Okie Blog Awards Stir Spirited Comments

Oklahoma's growing community of Internet bloggers has an annual awards event originated by fellow blogger Mike Hermes, the veteran who posts at http://www.okiedoke.com/. Every year, Mike conducts "Best Of" voting by bloggers. This year, Mike reports, he's had spirited comments on the "Best Political Blog" category. Here's the story from Mike:

"The Okie Blog Awards were created for the purpose of showcasing well-known and lesser-known Oklahoma blogs, and this year’s Awards were again well received with more blogs being nominated than ever. Thirty-six blogs made the final nomination list for the first time. To date, the 2007 Okie Blog Awards website has received more than 2,000 page views, hopefully opening up many Oklahoma blogs to new visitors.

PART NEWS, PART ANALYSIS, PART COMMENTARY

"Yet, not everyone was happy. It should surprise no one that most complaints had to do with politics. '2 okiefunks and no Mark Shannon. This ‘contest’ is trivial and meaningless!'

"And one Okie blogger lamented: 'The Okie blog awards are conducted by liberals, dominated by liberals and (shocking) won by liberals. Unfortunately all of the 'awards' in the world won’t make their lies into truth or their hatred into votes for Democrats. But it does make them feel important and authoritative. Small fish in an even smaller pond… or in this case, glass bowl.'

"Those weren’t the only complaints. I also received a few suggestions to change some Award categories and/or add to them. One of the suggesters thought the Best Political Blog category should consist of two sub-categories of Best Right and Best Left. While I kind of like the idea, my own sympathies lie toward more non-partisan political blogs, so a third, moderate/non-partisan sub-category would then be in order. Being a simple guy, I thought better of it. However, I have decided to also announce the runner-up blog in each category this year. One reason being that the top two finishers under Best Political Blog have always consisted of both a conservative and liberal blog. Another reason is the slight differences in votes received by the top finishers in many categories. (I had to break a tie in one category.)"

The Okie Blog award winners will be announced at an October get-together in Tulsa.

The definition of "political blog" is of some interest, and I can't say I've been able to figure it out yet. Some nominated in the category seem to me more social commentary than political commentary and a couple defy even that label. Ah well...it's all good fun and notes the growing influence and importance of the Oklahoma blogosphere. ~ Mike McCarville

Cowboys Upend Bomar, Sam Houston State 39-3

The OSU Cowboys gave us something to cheer about today, trouncing former OU Quarterback Rhett Bomar and Sam Houston State by a convincing 39-3 tally. Photo shows OSU Quarterback Zac Robinson in action. He threw for 279 yards, a personal best.

Run, Don't Walk, To Get Your Sunday Oklahoman

"How $441K grant aided Stipe," the headline on investigative reporter Tony Thornton's Page One story in The Sunday Oklahoman reads, but the story is much more than that if you have any idea of former State Senator Gene Stipe's influence and connections over the years to certain southeastern Oklahoma officials. Thornton also recalls (it was first reported in The Oklahoman in the 1970s) Stipe's business connections to a Tahlequah real estate agent who "joined him in a business venture a year after his acquittal" in a 1968 federal income tax evasion case in which the real estate agent "served on the federal grand jury that indicted Stipe...." Stipe was acquited and a year later, Thornton reports, the agent and Stipe began doing business together. Thornton also reports that some of those involved with Stipe in the $441,000 grant land deal "also helped Stipe obtain state and local tax money for land to be sold for a McAlester dog food plant in 2002." That deal is a part of the ongoing federal investigation into the business dealings of Stipe and others. The Oklahoman's website is http://www.newsok.com/.

Buffaloes Stun Sad Sooners, 27-24

The Colorado Buffaloes defeated the hapless Sooners 27-24 with a last-second 45-yard field goal. The Sooners fumbled their way to the loss in a game marked by dropped passes and a muffed punt reception. The Sooner offense was lackluster and the defense was worse.

Gingrich Says He Won't Run

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) decided Saturday morning not to run for president just as his staff was preparing to launch a website to seek $30 million in pledges, his spokesman told Politico. (www.politico.com)

The Gadfly On The Wall

Enough Already: While I enjoy a solid controversy as much as anyone, I've had enough of the Mike Gundy/Jenni Carlson dustup. The word overkill comes to mind. Darts to Diva Carlson for her column in the first place, darts to Coach Gundy for appearing to lose his cool and making Carlson the sole topic of his post-game comments. A few well-placed remarks would have done the job just as effectively. I'd have teed off on her in person, in private. Do appreciate Gundy taking up for his player. See nothing wrong with a coach publicly critiquing a columnist; quid pro quo works for me.

Sund Shines: Our story this week about Governor Brad Henry's Brazil fishing trip with his trial lawyer friends (and, in his defense, one longtime family friend, Terry West of Shawnee, who arranged the trip) brought me into what could have been contentious contact with Henry's communications director, Paul Sund. I've known Paul for years (since his days at KOSU in Stillwater) and, having been in his shoes myself as a governor's press secretary, know how one tends to react to questions about such things as the fishing trip. Paul was not only civil in his responses, he was prompt in responding and helpful in identifying some of those on the trip even though he could have told me and others to take a flying leap. Gold star for Paul.

About Those Checks: It is fundamental in political fundraising (and I've done a whole lot of it) that checks must be deposited into the account of the entity to which they are given. Thus, checks payable to the "Oklahoma Republican Party" should not, as is alleged, have been deposited into any other account, even the "Oklahoma County Republican Party." That having been said, it appears to me the task before the Ethics Commission is to determine why that occurred, and who did it, and who directed that it be done. There will be considerable fallout over this, not the least of which will be the allegation that Republican Mike Reynolds of Oklahoma City was the source of the original information and, if former GOP Chairman Chad Alexander is correct, actually filed the complaint with the Ethics Commission. Reynolds is a maverick; the belief he fueled the investigation will further alienate him from some of his fellow GOP House members. The Ethics Commission cannot confirm that it is conducting an investigation in this case and there are those who hint there are other investigations, involving straw donors to Democrat campaigns, that are underway. One insider suggests Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan's donors are being scrutinized, but there's no way to confirm or deny that. If there's no McMahan investigation underway, there should be.

FAMILY STUFF

Grandson Colby: The 21-year-old Navy Seabee has been home from Iraq, out of harm's way, for a week now. I am thankful. I noted his return earlier and friend Mark Shannon emailed to remark I probably had been holding my breath the entire time Colby was in Iraq. Didn't realize it until Mark made the comment, but he's right; I had been holding my breath. My admiration for today's military is great and it's grown with just a few comments Colby has made about those with whom he served. Oohrah!

Granddaughter Faye: The Del City High School student is looking for her first job, a goal on hold until she had transportation of her own. And she now has her first car, thanks to the generosity of her brother Mike. It's a '90 Honda Accord with 222,200 miles and has almost 18 years' worth of scratches, nicks and dings. Faye thinks it is the prettiest car she's ever seen.

Speaking Of Grandson Mike: The 23-year-old feels better, looks better and is sleeping better after resigning as a fuel systems specialist on the big birds at Tinker. After five years of crawling around inside jet fuel tanks, Mike decided he'd had enough, despite the excellent pay and benefits. He aspires to a law enforcement career, but has an equal interest in buying, rehabbing and selling homes. He's experienced as a carpenter and tile layer, and landscaper as well. He built himself a new home in Choctaw two years ago and sold it two months ago for a tidy profit, on which he is earning enough monthly interest to almost cover his living expenses. All of us should be so fortunate. And he's now studying finance at Rose State College.

Granddaughter Courtney: The Del City High School student keeps way busy as an assistant to the Eagles football team. Perpetually optimistic, she spends hours every day after school lugging equipment, taping ankles and otherwise helping the team. Now, if I can just get Bob Stoops to offer her an OU scholarship....

Grandson Kevin: Home-schooled his entire life, Kevin is now taking a computer course at Mid-Del Vo Tech and continues his air pistol shooting pursuits, although his aspiration to make the 2008 Olympic Shooting Team seems out of reach. No matter; he made the effort and apparently is among the top one percent of junior shooters in the country. He's a far better shot than his Grandad is, or ever was. He works parttime in the kitchen at Pelican's Restaurant in Midwest City. He's now over six feet tall, evidence he got something from his Dad's side of the family he never would have gotten from his Mother's (my daughter) side of the family.

Gingrich Says Hillary 'Most Effective' Candidate

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), the leader of the 1994 Republican revolution, says that top Democratic White House candidate Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) is the most “effective” candidate of the 2008 presidential race.

In a discussion with blogger Ed Morrissey on BlogTalk Radio, Gingrich flirted more with his own potential bid by throwing some significant criticisms at his own party’s candidates. He repeatedly offering backhanded but seemingly sincere compliments to Clinton and indirect but brutal shots at his own party's candidates. ~ From reports.

'Progressive Americans' Site Helps Andrew Rice

A "Progressive Americans for Andrew Rice" website reports it has helped raised $1,170 from 23 apparently local donors and $27,210 from 366 donors in total.

"ActBlue" is designed to help Rice, a freshman state senator, win the Democratic Party nomination for the U. S. Senate, a seat now held by conservative Republican Jim Inhofe.

"ActBlue" is an online political fundraising tool for Democratic candidates to public office. It bills itself as "the online clearinghouse for grassroots action." Launched in 2004, it has become a major fundraising tool for Democrats, particularly favored by the netroots and left-leaning bloggers.

Coffee: Henry Trip 'Smells A Little Like Catfish Bait'

Oklahoma Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said Friday that Governor Brad Henry's Brazil fishing trip with trial lawyers gives the appearance of a conflict of interest, and highlights the need to reform Oklahoma’s judicial nominating process.

“In Oklahoma, the Judicial Nominating Commission is supposed to be independent in its recommendations of judicial appointments to the governor,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

“But when you have current members of the commission – including a non-attorney member – on an exotic fishing trip with the governor and several influential trial lawyers, it gives the appearance of a conflict of interest. It smells a little like catfish bait,” he said.

Coffee said the South American fishing trip highlights the need for reforms in Oklahoma’s process for nominating judges and justices. Coffee said a wide range of reforms could be considered, such as requiring Senate confirmation for judicial appointments, to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure a good system of checks and balances is in place.

“There needs to be a better system of checks and balances in place, and that’s something the Legislature should perhaps look at during the 2008 session” Coffee stated. “Senate confirmation of judges has worked pretty well at the federal level for more than 200 years, so it would make sense for us to look at that here in Oklahoma,” he said.

Regarding Henry’s fishing expedition, Coffee wished the governor luck: “Maybe he’ll catch something he can hang on the wall next to his tort reform veto.”

Mike Reynolds: GOP Money Use Seems 'Improper'

Some of the 2004 campaign funds reportedly under investigation by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission appear to have been steered toward the campaign of a former eastern Oklahoma lawmaker, the Muskogee Phoenix reported today in a story that also quotes Republican lawmaker Mike Reynolds (pictured) as saying use of the money seems "improper."

Reynolds was named earlier by former Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Chad Alexander as the possible source of the complaint filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.

The Phoenix reported that the Oklahoma County Republican Committee footed at least part of the bill for public opinion polls conducted on behalf of former District 13 Rep. Stuart Ericson, R-Muskogee.

Ericson, who now works as an assistant prosecutor for the Sequoyah County District Attorney’s Office, said he was unaware of the surveys that appear to have been funded by the Oklahoma County GOP.

“Our races were so contested, I was just out there campaigning as hard as I could,” Ericson said. “I was knocking on doors and reaching out to the people.”

Fount Holland, Ericson’s 2004 campaign manager, said he wasn’t at liberty to discuss the polling or any connection there may have been with regard to campaign contributions to or from the Oklahoma County Republican Committee.

There have been no allegations that Ericson did anything unethical or illegal, and Ericson said he has not been contacted by anybody but the Phoenix with regard to the ethics panel probe. While the ethics panel will not comment about its investigation, political experts say the practice of transferring funds from one political action committee to another makes it easy to launder campaign contributions. If the ethics panel finds evidence of wrongdoing, it can impose monetary penalties on parties involved.

Reynolds, of Oklahoma City, told the Phoenix that he has become alarmed about what he described as “potential campaign violations.”

“I am not in a position that I can document any violations,” Reynolds said. “On the surface it would certainly seem to be improper.”

FEMA Approves Eight More Counties

FEMA officials have declared eight more Oklahoma counties eligible for public assistance in the wake of severe storms and flooding that occurred throughout the state from June 10 to July 25, 2007, Governor Brad Henry’s office announced today.

The counties added to the disaster declaration are: Bryan, Comanche, Cotton, Logan, Pontotoc, Seminole, Stephens and Tillman counties. The addition of these counties brings the total number of counties eligible for public assistance for these storms to 58.

Coburn 'No-bid' Amendment Accepted

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn released the following statement today after the Senate unanimously accepted his amendment to the Defense Department authorization bill which will prohibit Congress from using earmarks to award “no-bid” government contracts and grants. “Contracts to design or construct military hardware and equipment for our men and women in combat should be awarded based upon merit rather than political connections or calculations. The billions of dollars Congress doles out each year in earmarked projects are essentially ‘no-bid’ grants or contracts handed out to pre-selected, individual recipients. Bypassing the standard competitive grants and contracts process is unacceptable and leaves Congress no way of guaranteeing taxpayer dollars are going to the most cost-efficient and qualified entity to perform a service,” Coburn said.

Red Oklahoma: 'DocHoc' Goes National

From Red Oklahoma ~ Kurt “DocHoc” Hochenauer, the UCO professor responsible for the draft Andrew Rice website RunAndrewRun.com, must be feeling the heat from recent coverage of his hateful words and association with the Rice for Senate campaign.

Since the revelation of his support for the MoveOn “General Betray Us” ad on RedOklahoma and The McCarville Report’s coverage of “DocHoc’s Dark Vision for America,” he has gone politically silent on his personal blog, OkieFunk.

Could it be Hochenauer and the Rice campaign regret the exposure of their hate speech? Though he hasn’t recently graced Oklahoma with such hate, that doesn’t mean he’s given up. Instead, he’s moved to DailyKos, a national extreme liberal safe haven that shares Hochenauer’s support for MoveOn.

In today’s DocHoc Diatribe, he questions Inhofe’s “mental stability,” calling Inhofe “Oklahoma’s most embarassing political leader.” But before he’s done with his most recent angry tirade, he makes a fundraising appeal for Andrew Rice.

Even after the revelation they believe General Patraeus will rise to American dictator, their commendation of MoveOn for their attacks on a true American patriot, and a prediction of $10/gallon gas as a result of a Fred Thompson Presidency, they haven’t given up on the hate speech.

They’ve just relocated to a place they hoped nobody would notice.

Grand Jury Issues Five Sealed Indictments

A state multi-county grand jury issued five sealed indictments on Thursday. They will be unsealed in the district courts of Oklahoma, Carter, Latimer and Atoka counties. The dates for unsealing the indictments have not been set.

The Oklahoma County indictment names three defendants and contains two total counts. The Carter County indictment names one person on one count. In the Atoka County indictment, four people are named on six total counts. Two separate indictments will be unsealed in Latimer County. One names four defendants and contains three total counts. The other names two people on two total counts.

Attorney General Drew Edmondson's office administers the grand jury, which adjourned until October 23rd.

Williamson: Henry Trip Doesn't Pass The Smell Test

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ It doesn't pass the smell test. That's what Tulsa Republican State Senator James Williamson says after learning of the Brazilian fishing trip taken this week by Governor Brad Henry who traveled with his trial lawyer friends.

"I'm shocked that he would do it under any circumstances," said Williamson, the author of the tort reform bill vetoed by the Governor five months ago. "But it's doubling shocking after him vetoing this legislation not too many months ago."

Williamson said the trip to the Amazon along with nearly two dozen trial lawyers and a member of the State's Judicial Nominating Commission shows the Governor is not neutral on the issue and that, "he is totally on the side of trial lawyers."

Governor Henry waited until the last day to legally veto the measure and did it on a Saturday when few reporters were around to record the move. A spokesman for the governor said Henry and his chief of staff Gerald Adams had paid for their portion of the trip but it didn't set well with Williamson.

"Whether he's paying his own way or what, for him to be vacationing with the leaders of the Trial Lawyers Association just tends to show that he is way too close to that organization. He should be trying to be impartial," added Williamson. "He should show impartiality in this issue and there's a standard of trying to avoid even the appearance of impropriety."

Henry, Trial Lawyers, Judicial Nominating Commission Member Take Brazilian Fishing Trip

UPDATED ~ Five months after he vetoed a tort reform bill described by its advocates as comprehensive and by its trial lawyer opponents as flawed, Governor Brad Henry today is on a Brazilian fishing trip with some of Oklahoma's most prominent trial lawyers who opposed the measure. He took a similar trip in 2003. On the current trip are a member of the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission and two former members, and three past presidents of the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association.

A document obtained by The McCarville Report Online shows that on September 21st and 22nd, Henry and 23 others were among those in a Wet-A-Line Tours group booked into the Tropical Manaus Hotel in Ponta Negre, Brazil, an outlying part of the city of Manaus. The hotel is a jumping-off point for Amazon River charter fishing tours that last up to a week.

Paul Sund, Henry's spokesman, confirmed that the governor is on the trip along with his chief of staff, Gerald Adams, and an Oklahoma Highway Patrol security trooper, Patrick Mays. Sund said Henry and Adams paid for their portions of the fishing charter, as well as for surface and air transportation to Brazil. He said the state will pay the costs of Trooper Mays.

Wet-A-Line Tours' normal charge for the Tropical Manaus fishing trip, its website shows, is $4,250 per person. Wet-A-Line Tours is owned, documents show, by Richard W. Schair and is based in Gainesville, Georgia.

The Tropical Manaus Hotel listed 24 persons in the Wet-A-Line Tours group, among them at least 10 Oklahoma trial lawyers as well as Henry, Adams and Mays.

Among those listed are Shawnee attorney Terry West (pictured), two-time past president of the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association, one of Henry's earliest supporters. West, a longtime friend of the Henry family, was the roommate of Brad Henry's father in college. The governor, also an attorney, calls him "Uncle Terry."

Also listed are Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission member and former Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association President Jimmy D. Loftis, and fellow attorneys Blake Virgin, John R. Hargrave, John W. Norman, John B. Norman, 2006 Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association president Brad West, Bart West (Terry West's sons), former Judicial Nominating Commission member William E. Woodson, oilman Paul Hale, Robert D. Bell, Robert L. Bell and Mike Oliver. Hale, Oliver, Loftis, Virgin, Woodson and the Bells also took the 2003 trip based on a report in The Oklahoman at the time. Also listed is Richard R. Dunning, a member of the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, appointed by Henry earlier this year. Sund said Dunning resigned from the Judicial Nominating Commission earlier this year.

Said Sund: "It is similar to the 2003 trip. It is a charter fishing trip planned by Terry West, an old family friend of the Henrys from Shawnee. Terry West organized everything and invited the various participants. The group is fishing on the Amazon River for a week. They left last weekend and will return Monday. As I understand it, there are more than a dozen people in the group, but I do not know all of the names of the participants other than Governor Henry, Gerald Adams, Terry West and, I believe, some members of the West family. The governor would prefer that security not accompany him on such trips, but as you know, state law requires DPS to provide security to the governor and his family at all times. DPS Commissioner Kevin Ward could address any costs associated with the accompanying security officer or procedures involved in providing security to governors. The governor and the chief of staff are paying for the cost of their trip. No state funds are being expended on them."

Is Wilcoxson Tuning Up For School Super Run?

Tulsa Today reports that State Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson of Oklahoma City will make a presentation in Tulsa next month to the Metro Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and Republican insiders say that may signal she's interested in a future race for state superintendent of schools. Read the details of what Wilcoxson plans for her Tulsa presentation here.

Stipe Competency Hearing Set For October 15th

A federal judge has scheduled a hearing in Muskogee next month on the mental competency of former state Sen. Gene Stipe of McAlester. The hearing will take place Octtober 15th before U. S. District Judge Ronald A. White of the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Tulsa Hispanics Plan Immigration Lawsuit

Tulsa Hispanic leaders announced today they plan a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma's new immigration law. House Bill 1804, the Taxpayers and Citizens Protection Act, becomes effective on November 1st. It will make it a felony to transport, conceal or shelter an undocumented immigrant from detection and also prevents illegal immigrants from getting jobs and public assistance.

State Can't Afford Tax Cut Moratorium, Expert Says

If Oklahoma is to attract new residents and businesses, the state cannot afford a moratorium on tax cuts, a national expert told state lawmakers today.

"Oklahoma is not just competing with other states," said Phil Kerpen, national policy director of Americans for Prosperity. "Oklahoma is competing in a global economy. When you talk about a 6-percent corporate tax rate in Oklahoma on top of a 35 percent federal rate, you're looking at a combined 41-percent corporate tax rate on companies that do business here, and when you add the state franchise tax on top of that, you're looking at about a 43-percent effective tax rate on Oklahoma companies.

"In Europe, the average corporate tax is about 25 percent and in some Asian countries it's even lower. The idea that you can tax people at whatever rate you want and they'll stay and keep paying it is an antiquated one. People are very mobile and capital is even more mobile. If Oklahoma is going to compete in the global economy and succeed, you need to look at much lower tax rates."

State Rep. Randy Terrill, who requested the legislative study to focus on the topic of tax reform and relief, said Kerpen's analysis will help state lawmakers balance demands for growth in government spending with the "clear need for wise policies that promote economic development, growth and job creation."

"Oklahoma has made significant strides in the past three years, but we still lag behind other states in the region and many countries around the world," said Terrill, R-Moore. "For Oklahoma to grow we must attract capital investment and our current tax policies are a barrier to that goal."

Between 1980 and 2006, Oklahoma's real gross domestic product growth lagged behind all neighboring states, according to figures provided by Kerpen. In fact, Oklahoma's real GDP growth during that period was less than half the rate experienced in New Mexico, Texas and Colorado. Private job growth in Oklahoma also lagged far behind Texas, New Mexico and Colorado from 1990 to 2006.

"Globalization means that states and countries that choose not to compete are going to lose business and population," Kerpen said."Oklahoma has been doing very poorly in population growth compared to neighboring states."

Kerpen said Oklahoma's franchise tax is "a terrible tax" that raises relatively little state revenue while forcing enormous compliance costs on state businesses. He noted Kansas recently repealed its franchise tax and said Oklahoma should do the same.

He also urged Oklahoma lawmakers to continue cutting both individual income and corporate tax rates.

Kerpen said the individual income tax rate is "one of the real drivers that determine where people decide to live, how many hours they work and how many businesses they start. It has an incentive effect on all sorts of economic activity on the margin."

"The relationship between lower taxes and higher economic growth is one of the most proven relationships in all of economics," Kerpen said. "There are hundreds of studies that repeatedly show this relationship. It makes perfect sense: If you tax people more then they have less reward for working, saving and investing, so they'll do less of those things. Legislators understand the link between taxes and behavior when it comes to things like cigarettes taxes, which are touted as a way to reduce smoking. But for some reason, a lot of lawmakers ignore the fact that taxes on income have the exact same effect."

The House Revenue and Taxation Subcommittee, which Terrill chairs, will conduct several more meetings on the tax issue through November and hear from other national experts.

Red Cross Donates Capitol Defibrillator

As part of National Preparedness Month, the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma made a special donation Thursday to make sure Oklahoma lawmakers are prepared for the worst.

At a special ceremony, Vince Hernandez, CEO of the Central Oklahoma Red Cross, presented the Capitol Doctor of the Day office with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Dana Cash with Zoll Medical, which is partnering with the Red Cross on the gift of the defibrillator, was also present for the event.

“Many Oklahomans visit their state Capitol each year, and they often come to observe their state Legislature in session,” said House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. “Though we hope it never happens, it’s always possible that a visitor, a lawmaker, or a staffer could suffer a heart attack here in the Capitol. I appreciate the Red Cross helping us be prepared for the realities of life.”

Coburn Stops Gun Control Bill

A bill inspired by the Virginia Tech shootings is bogged down by objections over funding and who should be barred from buying a firearm. The bill would tighten requirements for states to share gun purchasers' mental health information with the federal government.

Majority Democrats in the Senate were poised as early as this past Monday to bring the bill to a vote until Senator Tom Coburn objected. Coburn says he has concerns that billions of dollars of new spending in the bill is not paid for by cuts in other programs. And he says the bill does not pay for appeals by veterans or other Americans who feel they have been wrongly barred from buying a gun.

Holmes To Cargill: 'Do The Right Thing'

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes (pictured), today called on House Speaker Lance Cargill and House Republicans to " do the right thing by coming forward with the truth about allegations of illegal campaign contributions and expenditures."

Holmes' news release said: "Revelations about tens of thousands of dollars being funneled from the accounts of Republican lawmakers into the Oklahoma County Republican Party to assist Republican House candidates all over Oklahoma come at a time when the GOP has been plagued by scandal after scandal.

“Despite lip service about family values and morality, the culture of corruption in the Republican Party goes from the State House to the White House. Time and again they have broken the law and violated ethics rules in pursuit of power for the Republican Party, not for the good of Oklahoma or their constituents. It is time they come clean and place statesmanship ahead of partisanship.

"Gary Jones, Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, has confirmed repeated reports that the Oklahoma Ethics Commission is investigating House Republicans for diverting checks written to the Oklahoma State Republican Party to the Oklahoma County Republican Party for use by their targeted House candidates. Sources have named House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, and Rep. Trebor Worthen, R-Oklahoma City, chairman of the House political action committee that raises money for candidates, as the targets of this investigation.

“Not only did Cargill and Worthen mislead the voters of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, but they also misled their own legislative members who believed they were legitimately donating to the State Republican Party,” stated Holmes.

“I hope Republican Representative David Dank will join me in calling for his House Republican Leadership to step down as he did for other elected officials who are currently under investigation.”

Dank announced earlier he will introduce ethics reform legislation.

Fallin Applaudes Passage Of MoveOn.Org Criticism

Congresswoman Mary Fallin applauded the passage today of a resolution supporting General David Petraeus and condemning a "vicious and highly personal attack ad" placed in The New York Times by the radical liberal interest group MoveOn.org.

The resolution condemned MoveOn’s ad “in the strongest possible terms” and honored “all members of the Armed Services” and their families. It passed by a vote of 341-79.

“At a time when our troops are fighting abroad for our safety and freedom, it is almost incomprehensible that our top General could be the target of vicious political attacks at home,” said Fallin.

“Regardless of one’s position on the War, MoveOn’s recent attempt to cast doubt on the patriotism of General Petraeus has defied every standard of decency that we might seek to hold them to.

“I am pleased that most members of House, regardless of party, could come together and condemn this vicious attack on an honorable military man. I am proud to have cast my vote in his defense and in defense of all members of our Armed Services. Name calling and political mud-throwing in a time of war accomplish nothing and demean a debate that should be both serious and civilized.”

U. S. House Condemns MoveOn.org Petraeus Ad

The U. S. House today easily passed a resolution that condemns The New York Times advertisement by MoveOn.org that referred to Gen. David Petraeus as “General Betrayus."

Republican leaders had been calling for congressional action since the ad appeared just before Petraeus’s testimony on the situation in Iraq. The requests for action in the House grew louder after the Senate approved a similar measure with broad bipartisan support.

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) praised the 341-79 vote and GOP lawmakers for taking the lead on the issue.

“Because the leaders of the current majority had refused to allow a vote on this important resolution, House Republicans took action to force an up-or-down vote today,” Boehner said. “General Petraeus and the men and women of our armed forces deserve our strongest support, and while the measure passed with significant bipartisan support, it is troubling that so many Democrats still voted to condone this attack defaming the general.”

House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) called the MoveOn ad an insult “to the thousands of men and women in uniform [Petraeus] directs and the mission and objectives to which they are committed.”

The executive director of MoveOn.org’s Political Action Committee, Eli Pariser, said the group would continue its “ad campaign to accuse the Republicans who are blocking an end to the war of a ‘Betrayal of Trust.’” Pariser noted that U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians lose their lives every day and “with every passing day, more information comes to light casting more and more doubt on the validity of the facts and conclusions presented by General Petraeus in his testimony before Congress.” Pariser strongly criticized Congress for “fiddling with an ad while Iraq burns.” “It is unconscionable and outrageous that instead of doing the people’s work and ending this war, Congress chooses meaningless and distracting gestures,” he said.

The resolution states that the House “condemns in the strongest possible terms the personal attacks made by the advocacy group MoveOn.org impugning the integrity and professionalism of General David H. Petraeus.”

Several Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) voiced their objection to the ad, which has triggered calls for a congressional investigation on whether The New York Times violated campaign-finance laws by giving MoveOn.org a discounted ad rate.

While Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) voted in favor of the measure, several top Democrats did not. Among the Democrats voting against the nomination were Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (Calif.), Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (Calif.), Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), Small Business Committee Chairman Nydia Velázquez (N.Y.), Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-Calif.) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.), the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Ponca City Enacts Underage Drinking Ordinance

Ponca City has become the latest municipality to pass an ordinance mandating fines and jail time for people who host a party where there is underage drinking.The ordinance defines a party as three or more people. The maximum penalty is a $750 fine and 30 days in jail. Edmond, Shawnee, Mustang, Tecumseh and Yukon have similar ordinances. ~ From the Associated Press.

Insurance Agents Name Titus To Top Post

The Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma (IIAO), the state’s largest property and casualty agents association, has named Susan Titus as Director of Association Operations. Titus has been with IIAO for 13 years previously serving as Director of Member Services. In her new position, Titus will oversee planning, operations and personnel management of the over 400 member agency statewide association.

Oklahoman Calls For GOP Donation Explanation

Editorial In The Oklahoman: House Speaker Lance Cargill, who has spent the year soliciting the 100 best ideas for Oklahoma, may wish to add one to his list: Produce an explanation for Republican campaign accounts that appear out of whack, and pronto.

Cargill, R-Harrah, is a party in an investigation by the state Ethics Commission into several 2004 campaign checks that were written to the state Republican Party but instead wound up in the account of the Oklahoma County Republican Committee.

Among those surprised by this turn of events was Cargill's predecessor, former Speaker Todd Hiett, who says he thought his own $5,000 contribution was going to the state. "I delegated campaign finance to Lance Cargill as the (political action committee) chairman,” Hiett told The Oklahoman' s Jennifer Mock. At the time, Cargill was honorary chairman of the House fundraising committee.

Mock reported that a dozen checks from the 2004 election cycle, totaling more than $30,000, are the focus of the investigation. Many who wrote the checks said their contributions went to the county party without them knowing it. Others said that in writing a check to the state GOP, they didn't earmark or even care where the money went, provided it helped Republican candidates.

Five House Republicans produced a statement — issued through Cargill's office — defending their boss. They said Cargill in 2004 didn't ask for the funds and that none of them told the GOP how their donations were to be spent. Cargill says he's glad to cooperate with the Ethics Commission, has denied any wrongdoing and adds that the probe stems from gripes by "political opponents.”That may be, but having money that's intended for one campaign account turn up in another at the very least emits an unpleasant odor. And to be sure, these sorts of things rarely go over well in the court of public opinion.

Kathy Taylor's At-Will Staff Well Paid

From The Tulsa World ~ Mayor Kathy Taylor has filled 15 of her 16 at-will employee slots, with five of those employees being paid six-figure salaries. The latest addition is Jeff Wilkie, who will be the mayor's director of organizational development and performance. Wilkie will begin Oct. 1 at a salary of $120,000.

Immigration Law Ruling Not Likely Soon

An attorney general's opinion on the constitutionality of a measure to crack down on illegal immigration probably won't be issued before the law takes effect on November 1, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Drew Edmondson said Tuesday.

Five Democratic state lawmakers, led by state Rep. Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City, have asked Edmondson to clarify several provisions of the measure, dubbed the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act.

Doc Hoc's Dark Vision For America, Oklahoma

Kurt Hochenauer (self-described as "Doc Hoc"), God help us all, is a University of Central Oklahoma English Department professor whose vision is dark and dangerous. The following is a small sample of the garbage this ultra-liberal moonbat pedals on his blog, Okie Funk: Let me take you into your very possible future. It’s September 19, 2009. Fred Thompson is president and the House and Senate on both the federal and state level have clear Republican majorities. The Iraq occupation drags on with no end in sight, and now we’re fighting in Iran, too. Every aspect of our private lives—our phone calls, emails, personal conservations (sic)—is scrutinized by Republican government operatives. More people are without health insurance than ever. The richest one percent of Americans own even more of the wealth and land in the country. American and foreign prisoners are routinely tortured on the slimmest evidence of wrongdoing. In Oklahoma, government has become completely privatized. Our bridges are collapsing and huge potholes on our highways go unrepaired, causing accidents that kill and injure. Gasoline is $10 a gallon. National Guardsmen patrol state borders and make sure everyone has a long-list of required documents proving they are citizens. If you do not have the required ten documents then it is off to jail with you for some good ol’ American torture complete with sexual humiliation and waterboarding that may or may not result in your death.

Hochenauer's wild rants have made him a conservative target. Here's an example, from Red State: "For those of us on the right, it comes as no surprise considering the lies, rhetoric and hatred for America that moveon.org, Daily Kos, Okie Funk and their ilk have spewed for the past 7+ years, but to most Democrats it will come as a complete shock and awe when that venom is spewed at them. Target: Former San Francisco Mayor, US Senator Dianne Feinstein (D) CA- Described by Okie Funk as extreme rightwing and a patsy for the Bush Imperial Presidency along with a long list of Democrats Okie Funk has targeted for 'un-election' are now in the crosshairs. Okie Funk is calling to break up the Democrat party at the same time he urges all Democrats to come together in order to prevent what he frighteningly describes as 'a new totalitarian America' which he claims without any evidence whatsoever is certain to come if Republicans win in '08."

Here's another example, from http://www.redoklahoma.org/: "Just in case you think the controversy over MoveOn.org’s 'General Petraeus or General Betray Us?' ad is something all Oklahomans can agree is inappropriate and disgusting, think again. According to a certain leading liberal voice here in state, the advertisement 'should be commended, not criticized.' Those words are from none other than Kurt 'DocHoc' Hochenauer, who frequently posts on a liberal blog site. But he doesn’t stop at commending the ad, he goes so far as to predict a future in which General Petraeus becomes dictator: 'The government, under continued neoconservative rule, will surely become a bonafide fascist/military dictatorship. Heck, in a few years, Petraeus will be dictator.'"

(The original posting of this article prompted an illogical outburst from another liberal Democrat, Tim Reese, one of a few dozen regular posters on a local blog, http://www.demookie.com/. Reese accused TMRO of attacking "bloggers" and opposing free speech: "McCarville's blog is basically an 'unofficial' wing of the Republican Party. He has apparently run out of Democrat Politicians to criticize so he has begun attacking bloggers. Be careful of expressing your ideas... apparently Mike has been made chief of the 'Idea Police' and he doesn't like any ideas that don't fall in step with his own. This is a mere follow up to the organized attack on Moveon.org.")

From His Profile: Hochenauer teaches modern British literature courses. He teaches a course on the Beat Movement with a focus on American authors Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs. He teaches the online courses Writing For The Web, Advanced Composition, and Blogs: New Independent Media. He has published academic articles on a wide range of authors, including Henry James, John Steinbeck, Jack Kerouac, and William Shakespeare. He has published articles related to writing pedagogy. He has published short fiction and poetry and presented numerous papers at academic conferences and read fiction and poetry at public readings. He's a contributor to the Oklahoma Gazette, The Oklahoma Observer, and The (OK) Progressive Voice. His populist blog, Okie Funk: Notes From The Outback, critiques current political issues and has been featured on national sites such as the Daou Report on Salon.com.

Boehner Retreats In Cole Face-off

From Politico.com ~ House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) (right)retreated Tuesday in his drive to remove the top two aides at the National Republican Congressional Committee amid widespread complaints about fundraising, recruitment and the competency of its top staff.

The Republican leader tried to smooth over tension with NRCC Chairman Tom Cole (left) during a closed-door meeting with their GOP colleagues Tuesday morning, tacitly acknowledging his differences with the campaign chief while promising members that the committee’s leadership team will remain united.

Cole echoed the same sentiments, members and aides present said, but the outward display of unity still masks deep-seated frustration with operations at the campaign committee from many members.

“Cole and I have had a candid conversation every week,” Boehner said Tuesday as he left the meeting. “I respect Tom Cole. He’s a valued member of this team.

“My goal is to help us earn back our majority,” the Republican leader continued. “I’ve had the same kind of frank and candid conversation about the goals we all need to meet.”

Business Owners Testify On Performance Pay

House lawmakers took a closer look Tuesday at how developing a performance pay plan for Oklahoma teachers will benefit students as they go on to college and the workforce.

Testimony from business owners and chamber representatives painted a broad picture of how beneficial performance pay can be during what was the fourth of five hearings on the issue held by the House Education Committee.

Matt Robison, Vice President of Small Business and Workforce Development at The State Chamber of Oklahoma, testified before the committee Tuesday. “Oklahoma’s economic growth depends on several factors,” he said, “none of which are more important than the ability to develop an education system that produces a properly educated workforce.”

Robison stressed efficient spending of state education dollars rather than just throwing money at education woes. “We should not simply enhance spending into a system that is not as effective as we need or deserve,” he said. “In order to compete in a global economy, we must all insist on higher standards, more accountability and progressive change.”

Rep. Tad Jones, who chairs the Education Committee, said another important point made by Robison was that local input on how a performance pay plan is implemented will be important to the plan’s success.

“Only the people in a local community can fully understand all the unique factors that their community, their teachers and their students face,” said Jones, R-Claremore. “We need to make sure there is a level of local control over how a performance pay system is set up.”

Phyllis Hudecki of the Oklahoma Business and Education Coalition also testified before the committee Tuesday. She said that something definitely needs to be done to fix education in Oklahoma, and performance pay, if implemented properly, is an option.

“The only error you could make is to do nothing,” she said.

House Speaker Lance Cargill later echoed Hudecki’s sentiments, saying, “You really can’t sum up the situation any better than that.

“If we want to build a stronger Oklahoma economy and compete in the jobs and industries of the 21st Century, we have no choice but to develop a better education system,” added Cargill, R-Harrah. “We must keep and attract the best teachers and also entice our best students to become teachers.

“If Oklahoma teachers have the chance to earn extra by going the extra mile, they’re more likely to stay here instead of going to teach in Texas. Incentives work in business and industry, and they can work in education. They already work in our colleges and universities and in CareerTech.

“Also, when bright students are considering a career, they consider which professions pay the best. When they see that if they become a teacher, they can earn higher pay so long as they do a good job, they’re more likely to become teachers. That bodes well for the students they’ll teach.”

Reed Downey, owner of Reed Downey Insurance in Oklahoma City also testified before lawmakers on Tuesday. He talked about how, despite the billions of dollars Oklahoma has spent in recent decades on student test scores, those scores have risen little, if at all.

He added that not only are Oklahoma students lagging behind other states, but the U.S. as a nation is lagging behind many other nations around the world in the quality of education it provides. He indicated that performance pay is an important step toward improving education, but is not the final answer.

Beckham County Commissioner Resigns

SAYRE ~ A western Oklahoma county commissioner who’s been under investigation is resigning. Beckham County Commissioner Gary Mayfield turned in a letter of resignation but gave no specific reason for stepping down. Special Prosecutor John Wampler has said he’s planning charges against Mayfield in Beckham County District Court. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has investigated allegations Mayfield used county employees or equipment in connection with a business he owns. (Reported by the Associated Press.)

Gumm Again Calls For Repeal Of Grocery Sales Tax

Calling it a “moral imperative” for Oklahoma’s working families, southern Oklahoma Senator Jay Paul Gumm said he again will introduce legislation to remove the state sales tax on groceries.

This will be the third year Gumm will try to end collection of the state’s portion of the sales tax on groceries. The state sales tax on groceries is 4.5 cents on every dollar spent at the check-out stand.

Gumm, D-Durant, introduced Senate Bill 34 last year; that measure was never granted a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee. The lawmaker said he will continue to press for passage of such a measure, vowing “to work with any of my colleagues, Democrat or Republican, who will help pass this important bill.”

The exemption would not extend to alcoholic beverages or tobacco. Gumm’s proposal would allow municipalities and counties to continue collecting the grocery sales tax unless each jurisdiction individually makes the decision to honor the exemption.

“Oklahomans I represent, and people across the state, tell me time and again: ‘When the budget gets better, please end the sales tax on groceries,’’ he said. “Now is the time and this bill is a response to that plea from people in every region of Oklahoma.”

The lawmaker has long advocated removing the state sales tax on groceries. The proposal has run into resistance because some prefer to focus on cutting the income tax or on not cutting taxes at all. That alliance from both ends of the political spectrum repeatedly spelled doom for the proposal.

Two years ago, according to legislative records, a bill to cut the grocery sales tax was denied a hearing in the House of Representatives’ Revenue and Taxation Committee, effectively killing it. Last year, Gumm’s proposal was denied a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee.

“Clearly, this policy deserves a chance to be considered by the House and Senate’s tax policy committees rather than being killed in the proverbial ‘smoke-filled room,’” he said. “Now is time for both parties to focus on cutting the most regressive of taxes – the grocery sales tax.”

The lawmaker explained the grocery sales tax is a heavier burden than any other tax on families who can least afford it. The Alliance for Oklahoma’s Future reported last year the bottom three-fifths of taxpayers – most Oklahomans – pay an effective tax rate of 11 percent for state and local taxes. The wealthiest Oklahomans, however, pay an effective state and local tax rate of less than 9 percent.

Middle- and lower-income families also spend a greater percentage of their income on necessities like groceries than do the wealthy. That creates for most Oklahoma families what Gumm calls a “double-whammy.”

“Removing the sales tax on groceries will certainly make the tax system fairer for Oklahoma’s working families,” he said. “This is the tax cut that should be at the top of the agenda if my colleagues are going to look at cutting taxes. We can, and we should, remove this undue burden on those least able to afford it.”

Gumm said most of the money consumers would save through ending the state’s grocery sales tax would be pumped right back into the economy. The first sales tax cut in decades – Oklahoma’s first “Back-to-School” sales tax holiday passed this year and championed by Gumm for years – had that affect.

According to figures released by the Office of State Finance, August sales tax revenue jumped by $4.6 million over what was collected in 2006 and was $4.8 million more than budget planners estimated. The only policy change that could have been responsible for the boost was the sales tax holiday.

“Removal of the grocery sales tax will help those Oklahomans who need it the most: working families,” Gumm concluded. “It will be a boost for Oklahoma’s grocers and retailers, and I still believe removing sales tax on groceries is a moral imperative for the people of Oklahoma.”

MoveOn.org Ad Alienated Majority Of Voters

From Captain's Quarters ~ The MoveOn ad that accused General David Petraeus of possibly traitorous testimony before he even began speaking has alienated the majority of American voters, and even a plurality among MoveOn's allies believed it harmful to their cause. A new Rasmussen poll shows that 58% of those polled disapprove of the accusatory ad in the New York Times, while only a paltry 23% approve.

Romney Plans Return To Oklahoma October 11th

Mitt Romney brings his Republican presidential campaign back to Oklahoma on October 11th with a fundraiser at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City, local supporters announced today. The event is a $500 per person luncheon with a host reception at 12:15 for a donation of $2,300 per couple, followed by photo ops for $1,000 per couple. For more information, contact Hayley Thompson at hayley@sagaconline.com or 866.521.0900

Bateman Now A 'Fraud Investigator Specialist'

Former KTOK Capitol Correspondent Bill Bateman, who defended Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan last year as donations from his office employees and abstractors he regulates were revealed, is now a "fraud investigator specialist" on McMahan's staff at $30,000 per year. McMahan never announced Bateman's hiring or his duties.

Other Voices In The Blogosphere: Oklahoma Lefty Believes It Is 'Time To Clean House'

From Oklahoma Lefty ~ I truly believe that it is time to clean house in the Senate and House of Representatives. We have a disgustingly corrupt Congress that is more interested in serving their own personal needs and those of their associates (and PACs of choice) than they are in serving this great nation. Don’t believe me? Just ask the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. CREW cited 4 Democrats and 18 Republicans as the “most corrupt” in office; the two most corrupt of the most corrupt being John Murtha and Tim Murphy.

Other Voices In The Blogosphere: The Liberty Sphere On The 2008 Presidential Candidates

From The Liberty Sphere ~ With slightly over three months to go until the crucial GOP primary season begins, we have noted some changing trends that have led to an update in our assessment of the various candidates' chances at gaining the nomination for President. (Read all of D. Martyn Lloyd-Morgan's thoughtful analysis by clicking on his blog's title.)

Noted Quote: Bush On The Oval Office View

“It’s different being a candidate and being the president. No matter who the president is, no matter what party, when they (presidential candidates) sit here in the Oval Office and seriously consider the effect of a vacuum being created in the Middle East, particularly one trying to be created by al Qaeda, they will then begin to understand the need to continue to support the young democracy (in Iraq).”

World Adds State Salary Database

The Tulsa World has added a state salary database to its website. The icon can be found on the right side of the newspaper's home page. The precise address is www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/itemsofinterest/statepayroll/statepayroll.aspx

Cargill Reacts To Dank's Ethics Proposal

House Speaker Lance Cargill issued this statement Monday following an announcement by Republican Rep. David Dank of his proposed ethics reform legislation:

"I commend Representative Dank for coming forward with this proposal for ethics reform. For far too long in our state’s history, there have been too many problems with ethics in state government, from the Supreme Court to the Legislature to the governor's office. That’s why I was proud to author last year’s House Bill 2101, which has been described by many, including officials at the state Ethics Commission, as the most sweeping and comprehensive legislative ethics reform in years. House Bill 2102, among other things, banned contributions at the Capitol and honoraria payments to legislators. Obviously, anything we do must be constitutional, but we certainly support tough rules. I look forward to reviewing the details of Representative Dank's proposal."

Mass Sentencing Set October 10th

U. S. District Judge Ronald A. White of Muskogee has set sentencing for former State Rep. Mike Mass (left, in happier days) for 9 a.m. on October 10th, court records show.

Mass faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to a federal conspiracy charge. He admitted in April that he received kickbacks from Pittsburg County businessman Steve Phipps when Mass was chairman of the powerful House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

Lamons Backs Dank's Ethics Proposal

Rep. Lucky Lamons, D- Tulsa, today said he supports an ethics proposal by Rep. David Dank, R- Oklahoma City. (See story below.)

“The reforms that have been proposed in the past were bi-partisan proposals that would halt legislative members from soliciting or receiving campaign contributions during legislative session. In 2005, I filed House Bill 2014, in 2006, I filed House Bill 2449 and in 2007, I filed House Bill 1436, all with Representative John Trebilcock, R- Broken Arrow, and Senator Patrick Anderson, R- Enid, as co-authors. However, since 2005 none of these measures were never even allowed out of committee and have been killed by House and Senate leadership ever since.

“I applaud Representative Dank’s efforts to combat this perceived corruption and unethical behavior that takes place at the State Capitol. I look forward to working with him next session to have these measures signed into law.”

Federal Judge Awaits Stipe Mental Exam Results

A federal judge in Muskogee awaits a report from a prison hospital in Missouri to decide whether to resume a probation revocation hearing for former Senator Gene Stipe.

U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White ordered Stipe to the Missouri facility, where an examination was performed.

A spokeswoman says the judge had not yet received the report on Stipe’s condition.

Gay Guthrie, first assistant U.S. attorney in Muskogee, says if the doctor in Missouri finds Stipe to be competent, the judge could set a date to resume the revocation hearing. Guthrie says the court still could have a hearing on Stipe’s mental condition, based on White’s observations during a hearing in late August. At the time, the judge said Stipe appeared to be either hypnotized or on drugs. Stipe denies he is incompetent.

OCAST Seeks $17 Million Budget Increase

The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) is among state agencies seeking budget increases next year.

OCAST wants $17 million more than its current budget, for a total of $40 million.

OCAST officials say if lawmakers approve the $40 million the agency can generate at least $600 million for research and development in Oklahoma.

OCAST director Michael Carolina says the agency uses every dollar it gets from the state to get funding from the federal government and the private sector. He says that results in about $17 for each $1 from the state.

Dank Proposes Campaign Finance Changes

State Rep. David Dank (R-Oklahoma City) said today he will file a bill that would ban in-session legislative campaign contributions, prohibit shadowy transfers of campaign funds between political action committees and ban the use of campaign funds for personal use.

"The people of Oklahoma deserve a clean campaign finance system, with tough laws to punish violators," Dank said. "It's time to remove the clouds that have formed over our Capitol from the actions of some in both parties and to assure that the process of raising money for political campaigns is open, honest and divorced from the legislative process."

Dank said his "Oklahoma Clean Campaign Act of 2008" would: Tighten the definition of a "person" making a campaign contribution to eliminate loopholes used in the past by some companies and other organizations. The maximum allowable individual contribution to a candidate or political action committee would remain at $5,000. Limit legislative contributions in any election cycle by an individual, lobbyist or family to a total of $40,000. That total could be spread among as many candidates as the donor chooses, but the total given would be capped. Under current law, a single lobbyist could contribute up to $700,000 in any election year, flooding the field with enormous donations. Ban contributions to incumbent legislators and candidates for the Legislature during the legislative session and for 15 days before and after the session. This eliminates the "pay for play" suspicions that naturally arise when large donations are made while recipients are considering legislation. Limit the use of campaign contributions to actual campaign expenses. Use of campaign funds for purchasing expensive computer equipment and office supplies, traveling around the country, lodging, food, automobiles and other expenses not related to the campaign would be prohibited. Require detailed listing of all campaign expenditures on regular reports filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.* Prohibit the use of campaign funds raised to run for one office in seeking another office. This would prevent incumbents from shifting funds into a new account to pursue another office. Prohibit the use of surplus campaign funds for personal purposes or donation to another candidate. This would prevent excess donations to term-limited legislators. Prohibit the transfer of funds from one PAC to another. Such transfers are often used to shield the identity of donors as their dollars move from one PAC to another.

Dank said the bill will create criminal penalties for future violations.

"The legislative process has been tainted by suggestions that access and even legislation can be bought," Dank said. "A central provision of this bill would ban contributions during the legislative session while bills are actually being considered."

Dank said several recent examples have caused citizens to worry that legislation may be for sale at the State Capitol.

"This is not about party," he said. "When the Democrats were in control of the House and Senate, they brought about a casino gambling monopoly for the tribes while those same tribes were giving them hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions, right in the middle of the session. In 2006, a hastily formed PAC representing the coal industry handed out contributions to members from both parties while they were considering transferable tax credits for the coal industry. We simply have to divorce the contribution process from the lawmaking process, and the best way to do that is to ban contributions during session."

Dank said his bill would also prohibit contributions to non-incumbent legislative candidates during the session window, to preserve a level playing field.

He said the prohibition against PAC-to-PAC transfers would eliminate the practice of "laundering" campaign dollars by raising money for one PAC, creating a second PAC and shifting those funds into it.

"I know the $40,000 annual limitation will cause some lobbyists to worry," he said. That provision would cap legislative donations by any single individual, family or lobbyist at a total of $40,000 for any election cycle.

"There are a few lobbyists who seem to think they need to donate to everyone in sight. They need to learn that an open checkbook is the wrong way to approach lawmakers."

Dank said he expects support for his bill from members of both parties who want a clean process.

"The vast majority of the House and Senate members from both parties are honorable people," he said. "The Gene Stipes who willfully and blatantly violate campaign finance laws are few, but they will continue to give us all a black eye until we get truly serious about designing a way for good people to donate to candidates and parties they support without the suspicion that the whole process is for sale."

The controversy over GOP political action committee donations took a twist this afternoon when the Associated Press reported: Chad Alexander, Capitol lobbyist who was a political consultant in GOP House races in 2004, called a reporter and said there "is absolutely nothing inappropriate about what went on here." Alexander, a former GOP state chairman, said the controversy is the result of "political infighting by a disgruntled member of the House," whom he identified as Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. According to Alexander, Reynolds aired his grievances in 2005 and was told nothing wrong occurred. Reynolds said he could not recall talking to Alexander since the lobbyist left as GOP chairman in 2003 and was succeeded by Jones. Reynolds declined further comment.

Inhofe On The Cutting Edge Again

U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe, one of the first politicians to recognize and use the power of local talk radio to direct his comments to specific audiences around the country, is doing the same thing with the Internet.

In recent weeks, Inhofe's profile on the Internet has risen with interviews on the popular "Captain's Corner" and with conservative blogger/columnist/tv personality Michelle Malkin. He also recently opened his own blog.

Inhofe's use of local talk radio in the past 10-12 years has been a model for some other elected officials, though few have topped him. Inhofe, always an early riser, regularly is heard on early morning talk shows, where hosts find prominent, and often controversial, guests like Inhofe often are hard to find. Inhofe seems always willing to tackle the controversies, from global warming (he says it's a hoax) to Iraq (he says too many politicians are meddling in military affairs) to immigration (he opposed the amnesty bill supported by President Bush).

Some wonder why an Oklahoma senator would seek out audiences in other parts of the country, but Inhofe himself explains that, as well as his belief in the power of the blogosphere, in this comment on "Captain's Quarters": "The blogosphere is exercising incredible force in advocating the facts about Iraq, just as they were a powerful force in defeating the Senate amnesty bill."

New Prized Possessions

Grandson Colby Stuck today presented me with two new prized possessions just a few hours after his return from Iraq. The first item he presented me explains the second:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ~ This is to certify that the accompanied American Flag was flown in Honor of Dennis "Mike" McCarville. This flag was flown in the face of the enemy aboard a Special Operations Aircraft through the skies of Iraq during a Combat Mission in direct Support of the Global War on Terrorism on 06 May 2007. This Flag is being presented on behalf of BUCA Colby R. M. Stuck, who was deployed supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. /s/CPT Christopher M. Castelli, Pilot-in-Command.

Other than Colby's own safe return, I can't imagine anything I'd rather have.

Great Read: Tulsa World On Odd State Jobs

From The Tulsa World ~ Among the job titles of the state's 40,000 employees, there are plenty of predictable ones: accountant, director, executive secretary. Then there are the boll weevil trappers, a personal grooming specialist, a music therapist and several golf course greeters. There are also farm hands, an abstinence educator, an unclaimed property examiner and a cultural competency coordinator. A Tulsa World analysis of the state employee payroll for August 2007 shows a number of interesting, obscure state job titles. Among them are the 14 boll weevil trappers employed by the Oklahoma Boll Weevil Eradication Organization. (Read the entire story here.)

Cowboys Upend Texas Tech, 49-45

The OSU Cowboys upended Texas Tech in a thriller, 49-45. The game produced more than 1,300 yards of offense. The Tech quarterback passed for 646 yards in his team's losing effort and OSU runners racked up 378 yards on the ground. There were only four punts in the entire game.

OG&E Chairman Moore Dead At 61

Steven Moore, the chairman, president and CEO of Oklahoma Gas & Electric since 1996, died today after an eight-year battle with cancer, OG&E spokesman Brian Alford said.

"It's hard and it's really unexpected” Alford said. "I mean, he had battled for a long time.”

Moore, 61, was with OG&E for more than 30 years and previously served as senior vice president of law and public affairs.

Moore was chairman of the board of Integris Health, and past chairman of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. He also served on numerous boards, including the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, Allied Arts, the Oklahoma State Fair, United Way, The Edison Electric Institute, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University.

Hansen's Medical License Reinstated

The Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision has voted unanimously to reinstate the medical license of Oklahoma City plastic surgeon Dr. Lori Hansen, who has battled drug and alcohol addictions in the past. Board members voted 7-0 to allow Hansen, the wife of former Oklahoma County District Attorney Wes Lane, to practice medicine. Hansen, 54, surrendered her medical license last year after several hearings before the board involving drug and alcohol addictions, according to board records.Her reinstatement includes an "indefinite probation" with regular and random drug testing and counseling.

Calvey Escapes Baghdad Mortar Blasts

Army Captain Kevin Calvey, former member of the Oklahoma House and 2006 congressional candidate, blogs from Baghdad that a pair of mortar rounds fell near him and injured a friend: "A few days ago, I was out in the Red Zone one morning, as usual, when two mortars hit us nearby. I was in an Iraqi building, about 100 feet away, when they hit. I heard and felt them hit, and looked out the heavy-glass window of the building in the direction from which the BOOMs came, just in time to see the dust rising from the points of impact. We evacuated the building. I soon learned that a friend of mine in my unit had been outside when they hit. Schrapnel from the mortars had ripped a hole through his bicep. A trail of his blood was evident on the ground as we walked out, and a pool of blood lay on the floor where he had run inside after getting hit. He had been evacuated immediately." (Read all of Calvey's post at http://blog.newsok.com/calveyiniraq.)

Politico.com Reports Cole Faces Unrest Over NRCC

Politico.com reports from Washington that Congressman Tom Cole, chairman of the Republican National Congressional Committee, is dealing with demands for staff changes at the NRCC. Read the story here: www.politico.com/news/stories/0907/5963.html

Candidates Seek NRA's Endorsement

Presidential candidates made their pitches to the National Rifle Association in Washington on Friday and excerpts of their remarks can be found at http://www.nra.com/ by replaying the Friday night edition of "Cam and Company," the NRA's Internet/satellite radio show hosted by former KTOK morning show host Cam Edwards.

Boomer Sooner: 62-21 Over TU

The Sooners whacked the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane Friday night, 62-21. The Sooners, after a somewhat shaky start that found them trailing 7-0, reached their game average of 61 points (!) in the 4th quarter.

New York's Spitzer Raises Eyebrows With Action

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer raised some eyebrows today when he handed a landmark victory to a half-million illegal immigrants and at the same time handed potential terrorists an easy source of identification.

The state will no longer require proof of citizenship for driver's licenses.

"We're changing our policy with respect to getting more people out of shadows and into the system so people don't hide they're here," Spitzer said.

He said the current restrictions on non-citizens have filled the roads with unlicensed drivers five times more likely to get into accidents. But the also called it a matter of justice.

"As long as I'm governor we won't pretend they don't exist, cut them off from society," Spitzer said.

The action triggered a bitter response from some 9/11 family members, who said the governor would be providing identification for potential terrorists.

It also drew the scorn of some Republican lawmakers from NewYork. Rep. Randy Kuhl, R-N.Y., said the new policy “undermines the preventive measures that protect our country from national security threats. The September 11, 2001 hijackers had at least 35 licenses,which helped them to rent cars and open bank accounts.”

“This policy encourages people to flood New York State and wreck havoc on our social services, schools, and hospitals,” he added.

Sooners Vs. Hurricane Tonight At 7 On ESPN2

Don't forget...the high-flying (ala Bradford) Sooners take on the Tulsa Hurricane tonight in Tulsa. Game time is 7 p.m. ESPN2 (Cox 28 in OKC) will air the game.

Noted Quote: 'A Liberal Solution'

Alan Caruba, writing for Accuracy In Media (AIM) ~ "Some might argue that living in Newark or traveling into the city without a gun is a lot more dangerous than actually owning one. Insuring that everyone is defenseless when a criminal or an insane person is bent on murder is a liberal 'solution.'"

Worthen Says Published Report Is Wrong

State Rep. Trebor Worthen said today that, despite a published report to the contrary, he has not received a letter from the Oklahoma Ethics Commission asking him to appear before it in a reported probe of Republican fundraising efforts in 2004.

The Tulsa World reported this morning that sources said Worthen had received a letter.

Worthen chairs the House GOP Political Action Committee, which raises money to elect Republican candidates.

GOP's Jones Asks For A Dollar A Day

From Republican State Chairman Gary Jones, in an email today ~ It won't buy you a decent cup of coffee. It won't pay for your dry cleaning. And it's not even enough for a bottle of water anymore. We all know that a dollar doesn't go as far as it used to. But here at the State Party, a dollar a day goes a long way. For just a dollar a day, you can help keep the Oklahoma Republican Party on the job every day fighting for the future of our conservative state.

It's clear that Democrats are fighting every day. Liberal Democrats backed by union bosses, trial lawyers, left-wing organizations like moveon.org and billionaire liberals like George Soros fund an elaborate 24 hour a day, 365 days a year campaign to demonize Republicans and turn America sharply to the left.

Furthermore, did you know that Howard Dean and the Democrat National Committee have been paying for three full-time Oklahoma Democratic Party staff positions to help defeat Oklahoma Republicans? We can’t let Howard Dean and the national Democrats control the outcome of Oklahoma elections!

But with your dollar every day, we can continue recruiting members, registering voters and promoting our ideas to turn back this tide. We can fund critical communications programs to make our voice heard with targeted e-mails, news releases, and person-to-person campaigning that goes over the head of biased mainstream media. With your contribution of just a dollar a day to our Dollar-A-Day Campaign, we can provide vital support to local parties, financial support for candidates, and train activists all year long so that we're ready for victory on Election Day.

We are currently organizing and preparing for another important election cycle in 2008. It's a Presidential year, Senator Jim Inhofe is running for reelection, and we have an opportunity to take the State Senate for the first time in our state's history! But I need your help. I need the financial resources to keep the engine running.

Democrat Hsu: $60 Million 'Pyramid' Scheme?

Democratic fund-raiser Norman Hsu stands charged today with fraud and campaign finance violations in a case that has prompted presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton to return $850,000 in contributions.

U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia unsealed a criminal complaint in New York charging Hsu, 56, with perpetrating a $60 million "pyramid" fraud scheme between 2003 and 2006 and committing related federal campaign finance crimes in 2006.

Hsu used a small portion of the $60 million to reimburse investors who made contributions on his behalf to presidential campaigns, including Clinton's, Garcia told reporters at a news conference.

Other Voices In The Oklahoma Blogosphere

From http://oklahomalefty.blogspot.com ~ Headline: Elizabeth Edwards criticizes MoveOn.org ad. Money Quote: “Someone who’s spent their life in the military doesn’t deserve ‘General Betray Us,’” said Edwards, wife of Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards. This ad was a bad idea and will probably backfire against MoveOn.org.

From http://www.ronblackradio.com ~ Guns cause crime like flies cause garbage.

From http://www.boundedrationality.blogspot.com ~ Illegal immigration is a big problem in the United States. Legal immigration is not.

From http://www.redstaterusa.blogspot.com ~ The "Pinwheels For Peace" anti-war protest uses school children as human shields/billboards for their anti-Bush, anti-war, pro-Democrat agenda and I think it is despicable. These left-over 60's, flower-power, peace/love/rocknroll, Vietnam era moonbats are out of control.

From http://www.yastm.blogspot.com ~ YASTM has been getting a lot more traffic lately and since I moved to Oklahoma from the place where both smog and Sig alerts were invented, I became suspiciously curious to find out what gross polluter was causing my hit count to increase. (For the rest of the story...go to the blog and read "We Can't Go On Together....")

From http://www.tulsatoday.com ~ State Senator Don Barrington, R-Lawton, who authored Senate Bill 881 creating Oklahoma’s sales tax holiday, announced this week he will introduce legislation expanding Oklahoma’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday to include school supplies.

McCain Challenges Giuliani On Gun Control

Republican presidential candidate John McCain today lobbed a thinly veiled attack at fellow rival Rudy Giuliani, describing the former New York City mayor's "devious" attempt with a lawsuit "to bankrupt our great gun manufacturers."

Giuliani said he preferred to focus on the lion's share of issues on which he and the National Rifle Association agree.

McCain, R-Ariz., and the former New York mayor are among several officials speaking Friday at a National Rifle Association conference.

In his prepared speech, McCain refers to a lawsuit by Giuliani and other mayors against the gun industry, to Giuliani's shifting Second Amendment position and to Giuliani's use of the term "extremists" in relation to the NRA.

"My friends, gun owners are not extremists; you are the core of modern America," McCain said in the prepared remarks. "The Second Amendment is unique in the world and at the core of our constitutional freedoms. It guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms. To argue anything else is to reject the clear meaning of our founding fathers.

"But the clear meaning of the Second Amendment has not stopped those who want to punish firearms owners — and those who make and sell firearms — for the actions of criminals," McCain said.

He mentioned "a particularly devious effort to use lawsuits to bankrupt our great gun manufacturers. A number of big-city mayors decided it was more important to blame the manufacturers of a legal product than it was to control crime in their own cities," McCain said.

World: Cargill, Worthen Receive Ethics Letters

From The Tulsa World ~ The head of the state Republican Party confirmed Thursday that the State Ethics Commission is probing possible violations in GOP campaign financial dealings in 2004.

Gary Jones, state Republican chairman, said the party's attorney has been contacted by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. The attorney informed the state Republican Party that "some people have received letters to appear" before the Ethics Commission, said Jones, although he did not know who has been asked to appear.

Sources said those who received letters were House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, and Rep. Trebor Worthen, R-Oklahoma City, chairman of the House political action committee that raises money for candidates. (Read all of the World's article here.)

Seized Jewelry 'Unpretentious Set Of Earrings'?

From The Tulsa World ~ The jewelry that investigators suspect the state auditor and inspector accepted from an abstractor he regulated is an unpretentious set of earrings.

Kevin Krahl, the attorney for Lori McMahan, the wife of State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, said his client met with the FBI on Tuesday. Krahl said the gift allegedly from the abstractor, Steve Phipps, was a set of earrings, but "not an elaborate set."

FBI agents with a search warrant went last month to the home of McMahan's sister-in-law and seized an unidentified item of jewelry. The FBI has conferred several times with McMahan regarding his connections to Phipps, who once ran abstracting businesses in partnership with former state Sen. Gene Stipe of McAlester. The partnership is no more. Phipps has pleaded guilty to paying kickbacks to lawmakers who funnelled state money to his businesses.

McMahan's spokeswoman, Terri Watkins, said she was not aware that McMahan has any intention of stepping aside while the inquiry continues

Cargill, Others Respond To Donation Questions

House Speaker Lance Cargill today responded to questions about a reported Ethics Commission investigation of Republican House political action committee fundraising in 2004 with this statement:

"Rules on Ethics Commission inquiries are designed to protect confidentiality. We are not aware of any ethics violations that have occurred, but to be absolutely clear: I did not solicit, receive, deposit or expend any Victory Fund checks.

"Our political opponents know that Ethics Commission rules are designed to protect confidentiality. And our opponents are trying to use those rules against us by leaking information to the press which grossly misrepresents both the law and the facts regarding this matter.

"With respect to any Ethics Commission inquiry, we are glad to cooperate with the commission.

"We will play by the rules and work diligently with the Ethics Commission to resolve any matter, and to show that unfounded claims that have been made are false. We know that’s the right thing to do."

And shortly after Cargill's statement was issued, five current and one former lawmaker issued a joint statement regarding checks written from their campaign accounts to the Oklahoma Republican Party during the 2004 election cycle. The lawmakers issuing the joint statement were Rep. Don Armes (R-Lawton); Rep. Dennis Adkins (R-Tulsa); Rep. Chris Benge (R-Tulsa); Rep. Dale DeWitt (R-Braman); Rep. Ron Peterson (R-Tulsa); and former Rep. John Smaligo (R-Owasso).

“In the fall of 2004 checks were written to the Oklahoma Republican Party out of our individual campaign accounts to go toward statewide Republican election efforts. This was a transfer of surplus funds that is expressly allowed under state ethics rules. There appears to be recent misinformation implying that these funds were solicited by or sent to then-Rep. Lance Cargill. This is not true. In addition, none of us communicated with the Republican party about how these funds were to be expended."

Harold Hamm, Lynn Schusterman Make Forbes List

Two more Oklahomans have been added to Forbes Magazine's list of the 400 richest Americans, bringing to six the number of Oklahomans on the list.

The additions are Harold Hamm, chief executive officer of Continental Resources, and Lynn Schusterman, widow of oilman Charles Schusterman.

Others on the list are George Kaiser, whose worth is estimated at $11 billion and who still tops the Oklahoma list at No. 26. Other Oklahomans on the list are Aubrey McClendon and Tom Ward, the co-founders of Chesapeake Energy Corp., and David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby Stores.

Oklahoma's Personal Income Outperforms Nation

Oklahoma saw its personal income grow at a slower pace in the second quarter, but it still outperformed the nation, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported today. The state's personal income rate grew 1.6 percent for the quarter, down from 2.1 percent in the first quarter. Preliminary estimates show that personal income for Oklahoma totaled $122.4 billion in the quarter, up from a revised $120.6 billion in the first quarter.

Is Thompson's 'Big Bounce' Over?

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Thursday shows that the big bounce may be over for Fred Thompson. In the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Thompson is now the top choice for 23% of Likely Republican Primary Voters while Rudy Giuliani is essentially tied with him at 22%.

Chuck Hoskin Elected House Democrat Chairman

In a caucus meeting, members of the House Democratic Caucus unanimously selected Rep. Chuck Hoskin of Vinita as their Chairman.

Rep. Ryan McMullen, the former chairman of the Democratic Caucus, vacated the position earlier this summer in order to concentrate his efforts on redistricting reform.

"I know I have some big shoes, or should I say boots, to fill. I speak on behalf of the entire caucus when I extend my appreciation for Representative McMullen's tireless service to the Democratic Caucus as its chair," said Hoskin.

Hoskin, a member of the Native American Caucus, is in his first term in the House. "During his short time in the Legislature, Representative Hoskin has fought to ensure all Oklahomans have the opportunity to succeed and I am really excited about his leadership," said Democratic Leader Rep. DannyMorgan.

As chairman of the Democratic Caucus, Hoskin will preside over caucus meetings and will play a key role in developing the caucus' efforts to win during the 2008 election cycle.

31 Years Later, Hero Given Star Of Valor

From The Shawnee News-Star ~ Retired educator and retired Oklahoma Army National Guard Col. Ernest M. Carter recently received the Oklahoma Star of Valor for his actions in saving 200 lives more than 30 years ago.

Oklahoma Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III presented the award to Carter, which was given for Carter's actions during an explosion 31 years ago at Roosevelt Central Elementary School in Seminole.

According to a citation accompanying the award, Carter "demonstrated indomitable courage on Dec. 5, 1975, while evacuating more than 200 faculty and students from an imminent natural gas explosion that ultimately destroyed the school."

After remaining inside and ensuring the building was completely evacuated, Carter exited the building about one minute before the blast destroyed the school.

"This award is pretty rare and authorized by the governor (of Oklahoma) to recognize (Oklahoma) guardsmen who go beyond the call of duty by putting themselves at risk of personal injury," Wyatt said.

Inhofe Supports Petraeus, Rips MoveOn.org

U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe today issued the following statement: “General David Petraeus is a man of outstanding moral integrity who has had a distinguished career in the United States military, serving and protecting our country for 35 years. The United States Senate unanimously confirmed his appointment as the Commanding General of the Multi-National Force – Iraq in January. He has a spotless record of service and deserves our utmost respect.

“MoveOn.org’s ad crossed the line by attacking the character and integrity of America’s top military leader in Iraq. While no American is above scrutiny, this was clearly a calculated move on the part of this organization to undermine the noble efforts of this patriot to execute the duties that we in Congress unanimously sent him to accomplish.

“Character attacks on these men of selfless service, such as those produced and advertised by Moveon.org, are reprehensible and I am disappointed in those members of the Senate that would not step forward and condemn these attacks.”

Iraq: Colby's Diary

Navy Seabee Colby Stuck, a construction specialist and grandson of Mike and Ann McCarville, has just returned from his tour of duty in the sands of Iraq. Colby and others of his unit left Iraq last week and returned via Ireland and Maine to the California base that was their departure point in late February. He expects to be back in Oklahoma within the next few days. Because of tight security, Colby has been unable to share his location in Iraq, or his exact duties.

State Supreme Court Denies Cargill Motion In Controversial Same-Sex Divorce Case In Tulsa

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled against an attempt by the House Speaker Lance Cargill to become involved in the appeal of a Tulsa County same-gender divorce case.

The court denied Cargill's motion to intervene in a divorce action filed by a woman against another woman. Cargill, R-Harrah, can file a brief in the case, the Supreme Court said.

Cargill is disappointed in the decision, and he will "certainly be filing a friend-of-the-court brief,” Damon Gardenhire, director of communications for the House, said. Cargill "feels strongly that the will of the people should be upheld,” Gardenhire said.

Cargill previously said that an appeal document filed with the Supreme Court challenged the constitutionality of a state law, giving the Speaker the right to intervene.

Tulsa County resident Cait O'Darling was the petitioner in a divorce action filed in 2006. She is appealing a decision by then-Special District Judge C. Michael Zacharias to set aside a divorce decree that Zacharias said he granted when he didn't realize both parties were women. The women married in 2002 in Toronto.

Plea Negotiations For McMahan, Wife?

Are Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan and his wife, Lori, in plea negotiations with federal prosecutors handling the ongoing probe of alleged corruption in southeastern Okahoma?

The question hangs in the air today with the revelation, by Tony Thornton and Nolan Clay in The Oklahoman, that McMahan's attorney, Rand C. Eddy, and Lori McMahan and her attorney, Kevin Krahl, met with federal prosecutors in McAlester earlier this week.

It's the latest development in the case that so far as ensnarled former Senator Gene Stipe, his former abstract company partner Steve Phipps, former legislator Mike Mass, and others.

The Oklahoman's Thornton revealed earlier that McMahan has been interviewed three times by FBI agents, and that campaign records were seized from his Tecumseh home; in addition, an item of jewelry, now reported to be earrings, was seized from the home of Lori McMahan's sister.

Given that McMahan already has been interviewed by FBI agents, a meeting with prosecutors would be a step in negotiating a plea agreement or soliciting additional information, based on previous cases. That the meetings with McMahan's attorney and his wife and her attorney apparently took place at almost the same time but separately with prosecutors could indicate a final step before information is presented to the federal grand jury that has taken evidence in the case for almost a year.

Eddy said, "I can't say," when asked if McMahan is a target of the investigation.

Krahl said, "Nobody's said anything about charging anybody or not charging anybody. We're just talking right now."

Political insiders have claimed for a week that McMahan is a target of the probe and may soon resign his office. However, his spokeswoman, Terri Watkins, told The Oklahoman that McMahan hasn't mentioned resigning.

KWTV Examines GOP Ethics Controversy

Oklahoma City television station KWTV-Channel 9 is reporting it has examined Ethics Commission finance reports that seem to show money raised by a Republican House political action committee to support the Oklahoma Republican Party actually went to the Oklahoma County Republican Party. It has been reported that the Ethics Commission is investigating. KWTV reported it will have more on the story on Thursday night's newscasts.

Lottery Funds Diversion 'Dead On Arrival," GOP Says

Although Governor Brad Henry's lottery director wants to divert education's share of lottery funding to shore up the Lottery Commission, that plan is "dead on arrival" according to leaders of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Any Effort To Divert Education Funds 'A violation of the voter's trust,' Says Tulsa's Chris Benge

"The voters of Oklahoma were told lottery profits would go to our schools and any effort to divert that money is a violation of the voter's trust," said Rep. Chris Benge, Tulsa Republican who chairs the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

This week, Henry's lottery director, Jim Scroggins, and other officials with the Lottery Commission announced that they will ask lawmakers to slash education funding by diverting lottery revenue. Commission officials want the money spent on their own bureaucracy and promotional efforts instead of public schools.

Commission officials have been arguing for the diversion since last March.

House leaders noted that Scroggins receives a base salary of $175,000 per year. Scroggins also received a $25,000 bonus for the launch of lottery tickets sales and another $25,000 bonus when online ticket sales begin.

"Director Scroggins is one of the highest-paid lottery officials in the region, yet the Oklahoma Lottery has been an abject failure on his watch," said House Majority Whip Rob Johnson, R-Kingfisher. "Only months before the statewide lottery vote, Governor Henry was promising it would provide $300 million in new money every year for schools. Now the system is expected to generate only $70 million. Governor Henry and Director Scroggins have clearly over-promised and under-delivered and now they want to compound the problem by diverting our schools' rapidly declining share of lottery revenue. I see no reason to punish school children for the folly of bureaucrats."

The program approved by Oklahoma voters requires that education programs receive 30 percent of lottery proceeds during the first two years of operation and 35 percent in all subsequent years. However, Scroggins and other lottery officials have said lawmakers should repeal the law giving 35 percent of lottery funds to education and instead divert a large share of that cash to pay for commission staff and slightly increase payout on scratch-off tickets.

Oklahoma law already requires that at least 45 percent of lottery revenue be used for prizes with another 20 percent designated for administrative costs.

If the Lottery Commission's recommendation were approved, millions of dollars would be cut from public school budgets to prop up the failing lottery.

"From his first day on the job, Director Scroggins has known that our schools would receive 35 percent of all lottery profits," said Rep. Randy Terrill, Moore Republican who chairs the House Revenue and Taxation Subcommittee. "If he has a problem with that, he should resign. We're not going to gut school funding to prop up the governor's failed lottery."

Terrill said State Treasurer Scott Meacham, who designed the lottery, must also accept responsibility for the lottery's plummeting performance: "Instead of spending his time worrying about global warming and power plant issues, Scott Meacham needs to start doing his job," Terrill said. "Thanks to 'Meacham math,' the state has a lottery that generates about $1 for every $4 promised, a tobacco tax that has fallen millions short of his projections, and multi-million dollar casinos across the state that pay virtually no taxes or fees. At this point, it looks like a kid with a Wal-Mart calculator could do a better job than our state treasurer, and that's pretty scary."

A History Of Inaccurate Lottery Projections

The Oklahoma Lottery's failure to meet revenue expectations (see story earlier today) follows a history of estimates that have been inflated. Here's the history of what we've been told by Governor Brad Henry and State Treasurer (former state finance director) Scott Meacham.

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL 2002 – Then-candidate Brad Henry’s original projection of lottery funds for education: $500,000,000 per year

IN THE LEGISLATURE 2003 – Projection of lottery funds for education by Governor Brad Henry and then-State Finance Director Scott Meacham at the beginning of legislative session: $300 million per year[1]

LOTTERY’S FIRST YEAR FY 2006 actual education funds from lottery (partial year): $68,948,959[2]

LOTTERY’S SECOND YEAR FY 2007 projection of education funds from lottery: $123,930,000[3] FY 2007 actual education funds from lottery: $69,378,465[4]

LOTTERY’S THIRD YEAR FY 2008 original projection of education funds from lottery: $86,226,862[5] FY 2008 revised projection of education funds from lottery (09/18/2007): $71,608,829[6]

[1] Gov. Brad Henry’s State of the State address [2] Oklahoma Lottery Commission’s “Issues Facing The Oklahoma Lottery” Appendix A [3] Schedule 5, State Board of Equalization Packet, 17-Feb-06 [4] Oklahoma Lottery Commission’s “Issues Facing The Oklahoma Lottery” Appendix A [5] Schedule 2, State Board of Equalization Packet, 27-Jun-07 [6] Oklahoma Lottery Commission’s “Issues Facing The Oklahoma Lottery” FY 2008-2010 Budget Projections

KTOK: Cargill Says He's Not Been Notified Of Probe

From NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ State House Speaker Lance Cargill on Wednesday made it clear he did not want to answer questions about a reported State Ethics Commission probe that could involve his fundraising in 2004.

It was at an Oklahoma City event where KTOK's Michael Cross attempted to question the Republican leader about the possible investigation.

Cross: "Have you heard about an ethics investigation or anything like that?" Cargill: "No, I think actually Damon has talked to the station."

Cross: "I was wondering if you heard anything about that at all?" Cargill walked off and State House Communications Director Damon Gardenhire was left to handle things.

"I guess first of all I'm not aware of an investigation, but secondly, the Speaker's not received any notification of anything like that. If they were conducting one like that with him, they would typically notify him and they haven't done so."

The reported Ethics Commission investigation centers around money raised by top House Republicans in 2004.

Rasmussen Poll: 'Annoying And A Waste Of Time'

"Annoying and a waste of time." That's what most voters say about the presidential debates and "other campaign activities" so far, Rasmussen Reports writes today.

The firm's latest automated national telephone survey found that "56% of likely voters hold that view while only 29% say the campaign so far has been interesting and informative."

Rasmussen adds that "72% of voters would favor a proposal to shorten the presidential campaign season so that no one could begin campaigning more than a year before election day. Just 14% of Likely Voters are opposed and another 14% are not sure."

Energy Advocates Honor Fallin With Scholarships

The Energy Advocates, a not-for-profit organization based in Oklahoma, announced today it will provide student scholarships in the name of Fifth District Congresswoman Mary Fallin.

Fallin responded to the announcement, saying “I am deeply grateful this fine organization has chosen to honor me in such a way. The Energy Advocates membership is committed to raising public awareness of all aspects of the energy industry. We certainly support The Energy Advocates’ work to improve the image of the industry and for its support of all forms of energy production and natural resources,” Fallin continued.

“As we all know, Oklahoma’s economic foundation is set in energy, and The Energy Advocates’ financial assistance through scholarships will help ensure a bright future for future generations of Oklahomans.”

For more information and to view the online scholarship applications, contact The Energy Advocates through the website: http://www.energyadvocates.org/

Hargis Explains Meacham Support

From NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ He's run for office as a Republican and has a reputation as one of Oklahoma's better liked GOP members, yet Burns Hargis has no problem holding a campaign fundraising event for one of the State's top Democrats.

Hargis is holding the event Wednesday in his Oklahoma City home for State Treasurer Scott Meacham. "I'm an Oklahoman first," Hargis said. "I'm also a Republican and I'm also a believer in limited government and the rest, but I also appreciate a good job regardless of people's party."

And Hargis thinks many other Republicans in Oklahoma appreciate the work done by Meacham. "I think if you look at Scott Meacham's fundraising report, you'll see that. He has a lot of Republican support."

And on the question of where the money is going, Hargis says it's for the treasurer's campaign "and not for any future campaign." Meacham has been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor.

Rinehart Case Delayed For A Month

An Oklahoma County district judge today gave County Commissioner Brent Rinehart a delay in the criminal case against him and former State Rep. Tim Pope of Mustang. A report prepared by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation was said to be incomplete. Attorneys for the two claimed it meant they could not prepare for the preliminary hearing and did not receive all of the materials as required by law. The hearing was continued until October 26th.

Teresa Hill Won't Apply For Johnson Job

Calvin Rees at http://www.demookie.com/ reports today that Teresa Hill, former Okahoma Democratic Party operative who worked in County Commissioner Willa Johnson's campaign, will not apply for a position on Johnson's staff as had been speculated.

"Teresa Hill gave me a call and told me she will not be applying for a position," Rees writes.

Lottery Falls On Its Face, Staff Cuts Possible; 'Not A Pretty Picture,' Says Director Scoggins

Oklahoma's lottery is falling on its face and the Lottery Commission plans to cut costs and may have to cut its staff.

The Commission's finance and audit committee’s dreary budget forecasts for fiscal year 2008 prompted the plans.

In addition, it appears there will be an attempt to amend out a requirement that the Lottery Commission post a 35-percent profit in their third year of operations.

This new estimate is 14.8 percent below the estimate upon which the Fiscal Year 2008 appropriations were made, and 8 percent below the June estimate.

The Commission said it is doing all it can to trim operating costs without cutting current staff and advertising expenditures, including moving offices upstairs in their current building and turning the first floor into rental space, and opting not to refill four vacant staff positions.

“I hate to say this with staff in the room … but we might have to reduce staff. Any way you look at it, it’s not a pretty picture,” Executive Director James Scroggins said in explanation of the finance committee’s predictions that ticket revenues will remain stagnant through fiscal year 2010 at about $208.2 million.

County Juvenile Bureau Wins National Kudo

Oklahoma County Commissioner Ray Vaughn, R-Edmond, today announced that the Oklahoma County Juvenile Bureau was recently awarded national accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA).

Robert Garvey, Chairman of the Commission on Accreditation for Corrections presented the award.

"This is an important accreditation for the staff at the Juvenile Bureau and the citizens of Oklahoma County," said Vaughn. "This accreditation validates how we meet the standards of the latest policies and procedures in juvenile detention."

Larry Hicks, Director of the Juvenile Bureau for Oklahoma County, said the accreditation is a benchmark for safety. "It is a tribute to our staff and our system at Oklahoma County. This award is proof we are able to maintain the balance between protecting the public and providing an environment that safeguards the safety of staff and offenders."

Robert Garvey, Chairman of the CAC, and Gary Maynard, President of the American Correctional Association, complimented the Oklahoma County Juvenile facility on their professional level of operation and their success in completing the accreditation process. Oklahoma County’s Juvenile Bureau is one of over 1,500 correctional organizations currently involved in accreditation across the nation.

ACA standards address services, programs, and operations of a juvenile correction facility. Standards set by ACA reflect practical up-to-date policies and procedures and function as a management tool for agencies and facilities throughout the world.

Poll Finds Low Approval For Bush, Congress

President Bush and the U.S. Congress registered record-low approval ratings in a Reuters/Zogby poll released today, and a new monthly index measuring the mood of Americans dipped slightly on deepening worries about the economy. Only 29 percent of Americans gave Bush a positive grade for his job performance, below his worst Zogby poll mark of 30 percent in March. A paltry 11 percent rated Congress positively, beating the previous low of 14 percent in July.

RedHawks, Centennial Commission Plan Event

The Oklahoma RedHawks and Oklahoma Centennial Commission will hold a joint news conference at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark Thursday, September 20th to announce details of the November 16th Oklahoma RedHawks Statehood Fireworks Spectacular presented by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission and Bricktown Association.

Scott Pruitt, RedHawks managing general partner, will be joined by Blake Wade, Oklahoma Centennial Commission executive director and Lee Allan Smith, Oklahoma Centennial Commission chairman.

OMRF Launches $125 Million Expansion Project

Governor Brad Henry announced today that the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation will embark on a $125 million expansion project with the help of a $15 million allocation from the Oklahoma Opportunity Fund, a state economic development account.

OMRF, an internationally recognized independent research institute, is building a new research tower on its Oklahoma City campus, an initiative that is projected to create 300 new jobs with an average salary of approximately $58,000.

The governor presented a $15 million state check to OMRF executives at an Oklahoma City news conference.

William Cloud Dead At Age 74

The father of Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud, William M. Cloud of Oklahoma City, is dead at age 74. The elder Cloud was a Korean War veteran and avid University of Oklahoma sports fan. He was self-employed in the petroleum industry for more than 40 years. Services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Crossings Community Church.

Once Hot Political Site, Camelot Burns

Tulsa's abandoned Camelot Hotel, once the site of political meetings and fundraising events, was reported on fire today.

The hotel, scheduled for destruction, is shown in this Tulsa World photo with fire lapping from windows.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Camelot was the favorite venue of Republican (and some Democrat) events and was a common meeting place for consultants and local officials.

Teacher Performance Pay Works, Officials Say

Performance pay plans are already in place and working in Oklahoma colleges and CareerTech schools, according to testimony from officials at a Tuesday hearing at the state Capitol.

Tuesday's hearing was the third in a series of House Education Committee meetings to study performance pay for Oklahoma's teachers. The hearings come just as performance pay gains momentum nationwide. A story on the front page of Tuesday's Washington Post pointed out that performance pay has widespread support among parents across the country.

"Clearly, performance pay works. As we heard today, it's already working in some colleges and universities, and at Career Tech schools," said House Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah). "Performance pay promotes teacher growth and confidence, creates a climate of continuous improvement and increases student achievement. If it's working for CareerTech and at colleges, then it can work in common education too."

Stipe Took New Orleans Trip With Phipps, McMahan, McAlester Blog Poster Asserts

A regular poster on the McAlester Watercooler blog has asserted that former State Senator Gene Stipe was among those who accompanied Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan and his wife on a 2003 trip to New Orleans. The poster has been accurate about previous incidents involving Stipe.

The referenced trip appears to be one that McMahan has admitted taking with Steve Phipps, at the time Stipe's partner in an abstract company empire regulated by McMahan as auditor and inspector. McMahan paid his own way on the trip, his spokeswoman Terri Watkins has said. At the time McMahan admitted taking the trip with his wife, Stipe's name was not mentioned.

Last month, The Oklahoman's Tony Thornton reported that Federal Bureau of Investigation agents seized campaign records from McMahan's home in Tecumseh and seized at least one piece of jewelry from his wife's sister's home at the same time.

The jewelry allegedly was purchased by Phipps, of Kiowa, under investigation by the FBI in the wide-ranging scandal in southeastern Oklahoma. Phipps has been in business with Stipe; both are targets of the investigation, which thus far has implicated other former state officials, employees of the Phipps-Stipe abstract companies, and employees of Stipe.

McMahan's office licenses and regulates the abstract industry, members of which poured tens of thousands of dollars into his 2002 and 2006 campaigns.

Thornton reported the jewely was seized the same day two agents spent 90 minutes interviewing McMahan in his Capitol office. It was McMahan's third visit by FBI agents. The first visit, the McAlester Watercooler writer asserts, came in McAlester two years ago.

Johnson Considers Jones, Hill For Top Posts; Says She Will Advertise For Applicants

From NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ Newly elected Oklahoma County Commissioner Willa Johnson confirms she is giving thought to hiring former Oklahoma Public Employees Association Executive Director Gary Jones, who lost his job earlier this year over questions surrounding his management abilities.

She might also hire former State Democratic party operative Teresa Hill.

"Either one of them or both of them would be execellent choices," said Commissioner Johnson in response to a question from KTOK News. "But those are positions that I am going to advertise."

She explained that she would advertise to fill positions that are vacant.

"And we are going to watch and see what professionals come out of that," said Johnson.

Gary Jones was put on administrative leave in July, then stripped of his adminstrative duties as Executive Director in August, over questions raised about credit card expenditures and association spending. The Association was hit with four federal tax liens totaling more than $85,000 in the past year.

Hill worked for the Democratic party for nearly two years before the election of Ivan Holmes as the new State Party chairman. During the transition from one party chairman to another, Hill separated ways with the Party headquarters.

The KTOK report confirms an earlier, speculative post on the Democratic blog, http://www.demookie.com.

Follow The Money: Cost Of House, Senate Races

Follow The Money reports that the average candidate for the Oklahoma State Senate spent $121,574 last year, while House candidates spent $45,182.

The National Institute On Money In State Politics reports that 222 candidates for the State House raised slightly more than $10 million, while 59 Senate candidates raised about $8.1 million.

If Kansas Is First...Will Oklahoma Be Second?

Kansas this year made the most dramatic move to compete with commercial gambling operations in neighboring Iowa, Missouri and Colorado by becoming the first state that will own and operate large-scale casino resorts. Read more.

Hat tip to Ed Kelley of The Oklahoman

Columnist Rips 'Character Assassination Attack Ad'

By David Limbaugh At http://www.townhall.com ~ I don't think nearly enough has been made of the despicable MoveOn.org character assassination attack ad against General David Petraeus and the Democratic leadership's striking refusal to repudiate it. If you want to see the face of the modern Democratic Party, re-read that ad. The full-page New York Times ad, reportedly purchased at a radical discount, directly accused Petraeus of "cooking the books for the White House," called him "a military man constantly at war with the facts," and said he "is likely to become "General Betray Us." (Read all of Limbaugh's column here.)

Limbaugh writes, in part: "With today's Democratic Party, we are witnessing the full-blown resurrection of the far antiwar left of 1972, but with a sinister twist. This institution is more than the political vehicle for the antiwar movement and other leftist causes. It has become a highly refined and lavishly funded character assassination machine that relies more on ad hominem attacks than debating the merits of issues to win elections and advance its policy agenda."

Giuliani Seeks NRA Endorsement

From The New York Post via http://www.alphecca.com ~ Rudy Giuliani, an ardent gun-control advocate as mayor, will address the National Rifle Association on Friday.

The GOP White House hopeful, who backed the federal assault-weapons ban in 1994 over the objections of the NRA, has changed his position as a presidential candidate. He now says he supports the Second Amendment and believes gun laws should be addressed by the states.

It is possible that the NRA would endorse Giuliani.

“We take into consideration a candidate’s past record and what they’re saying now and what they’ll do in the future,” said NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam.

Tulsans Spotlight New Immigration Law

From The Tulsa World ~ With less than two months until Oklahoma's new immigration law takes effect, four panelists tried to answer questions Monday night about the past and future of illegal immigration in the United States.

House Bill 1804 is set to take effect Nov. 1. Among other things, it will end most public assistance for illegal immigrants, authorize state and local law enforcement officials to enforce federal immigration law, penalize employers for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants, and penalize anyone who knowingly transports or harbors illegal immigrants.

About 100 people attended Monday's panel discussion, titled "Is America Still a Melting Pot?" Held at All Souls Unitarian Church, it was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Tulsa, the Oklahoma Conference for Community and Justice, and the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry. (Read the entire report here.)

Jeremy Hendricks Leaves DNC/ODP For OEA

Democratic National Committee/Oklahoma Democratic Party staffer Jeremy Hendricks has resigned to become a lobbyist for the Oklahoma Education Association, a Democratic blog (http://www.okdemocrat.com/) reports today.

"He landed the job of lobbyist for OEA and is resigning his DNC staff position at the ODP," the blog author writes.

Bellmon Suffers Mini-Stroke, Wife Confirms

News outlets are reporting today that former Governor and U. S. Senator Henry Bellmon is recovering from a minor stroke he suffered last week. His wife, Eloise, said the 85-year-old Bellmon had gone to Enid to visit one of his daughters on September 12 when he awoke from a nap and sensed a problem. He went to a doctor in Enid who said he had suffered a mini-stroke. He was hospitalized in Enid until later that week and then sent home to Billings where his farm is located.

Coburn Supports Mukasey's Appointment

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn today released the following statement on the president’s nomination of Michael Mukasey to be attorney general. “A respect for the Constitution and the rule of law is critical for any attorney general nominee. Additionally, during this critical point of our history, it is imperative our next attorney general have a strong background in national security and terrorism law. Judge Mukasey’s lengthy tenure on the federal bench has provided him with extensive knowledge in these areas. He also is highly regarded by his peers for his commitment to justice and the Constitution. I look forward to getting more acquainted with him and thoroughly reviewing his record. I urge my Senate colleagues to hold hearings on this nomination and schedule a vote on his confirmation in the full Senate as soon as possible. It is essential our next attorney general be confirmed quickly so he can begin the necessary work to restore the American public’s trust in the Justice Department.”

KTOK Confirms GOP Ethics Probe

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ It is believed the Oklahoma Ethics Commission has launched an investigation into a 2004 fundraising effort by two officials of the legislature at the time, and the Oklahoma County Republican Party.

It's also believed that notices from the Ethics Commission have been delivered to the Capitol offices of two top State House Republicans.

A source confirms the report in the Oklahoma Political News Service that the Ethics Commission had started looking into alleged campaign donation irregularities.

KTOK has learned the irregularities might have involved tens of thousands of dollars in contributions that had been sought by two highly placed Republicans in the State House in 2004. The money, according to the contact, eventually ended up in the hands of the Oklahoma County Republican party which at the time was chaired by Oklahoma City private investment consultant Al Mertens who has yet to return an inquiry from KTOK News.

At the heart of the controversy, said the source, is whether the money ended up being used as a "directed campaign contribution." Such "directed campaign contributions," under State Ethics rules, are considered to be a violation.

When asked about the investigation, Gary Jones, Oklahoma Republican party chairman, told KTOK's Reid Mullins on First News today that he knew nothing of the probe.

By law, Ethics Commission officials cannot confirm the existence of any such investigation. And in early stages of the Ethics investigations, only those who were allegedly and directly involved in the matter being questioned would get official notifications.

Since the investigation reportedly centers around the Oklahoma County GOP party and the two Republicans in the State House, Jones would not be alerted to the investigation.

Feds Approve Additional Disaster Assistance

Governor Brad Henry announced today that federal authorities have approved additional disaster assistance in response to the deadly flooding and other severe weather that occurred August 18 through September 12.

The following 12 counties were approved for individual assistance: Canadian, Cleveland, Comanche, Custer, Grady, Kiowa, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Pottawatomie, Seminole and Stephens. Blaine, Caddo and Kingfisher counties were previously approved for individual assistance.

Citizens in those 15 Oklahoma counties are now eligible to receive federal assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, disaster unemployment assistance and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs. Low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property.

New Mantra: All Republicans Are Crooks

Democrats have a new mantra this year: All Republicans Are Crooks. Liberal Democrat blogs display that mantra regularly and now, the artwork above is showing up on their blogs and in emails touting their blogs, including http://www.demookie.com/ in Oklahoma.

And after seeing this post, the folks at demookie fired back with this (source unknown):

Some believe we're going into what will be the nastiest campaign year ever, when Democrats smell blood in the water in races for president, Congress and legislative seats. In Oklahoma, liberals apparently believe they have a chance to stem the tide of recent Republican legislative gains. They also are galvanized behind the U. S. Senate campaign of State Senator Andrew Rice, who wants his party's nomination to oppose Republican Senator Jim Inhofe.

State Of Black Oklahoma: 'Operation Nehemiah'

A supplement to The Sunday Oklahoman presents details of an initiative in the black community to improve itself under the umbrella of "Operation Nehemiah," an organization "working to renew, rekindle and reconnect the community."

Former State Senator Angela Monson's introduction reports the organization was inspired by Tavis Smiley's book, Covenant With Black America, which outlines a philosophy "upon which progress and unification in the black community could be achieved." She said the themes of the organization are "unity, responsibility for self, and self determination."

The organization's goals are to work to improve health care, education, economics and justice in the black community. It notes, "Blacks are over represented in Oklahoma's justice system. It is important to determine the factors, and identify the actions black Oklahomans can take to turn this situation around." In particular, it cites providing "alternatives to gangs, drugs and other risky and destructive activities." It also cites the need to improve educational achievement, graduation rates, employment rates and health care availability.

Frances Schuelein Dead At Age 76

Frances Schuelein, wife of former State Senator Bill Schuelein of Miami and former president of the Jaycee Jaynes, has died at age 76 afer a short illness. The 1949 Viking Queen at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M married her husband that same year. She was a competitive bowler and was the Individual All-Events Scratch champion of Miami in 1964.

Services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miami.

Boomer Sooner One More Time!

Freshman quarterback Sam Bradford threw for 255 yards and three touchdowns in another efficient performance, and No. 3 Oklahoma notched its third blowout of the season with a 54-3 win against Utah State on Saturday.

Malcolm Kelly caught his sixth and seventh touchdown passes of the season and Allen Patrick showed his sprained ankle has fully healed with a 69-yard TD sprint as the Sooners (3-0) piled it on again.

Bradford, a redshirt freshman who came into the game as the nation's top-rated passer, completed his first 11 passes, including two for TDs, to reach 21 straight passes without an incompletion. He'd already had a school-record run of 22 straight completions that ended in the Sooners' 51-13 rout of Miami last week.

Oklahoma has won its first three games by 158 points, the most dominant start to a season since 1972, when the Sooners outscored their first three opponents 169-6.

Immigration Law Authors Say It Is Working

The Tulsa World's Mick Hinton has a story that comes on the heels of yesterday's report that Tulsa elementary school officials have noticed Hispanic students leaving: Architects of the state's tough new immigration law said reports that Hispanic children are leaving Tulsa Public Schools indicates that the legislation is working.

"Obviously, if we are talking about people who are not here legally under immigration laws, then the law is having its exact intended effect," Rep. Randy Terrill said Friday.

"Certainly, I have heard the chatter that there are people particularly in northeastern Oklahoma and the Panhandle who are leaving, but we don't have any real evidence," added Terrill, R-Moore.

Senator James Williamson, the Senate author of the bill, said, "The whole purpose of the law was to reduce the number of illegal immigrants in Oklahoma because it is costing taxpayers a lot of money to educate them. (Read all of Hinton's story here.)

Tulsa Sees Hispanic Student Exodus

Some Tulsa area schools are seeing Hispanic students leaving as a state law targeting illegal immigrants is about to go into effect, it is being reported today.

Principal Judy Feary at Kendall-Whittier Elementary says some students are seen getting into packed cars pulling a moving trailer and they don't return to class.

She says some are heading back to Mexico while others are going to other states. And she says school officials are hearing others are planning to leave in October.

A law passed earlier this year (see story below) takes effect November 1st which requires law officers to check the immigration status of people they arrest on felony and drunken-driving charges. The law is also intended to prevent illegal immigrants from getting jobs and many public benefits.

Celia Clinton Elementary Principal Cindy Taylor says other Hispanics are still in the area but aren't sending their children to school. She says they fear immigration officials will take the children.

Lindley Challenges Immigration Law

State Rep. Al Lindley, (pictured) D-Oklahoma City, is leading the charge to challenge the state's new immigration law. Four other lawmakers have joined his effort.

Lindley wants a legal opinion on whether the state's new immigration law is enforceable.

Lindley argues that the law requires employers to participate in a program to confirm the citizenship status of workers, yet Congress has chosen to make participation voluntary.

Attorney General Drew Edmondson will assign the letter to an assistant for review, Edmondson's spokesman, Charlie Price, said. The review could take weeks. Portions of the law go into effect on November 1st.

Joining Lindley are Reps. Bill Nations, D-Norman; Al McAffrey, D-Oklahoma City; Wallace Collins, D-Norman; and Scott BigHorse, D-Pawhuska.

Ethics Rule Change Prompts Event Cancellation

The Tulsa Metro Chamber has canceled a weekend event planned to entertain lawmakers because of a new state ethics rule that says a "lobbyist principal" cannot give a legislator more than $300 per year in gifts.

"I am extremely disappointed about this," said Mike Neal, the chamber's CEO. He said the weekend event was designed to tell legislators about the city by showing them the town, Neal explained.

The new ethics rule that took effect on July 1 states that a "lobbyist principal" cannot give a lawmaker more than $300 a year in gifts, including meals and tickets to events. Lobbyists are interpreting the rule to mean that if they are a member of a chamber of commerce, the courting of a lawmaker by any member of the chamber would count toward the $300 limit. Neal said the chamber's attorney has advised him that it would be better to cancel the weekend plans.

Johnson's Victory Came On Strength In Nine Northeast Oklahoma City Precincts

Democrat Willa Johnson won the special election for Oklahoma County commissioner this week based on overwhelming margins in some northeast Oklahoma City and Spencer precincts, TMRO's analysis of precinct vote returns shows.

ANALYSIS

Republican Forrest Claunch, who lost to Johnson 54-46 percent, actually carried or tied Johnson in 65 of the district's 105 precincts, but his margins in the precincts he carried were nowhere near as large as those Johnson racked up in some northeast Oklahoma City precincts. In the nine northeast precincts listed here, for example, Johnson received 1,924 votes. Claunch got just 132. Her margin of victory overall was 893 votes.

Precinct 543 ~ Claunch 4, Johnson 213 Precinct 544 ~ Claunch 4, Johnson 223 Precinct 547 ~ Claunch 5, Johnson 112 Precinct 549 ~ Claunch 1, Johnson 201 Precinct 550 ~ Claunch 11, Johnson 246 Precinct 551 ~ Claunch 16 Johnson 265 Precinct 552 ~ Claunch 27, Johnson 221 Precinct 579 ~ Claunch 15, Johnson 121 Precinct 589 ~ Claunch 49, Johnson 322

While Claunch carried precincts in the State House district he previously represented, his margins were modest compared to Johnson's showing in her northeast precincts. An example can be found in Midwest City's Precinct 385, voting in which takes place at Cleveland Bailey Elementary School, 3301 Sunvalley Drive. There, Claunch had a margin of almost 2-to-1, besting Johnson 225 to 116 votes.

Voter registration in the district is about 64 percent Democrat, 36 percent Republican.

Cogman Named To Romney Arizona Finance Team

Former Oklahoma City political consultant Don V. Cogman has joined Mitt Romney's campaign for the Republican presidential nomination as a member of Romney's Arizona finance team.

Cogman is the Chairman of CC Investments, a private investment firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a senior counselor with Feldman & Partners of Los Angeles. In 2002, he was appointed by President Bush to serve on a panel tasked with overhauling the United States Postal Service. Cogman currently serves as Chairman of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Education Foundation. Formerly, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer World-wide of Burson-Marsteller in New York.

Cogman was administrative assistant to the late U. S. Senator Dewey F. Bartlett. He later became vice president of government relations for MAPCO in Washington. He's a native of Ponca City and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he is a member of the Advisory Committee to the Gaylord School of Journalism and Mass Communication. 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 has also served on the Executive Committee and as chairman of the Governance Committee of The Acting Company, a national traveling repertory theatre company founded at the Juilliard School in New York.

Gumm: Sales Tax Holiday Increased Tax Revenues

Preliminary sales tax receipts from August show that Oklahoma’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday increased state revenues by boosting economic activity, according to the chief legislative proponent of the measure. Senator Jay Paul Gumm said that while saving parents millions of dollars on school clothing for their children, the three-day event in early August stimulated revenue growth for the state, exactly as supporters expected.

“Many of us predicted the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday would spur retail activity, and that is exactly what happened," Gumm said.

Gumm, a Democrat from Durant, was a co-author of the bill in the 2007 session of the Oklahoma Legislature that created the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. He fought to pass the measure for several years. Gumm helped shepherd the measure through the legislative process taking on opponents who argued that it would reduce state and local revenues.

It was reported Tuesday that sales tax revenue for August increased by $4.6 million over 2006 totals for the same month and came in $4.8 million over the official state revenue estimate.

“Rather than leading to a loss of revenue, the economic activity associated with the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday actually stimulated revenue growth for the state. A better description might be to say this was a policy that caused the sales tax boost to happen—just as predicted,” Gumm said.

“More importantly,” the senator said. “Oklahoma families got to save money on back-to-school clothes and Oklahoma retailers were able to take advantage of the holiday to increase sales. It was a ‘win-win’ for state government and the people.”

Other Voices In The Oklahoma Blogosphere

From www.markshannon.com ~ As I mentioned the other day, I had a routine CTSCAN in connection with a scheduled routine "maintenance" treatment for my chronic lymphocytic leukemia. No matter how many times you go in for a checkup, there's always a thought in the back of your mind, MAYBE this time it will raise it's ugly head again. And this time, it did, again. So, it's PETSCAN (identifies "hot spots") bone marrow sample, needle biopsy, and then some form of chemo-therapy for at least six months. I've done this twice before. Once in 2002 for four months and again in 2005 for eight months. ("MONTHS" = three treatments in three days, once a month) As I said, it's not what I would prefer to do, (OK, I was actually very depressed when told,) but it's what you do when you have a chronic form of this disease, as opposed to an ACUTE form, which is more often than not, terminal. I consider it more of an inconvenience than anything else, having been through it before, I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. The last time I had treatments I didn't miss any work, played golf on a regular basis, and except for a couple of days a month, immediately after the treatments, it doesn't make you feel bad. Heck, I even enjoy my days in the chemo room with my fellow patients, especially since I got a wireless card for my laptop and an iPod. Of course there as many types of cancers, and some are just damn ugly, so I don't mean to sound as if the whole experience is some type of "party." I have lost friends to it and I'm more than aware how nasty it can be. I'll share my experiences from time-to-time, not because you're all anxious to hear every aspect of my life, but because It would be my hope I can take some of the mystery and fear away from it for those of you who will inevitably have to deal with it some time in your life. I know it would have been helpful for me.

From www.okiedoke.com ~ Apparently there is a big problem with Oklahoma schools finding enough teachers fluent in both Spanish and English. In a 10-year period from 1996 to 2006, the population of students in pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade in public Oklahoma schools went up 2.8 percent, while the Hispanic portion of that population jumped 135.5 percent, according to U.S. Department of Education statistics. And to teach students the English language, school districts need a growing number of professionals who speak Spanish. I think we may be going about this language stuff bassackwards. With the explosive growth rate of the U.S. Spanish speaking population, wouldn’t it be more prudent to skip teaching English altogether and adopt Spanish as our official language? After all, Okies already know how to pronounce Oklahoma in Spanish.

From www.ronblackradio.com ~ Fox 25 news ran a story last evening about a topic near and dear to my heart as well as the WILD Oklahoma Pro Staff - national statistics show a decline in the number of hunters, and Oklahoma is seeing a decline in the number of hunting license purchases. Lisa Monihan interviewed me about it and yes Gunnar (my German Shorthair Pointer) made his television debut. The truth of the matter is that one of Oklahoma's finest traditions could become extinct if we who enjoy the sport don't come together to encourage others to become a part of the wild outdoors.

Giuliani Schedules Tulsa, Ada Stops On Friday

Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani (shown here during a previous state visit) will make stops in Oklahoma on Friday, GOP officials announced.

Two events on the tour are free and open to the public. They will be held in Tulsa, where Giuliani will visit Steak Stuffers at 3:15 p.m. Steak Stuffers is located at 1932 E 51st Street and the contact is George VanWeick, (918) 231-9317. Later in the day, Giuliani will visit Ada, stopping at the Blue Moon Cafe at 6:50 p.m. The Blue Moon Cafe is located at 1104 North Hills Centre and the contact is Thomas Miller, (580) 320-2019.

The third event is a fundraiser, scheduled in Tulsa at 4 p.m. at the Summit Club, 15 West 6th. Photo ops are available for $2,300 per person, $4,600 per couple. Admission to a general reception is $500 per person, $1,000 per couple.

Fallin Lauds New Boeing Contract

Congresswoman Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, applauded news of the 10-year, $1.1 billion U.S. Air Force contract awarded this week to The Boeing Company. The contract means continued work for Oklahomans providing programmed depot maintenance for the nation’s KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.

Fallin said the contract "means better job security for the workers, increased economic impact for an already growing area of our state, and a brighter future for Oklahoma’s role in the aviation and even aerospace industry.”

Kevin Gover Named To Smithsonian Post

From News Reports ~ Arizona State University law professor Kevin Gover, who grew up in Oklahoma, has been tapped to run the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. Gover will start his new duties in December.

A member of the Pawnee tribe, the 52-year-old is currently a law professor at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU and an associate judge on the Tonto Apache and San Carlos Apache tribal appeals courts.

He also served as an assistant secretary for Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of the Interior from 1997 to 2000 and practiced law in Washington and Albuquerque for 15 years before that.

Coburn Rips Senate Earmarks

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn criticized the Senate today after it rejected Coburn amendments designed to put bridge safety ahead of pork-barrel politics.

Coburn amendment #2810 imposing an earmark moratorium until all deficient bridges are repaired failed by a vote of 82 to 14. Coburn amendment #2811 prohibiting funding of bike paths failed by a vote of 80 to 18. Coburn amendments #2812-2814 were defeated by a vote of 63 to 32. Amendment 2812 would have struck $450,000 in funding for the International Peace Garden in Dunseith, North Dakota; Amendment 2813 would have required that the housing needs of all Louisiana residents displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are met before spending money to design or construct a Wetland Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana; Amendment 2814 would struck $500,000 in funding for construction of a new baseball stadium in Billings, Montana.

“These votes represent a resounding victory for business-as-usual pork-barrel spending in Washington, Coburn said. "By defending this special interest system, my colleagues once again put their perceived political safety ahead of the public’s safety. No one in America seriously believes that bike paths, peace gardens and baseball stadiums are more important national priorities than bridge and road repairs,” he said, adding that substandard road conditions contribute to deaths of more than 13,000 Americans, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.

“In this debate, we heard members say they didn’t have to make choices between bridge safety and low-priority pork projects because they could do both. The American people find that logic offensive. One reason the American people have lost faith in Congress is because, as an institution, Congress continues to ignore the rules that apply to every family in America. Every American has a budget that requires them to make choices and prioritize their spending. Members of Congress, however, don’t treat the American people’s money with that same level of respect."

Johnson Wins County Commission Seat

Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson defeated former State Rep. Forrest Claunch to win the vacant Oklahoma County Commission District 1 seat in voting on Tuesday.

Unofficial returns show Johnson with 5,976 votes, 54 percent, to Claunch's 5,083 votes, or 46 percent.

Voter turnout was (a pathetic) 10 percent of those registered.

Johnson, a Democrat, swept precincts in northeast Oklahoma City and Spencer by huge margins, just as she did in winning the highly-contested Democratic primary.

Claunch, a Republican, carried precincts in his hometown of Midwest City and other areas.

Registration in the district favors Democrats. The seat had been held by Jim Roth, named to the Corporation Commission by Governor Brad Henry.

Edmondson Approves Roth Fundraiser

From NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ Attorney General Drew Edmondson, one of several Democratic leaders sponsoring a September 19th fundraiser for Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth, sees nothing wrong with the event even though other sponsors are from some of the biggest family-owned oil and gas companies in Oklahoma.

"I've visited with Commissioner Roth," Edmondson told KTOK's Peter J. Rudy. "He is aware of the restrictions on fundraising that he cannot accept anything of value including pledges from the people they regulate at the Corporation Commission."

State law says a corporation commissioner can only accept contributions from those regulated by the commission during a legally described window and that is within 120 days of an election. Normally, it would be 120 days before a primary and 120 days after a general election.

Edmondson attempted to raise the issue against Republican Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode five years ago when she ran against him for Attorney General. He accused her of violating state law by accepting campaign pledges from those she regulated as a commissioner.

Edmondson does not see the same thing in Roth's case even though other sponsors of the fundraiser are members of families that own big oil and gas firms in the state. He said he has discussed the legal aspects with Roth. "I know that he is aware of the law and I know that he has told me he intends to scrupulously follow it and I expect and believe that he has."

In his February 11, 2002 press release attacking Bode, Edmondson stated, "this law was passed for a very specific purpose back in 1968. It was designed to prevent regulated companies from gaining undue influence with Corporation Commissioners and to prevent Corporation Commissioners from shaking down companies under their jurisdiction."

Other sponsors of the approaching fundraising event for Roth, called "Calypso Under the Canopy for Commissioner Roth," include Governor Brad Henry, Lt. Governor Jari Askins, State Superintendent Sandy Garrett, State Auditor Jeff McMahan, Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland, State Treasurer Scott Meacham and State Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields.

Among $2,500 or more sponsors are Clayton Bennett, Mike McLain, and Barry Switzer. Banker David Rainbolt is a $1,000 sponsor along with Mike Samis, Jim and Tricia Everest and Cliff Hudson.

Others, who are not identified as executives of energy firms, have family ties to mineral owners associations, family oil and gas operations and drilling firms.

Feds Approve Nine Counties For Public Assistance

Federal authorities today approved public assistance for nine additional counties hard hit by severe weather from June 10 to July 25, Governor Brad Henry announced.

The counties are Custer, Hughes, Jefferson, Kiowa, McIntosh, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne and Pottawatomie.

With the latest action, a total of 50 counties have now been approved for public assistance for the June 10 to July 25 storms. Under a disaster declaration for public assistance, local governments are eligible to receive aid for repairs of public infrastructure such as roads and bridges and other costs incurred in responding to the storms.

Regents Consider Hobson Pay Hike

The Univeristy of Oklahoma Board of Regents will vote this week on a proposal that would give former Senate President Pro Tem Cal Hobson, who has been the director of OU's adult executive training programs since February, a $10,000 annual raise to $75,000. Hobson's title also would change to interim executive director of operations for OU's College of Continuing Education.

For Those With Short Memories...

The Gadfly On The Wall

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

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

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

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

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

Congressman: Reporters 'Assholes'

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ Frustrated because the microphone of Army General David Petraeus wasn't working at the start of a congressional hearing, Missouri Democratic Representative Ike Skelton didn't realize his mic was on and cut loose with a string of profanities about reporters, calling them "assholes."

As Petraeus started to testify before the U.S. House Armed Services Committee chaired by Representative Skelton, his mic didn't work.

It took several minutes as crews worked to restore the power to the mic and finally an aide leaned over and whispered to Skelton, explaining that when the press knelt down in front of the general, they apparently "knocked the mics loose. It'll take a couple of minutes to fix it."

"Well," said Skelton as he offered a sigh of exasperation," that really pisses me off." He uttered something unintelligible before adding, "those assholes."

Sitting next to Skelton, California congressman Duncan Hunter, the minority leader of the committee chimed in with a, "Oh yeah."

"And I don't need a god damned lecture from Dave Burton either," continued Skelton before Hunter started talking about the crowd of protesters in the gallery.

Minutes earlier, Indiana Republican Representative Dan Burton had reminded Skelton to remove the protesters and their signs.

It was obvious that Skelton was frustrated and unhappy with the interruptions.

"I hope that you will be very firm and get them out of here," admonished Burton.

"You don't have to lecture me," snapped Skelton. "They'll be gone! Don't worry about it!"

"Well, I still see them out here," responded Burton. "Don' worry about 'em," repeated Skelton. "We've done this before."

Henry Names Andrew Lester To A&M Regents

Governor Brad Henry announced Monday that he has selected Andrew Lester of Edmond to fill a vacant position on the A&M Board of Regents. Lester will be the only member who is not a graduate of Oklahoma State University.

The board oversees Oklahoma State University, Langston University, Conners State College, Northeastern Oklahoma A and M College and Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

“Andy Lester is one of the brightest minds in Oklahoma and a passionate advocate for education,” said Henry. “He will make an outstanding regent, and I appreciate his willingness to serve the public in this new role.”

Lester is a member of the Lester, Loving and Davies law firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a law degree from Georgetown University.

Lester will fill the regent position previously held by Oklahoma City banker Burns Hargis. The appointment requires Senate confirmation.

Jones: Meacham Should Refuse Contributions

Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones (right) today issued this statement: Oklahoma law restricts Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners from accepting campaign contributions from those they regulate except during a short time frame before and after elections. The intention of the law is that commissioners will make their decisions based on what is in the best interest of the citizens of Oklahoma and not show favoritism towards those that give large campaign contributions.

Now it seems that Oklahoma State Treasurer Scott Meacham is speaking out against the proposed coal-powered electrical plant going so far as to appearing in T.V. ads. Has Meacham crossed the ethical line by using his position to influence the final decision? The fact that there is a campaign fundraiser being held for the treasurer next week makes one wonder. A Meacham spokesman claims that the fundraiser is being held to cover "un-reimbursed campaign debt" throws up yet another red flag as Meacham’s latest campaign report shows the treasurer to have over $5,000.00 in his account and reflects no debt.

Oklahomans elect Corporation Commissioners to make the tough and many times complex decisions affecting Oklahoma rate payers as they make their regulator decisions. That is why the law restricts contributions from those they regulate.

Scott Meacham claims that he is speaking out because he feels passionate about the issue and campaign contributions and politics have nothing to do with his decision to do so. If Meacham feels it is proper to use his elected position to influence the corporation commissioner’s decision he should pledge to not accept campaign contributions from those who benefit financially from this decision.

Meacham Lists No 'Unreimbursed Expenses'

State Treasurer Scott Meacham's most recent campaign finance report does not list any "unreimbursed expenses" from last year's campaign even though an upcoming fundraiser ostensibly is being held to help cover those expenses.

Meacham's spokesman, Tim Allen, said the fundraiser, hosted by Democrat Mike Turpen and Republican Burns Hargis, partners on KFOR-TV's "Flashpoint" program, would help cover those expenses. Allen's remarks came in an interview with KTOK Radio News.

Allen explained that Meacham is holding the fundraiser to cover "unreimbursed expenses that date back to the campaign last year." He added, "The Treasurer has a need for some funds in the campaign account to pay for ongoing expenses during his term in office such as travel reimbursement, for cell phone use and that sort of thing."

Meacham's report, however, does not list any debt or unreimbursed expenses. It shows Meacham raised $1.259 million (including about $25,000 in-kind) and spent $1.230 million. In the period April 1 to June 30, date of the last report, he spent $6,820, $5,500 of it on "fundraising consulting." He shows a cash balance of $5,274.

Jones, Odom Spar Over Meacham's Ads

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ As Democratic State Treasurer Scott Meacham launched a series of TV ads against the coal-fired power plant proposed by Oklahoma Gas and Electric and the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, he finds himself criticized by Republicans and defended by leaders of his own party.

"I think it's purely political and it's not what a political official should be doing," professed Gary Jones, chairman of the Oklahoma Republican party.

"Well, I think that this boils down to, he's being a leader," responded Ben Odom, former State Democratic party vice-chairman. "He's telling people what he thinks about an issue and it's gutsy for him to do it."

Both were interviewed for their weekly segment today on KTOK's 1st News with Reid Mullins who asked them about Meacham's public stance against the use of coal to power the generating plant at Red Rock.

The State Corporation Commission has yet to vote on the request for approval and had planned another hearing on Monday.

"It is the job of our public officials to take stands on the issues of he day," argued Odom. "He's doing what he thinks is the right thing to do. I think people like it when public officials don't mess around with it and tell 'em exactly what they think about it."

Jones thinks there are political motives behind Meacham's controversial stand. "It is so suspect when he hasn't said anything about the issue and all of a sudden, there's a fundraiser for him." He referred to a September 19th fundraiser planned for Meacham in Oklahoma City. "It's just an effort to go out and gain some political support and some contributions for his future."

Meacham's been mentioned as a possible candidate for governor but as KTOK reported last week, aides said the fundraiser was to collect money for reimbursements to his treasurer's campaign account.

Ethics Rules Too Broad?

By Mick Hinton, Tulsa World ~ Befuddled by new ethics rules, lobbyists have come up with an idea they hope the state Ethics Commission will find palatable. Lobbyist Pat Hall last week proposed a rule to assure that, for example, the Oklahoma State Medical Association would spend, at most, $300 a year on an individual lawmaker for meals or any other gifts. The state medical association, one of Hall's clients, has a half-dozen registered lobbyists, and the Ethics Commission has been concerned that each of those lobbyists could spend $300 on the same lawmaker. Read all of Hinton's insightful article here.

Brent Rinehart Forced By David Prater To Remove Detailed Jail Floor Plan From Web Site

A blog for Democrats, http://www.demookie.com/, broke the news that a floor plan of the Oklahoma County jail has been removed from the Web site of Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart at the insistence of District Attorney David Prater, who said the posting of the floor plan on Rinehart's site was a "security breach."

Rinehart says he saw no problem posting the floor plan because it's a public record that was presented to the commission during an open meeting.

Prater says the issue isn't about open records or Rinehart's right to post the document. He says the issue is security in light of a recent near-successful jail break.

Prater took the action after Sheriff John Whetsel brought it to his attention; Whetsel says the public and law officers are at risk because the plans could guide people in assisting or directing escapes from the jail.

Boomer Sooner! OU 51, Miami 13

Freshman quarterback Sam Bradford did it again today, throwing for 5 (!) touchdowns and tying a record set by two other OU quarterbacks. Bradford was 19 of 25 for 205 yards today. Last week, Bradford tossed for 3 TDs. The OU offense rolled in the second half, racking up 30 points while the defense stifled Miami, which scored only a field goal in the second half.

KTOK: Meacham Fundraiser For 'Unreimbursed Expenses' From 2006 Campaign

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ The same week that he took out full page newspaper ads and attacked Oklahoma Gas and Electric over its controversial coal-fired power plant at Red Rock, State Treasurer Scott Meacham, was planning a political fundraiser.

The September 19th event in Oklahoma City raises questions about Meacham's political future and whether it includes a possible run for Governor.

But it also fascinates political observers because one of the state's better known Republicans, banker Burns Hargis, is one of the sponsors.

Deputy State Treasurer Tim Allen, questioned whether Meacham might be holding the fundraiser in anticipation of a run for governor in two years denied it: "No, it is not for that at all," he stated. "This is a fundraiser for his State Treasurer account."

He explained that Meacham is holding the fundraiser to cover "unreimbursed expenses that date back to the campaign last year."

"The Treasurer has a need for some funds in the campaign account to pay for ongoing expenses during his term in office such as travel reimbursement, for cell phone use and that sort of thing."

But the sponsorship by Hargis might raise eyebrows in some political sectors. "First of all, it is Burns Hargis," explained Allen. "It is also Mike Turpen, hosts of Flashpoint on Channel 4. It's a bipartisan fundraiser really. Republicans and Democrats alike have supported Treasurer Meacham during his time in office."

(Note: Burns Hargis and Mike Turpen both apparently have ties to Aubrey McClendon of Chesapeake Energy, prime mover in the anti-coal plant advertising campaign featuring Meacham. Hargis said he is McClendon's banker and Turpen said that he is his lawyer.)

Claunch, Johnson Face County Voters

Republican Forrest Claunch and Democrat Willa Johnson make their final pitch to Oklahoma County voters in the next four days as they seek election to the District 1 county commission seat.

Claunch, former House member from Midwest City, has stressed his business background, years of legislative experience and ability to work with others in his campaign. He won the GOP primary in a walk.

Johnson, Oklahoma City councilwoman, has stressed her local government experience. Johnson topped a field of five Democrats in her primary, posting an impressive victory based on heavy margins in northeast Oklahoma City and Spencer.

They seek the seat vacated when Governor Brad Henry named Democrat Jim Roth to the Corporation Commission.

Stipe Ordered To Undergo Mental Evaluation

Former Senator Gene Stipe must report to a federal prison hospital by noon Monday to undergo a mental competency evaluation, according to an order filed Thursday by two judges of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In issuing the order, the judges dissolved a temporary stay they granted earlier Thursday and reinstated U.S. Judge Ronald A. White's order that Stipe undergo mental examination at the federal facility in Springfield, Mo.

Cargill Adds Podcast To Blog

House Speaker Lance Cargill has added a podcast to his blog. The speaker unveiled his blog earlier this summer; he said the addition of the podcast is just taking another step along the technological information highway.

Nichols Blasts Court Of Criminal Appeals Decision

State Senator Jonathan Nichols blasted the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals today.

His criticism came in response to the decision by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals to overturn the death penalty in the Trooper Nikky Joe Green murder trial.

Nichols, R-Norman, blasted the Court’s decision to reverse the imposition of the death penalty for Green’s killer, Ricky Ray Malone, in part because Green’s widow referenced God and the Bible.

“The Court of Criminal Appeals has broken loose like a liberal cannon on the deck of Oklahoma’s system of justice,” said Nichols, the co-chair of the Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety. “This latest opinion blows a gaping hole in the heart of Oklahoma’s conservative, but fair, courts of law and order.”

Citing specific statements by Green’s widow in which she referenced God and the Bible, three of the five justices on the Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that “invocation of a religious belief and obligation in the context of a capital sentencing recommendation is totally inappropriate.”

“I thought I was reading an opinion written in some bizarre world where Ted Kennedy was running our courts,” Nichols said. “Instead, I was reading an opinion that the majority of our justices wrote while sitting on Oklahoma’s highest court for criminal appeals.”

The Court concluded that, “while Malone might have had only a slim chance of avoiding a death sentence in his original trial, the religious and duty-based plea of the victim’s wife that Malone be shown ‘no mercy’ squelched whatever slim chance he had.”

“I can’t believe that the majority opinion actually reversed a death penalty in part because the widow of a murdered Oklahoma State Trooper spoke about God and the Bible,” Nichols said, “Do these justices expect her to sit there void of any emotion in some attempt not to offend the murderer of her husband and one of Oklahoma’s finest Troopers?”

Two of the Justices disagreed with the majority of the Court’s decision. In his dissenting opinion, Presiding Judge Gary Lumpkin stated that he “found nothing inappropriate about references in victim impact evidence to God and the Bible. It seems as though courts have become overly phobic of any references to God or the Bible.”

“The Court of Criminal Appeals effectively turned to the widow of Trooper Green and punished her for invoking God’s name and referencing the Bible,” Nichols said. “Now the Court orders her to relive the nightmare of another sentencing stage, but this time – no God, no Bible and no tears.”

Nichols believes that the Court’s ruling to ban religious invocations in victim impact statements was unnecessary and over-reaching.

“The Court went out of its way to unnecessarily consider this non-issue of whether to ban God and the Bible from victim impact statements,” Nichols said. “This is another case of judicial activism running amuck.”

Nichols also believes that the Court’s language proscribing religious invocations will create a chilling effect where victims will not be allowed to reference God, and he also fears “the Court has created a new basis for over turning death penalties.”

“As I recall there was one other time a person related to this case cried out and invoked God’s name,” Nichols said. “It was Trooper Green, while he pled for his life and for his children, just before this murderer shot him dead.”

Feds Approve More Counties, Public For Assistance

Federal authorities today approved both individual and public assistance for a number of counties hard hit by severe weather earlier this summer, according to Governor Brad Henry.

The disaster declaration in question addresses damages incurred from June 10 to July 25.

Approved for individual assistance are the counties of Atoka, Caddo, Coal, Creek, Delaware, Garfield, Garvin, Kay, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Marshall, Mayes, Muskogee, Noble, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Pushmataha, Washita and Woods. With this announcement, a total of 39 counties have been now approved for individual assistance under this declaration.

Approved for public assistance are the 41 counties of Alfalfa, Atoka, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Choctaw, Coal, Craig, Creek, Dewey, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Harper, Jackson, Johnston, Kay, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Love, McCurtain, Major, Marshall, Mayes, McClain, Muskogee, Noble, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pushmataha, Rogers, Sequoyah, Wagoner, Washington, Washita, Woods and Woodward.

Under a disaster declaration for public assistance, local governments are eligible to receive aid for repairs of public infrastructure such as roads and bridges and other costs incurred in responding to the storms. Under an individual assistance designation, residents are eligible for housing repairs or temporary housing, disaster unemployment assistance and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs. Low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property.

Controversy Swirls Around New Tulsa Police Chief

From The Tulsa World Online ~ Tulsa city councilors Jack Henderson and Roscoe Turner are calling on the mayor to remove Police Chief Ron Palmer from duty and to choose another chief. Henderson at a Thursday morning press conference said Palmer’s service “would set back race relations in the city by 50 years.” Mayor Kathy Taylor did not have an immediate response and Palmer was not available for comment. Palmer was on the job Tuesday after being selected by Taylor last week. He previously served as Tulsa’s chief from 1992 to 2002, during which the city was sued for discrimination by a group of black officers. That ultimately led to a federal consent decree that requires continued monitoring and training. The two councilors, who represent north Tulsa, will host a rally from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the former Albertsons, 1601 N. Peoria Ave., in opposition of Palmer.

Appeals Court Stays Stipe Testing Order

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today stayed an Oklahoma federal judge's order for former state Senator Gene Stipe to report to a federal hospital for mental competency testing.

The order by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals gives federal prosecutors in Muskogee until 2 p.m. CDT today to respond to Stipe's emergency request. The judges said they will give further consideration to Stipe's request after they receive a response from the prosecutors.

U.S. District Judge Ronald White ordered Stipe to undergo testing at a secured federal facility in Springfield, Mo., after Stipe's comptency came under question during a parole revocation hearing. Stipe and his attorneys had resisted the order, arguing Stipe could be tested locally. Testing in Missouri might interupt Stipe's chemotherapy treatment, his attorneys argued. White refused Stipe's appeal on the same issue Wednesday.

Thompson Tells Leno He's In The Race

Fred Thompson, veteran actor, former Republican senator, launched his bid for the presidency Hollywood style. "I'm running for president of the United States," Thompson told Jay Leno in a taped appearance on NBC airing Wednesday night.

Rice Fails First Test; Claims Al-Qaeda Never In Iraq

That's right. The freshman Democrat state senator who aspires to the U. S. Senate declared today that Al-Qaeda has never been in Iraq.

That statement is at odds with assessments by intelligence agencies in England, the United States and other nations.

From CNN: Laying out its ideology in a broad manifesto, the group al Qaeda in Iraq -- which has been behind many of the worst attacks, beheadings and kidnappings in Iraq -- says the insurgency is in better shape than the United States acknowledges and vows to continue the insurgency and "destroy the American empire."

Red Oklahoma has the details, plus video of Senator Andrew Rice's assertion.

The Unkindest Cut Of All

Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback planned a speech...and nobody (well, maybe seven or eight) came. Ouch!

Hat tip to blogger Ron Black.

Blake Shelton Donates $100,000 To Flood Relief

Country star and Warner Brothers Records recording artist Blake Shelton today presented Gov. Brad Henry and Project Rebuild with an $100,000 check to assist Oklahomans impacted by recent severe weather and flooding. Shelton recently hosted the second annual RAINDANCE concert in his hometown of Ada to raise money for Oklahomans in need. Just as he did last year, Shelton donated the proceeds to Project Rebuild, a public-private partnership of state officials, faith-based organizations and trade associations that builds and repairs homes for disaster victims.

OG&E Says Meacham's Role 'Inappropriate'

Officials of Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company said today that the presence of State Treasurer Scott Mecham in an ad campaign against their proposed coal plant at Red Rock is "inappropriate."

Meacham has appeared in a series of fullpage newspapers ads opposing the plant. The ads are paid for by "A statewide coalition of concerned doctors, health organizations, educators, citizens, businesses and students."

Oklahoma City radio station KTOK added: Oklahoma Gas and Electric officials have come out critical of State Treasurer Scott Meacham for the newspaper ads he ran against the utility's proposed coal-fired power plant near Red Rock.

The utility questioned Meacham's motive and suggested that he should not be getting involved in a legal issue to be decided by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

"What we're questioning is, is it appropriate for a State official to use their position in this manner?" said Brian Alford, a spokesman for OG&E. "We don't question an individual's right to freedom of speech. But when you use your official capacity in this manner, we believe it's inappropriate."

Alford told KTOK the public newspaper campaign waged by Meacham is the first of its kind in more than a hundred years of service in Oklahoma.

"We are extremely concerned that the Oklahoma State Treasurer has agreed to the use of his office in an attempt to unduly influence the outcome of a proceeding before the Corporation Commission."

In an interview earlier in the week with KTOK's Peter J. Rudy, Meacham defended his stance. "If the State Treasurer's office is not interested in the long term economic well being of the State, who is?"

He said he reached his conclusion after listening to the arguments on both sides of the power plant issue and "decided that it was in the long term best economic interests of the State to go with natural gas."

OG&E contends the newspaper ads contain "unfounded and misleading assertions." Other critics wonder if this is a signal that Meacham will become involved in other rate cases before the Corporation Commission, such as the pending $49.9 million request made by PSO. They also question whether Meacham, whose primary responsibility as Treasurer is the investment of state money, could be influenced by the outcome of the controversial measure.

Stipe's Attorneys Say Competency Not An Issue

Attorneys for former state Senator Gene Stipe are sending DVD's of interviews with Stipe to a federal judge who's ordering Stipe go out of state for a mental competency exam. The judge says he had cause to believe Stipe was incompetent during a recent hearing but the attorneys say the DVD's show mental competency isn't an issue.

Rice Enters U. S. Senate Race

State Senator Andrew Rice of Oklahoma City announced today that he is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the U. S. Senate next year.

Rice has been preparing to run for months; he has a website and has been talking about the race since last winter. He is a freshman member of the Senate and is identified with the liberal wing of the state party.

Rice may not be alone in seeking his party's nomination; insiders say a well-known public official is considering the race as well.

The incumbent is Senator Jim Inhofe, who has said he will seek reelection for the fourth time. Inhofe won a special election in 1994, and was reelected in 1996 and 2002, when he easily defeated former Governor David Walters.

New York Daily News: Thompson's Candidacy

Editorial, New York Daily News ~ There are those inclined to sneer that Fred Thompson ultimately has not much more than Hollywood star power going for him. Could be. But then, Americans didn't elect Ronald Reagan simply because he used to be that nice man on "General Electric Theater," and Arnold Schwarzenegger is not governor of California just because people liked him so much in "Conan the Destroyer."

Committed Fredheads, for their part, are sure that what they've got in their man, a lawyer and former U.S. senator, is a genuine pure-conservative alternative to the other Republican presidential candidates, one who is certain to give Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney at least a few cold sweats.

Well, maybe yes, maybe no. At the very least, Thompson's impending candidacy does immediately reenergize a race that has, let's be honest here, settled into a sort of stupefying torpor after all these umpty-ump months - and brings new light to several ongoing campaign issues. Thompson is absolutely pro-life, period, no waffling about it. He is solidly pro-Second Amendment, period, no dithering. He's a gung-ho war on terror man, a no-nonsense border security man. America is about to find out whether Republicans lean more toward Thompson's unabashed purity on social issues - or toward the practical executive experience touted by Giuliani and Romney.

To date, Thompson has played his cards cannily, and he walks into this party with Favorite New Flavor all over him. American politics has, of course, seen his likes before. Thus, Thompson's serious test starts now. Voters will make up their minds soon enough whether he's just another pretty face.

His Labor Equals Kindness

By Joel Elliott, Staff Writer, Kennebec Morning Sentinel: Fairfield, Maine ~ Nine children and their mother won't go homeless after all, thanks to the efforts of the community and local business owner Brent Burger (in red shirt, second from right).

Today, Burger plans to take a drive down to Portland and return with two objects: the deed and house key to the home he intends to return to the Champagne family.

But he said he still needs help.

Karen Champagne and her children, ages 4 to 15, were facing eviction earlier this summer, unable to pay the mortgage after her mentally ill husband, Richard, accumulated about $145,000 in debt before committing suicide four years ago.

The future looked bleak for a single mother of nine with no credit history and no means of paying off the banks.

Burger said he got involved after reading an article about the family written by reporter Doug Harlow in the Morning Sentinel. Burger began thinking about what he could do to help.

But even now, Burger said he has a difficult time explaining his motivation for setting out on a quest to help the Champagnes that resulted in him paying out tens of thousands of dollars and donating countless hours of labor and planning.

"I don't know that answer," he said. "I saw that article in the Morning Sentinel and I just couldn't believe that nine children were going to be homeless. I thought I should get involved, and I did, and there was no turning back."

The $76,000 sale finalizes today, but that is hardly the end of Burger's project. Now, he is calling on the community to donate labor and materials in order to overhaul the 1,400-square-foot home and make it more livable before returning it to the Champagnes Sept. 30.

Calling his project "Nine Days for Nine Children," Burger, owner of Agway True Value in Winslow and four other stores across central Maine, aims to complete construction on the house that Karen Champagne and her husband had started building 16 years ago. Karen did not have the carpentry skills either to finish the home or to keep it repaired, and 15 years of children tend to wear on a house.

The project, which is planned to begin Sept. 21 and end Sept. 29, aims for an additional $18,000 in donations for materials. Any funds taken in above that amount will go toward lowering the Champagnes' mortgage when they buy it back from Burger. His goal is to cut the monthly mortgage payment down to a maximum of $500.

A list of materials needed for the project can be found on a Web site located at www.NineChildren.com. For more information, e-mail Burger at AHelpingHand@NineChildren.com.

The family is overwhelmed by Burger's efforts to help them, Karen Champagne said. "Brent is a wonderful man," she said, the voices of her nine children filtering through the phone conversation. "Sometimes I think he is an angel, and with all of this happening, when it's done, he's going to -- poof -- disappear, because it's hard to imagine a normal person doing all he has done."

Champagne said that moving back into their home will make it easier for her children to attend school. With the intention of returning to Fairfield, they had never switched over to schools in Winslow, the location of the temporary housing Burger had found for them. Donations are paying the $1,200-per-month rent there.

The number of homeless across the state is tracking a gradual downward path, according to Maine Housing spokesman Dan Simpson.

"That's a success story," he said. "It's good to hear. A family of that size -- they would have had a hard time finding an apartment, especially one they could afford."

Burger said he has no regrets about his efforts. "Sometimes you think, 'I should have done this', or 'I should have done that'," he said. "I didn't want this to be one of those situations where I looked back and I thought, 'I wish I had done something for those people.'"

Hat tip to blogger Ron Black

Sooners Trample North Texas 79-10

Idaho's Craig Resigns U. S. Senate Seat

Republican U. S. Senator Larry Craig of Idaho resigned today.

Craig said he will devote his time to trying to clear his name of allegations he tried to engage in a homosexual act with an undercover police officer in a public restroom. Craig earlier plead guilty to a disturbing the peace misdemeanor charge and when it became public, said he should not have done so and is innocent.

Despite those words, Craig came under intense fire from fellow Republicans in the Senate, and elsewhere.

SC Insider: 'Huckabee, The GOP's New Rising Star'

By Lee Bandy, South Carolina Insider, posted on Hastings Wyman's Southern Political Report ~ Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was strolling down Main Street in York, S.C., last Tuesday wearing a huge grin on his face.

The Republican presidential hopeful was riding a crest of positive media stories following his better than expected showing in the Ames, Iowa straw poll two weeks ago.

Today, Huckabee is a step closer to being a top-tier GOP presidential candidate, giving his campaign new energy and hope. In York County, Republicans turned out in large numbers to greet the rising Republican star.

Many had been longing for a candidate – a true conservative -- they could back with enthusiasm. They weren’t happy with their current choices. The top three – former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney – were suspect. And they weren’t sure they could trust former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee, who is expected to jump in the race after Labor Day.

Huckabee walked into the Palmetto Room on York’s Main Street, which was brimming with local Republicans anxious to see the new celebrity and hear what he had to say. He wasn’t prepared for the raucous reception he got. They gave him a hero’s welcome. The applause and cheers were deafening. They never seemed to end. Buoyed by the response, Huckabee charmed his audience for the next 30 minutes with his jokes, down home personality and resume. He also let them know he is a different kind of Republican, one who comes from humble beginnings – a working class family. His interests and priorities are allied with working people, he said.

He said, in an interview, that if Republicans have any hope of winning the election, they are going to have to reach out to voters beyond the GOP: “We can’t win without our base (conservative Christians),, and we can’t win if all we have is our base,” Huckabee said.

He also said Republicans cannot win the presidency if the party’s interests are aligned more with Wall Street than Main Street; “I’m convinced if we come across as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wall Street, we’re going to lose. We need to show that we are the party of Main Street America.“

And for that to happen, a candidate has to be somebody who has lived in a place more like York, than New York.”

“What voters are looking for is somebody they can unite around, and I think we have proven that we could be that candidate,” he said.

Huckabee said his strong showing in Iowa has given his campaign new direction and promise: “People now return our phone calls,” he noted. Huckabee promised to work hard for South Carolina. He considers South Carolina critical to his chances.

Mike Campbell, son of the late GOP Gov. Carroll Campbell, predicted the former Arkansas governor would win the nomination: “We’re going to nail down his nomination in South Carolina,” he vowed. Campbell is Huckabee’s state co-chairman.

The South Carolina Republican primary – the first in the South -- is set for early January. No one has ever won the GOP nomination without first winning the Palmetto State contest.

“This ought to be about grass-roots,“ Huckabee said of the type campaign he hopes to run in South Carolina.

Since Ames, the Huckabee campaign has seen the number of financial backers double. His web site has seen an extra 3.2 million hits.

Ken Dortex, a York official and Huckabee supporter, said the former Arkansas governor was beginning to pick up primary votes. “It gets stronger every day,” he said.

Betty and Dick Bartlett were sporting “We Like Mike” t-shirts. They had driven over from Charlotte, N.C. to see the candidate. They also had sent out 100 e-mails to friends and neighbors urging them to attend the York Main Street event.

“The Ames success has given us new life,” Huckabee said. “It certainy has changed the whole process for me.”