appointed by then-Governor Frank Keating.

While there are 3-1/2 years remaining on Bode's term, the person Henry names to replace her will serve until the 2008 election.

Sources say two ambitious GOP legislators, House members Dennis Adkins and Rob Johnson, are talking to some about their possible candidacies.

Adkins, 43, is chairman of the House Energy and Technology Committee. The Tulsan has been in real estate and is term-limited in 2012.

Johnson, 33, is majority whip. He is an attorney and is term-limited in 2016. He served as a legislative expert for former Congressman Wes Watkins and for Congressman Tom Cole.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl about those Henry might name to replace Bode. The resignation of former State Treasurer Robert Butkin as dean of the Tulsa University School of Law prompted rumors Butkin is in the running. But in resigning the top TU post, Butkin said he wanted to spend more time with his wife and three children. That was essentially the reason he gave for resigning as state treasurer; his family lived in Tulsa and he grew weary of the commute and absences from the family. It seems unlikely he now would take on an equally-demanding Oklahoma City job unless he plans to move to the city, and those who know him say that is unlikely.

The names most heard are those of Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth and Oklahoma City Councilman Pete White. Roth has let his interest in the post be known and has met with Republican Commissioner Bob Anthony. He reportedly has the support of Capitol lobbyist Pat Hall and others. White, a former Democratic Party chairman, also has support from numerous legislators and, it is said, from many in the energy industry.

Henry has given no indication yet of who he will name; he has said he hopes to have an announcement before Bode's official resignation date the end of this month.

McMahan Fires Second Top Official

A second top official in the office of Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan has been fired, his spokeswoman has confirmed.

No reason for the termination of Director of Finance Ed Noltensmeyer on Friday was given in a letter signed by McMahan. Previously, McMahan fired Tim Arbaugh, director of the abstract division, after it was alleged Arbaugh was involved in a scheme involving illegal campaign donations.

Noltensmeyer started working for the auditor in September 2005. His salary was $55,440, state records show.

Noltensmeyer had worked for the House of Representatives, the attorney general and the Office of State Finance since 1995.

Noltensmeyer said all he was told by McMahan was that "it was not a good fit." Noltensmeyer is an at-will employee, so the auditor does not have to provide a reason for the termination.

Terri Watkins, spokeswoman for the auditor's office, said she could not discuss reasons for his termination.

Meanwhile, Watkins confirmed that an accounting error on McMahan's campaign finance report will prompt the filing of an amended report. The initial report shows him with cash on hand of $19,745 when in face he has less than $400 on hand, she said. An accountant attributed $19,000 in in-kind contributions as cash contributions, she said, resulting in the incorrect balance being shown. McMahan's campaign is $22,500 in debt.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Is It Just Me? As a fan of HGTV, Discovery, A&E, the History Channel and other non-news network channels, I find they provide me some respite from the sadly deficient, tiring reportage I spot regularly on the news channels. But over the past 18 months or so, I've noticed a trend, particularly on HGTV, that begs comment. In years past, HGTV's numerous home and garden shows would, on occasion, feature homosexual homeowners. Now, it seems, it is half of those featured. To find so many gay homeowners to feature, the producers have to go looking for them, my conclusion. And that leads me to another conclusion: There's an agenda at work; if followed, that agenda would result, over time, in the eradication of human life. Some end game.

Debates: Democrats and Republicans who want to be president have now "debated" on television. Ho hum. Eight months from now, there might be more interest.

Noted Quote: This one comes from Don Kates Jr., criminologist, civil liberties lawyer and author, writing in Handguns magazine about "gansta" attitudes towards firearms: "...it is useful to point out that everything that leads to gun-related violence is already against the law. What is needed are not new and more stringent gun laws but rather a concerted effort to rebuild the social structure of inner cities." In other words, Bill Cosby is right.

Noted Quote: Fred Thompson, possible Republican candidate for president, discussing congressional Democrats: "They're as near to investing in defeat of their own country than anything I've ever seen, and I don't think the American people will forgive them for that."

Geography Lesson? Does the Channel 9 graphic artist who did this graphic need a geography lesson? The artwork accompanied a story about drug trafficking that went from Detroit to Chicago to Oklahoma City to Tucson. Problem is, all the cities except Oklahoma City are in the wrong place on the map (and OKC's placement isn't exactly precise). Tucson (60 miles north of Mexico) is placed about where Flagstaff is, Chicago is placed about where St. Louis is (!) and Detroit is located about where Lansing is in the middle of the state. Apparently, the station's reporters and editors didn't catch the misplacements.

Imus Controversy: The Don Imus Affair continues. He's suing, claiming he's owed the $40 million due on his contract. He may have a case to make, since what he said was not obscene; it was, however, thoughtless and crude and coarse and demeaning to a bunch of college kids. He was not fired for violating any FCC regulation. He was fired because he said something stupid and because minority "leaders" raised hell about it and commercial sponsors bailed. Any talk show host faces that same prospect. If I'd been his boss, Imus would have been fired long ago, but what do I know? I also would have tossed Rosie O'Donnell from her TV talk show for being rude and crude and insulting and offensive. Imus says his contract called for him to push the envelope; I haven't read his contract. The problem many have with Affair Imus is that he was canned for saying something that one can hear (and worse) in what passes for "music" in a certain racial group; of course, for a white guy to say it is politically incorrect. A benefit of Affair Imus is the focus by some on the vile and disgusting rap lyrics that have come to define the genre, its performers and the corporations that dispense it. I discuss the Imus case on an upcoming edition of The Verdict with Norman attorney Micheal Salem. Host Kent Meyers struggled to get a word in edgewise.

Any Calls For Knife Control? A teenager in another state boarded a school bus with a hunting knife and stabbed another student more than a dozen times before bystanders could pull him away, police and the victim said. John Moore, 14, was in good condition Friday, two days after the attack. The suspect, also 14, was put in juvenile custody. No motive has been determined.

Did He Say Anything About Sexual Self Control? Former President Bill Clinton said Friday that disasters such as worldwide famine and an obesity epidemic could destroy the U.S. health care system unless politicians begin to look ahead and cooperate.

Tilting Left? Governor Brad Henry's recent vetoes (pro-life bill, tort reform, budget) have some convinced he's tilting to the left on the political spectrum.

Armed Intruder Meets Controlled Gun, Dies

One man was shot and killed as he allegedly broke into a residence at 900 Julia Street just before 4 a.m. today. According to Huntsville (Alabama) police reports, a man was startled by a loud banging at his front door, and he and his roommate armed themselves and went to investigate. They discovered someone kicking in the front door, and one of the offenders was shot and killed as he entered the residence with a pistol in his hands. The other offender ran away.

Henry Signs Military Department Land Purchase Bill

Governor Brad Henry today signed House Bill 1184, which appropriates $1.5 million to the Oklahoma Military Department. The money will be used to purchase land that will leverage $85 million in federal funding to build seven new Armed Forces Reserve Centers, or AFRCs, to replace aging armories.

Butkin Resigns Top TU Law Post

Former State Treasurer Robert Butkin has resigned as dean of the University of Tulsa College of Law. He will leave the post, he said, on June 30th and become a full-time tenured law professor. Butkin says he wants to spend more time with his wife and three children who are each under age 5. One of the state's most popular elected officials, he resigned as state treasurer in June 2005 to become dean.

Rinehart Returns Questioned Campaign Donations

Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart said today he's returned questionable campaign donations that resulted in the filing of felony charges against him and his campaign manager, former State Rep. Tim Pope. Rinehart, a former Oklahoma City councilman, and Pope, manager of Rinehart's campaign, face charges of perjury, conspiracy and money laundering for allegedly funneling illegal campaign contributions into Rinehart's 2004 campaign for county commissioner.

Calvey: U. S. Is Winning War In Iraq

Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives enjoyed a rare opportunity to communicate with a former colleague today, as former state Rep. Kevin Calvey, now serving in Iraq, joined House members via telephone.

"This was an opportunity for House members to express our appreciation to Captain Calvey for his incredible service to our country," said Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. "Serving in the Legislature may be demanding, but it's obviously nothing compared to service in an actual war zone, and we wanted to say thanks."

Lawmakers spoke to Calvey by phone in the House chamber today. Calvey said his days start early and run long, averaging about 78 hours of work each week, with just a half-day off each week. "Working or sleeping or working out, that's about all we do," Calvey said. He told lawmakers the United States is winning the war in Iraq and an "overwhelming majority of Iraqis, 70 percent or more, don't want us to leave right now" due to the threat of chaos if the United States withdraws immediately. He said other countries, such as Iran and Syria, would likely attack Iraq should American troops withdraw before the nation is fully stabilized.

Graphic courtesy The Oklahoman

Parmley Heads South Carolina Democrats

Former Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Jay Parmley has been named interim director of the South Carolina Democratic Party.

Parmley, who left Oklahoma following the 2004 elections for a national party post in Mississippi, is a member of the Democratic National Committee.

Parmley apparently is not a candidate for the permanent job in South Carolina, although he could be offered the job. He was chosen as the interim director because of his experience, Chair Carol Fowler said.

Inhofe Reintroduces Immigration Bill

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today once again introduced his immigration legislation aimed at addressing the ever-increasing influx of illegal immigrants to the United States. Inhofe’s ENFORCE (Engaging the Nation to Fight for Our Right to Control Entry) Act (S.1269) increases U.S. border security, emphasizes greater enforcement of existing immigration laws and would prevent amnesty and other shortcuts for illegal immigrants.

Fallin Supports Bush War Funding Veto

Congresswoman Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, in a floor speech today urged her colleagues to uphold President Bush's veto of the Democrats' war funding bill. The bill contains a mandatory date for troop withdrawal and places conditions on when and where troops can be deployed, which Fallin has criticized as an attempt by Congress to micromanage the war.

Gazette Publisher Questions McMahan's Competence, Calls For Abolition Of Auditor's Office

Bill Bleakley, publisher of The Oklahoma Gazette, is out with an editorial today questioning the competency and qualifications of Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan and calling for the abolition of the office. Read Bleakley's editorial here or pick up a copy of this week's newspaper at almost any metro location.

Former Legislator Paid By Agency He Helped Fund

The Oklahoman's Tony Thornton reports today that former State Rep. Joe Hutchison was paid $62,500 by Little Dixie Community Action Agency in 2005, the year after he obtained $100,000 in state funds for it.

The agency is not in what was Hutchison's legislative district and apparently there's no record showing how the $100,000 was spent.

Oklahoma's Constitution prohibits any legislator from being interested in any contract with the state or govermental subdivision within two years of leaving office.

The executive director of Little Dixie is former Rep. Randall Erwin, who has been accused by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of accepting kickbacks when he was a legislator. He left office in 2004 to head up Little Dixie. The agency is under investigation by the auditor and inspector's office even though Auditor Jeff McMahan faces allegations his office was the site of a meeting at which the funneling of state funds to those under investigation was discussed.

OCPA Names Hopper Smith As President

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), an independent think tank located in Oklahoma City, today announced Hopper Smith has been chosen as its new president.

Colonel Smith, 45, is best known as the conservative legislator from Tulsa who resigned his seat in 2003 for a military tour of duty in Afghanistan.

"I have had the privilege of serving my state and country in Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Brigade for many years. One of my opportunities to serve came in the wake of 9/11, as I had the honor of leading a great group of Oklahomans to do our part in the fight for freedom," said Smith. "I am now proud to serve a similar cause in a different way, and to lead OCPA."

Smith's duties as president of the 14-year-old non-profit will officially commence on June 1. He will direct the staff and group of policy experts, government relations and fundraising.

The Council's founder and Chairman, David R. Brown, said, "Hopper Smith has the experience that counts. He is a dedicated family man with an impressive track record of military and civic leadership with a passion for helping Oklahoma grow. We are enthused to have him on board."

OCPA is a research institute headquartered near the State Capitol in Oklahoma City whose mission is to promote public policies consistent with the principles of free enterprise and limited government.

"That it is the Centennial year gives me even more optimism for our state,” added Smith. “As part of a network of state and national experts and housed in a world-class headquarters, OCPA is well-positioned to lead Oklahoma along a path of success and prosperity."

Smith and his wife, Karen, have four children and currently reside in Tulsa.

Immigration Reform Package Goes To Henry

An Oklahoma immigration reform measure called perhaps the most meaningful in the nation is on its way to the governor's desk after passage by the House Tuesday. House Bill 1804 passed by a vote of 84 to 14. The bill also has the support of two national immigration reform advocacy groups, and has been called the single most significant step that any state has taken, and one of the nation's toughest anti-illegal immigration laws.

House Speaker Lance Cargill said that, given the governor's silence on the issue of illegal immigration so far this legislative session, he hoped the governor would not attempt last-minute stalling tactics to stop reform and protect the status quo.

"Given the governor's recent pattern of vetoing needed reforms this year, I think there's real concern about whether he will sign this bill. I call on him to sign this legislation without delay," said Cargill.

"For too long, our nation and our state have looked the other way and ignored a growing illegal immigration crisis," said Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore), author of HB 1804. "Oklahoma's working families should not be forced to subsidize illegal immigration. With passage of House Bill 1804, we will end that burden on our citizens."

"We were forced to take action at the state level because of the total lack of action by the federal government on this issue," said Senator Jim Williamson (R-Tulsa), who authored the legislation in the Senate."We listened to all interested parties in putting this bill together. This bill reaches our bottom-line goal of protecting jobs for working Oklahomans."

Terrill said that some House Democrats disingenuously attempted to delay HB 1804 on Tuesday by debating or voting against Senate amendments to the reform legislation. "A 'no' vote on the Senate amendments is basically equivalent to a no vote on the entire effort to offer immigration reform," said Terrill. "Some House Democrats were merely trying to spin a bad vote today. They tried to argue that Senate amendments to the bill 'watered it down.' But we know those who opposed this bill aren't for immigration reform."

Terrill said that House Bill 1804, the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007, is a landmark first step to offer immigration reform for Oklahoma. The bill is part of the House Republican majority's legislative agenda, and has now passed both chambers of the Legislature by overwhelming bipartisan margins.

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, as well as restricting access by illegal aliens to driver's licenses and ID cards.

Foshee Files Campaign Finance Report

Former Oklahoma City Councilman Jerry Foshee, now a Republican candidate for the State Senate in District 45, reports he's raised $14,250 and spent $9,000.

Foshee's first campaign finance report lists a single donation, $250 from an insurance company executive as the only individual donation. He shows $5,000 received from the Fraternal Order of Police. He loaned his campaign $9,000. He reports he's spent $9,000, $7,400 of it going to a "campaign consultant" for the months of February and March. The report was filed Monday.

Republican political consultant Kyle Loveless has announced he also is seeking the seat. His report shows he's had no reportable fundraising activity. He announced his campaign just 10 days ago.

Dank: McMahan Should Vacate Office

Rep. David Dank (R-Oklahoma City) today introduced a resolution urging State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan to vacate his office until all questions surrounding an ongoing ethics investigation are settled.

"There is a cloud over the office of the State Auditor," Dank (pictured) said. "I do not believe Mr. McMahan should resign unless and until he is accused of a crime, but he can help remove this cloud if he will simply recuse himself from the duties of his office until the full story has been told. This is the office that monitors and investigates other areas of state government. It cannot function when the head of that office is under suspicion of unethical conduct."

Dank's House Resolution 1030 would ask Gov. Brad Henry to appoint an interim head of the state auditor's office during McMahan's absence. If McMahan is ultimately charged and convicted of a crime, he would be permanently stripped of the office. If no criminal proceedings result from the investigation, he would return to his full duties.

McMahan has fired the chief of his abstract division, Tim Arbaugh, in connection with the ongoing federal and state investigations of ghost campaign donations, many of which apparently went to McMahan from sources close to former Senator Gene Stipe (D-McAlester), his abstract company partner Steve Phipps, and the abstract industry. Most recently, the fired abstract chief was again linked to a Stipe-Phipps-connected deal involving the sale of railroad cars to an entity using state funds.

House Resolution 1030 notes that McMahan "is frequently mentioned as a principal party" in the federal investigation "by virtue of the substantial campaign contributions and paid trips provided to him by key figures targeted in the grand jury investigation."

House Resolution 1030 declares the controversy "tarnishes"McMahan's credibility and "further jeopardizes public trust in state government."

"The smell gets worse every day. Stipe, Phipps and their cronies keep popping up every time you lift a new rug, and the people of Oklahoma deserve to know that the state auditor's office is clean and above suspicion," Dank said. "That cannot happen as long as Jeff McMahan sits in that office spending most of his time trying to fend off a series of grand jury investigations."

Gingrich: Why Announce Now?

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Monday in Oklahoma City he is still eyeing a run for president and can't explain polls that show him ranked near the top-tier candidates for the Republican nomination although he has not formally announced.

"It's sort of frightening sometimes," Gingrich said. "Sometimes the guys who aren't running are doing better than the guys who are running. Why would you want to start running if you're doing better by not running than you would if you were running? I can't explain it."

Polls in some states show Gingrich, speaker from 1995 to 1999, running behind former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, but ahead of U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas and Fred Thompson, an actor and former U.S. senator from Tennessee.

Gingrich said the 2006 elections in which the GOP lost both houses of Congress are a sign of disappointment among Republicans, and that his relatively high poll numbers may indicate that many people remember the 1994 Contract for America that he co-authored and his highly publicized spats with former President Bill Clinton over cutting taxes and balancing the federal budget.

Gingrich, 63, said he will not decide whether to enter the race until October following a nationwide Solutions Day workshop on Sept. 27 - the anniversary of the Contract for America.

Henry Sets Inaugural Fund Record

Governor Brad Henry set a new record for an inaugural fund this year, raking in more than a million dollars. That surpassed his previous record, set in 2003, of $915,000.

The Oklahoman reports that energy companies purchased $135,000 in tickets to inaugural events, with Indian tribes buying more than $110,000 in tickets.

Texas Legislators Back Thompson

Fred Thompson, the actor and former U.S. senator from Tennessee, officially is only mulling a race for the White House, but he already has snagged support from at least 58 Texas Republican lawmakers.

No other presidential hopeful from either party is close.

Much of the credit goes to state Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson and Rep. Robert Talton, R-Pasadena, who have been promoting a Thompson candidacy and securing lawmakers' signatures encouraging him to run. They like him, they say, because he's conservative, independent,well-spoken and comfortable before the camera.