Federal Judge Clears Way For Immigration Law

A federal judge denied late Wednesday a request by Latino groups to block the implementation of a new state law targeting illegal immigrants, paving the way for the bill to take effect in a matter of hours.

Burrage Selected BY ACYPL For Overseas Trip

Freshman State Senator Sean Burrage, a Democrat from Claremore, has been selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), a bi-partisan, not-for-profit international exchange organization, as a delegate to Romania and Hungary for a two week political exchange program beginning on November 2. Burrage will join six other young political leaders from across the United States to study Romania and Hungary’s political system, engage in dialogue on international issues, and forge professional relationships

Istook Hosts New Radio Show

Former Congressman Ernest Istook, now a fellow with the Heritage Foundation in Washington, is the host of a new weekly Heritage Foundation radio program on XM Radio's new POTUS08 channel. Istook advises the show airs at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Tulsa Judge Takes No Action On Immigration Law

U.S. District Judge James Payne in Tulsa has taken no action to prevent the state's controversial anti-illegal immigration law from going into effect Thursday.

At the conclusion of a Wednesday hearing, where opponents of the law had sought a preliminary injunction blocking House Bill 1804, Payne did nothing to stop it from taking effect as scheduled. While Payne could still act up to midnight to stop the law from going into effect, it appears he will not block the law.

Reynolds: Muslim Activist Donated $100,000 Plus

The family of a Muslim activist serving on Governor Brad Henry's Ethnic American Advisory Council has spent over $100,000 to influence Oklahoma elections in recent years, according to campaign records examined by State Rep. Mike Reynolds, he said today.

Reynolds said the contributions prove that the Ethnic Advisory Council's intentions run far beyond "education" efforts.

"We've been told the governor created the council simply to inform Oklahomans about the Muslim community and its beliefs, but now it appears he was simply rewarding key campaign contributors," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.

A review of campaign records, Reynolds said, shows that council member Mohammad Farzaneh and members of his family have donated more than $100,000 to Oklahoma candidates, including Henry.

Reynolds did not detail the donations, but Ethics Commission records show Farzaneh donated $2,250 to Henry. His brother, Jalal, donated $250 to Henry; $1,000 to Democratic House candidate Jennifer Seal of Oklahoma City and $1,000 to Democratic House candidate Bill Nations of Norman. Mohammad Farzaneh also donated to Republicans, including gubernatorial nominee Ernest Istook.

Farzaneh is the co-owner of Home Creations, one of Oklahoma's leading homebuilding companies. President of the company is Jalal Farzaneh, who owns it with his brother, records show.

The council was recently embroiled in controversy when it printed special "Centennial edition" copies of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, to present to state lawmakers.

The group's efforts have also included "outreach" programs targeting Oklahoma school children.

According to the minutes of the council's Nov. 18, 2005 meeting, council members discussed efforts to include Muslim content in Oklahoma school curriculum; Reynolds noted that Henry appoints the members of the state committee that reviews and approves all textbooks.

The minutes indicate the group planned to recommend that Henry appoint a "community member"to the textbook group.

"It's disturbing that Governor Henry created a group dedicated solely to Muslim activists, but to learn that the group - which included a major source of Democratic campaign cash - would use their influence with the governor to promote a Muslim agenda in our schools is absolutely shocking," Reynolds said.

Reynolds recently called on Henry to disband or reform the Ethnic Advisory Council, noting the group's members are all Muslim and"hardly reflective" of Oklahoma's ethnic makeup in spite of the council's name.

Soon after, Reynolds was contacted via e-mail by Zia Muneer, an attorney he later learned works for Farzaneh, although she did not note the connection in her correspondence.

In her e-mail to Reynolds, Muneer wrote, "Your ignorance of contributions by Muslims and other Middle Easterners to our state and nation point to the continued need for EEAC here in Oklahoma."

"Miss Muneer had one thing right: I had no idea at the time that the 'contributions of Middle Easterners to our state' included over $100,000 in campaign cash," Reynolds said. "That's a sizable financial investment in the outcome of Oklahoma elections and reason for the state to reassess the Ethnic Advisory Council and its true goals."

Less Than Classy; OU, OSU Items Seized

In what's being described as a "less than classy move," employees of the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University confiscated materials from vendors at last weekend's "Affair Of The Heart" crafts show in Oklahoma City and now face possible larcency charges.

Vendors at the show said the OU and OSU representatives, identified as Suzanne Staley, OU director of brand development, and Judy Barnard, director of trademarks and licensing at OSU, were accompanied by an off-duty police office as they worked the show, confiscating items. At least 15 vendors have filed complaints against the women.

The women face larceny of merchandise complaints following their actions at the show, one of the country's largest arts and crafts shows. They also may face civil lawsuits by those seeking damages due to lost or reduced merchandise sales.

The vendors said the women produced business cards with their names and associations with their respective universities' licensing departments and told vendors they were violating state law by selling "an item that said 'OU Sooners' on it or an item that said 'OSU' in the school colors.. They reportedly cited a counterfeiting statute.

An Oklahoma City Police Department spokesman said police have been told by the district attorney that the women can't seize property the way they did it.

"Once those cases get assigned to the white-collar crime division, we're going to see if the activity of these two women rises to the level to be able to file a criminal charge," the officer said. He added that no one has the right to seize property unless one of three conditions are met: a court order from a judge, an injunction that gives someone the right to seize property or if it's pursuant to an arrest and the seized property is evidence for a crime.

He said at least three vendors also were left with a voluntary surrender of property form and were "coerced" to sign it. "One vendor who was presented with this voluntary release of property form said, 'No, I'm not signing that. I refuse to sign it,' and the person just filled it out for her and signed her name," he said.

Connie Harris, one of the craft show's founders, said many vendors are upset by the situation and had to close down their booths."My husband was mentioning a lot of the things were merchandise that they bought that was licensed and altered -- like Hancock's carries OU and OSU licensed fabric. They just bought that and made a pillow. That's legal, and they confiscated stuff like that," Harris said.

"These two ladies were very rude to my other partner and myself," Harris said. "We said we wanted some other kind of identification besides business cards. They wouldn't show us anything."

Harris said some vendors lost $3,500 to $4,500 worth of merchandise.

OU associate athletics director Kenny Mossman issued a statement by e-mail saying: "We encourage those who wish to use the OU trademarks to work through our long established process for licensure. We do this to ensure that vendors, especially those who sell in mass quantities, are following trademark guidelines."We have no desire to limit opportunity, but we have the right and responsibility to protect the marks and oversee appropriate use."

Karen Stark's 'Hugs Project' Wins $25,000 Award

UPDATE (Originally posted Monday) ~ Oklahoma Cityan Karen Stark's "Hugs Project" is now a nationwide endeavor and on Tuesday, Stark was named recipient of $25,000 from L'Oreal in its "Women of Worth" awards program. The group sends neck coolers and other goodies to our troops. Grandson Colby Stuck, the Seabee, received a care package from these good folks when he was in Iraq this year and it was a huge hit. Read more about Karen and the project at http://www.ktok.com/pages/mullinsinthemorning.html.

GOP Launches Anti-Andrew Rice 'Tangled Web Of Left-Wing Political Connections' Website

UPDATED 5:04 PM ~ From the office of Republican State Chairman Gary Jones: State Senator Andrew Rice, the lone announced opponent to U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, has spent a lifetime weaving a tangled web of left-wing political connections, as evidenced by a new Republican Party website released today.

AndrewRicesWeb.com highlights Rice's work as the standard bearer for fringe liberal groups in Oklahoma.

"When Andrew Rice dresses up as an extremist liberal, it isn't just for Halloween," said Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones. "It’s who he really is."

"Rice’s strong relationships with individuals and groups who strive to undermine our values and conservative economic policies gives Oklahomans a lot to be afraid of," says Jones. "It’s clear that he wouldn't represent a majority of Oklahoma citizens in the U.S. Senate.

The website highlights a sampling of Senator Rice's shared values with people and organizations ranging from Hollywood's Jeanine Garofalo to the Italian Communist Party.

Meanwhile, liberal Democrat blogger Tim Reese is peddling an anti-Jim Inhofe website from what he claims is a group of unnamed college students. The site carries no disclaimer or identity of its originators.

Phipps-Stipe Abstract Companies To Be Sold

The Oklahoman's Tony Thornton reports from McAlester today that two abstract companies owned by Steve Phipps' wife and former Senator Gene Stipe will be sold to resolve the lawsuit Stipe filed against Phipps two years ago.

Phipps and Stipe have been targets of a federal investigation that thus far has resulted in Phipps' guilty plea to conspiracy; he admitted paying kickbacks to three former legislators as part of a scheme to funnel state funds into entities he owned. Former Rep. Mike Mass also has entered a guilty plea to charges in the probe.

Latimer County Abstract Company in Wilburton and Stigler Abstact Company will be sold to the highest bidder in a January auction. Two-thirds of Meurer Abstract Company in Pawnee also will be sold. Proceeds will go to Stipe, along with $800,000 from Phipps' wife, Brenda, to whom Phipps transferred ownership before entering his guilty plea.

Fallin Urges Action On Veteran's Bill

Congresswoman Mary Fallin urged Congress today to finish work on a bill that provides funding for health care and housing initiatives for veterans. Her statement came after a meeting at the White House, where the Republican Conference met with President Bush to discuss the legislative impasse as well as other issues.

The 2008 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act passed the House of Representatives with an overwhelming bipartisan majority (409-2) on June 15. Democrat leadership has since refused to send the bill to President Bush to be signed into law. As the Capitol Hill Publication Roll Call has reported, House Democrats are refusing to move forward with the measure, choosing instead to combine it with other funding legislation in an attempt to add billions in unrelated spending to the veteran’s appropriations bill.

Fallin issued the following statement:

“Several months ago, Congress passed a bill that gives unprecedented levels of funding for improvements in VA housing and hospitals. Our veterans need and deserve that kind of support. Today, I join other Members of Congress in calling on House leadership to immediately place that bill on the president’s desk.

“There are over 350,000 veterans in Oklahoma, and they want to know why Congress refuses to move forward with legislation that provides funds for their healthcare, housing and other critical services. They want to know why it’s been 137 days since the House passed that bill, and yet it has still not been signed into law.

“The sad truth is that Democrat leaders are holding that funding hostage until they can combine it with billions of dollars in unrelated spending and pork barrel projects.

“Regardless of their motives, this continued delay is unacceptable to our nation’s veterans, and it is unacceptable to those of us who put their welfare above pork barrel projects and political gain.”

Edmondson Asks Court To Dismiss HB1804 Lawsuit

Attorney General Drew Edmondson today asked a federal court to dismiss the second lawsuit challenging the illegal immigration bill, House Bill 1804, that takes effect Thursday: "The first lawsuit was dismissed because the judge ruled the plaintiffs could not show how they have been harmed by a law that has yet to go into effect," said Senior Assistant Attorney General Sandy Rinehart. "We believe that to also be true of this second challenge."

Allbaugh Joins Giuliani Campaign As Senior Advisor

The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee announced today that former FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh will serve as Senior Advisor to the Giuliani campaign.

Allbaugh, a Blackwell native and Oklahoma State University graduate, will advise the campaign on general strategy and homeland security.

"Rudy Giuliani is the only candidate who will keep America on offense in the Terrorists' War on Us," said Allbaugh. "The leadership he showed after 9/11 was an inspiration not only to New Yorkers but to the country. He knows what it takes to keep America safe, and as President, he will ensure that our country never goes back on defense in this war."

"Joe and I worked closely together in the aftermath of 9/11 to ensure that everything possible was being done to help victims and their families," Giuliani said. "He has significant experience in emergency management and I will look to him for sound advice and expertise."

Allbaugh is president and CEO of the Allbaugh Company, LLC, which formulates corporate strategies designed to create new opportunities and expand competitive advantage for private sector clients. Allbaugh managed President Bush's 2000 campaign and served as the FEMA Director under Bush until March 2003. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C., he was Chief of Staff to then-Governor Bush of Texas. Allbaugh's career in politics began in the 1970s when he was an aide to Henry Bellmon. He worked for the Republican State Committee and was director of organization in Dr. Robert Kamm's 1978 race for the U. S. Senate. He later became Bellmon's campaign manager and chief of staff. He serves on the board of the National Rifle Association.

It Makes Sense

Officials from the State Commerce Department and state schools have told a Senate study panel that the more Oklahoma students graduate from high school, the more the state's economy benefits.

Terrill Critics Hurl Racist Label, Defenders Reject It

State Rep. Randy Terrill's effort to halt illegal immigration and his authorship of the state's new immigration law, House Bill 1804, has prompted opponents and some of Oklahoma's liberal bloggers to label him a "racist." As the law's effective date of November 1st drew near this week, the personal attacks on Terrill escalated.

Now, some conservative bloggers are riding to Terrill's defense, arguing that liberals always bring out the "racist" label to describe those with whom they disagree.

Blogger and radio personality Ron Black writes today, "I know and like Representative Randy Terrill and when he comes clean and admits that he is going to run for Lt. Governor, I'll be one of the first to support him. What I cannot understand is what I heard today from one of the representatives who oppose HB1804 - a man told a reporter on KTOK that he believes Randy's motivation was 'racial.' Huh? I know Randy and know him to be a good man who is not racist at all, but rather would like to see Oklahoma tax dollars be spent more efficiently and when it is being spent, that it is spent on Oklahomans who are here legally. To most of us with more than 50 or 60 functioning brain cells, that makes pretty good sense. But to some, to presume that folks here illegally should not receive the same benefits as those here legally is, well, anathema.

"The ones who preach tolerance have again become so very, very intolerant.

"'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.' That, my friends, is where we are heading and this illegal immigration mess is emblematic of a bigger problem that has permeated every fiber of fabric interwoven in our culture.

"This is not a race issue in my estimation, but rather is an issue of fiscal responsibility and trust me, as a card-carrying Republican, we've seen very little fiscal restraint coming from within the ranks of my beloved GOP. One thing about the Democratic Party on a national level - they let you know up front that they want as many tax dollars as they can take from us and they make no bones about it. We, on the other hand, are a little less forthright in our tax-and-spend policies (we keep our wasteful spending secret, behind closed doors).

"To say that Randy Terrill is a racist is as ludicrous as saying that there should be no borders, no set of laws, no civil order. Both propositions are ridiculous on their faces and I am horribly disappointed that once again, we're missing the whole point to begin with: Illegal immigrants (regardless of the color of their skin) are here (get ready for it) illegally."

And this, from the Red Stater blog: "Here is the way debate goes according to those on the left. Ready? Okay. Debate over, accept their claims as fact or else you're a racist. "While the left proclaims to simply disagree with the President and his policies and seek to only debate the issues, (does that make them unpatriotic?) the exact opposite is what they really end up doing every single time.

"On the war in Iraq: There is no debate. First they were on Bush's side in the war and in spite of voting for the war on multiple occasions Democrats (without any debate on the issue) changed their view, called the President a liar, General Petraeus a liar, our troops murderers and called for immediate withdrawal from Iraq, refusing to discuss the fact that Al Qaeda is even there, that Petreaeus was right, that Bush's surge is working and that the charges against the troops for murder were dropped.

"Democrats refuse to discuss any of these issues, but will call you a racist if you mention radical Islam or Islamo-Fascism or security at the airports.

"Where is the debate?

"On Global warming: In spite of there being more scientists refuting claims of man-made global warming than there are scientists supporting it, Democrats demand that we accept global warming as a fact without any debate whatsoever. When someone does ask for some discussion on the issue (Inhofe) they are dismissed and branded as anti-science...or a racist because the liberals say global warming affects the poor and minorities more than the general population.

"Where is the exchange of ideas?

"On Abortion: Try debating this one with a liberal and see what happens... I dare ya', ...you sexist, racist, woman hater.

"On Healthcare: Hillary knows best, everyone else shut-up (you racists)... there is no debating healthcare, It's for the children, the poor and minorities.

"On taxes: Try and discuss lower taxes and how it stimulates the economy...the answer is always the same...'Rich people hate poor people, you racists.'

"Where is the debate?

"On enforcing immigration laws and the border... 'you racist.' On protecting marriage ... 'you homophobic racist.'"

Immigration Law Faces New Legal Test In Tulsa

Attorneys will ask a Tulsa federal judge Wednesday to put a hold on a new law that would crack down on illegal immigration in Oklahoma, the Associated Press reports. The group plans to ask for a temporary injunction. A federal lawsuit challenging the law, which goes into effect Thursday, was refiled last week. It added eight undocumented residents who plan to testify that they will face eviction from their landlords unless they provide legal identification, such as a social security card, as required by the new law. The other plaintiffs include the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and two churches.

Mike Reynolds Calls On Henry To Overhaul Or Disband Ethnic American Advisory Council

State Rep. Mike Reynolds today urged Gov. Brad Henry to overhaul his Ethnic Advisory Council or disband it, saying the group has failed to represent the true diversity of Oklahoma.

"Governor Henry, why would you have an 'Ethnic Advisory Council' that includes members from only one ethnic group?" asked Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "The council should either be reformed to reflect its apparent mission or preferably disbanded."

The Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council, he said, consists of Muslim activists who recently received national attention for their efforts to provide "Centennial edition" copies of the Quran (the holy book of Islam) to Oklahoma state lawmakers. Reynolds said tying the proposed gift to Oklahoma's Centennial celebration was inappropriate since "the United States and Oklahoma were founded on Judeo-Christian values and traditions. Islam simply has not played a role in our state's or country's history.

He also noted that Marjaneh Seirafi-Pour, chairwoman of the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council, asked lawmakers if they wanted a copy of the Quran when she notified them of the gift in an e-mail.

Seirafi-Pour has complained that some lawmakers were rude, he noted, when they declined the Quran: "I don't understand why she rushed to the media and acted outraged that we turned her down," Reynolds said. "What was the point of asking us if we wanted a copy? I contacted her last week and she could not provide me with any mean-spirited responses. In fact she agreed to forward all of the e-mails on Saturday, but I have yet to receive them.

"I know that I have nothing to hide," Reynolds said."Apparently, that's more than the members of the Ethnic American Advisory Council can say. Why else would they and the Governor choose a name that disguises their Muslim identify?"

Governor Henry said said he won't change the the council, which he said “plays an important role for the large community of Middle Eastern immigrants living in Oklahoma.”

His spokesman, Paul Sund, added, “Other boards created for Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native Americans and other groups are equally important because they provide a forum for discussion of issues that are often unique to a particular ethnic community."

Immigration Law Opponents Want Delay

From www.tulsaworld.com ~ Hispanic community leaders and others against Oklahoma's controversial immigration reform law gathered at the Capitol Monday to call for a delay in enforcing the rule until the federal government comes up with a better solution.

The law, which takes effect Thursday, has sparked intense fear in the Hispanic community that families will be separated, several speakers said."We're asking for a moratorium on all raids, arrests and deportations until such a time as our Congress assumes the responsibility of an immigration law that is just and comprehensive," said the Rev. Victor Orta, president of the American Dream Coalition.

"We are for fair and comprehensive immigration reform, and our Congress has failed us," he said.

The group also announced plans to meet at noon, Thursday, at on the Capitol's South steps to protest the law.

Generally, House Bill 1804, by Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, and Sen. James Williamson, R-Tulsa, makes it a felony to transport or shelter an undocumented immigrant. The bill also tightened rules on identification cards, employment and education benefits."1804 is a very popular law," said Rep. Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City. "But, so was Prohibition, and it didn't take us long to figure out that Prohibition caused more problems than it solved."

Hearing Examines Sheriffs' DOC Inmate Costs

Oklahoma county sheriffs continue to suffer financial problems because the state has burdened them with paying their criminals' health care costs, and those deficits may ultimately put citizens in danger, House Speaker Pro Tempore Gus Blackwell (pictured) said today.

Huis comments came after an interim study hearing today to look at the state's failure to compensate county sheriffs being forced to pay for Department of Corrections inmates' medical costs.

"We need to do everything possible to ensure we lend a helping hand to the county sheriffs, not a push that puts them in situations they struggle (with) or can't get out of," said Blackwell, R-Goodwell. "This study is a tool for us to see what areas the legislature can start changing to get county sheriffs back on their feet and better yet back on firm financially sound ground."

The biggest issue of the meeting was how county sheriffs' departments are being burdened with DOC's inmates medical costs when the sheriffs are already doing DOC and the state a service by providing inmate lodging.

Garfield County Sheriff Bill Winchester said the inmates are coming in with pre-existing conditions and the counties are stuck with the medical bills. Winchester said that for the past 20 years DOC took care of their inmates' medical costs but now the counties are responsible for everything unless it is considered emergency care. One of the DOC inmates had a $20,000 bill. Winchester said his jail budgets $180,000 for medical treatment of inmates; however, due to the state wanting to house more convicts in his jail, the budget has increased by another $50,000 leaving them financially burdened.

Tulsa County Undersheriff Brian Edwards said it affects bigger cities even more. Edwards said their medical budget has increased by $1 million due to paying DOC inmate medical costs. Edwards said at any given time they have 140 to 300 DOC inmates and are not making 50 cents on the dollar for lodging them. Edwards said there are many factors and costs that go into taking care of a sick inmate. He said inmates have to be accompanied when going to the hospital, which also increases costs because you have to deal with overtime of the deputy. Also, inmates are constantly battling tuberculosis and other illness that are highly contagious that end up costing the counties.

Several sheriffs also said they have to negotiate with judges to keep low-felony charged individuals out of prison because they have no room with all the DOC inmates they are having to house.

What View Do Clintons, Kerry, Edwards Share?

They all believe they demonstrate support for the 2nd Amendment when they say they support hunters.

As I said on the NRA's "Cam & Company" show at NRANews.com and on Sirius Patriot 144 Friday night, "The Second Amendment is not about hunting. The Second Amendment is about the right to keep and bear arms to protect ourselves, our families and our property." - Mike McCarville

Congress: Cross-Dressing Rights?

You read the headline right. Former Congressman Ernest Istook has the details; read them at http://www.okpns.com/.

Groups Find Media Political Coverage Lacking

The Project for Excellence in Journalism and the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy have once again looked at the media's coverage of politics and found much they don't like. "The game of politics -- rather than the ideas or even the background of the personalities -- has dominated how the press has presented the race for president" so far, the projects' researchers write in a report released today.

MSM Slow To Recognize Power Of Blogosphere

Blogger Ocean Guy in Florida writes for many when he posts: "Those of us who blog and pay attention to blogs have long recognized that the traditional media…The Mainstream Media…is no longer the gatekeeper of the news the way they once were. The New York Times and CBS have been slow in recognizing that fact."

Right-of-center Bloggers Favor Thompson

The Arkansas Republican Assembly blog reports that Fred Thompson is the top choice of right-of-center bloggers for the GOP nomination for president. Read all about it at http://ar.gopwing.com.

Cleveland County Democrats To Honor Hobsons

Cleveland County Democrats plan to honor former State Senate President Pro-tem Cal Hobson and his wife, Elaine, at the the First Annual Cleveland County Democrats Banquet on November 30th, an announcement states.

The 2007 Distinguished Democrat Award will go to the Hobsons at the event, which begins at 6:15 p.m. in the Holiday Inn, 1000 N. Interstate Drive in Norman.

Individual dinner tickets are $45l, the announcement said. Other donor levels are: "Gold Table—$700, 8 Dinner Tickets. Special Recognition Silver Table—$500, 8 Dinner Tickets. Special Recognition Bronze Table—$400, 8 Dinner Tickets. For more information, contact the Cleveland County Democratic Party, PO Box 455, Norman, OK 73070, bycalling 447-3366 or email office@clevelandcountydems.org.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Sunday Musings: The Oklahoman's morning story, "Who's Watching Your Children?" is pretty chilling. If you've not read this Nolan Clay/Randy Ellis/Ryan McNeill piece about former criminals granted waivers by the Department of Human Services to work or live in day care centers, I recommend you do so.

Family Ties: Here's a photo of the 2007 McCarville Family reunion. Talk about a big tent....

The Blogosphere: Oklahoma blogs continue to grow in number and diversity. Seems there are a couple of new ones every day...more than I can keep up with, but more evidence that the "new media" has more and more influence on what we read and how fast we read it. Most of the new blogs are opinion-based; that is, they are the blogger's opinion, sometimes including a bit of "news" that may or may not be accurate. And then there are the almost-total-news blogs and then there are the media sites with the traditional news approach. My daily reading list (links to which can be found on the right side of this page) includes some of each kind and they all share one thing in common: They regularly post new material. (Some blogs and news sites go days without new material). The Oklahoman and the Tulsa World are on my list of traditional news sites, as are KSWO-TV in Lawton and KTOK-AM 1000 in Oklahoma City. Blogs of opinion and sometimes-news on my list are BatesLine, Ron Black, Mark Shannon, and Red Stater, and the mostly-news Oklahoma Political News Service. I find interesting material at two news sites that cover the South and the Nation; Southern Political Report and The Hill. Both cover their spheres in fine fashion. Then there are (in my case), the blogs-that-are-likely-to-tick-you-off. Rude-and-crude Okie Funk tops this list of those of liberal thought who never learned the word "civility" as they grew up. (The same, I add, can be said of some conservative-thought blogs.)

Poll Shows Influence Of 'New Media'

TMRO's poll about sources of news and information for readers of this site indicates many rely on the "new media," or Internet news sites.

Asked, "What source of news and information do you most often use?" 52 percent clicked Internet News Sites.

Internet Newspaper Sites was second, at 15 percent, followed by Blogs at 13 percent. Newspapers were next, at 7 percent, followed by Other (7 percent), Radio (4 percent)and Television (2 percent).

Concern: Repeat Births To Unwed Teenage Mothers

State medical experts are urging swift action to address the problem of teen pregnancies after a new study revealed Oklahoma has the 12th-highest percentage in the United States for repeat births to teenage mothers. The study, conducted by the nonpartisan organization Child Trends based on 2004 data, revealed that 21 percent of births to Oklahoma teens between the ages of 15 and 19 were to those who already were mothers. The Oklahoma Health Department data noted that more than half of adolescent mothers were not using birth control at the time of conception. Each year, about 6,700 babies born in Oklahoma are to teenagers, according to health department data.

Inhofe Global Warming Speech Makes Drudge

Senator Jim Inhofe's two-hour speech on global warming on Friday is featured on the Drudge Report today. Read all about it at http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs&ContentRecord_id=dddc4451-802a-23ad-4000-a9b55ed9489a&Issue_id=

The Gadfly On The Wall

Weekend Relaxation: With the Sooners and Cowboys not playing today, I'm off for some relaxation communing with paper targets.

Thanks: To our blogger friends in Arkansas for their kind comments about our coverage of the Quran controversy, now a worldwide topic of discussion.

Stand Your Ground: The story posted here today about the Lawton concealed carry licensee protecting himself from the attack of a burglar indicates prosecutors are following Oklahoma's "Stand Your Ground" law. It's the first case I'm aware of in which it has been invoked, but there may be others. Reading this story, one has to wonder what possessed a 17-year-old to charge a man armed with a Springfield .45 semi-auto who already had fired five warning shots.

Lawton Concealed Carry Licensee Cleared

LAWTON — No charges will be filed against a man who shot and killed a teen who appeared to be a burglar after the teen charged him.

District Attorney Robert Schulte said no charges will be filed against Jeffrey David Dorrell, 40, who shot and killed Frederick Stuever, 17. Dorrell arrived at his father's home Tuesday about 1:30 p.m. to find Stuever leaving the home with property that belonged to the Dorrell family. The back door had been kicked in and officials believe the teen was attempting to take things from the home. Items that belonged to the homeowner were later found in Stuever's vehicle, police said.

Dorrell, who has a permit to carry a concealed weapon, held Stuever at gunpoint while he called the police. While on the phone with dispatchers, Dorrell ordered Stuever to lay on the ground until the police could come. When Stuever wouldn't comply, Dorrell fired five shots in his direction, but didn't hit Stuever. Dorrell told police that he shot at Stuever when the teen charged at him. Stuever died at the scene.

Lawton television station KSWO reported: "This type of evidence was what supported one of the first 'stand your ground' cases in Comanche County. 'The law does not make an exception for age,' says Schulte. 'It's tragic you have a loss of life of a 17-year-old under such circumstances, but clearly the law still protects the individual who defended himself as we have here.'"

Read all of The Oklahoman's story at http://www.newsok.com/. KSWO has the transcript of the 911 call: http://www.kswo.com/Global/story.asp?S=7267407

Rinehart, Pope Hearing Gets Underway

State prosecutors today presented an Oklahoma County judge with paperwork to support campaign finance charges against Commissioner Brent Rinehart, his former campaign manager Tim Pope and a contributor. Read about it at http://newsok.com/article/3157489/1193423993

Mike Reynolds Notes Group's 'Own Political Agenda'

Oklahoma City

House Member

Cites AG's 'Witch-hunt'

Although the Washington, DC-based Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC) claims to be a "progressive 'think-and-do' tank" eager to "reinvigorate the initiative process among state and national progressive organizations...." it’s actions undercut that claim, Rep. Mike Reynolds said today.

BISC statements imply that it upholds the values of democracy and citizen initiative rights, and is a friend of the rule of law.

"But it seems this is only true when BISC wants to advance its own political agenda through initiatives," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, responding to a recent statement issued by the Center. "BISC is apparently all in favor of hauling supporters off to prison if they work for initiatives BISC doesn't like."

An October 22 press release issued by the organization applies its BISC-quicked logic to the case of Paul Jacob, Susan Johnson, and Rick Carpenter, leaders in a recent Oklahoma initiative to limit state spending often referred to as a Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). If convicted, they could go to prison for up to 10 years.

According to BISC, the Oklahoma three are "crooks [who] have worked in this arena long enough to know the laws. They just thought they could get away with ignoring them. In fact, we have found that most right-wing ballot initiative players operate with complete disregard for state laws meant to ensure an open and honest process of putting issues on the ballot."

BISC's blanket characterization of "right-wing ballot initiative players" immediately suggests an ideological bias, Reynolds said.

But worse, said Reynolds, "BISC is dishonest to claim that the Oklahoma Three 'thought they could get away with ignoring' Oklahoma's law that petition circulators be residents. BISC links to Paul Jacob's statement of self-defense but ignores his explanation of how the state changed the rules, after the fact, on what constitutes residency. At freepauljacob.com, Mister Jacob reports in detail on the effort he and others made to ensure that they were complying with the law, a law that contrary to BISC's assertions does not in fact do anything to ensure an open and honest ballot process.

"If BISC thinks Jacob is wrong on the facts, why don't they answer him?" Reynolds asked. "Why don't they refute him? Their attack is clearly not about facts or objective law. It's sad that political activists who make use of the initiative process themselves refuse to see the glaring injustice and unconstitutionality here, which could be extended to them too one day. And it is an Orwellian inversion to imply that abetting the exercise by Oklahoma citizens of their constitutionally guaranteed citizen initiative rights is in and of itself a form of sabotage of those rights."

BISC Executive Director Kristina Wilfore has even gone so far as to submit a letter of praise to Attorney General Edmondson stressing that the TABOR campaign was funded and enjoining Edmondson to look into the "network of funders" that has supported this and other petition drives.

“BISC is not a credible source of information,” said Reynolds. “It’s on the extreme left, supported by donations from the National Abortion Rights Action League and billionaire George Soros's Open Society Foundation. BISC is about using the initiative process to promote the leftwing agenda of its donors. Contrary to its rhetoric about ‘out of state’ interests, BISC itself provides direct donations to ballot measures in multiple states.

“BISC ideologically opposes TABOR initiatives,” said Reynolds. “In 2006, Nebraska campaign filings show that BISC was paid to train people in blocking a TABOR petition drive. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against three Nebraska cities because they violated the 1st Amendment rights of TABOR petitioners.

“BISC should be ashamed enough of its admitted role in campaigns designed to harass petitioners and block voters from deciding issues like TABOR,” Reynolds concluded. “But now we see their desire to help in the AG’s witch-hunt against the initiative process, to actually throw their political opponents in prison. That's a sad commentary on BISC.”

Reynolds pointed to BISC’s own statement that their help in the prosecution of these three individuals by the AG is “a continuation of those efforts” to block TABOR from the ballot.

Lindley, Group Plan Immigration Bill Protest

Representative Al Lindley, D- Oklahoma City, and members of the South American Institute will hold a press conference on Monday at 1:00 pm to discuss the legal issues of House Bill 1804 and announce a formal protest of the provisions of the immigration reform bill, Lindley announced today.

Groups Condemn Lawmakers Who Refused Quran

Members of the Tulsa Jewish Federation and several interfaith organizations today condemned Oklahoma lawmakers who turned down copies of the Quran, offered as gifts by the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Committee.

Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, refused a gift of Islam's holy book earlier this week (as did two dozen others), saying, "Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology."

"Today, I'm an American Muslim, speaking for our brothers," said David Bernstein, executive director of the Jewish Federation. "Hateful words inevitably lead to hateful actions," he said.

Also represented at the press conference, held at the Al-Salaam Mosque, were the Oklahoma Conference for Community and Justice, Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry, the Tulsa Interfaith Alliance, the Islamic Society of Tulsa, the Say No to Hate Coalition and the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Watts Scores With New Nigerian Government

From The Hill ~ A new administration brings new work for lobbyists to Washington, even when that administration is headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, rather than the White House.

Watts Consulting Group has signed a preliminary contract with the new Nigerian government in the hopes of inking a longer-term deal, according to records the Justice Department posted online last week.

After eight years in office, President Olusegun Obasanjo left power in the wake of his country’s April elections. Goodworks International, a firm with long-standing ties to the Nigerian politician, saw its contract end that month.

“The call just came out of the blue,” a senior partner at J.C. Watts Companies, Steve Pruitt, said of the current government. He was soon whisked to New York to meet with the new foreign minister, Ojo Maduekwe.

Watts Consulting Group is a subsidiary of J.C. Watts Companies, named for the former Republican congressman from Oklahoma.

Read the complete story by clicking http://thehill.com/business--lobby/new-administration-in-nigeria-means-new-lobbyists-in-d.c.-2007-10-04.html

Watts has had a high profile as a Washington lobbyist. Since he left Congress, numerous publications and groups have tracked his work. One insurance industry publication noted the relationship between Watts and former Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Cathy Weatherford, the executive vice president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in Washington. Read that story by clicking http://www.roughnotes.com/rnmagazine/2006/march06/03p016.htm

Blackwell: More Dollars For Inmate Medical Care

State Rep. Gus Blackwell says the Legislature should provide more money to the Department of Corrections to pay the medical costs of state inmates held in county jails.

The DOC decided last year that state law requires it to pay only for emergency medical care for state inmates while they're in county jails and it stopped paying for non-emergency care.

Blackwell says the department is correct in paying only emergency medical costs but wants the law changed. He says county jails face a financial burden in paying for health care for state inmates held in county jails. The state pays counties $27 a day for housing state inmates but county officials say it costs them $35 a day to keep the inmates.

Religion Looms Large In '08 Presidential Race

By Lee Bandy On The Southern Political Report: "Religion looms large in the 2008 presidential election. It hasn’t played such a prominent role in a U.S. national election since 1960, when Democrat John F. Kennedy became the first Catholic to be elected president. Hardly a day passes when a candidate today isn’t asked a question about his faith. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a Mormon, who is seeking the Republican nomination, is called upon repeatedly to defend his church and its teachings, some of which are viewed as heresy by Christians." Read the entire article by clicking http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/free/2007/October/10-26-07/Mixing_Religion_And_Politics_In_08102619631.php

Fallin Named Recipient Of 'Hand-Up Award'

Congresswoman Mary Fallin, R-5th District, has been named the winner of the first ever “Hand-Up” award by Suited for Success, an Oklahoma City based charity.

The organization, headed by founder Susan Walton, provides professional clothing and career development services to low-income women. The award ceremony will take place at the charity’s ten year anniversary celebration this Monday, October 29th, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Suited for Success over the years, and it is a great honor to receive the first ever Hand-Up Award,” said Fallin. “I’ve been a big fan of theirs for a long time, and I always enjoy the clothing drives we do with them at my offices. It’s inspiring to see how many women in Oklahoma really care about helping out those who are less fortunate."

Fox News: Bush, Congress Find Little Favor

Voters are displeased with both the president and Congress, according to the latest FOX News poll reported at http://www.foxnews.com/ today.

A 55 percent majority of Americans disapprove of President Bush’s job performance while 35 percent approve and the most frequently mentioned reason is the Iraq war; 45 percent of those unhappy with Bush blame the war.

Congress gets an even worse rating: 25 percent approve, 54 percent disapprove.

After Iraq, the most common reason is that the president is generally “doing a bad job” (19 percent). A handful of voters say they disapprove because they disagree with Bush on the issues (7 percent), they don’t like him (6 percent) and that he doesn’t care about average people (5 percent).

Click here to view full results of the poll (pdf)

Of those that approve of Bush, 40 percent say it’s because he’s “doing a good job” overall, 17 percent mention the job he is doing “fighting terrorism,” 9 percent say they agree with him on the issues and 8 percent approve because he is honest.

The national telephone poll was conducted for FOX News by Opinion Dynamics Corp. among 900 registered voters from October 23-24. The poll has a 3-point error margin.

Among the president’s party faithful, his approval rating is now fairly consistently below 70 percent; 68 percent approve today, down from 81 percent this time last year (immediately before the midterm election, October 24-25, 2006).

Bush’s approval rating rarely gets into the teens among Democrats these days; currently 12 percent give a thumbs-up as do 26 percent of independents. Fully 81 percent of Democrats and 63 percent of independents disapprove of the job the president is doing.

“Bush’s ratings just don’t move very much,” comments Opinion Dynamics Chairman John Gorman. "He has a core of Republican supporters who keep him from plunging too much. Democrats are pretty much critical and the week-to-week differences come primarily from independents that move back and forth.”

The war in Iraq remains the number one issue for Americans; 36 percent identify it as the most important problem facing the country, followed by health care at 12 percent and the economy at 11 percent.

Despite the president’s low performance ratings, a slim 53 percent majority say he is still a powerful player in Washington considering the failure of the Democratic Congress to override Bush’s recent health care bill veto. Some 35 percent think he is a lame duck president.

More than 7 of 10 Republicans (73 percent) think Bush is still powerful compared to 40 percent of Democrats.

Turning to Congress, the poll shows that even fewer Americans are satisfied with lawmakers than with the president. Some 25 percent say they approve of the job Congress is doing while more than twice as many — 54 percent — disapprove.

A 58 percent majority of Republicans disapprove of the Democratically-controlled Congress, as do 57 percent of independents and 48 percent of Democrats.

Furthermore, 45 percent of voters say the country would be better off throwing out most members of Congress and starting over with new people. Of course that seems to apply mainly to someone else’s representative, because 50 percent think their own representative deserves to be re-elected.

Noted Quote: Special Interest Ornaments

Noted Quote From Senator Tom Coburn: "I will continue to single out wasteful spending without regard to party affiliation and would invite other senators to do the same. Yet, if sponsors of questionable earmarks continue to attack my integrity rather than defend their requests I may be compelled to take the most equitable approach possible, which is to force a vote on every single earmark request from Democrats and Republicans alike. The impending omnibus would provide such an occasion. I can’t think of a better way to spend the holidays than to invite taxpayers to study each and every special-interest ornament politicians will hang on this year’s congressional Christmas tree."

Missouri Blog Defends Anonymous Comments

Dennis Prager's recent Town Hall column in which he called for an end to anonymous comments on blogs and which has received some support, has prompted at least one blogger to defend such posts.

One blog, the Missouri Political News Service written by Scooter Jackson, says, "...bloggers don’t much care if the old media doesn’t take us seriously. Our work is what gives us credibility.... The Missouri Political News Service asks how can these journalists, who should know better, ever believe they will have any support for their views in a country that prizes free speech?"

Islamic Society Plans Quran Controversy Response

The Islamic Society of Tulsa plans a news conference this morning to comment on the controversy over the Quran and the refusal of some members of the Legislature to accept free copies distributed by the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council. Developing....

Democrats Losing Battle For Voters' Hearts?

The buzz in some D. C. circles today is over a memo circulated by a congressional aide that says Democrats are losing the battle for voters’ hearts because the party’s message lacks emotional appeal.

“Our message sounds like an audit report on defense logistics,” wrote Dave Helfert, a former Appropriations spokesman who now works for Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii). “Why are we defending [the State Children’s Health Insurance Program] instead of advocating a ‘Healthy Kids’ plan?”

Helfert sent the memo this week to an e-mail list of all Democratic press secretaries and communications directors after staffers met on Monday to discuss rolling out the Democrats’ latest message.

The Hill has the complete story: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/internal-dem-memo-faults-party-message-2007-10-26.html

Catholic Leaders Sign Pledge Of 'Defiance'

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City's Council of Priests, along with Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran, have signed a pledge of "defiance" aimed at the new immigration reform law. The pledge will be delivered to Governor Brad Henry's office on Friday, the signers said. It outlines the clergy leaders' opposition to the law which goes into effect next Thursday.

The pledge reads: This new law is fiercely anti-immigrant and is not reflective of values which respect people and families.

With the advent of this new law, we are standing together in opposition and defiance of this unjust and immoral law.

This law states that to aid, assist or transport any undocumented person in the state of Oklahoma is a felony and “on violating the provisions of subsections A or B of this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year, or by a fine of not less than One (1) Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Our various faith traditions instruct us to do good to all peoples. There is no exemption clause for those persons who do not have documentation of their citizenship status. We will not show partiality to those who are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Because this law is overly punitive and makes a felony of the act of providing humanitarian assistance to an undocumented person in need; we the undersigned clergy, religious leaders, and lay people of conscience will not and can not obey this law. We will continue to aid and assist all people regardless of their legal citizenship status, with charitable care and spiritual counsel.

We people of faith and conscience refuse to be defined by fear of Oklahoma’s law which makes servant-leaders felons. Rather, we stand in obedience to faith, hope, and love. We call for repeal of this anti-immigrant bill and for the passage of immigration reform that provides justice for all of God’s children.

We stand together, in solidarity, in defiance of this law because of our allegiance to a higher law; the love of humanity.

Faught Says Muslim Council's Criticism 'Unfair'

State Rep. George Faught of Muskogee issued the following statement today discussing his views on the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council offering copies of the Quran to lawmakers:

“It’s important to clarify some things about the recent media coverage of state legislators declining a copy of the Quran," the Republican lawmaker said. "In an e-mail sent to all of Oklahoma’s state senators and representatives by Marjan Seirafi-Pour, the chairperson of the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council, we were notified that copies of the Quran decorated with the state’s centennial seal were going to be distributed to all Oklahoma state legislators.

“The e-mail closed with the statement: ‘If you do not wish to receive a copy, please feel free to let me know.’ In fact, the books have yet to be distributed.

“For the council to offer an opt-out option and then imply in the media that lawmakers who declined the gift are being racially or ethnically insensitive is unfair, and seems politically charged. Many legislators, including myself, have notified Ms. Seirafi-Pour – by e-mail, as she requested – that we would like to politely decline the offer of this book.

“Some lawmakers have felt the need to say that they declined because of religious convictions. We are all entitled to our personal beliefs. As a Christian, I view the Holy Bible as God’s inerrant, inspired Word and try every day to apply the teachings of Christ to all areas of my life.

“Unfortunately, I’m concerned that the Advisory Council may be attempting to cast lawmakers’ personal convictions as racial or ethnic hate toward the Muslim community. I certainly don’t believe all Muslims are violent, America-hating fanatics. Many are fine individuals who make outstanding contributions to society.

“But the U.S. Constitution allows each of us to practice our religion of choice. By politely declining this gift, we are exercising that right. If someone doesn’t want a copy of the Quran, they should be free to not accept it without becoming a public spectacle.”

HB1804 Lawsuit Refiled In Tulsa Federal Court

A federal lawsuit challenging House Bill 1804, a state law aimed at illegal immigrants, was re-filed today, this time with additional plaintiffs who say they are facing eviction because of the measure.

U.S. District Judge James H. Payne earlier dismissed the first lawsuit filed against the new law, which is due to take effect next Thursday.

Payne ruled that the original suit's plaintiffs, the National Coalition of Latino Clergy, its Oklahoma affiliate, two churches, a restaurant group and several anonymous individuals, could not challenge the law because they could not show that it had damaged them.

Fallin Issues New SCHIP Statement

The House passed a revamped version of legislation that would increase the State Children’s Health Care Program (SCHIP), but the bipartisan majority supporting the measure failed to attract enough support to override a certain presidential veto.

Before the vote was taken, Congresswoman Mary Fallin, R-5th District, said today she supports the federal health plan for children "as it was originally intended," but made it clear she wants a new plan to "focus on children in low income families." Her statement came as the House was preparing to take up a new SCHIP proposal orchestrated by House Democrats.

Fallin said, “I support SCHIP as it was originally intended, as a government funded healthcare program for low income children. I don’t know of anyone that doesn’t agree with the basic premise that poor children should have access to quality medical care.

“In a letter that I and other freshmen members sent to Speaker Pelosi, we made it clear that we are interested in pursuing a bipartisan SCHIP compromise. Republicans and Democrats agree that poor children need government funded health insurance. The conflict now is whether or not the federal government should expand the program to cover middle class children, millions of adults, and even some illegal aliens, when so many poor children continue to go without healthcare.

“Our letter, among other things, asks the Speaker to focus on children in low income families. In Oklahoma, there are 77,000 poor children without health insurance. Any bipartisan compromise should be built around legislation that puts children like these first.

“Unfortunately, the latest SCHIP proposal continues to fall short of that goal. By undermining policies designed to place poor children first, it sends the wrong message to the nation’s most needy children, especially when it continues to fund children in families making over $60,000 a year, adults, and some illegal immigrants.

“At the end of the day, it is my hope that members of both parties will work out a compromise that is both compassionate and responsible, one that focuses first and foremost on children in low income families.”

Jennifer Seal To Seek Education Seat?

Blogger Tim Reese at http://www.demookie.com/ says that Democrat Jennifer Seal, unsuccessful legislative candidate, will run for superintendent of public instruction in 2010.

"She told the Neighborhood Alliance group she is strongly looking at the race," Reese wrote today.

Seal lost a race for the State House last year to Republican David Dank. She also sought the District 85 seat in 2004 and was defeated by Dank's wife, then-Rep. Odilia Dank.

Democrat Sandy Garrett, first elected in 1990, is the current superintendent.

Non-Citizen Immigrants Eligible For In-State Tuition

Undocumented immigrants that meet certain criteria still will be eligible for in-state tuition at Oklahoma public colleges, according to a policy adopted today by the State Regents for Higher Education, The Oklahoman reports today.

Students that have lived in Oklahoma for at least two years and graduate from high school will remain eligible for in-state tuition if they have filed an application with the federal government to legalize their immigration status. Those students will no longer be eligible for state-provided scholarships such as Oklahoma's Promise and the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant.

Last year only 244 undocumented students attended Oklahoma colleges, mostly at Oklahoma City Community College and Tulsa Community College. While they cost the state $112,000 in tuition waivers and state aid, they contributed $238,785 in tuition and fees, said Rep. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh.

"Whatever aid was given has been a minute part of the whole budget,” said Jett. "They do not take away seats from those students who are native-born.”

The new policy was necessary to comply with the state's new immigration law that takes effect November 1st and applies to colleges starting in the spring semesters, a spokesman said. Regents voted 5 to 1 in support of the policy, with three regents abstaining.

Blogger Bates Examines Council's Muslim Agenda

The controversy over gift copies of the Quran for Oklahoma legislators now floods blogs from one end of the country to the other. In Tulsa, blogger Michael Bates did some digging and offers this thought, part of a much longer and thoughtful piece you can read here.

Writes Bates: "Few people seem to have noticed that these Korans were being offered by an official Oklahoma governmental body, the Governor's Ethnic-American Advisory Council (GEAAC), established by executive order of Gov. Brad Henry in 2004. (The chair of which is Marjaneh Seirafi-Pour, at left with a copy of the Quran outside the Capitol.) That link will take you to an earlier item I wrote about this group. (Note: This link takes you to an article Bates wrote in May about the members of the Council; it raises many questions, including some about the associates of Council member Malaka A. Elyazgi's husband Mohamed: "He was quoted as a spokesman for the mosque in Norman following the October 1, 2005, suicide bombing on the OU campus. He was a business partner in a small shop in Oklahoma City with Mufid Abdulqader, who was indicted as a fundraiser for the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, of which Abdulqader's half-brother is the supreme political leader. (Abdulqader's story is frightening. He was a civil engineering student at OSU, worked at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and then went to work as an engineer with the City of Dallas. In his spare time, his rock band performed at Hamas fundraisers, where he sang lyrics like, "With Koran and Jihad, we will gain our homes back, hey, hey, hey! My precious eyes are for Palestine, the agony of death is precious, killing Jews . . . Death to Jews, is precious. Jews will not fear threats, only action. So Hamas, hit them with the shoe bottoms of Islam and Hamas!")

"Officially the GEAAC 'is to be made up of from five to 15 representatives of Ethnic Americans of the Middle East/Near East community of the state of Oklahoma.' You may be tempted to take that at face value, to assume that GEAAC exists to serve Oklahomans of any religion and any ethnicity with roots in the 'Middle East/Near East.'

"But every public action this council has taken so far has concerned the Islamic faith -- encouraging schools to grant excused absences for Muslim holy days, asking for rebuttal time on OETA to the PBS series 'America at a Crossroads' because, according to the council's chairman, 'we thought there were a couple of segments that did not put Islam in a positive light,' and now passing out Qurans at the state legislature. While those actions would be reasonable for a private organization representing Oklahoma Muslims, they don't suggest a government-sponsored council seeking to represent the diversity of religions in the Middle East."

In Oklahoma City, attorney Mitchell Gray has written about some of the connections that exist: "Mufid Abdul Qader was one of the incorporators of the ISGOC (Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City) mosque where Webb once was the Imam. Qader is currently under Federal indictment in the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) case out of Richardson, Texas near Dallas. Qader’s half brother, Khalid Mishaal, is a Syrian who is a high ranking Hamas military executive and a known terrorist. Mufid Qader traveled with a troupe that performed skits portraying violent killings of Jews included at a 1992 conference in Oklahoma City. Mufid Qader is considered by the US government to have been a top fundraiser for Hamas. Hamas is responsible for many deadly attacks including some attacks where even Americans have been killed. The HLF is alleged to be a front for the Hamas terrorist organization through its fundraising efforts.

"A co-founder of the ISGOC along with Mufid Qader is Mohammed Elyazgi who, like Mufid was, is an engineer at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. His wife Malaka is on current governor Brad Henry’s Ethnic Advisory Board." Read all of Gray's article by clicking http://www.newswithviews.com/guest_opinion/guest79.htm.

McCullough Eyes Workers Comp Law Changes

State lawmakers may pursue substantial changes in Oklahoma's Worker's Compensation System during the 2008 legislative session based on the results of a study requested by Rep. Mark McCullough, he said today.

"In spite of recent reform efforts, Oklahoma's workers compensation market is still too expensive for many businesses and fails to provide proper treatment to injured workers," said McCullough, R-Sapulpa. "There is clearly room for improvement that will make Oklahoma more business-and-worker friendly."

McCullough noted that the rate of permanent partial disability payments (PPDs) in Oklahoma is significantly higher than the rate in neighboring states.

According to Roy Wood, an official with the National Council on Compensation Insurance, PPD claims in Oklahoma are almost twice the regional average and the average lost-time claim frequency is much higher than the region and nation - 60 percent higher than the national average.

According to figures in the 2006 Workers Compensation Court report and the 2006 National Council on Compensation Insurance report, there were 3,413 court-ordered PPDs in Oklahoma that year with an average payout of $22,299 per claim.

That same year, Oklahoma's workers comp system ordered vocational rehabilitation for only 4 percent of all cases.

The continuing problems with PPD claims may be one reason that Oklahoma experienced its highest payout for claims in 18 years in 2006 -$270 million, a 69 percent increase since 2000.

"Even as the total number of claims is falling, payouts are rising and the system is costing businesses more and more," McCullough said. "Medical claim severity in Oklahoma is actually among the lowest in the region, yet our partial permanent disability payments are higher than our neighboring states. That creates a very hostile environment for small businesses in Oklahoma."

McCullough said the system may be failing both workers and businesses by neglecting vocational rehabilitation in favor of litigation.

The lack of worker rehabilitation efforts may be driven by the fact that Oklahoma is one of approximately three states with a "pure adversarial system," McCullough said, noting that attorney involvement in workers comp cases in Oklahoma is 50 percent higher than the national average: "Attorneys don't see any personal benefit from rehabilitation programs, but they do get a cut of any lump-sum PPD payments their clients receive," McCullough said. "That creates a perverse incentive for lawyers to push for cash settlements instead of effective treatment for an injured worker."

McCullough said Oklahoma's workers comp system could be improved by moving to an administrative system that reduces attorney involvement, by promoting more vocational rehabilitation or other worker benefits, by requiring independent medical treatment and diagnosis, and by providing tax incentives to encourage businesses to implement workplace safety programs.

The recent hearing was attended by over 30 lawmakers, legislative staff, industry experts and agency leaders. McCullough expects to file reform legislation in the 2008 legislative session, which begins next February.

Bizarre Protesters Don't Faze Condi Rice

Protesters in the U. S. Capitol failed to faze Secretary of State Condi Rice. See the bizarre actions of the protesters yourself: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2007/10/24/rice.bloody.hands.protester.cnn

Cargill Responds To Quran Controversy; At Least 25 Legislators Have Refused Copies

House Speaker Lance Cargill said today he will present the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council with a copy of the Bible. The statement came after a number of legislators refused to accept copies of the Quran from the group.

His statement came as it appeared about 25 members of the Legislature have now declined to accept copies of the Quran from the group.

Said Cargill: "While the majority of Americans are Christians, the Constitution clearly protects people's right to practice their faith and distribute religious literature. What's sad is that so often when the situation is reversed, Islamic governments persecute and torture Christians who attempt to practice and spread their faith. As much as I support this group's right to distribute a religious text to willing recipients, I hope they will join me in condemning those countries that don't grant the same freedoms to Christians. As a gesture of good will, I will also present the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council members with a copy of the Centennial edition of the Holy Bible that was given to lawmakers earlier this year."

Inhofe Praises DREAM Act Failure

Senator Jim Inhofe today praised the failure of the Senate Democrats’ most recent amnesty legislation, the DREAM Act (S.2205).

“Though Americans across the political spectrum weighed in on this issue during debate on the immigration bill in June, Senate Democrats once again overlooked the will of the people and attempted to push through a path to amnesty for illegal immigrants. This bill undermines the rule of law by expediting the path to citizenship for some of the illegal immigrants in our country. As I’ve said before, any shortcut provided to illegal immigrants is simply an injustice to those immigrants who have gone about the citizenship process legally. Furthermore, the attempts by some on the other side of the aisle to cloak this legislation as a ‘humanitarian gesture’ were simply disingenuous.”

State Students Involved In 'Empty Holster Protest'

It's being reported that some Oklahoma college and university students are participating in a nationwide "Empty Holster Protest" on campuses.

Leaders say it's an attempt to make the point that unarmed students are, and have been, targets for killers.

TMRO is told the demonstration is being conducted on the campuses of the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

The group's website, http://concealedcampus.org/index.htm, states that, "During the week of October 22-26, participating students and faculty at over 110 colleges and universities throughout America will wear empty holsters on campus, in protest of state laws and school policies that stack the odds in favor of armed killers by disarming law abiding citizens licensed to carry concealed handguns virtually everywhere else (movie theaters, office buildings, shopping malls, etc). The symbolic point of the Empty Holster Protest is to represent that students, faculty, and guests on college campuses are left defenseless (with nothing but empty holsters) by state laws and school policies that refuse to afford concealed handgun license holders the same rights on college campuses that they are afforded virtually everywhere else. The practical point of the Empty Holster Protest is to encourage a dialogue between protesters and individuals who may not know the facts of concealed carry."

At OSU, a number of students are participating and the O'Collegian talked to some of them, plus university officials and others, about it. The student newspaper reported that, "Although opponents of concealed carry argue allowing people to carry guns will cause an increase in gun violence, Stillwater Deputy Chief Ron Thrasher said he doesn’t know of any instances in Stillwater where a concealed carry license was involved in a crime."

Oklahoma Quran Story Goes National

The growing controversy over distribution of copies of the Quran by the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council to members of the Oklahoma Legislature, and the refusal of many to accept them, is now a national story.

The Associated Press State Capitol reporter, Ron Jenkins, is the author of an article on the national AP wire; it is now appearing online at numerous newspaper, television and radio Internet sites.

OU Throws The Book At Unruly RUF/NEKS

From www.newsok.com ~ The University of Oklahoma has banned current members of the RUF/NEKS spirit group from official university events, according to a statement released today by OU spokesman Blake Rambo. A university investigation found members of the RUF/NEKS this semester had abused alcohol and hazed pledges in various ways, including "sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, demeaning actions and the potential for physical harm.” Pledges and former pledges will be allowed to be part of the spirit group for the remainder of this football season. The RUF/NEKS, which started in 1915, will be reorganized under the athletic department's direction beginning with the spring semester, according to the statement.

Stark Escapes Censure, Apologizes For Remarks

From Multiple News Sources ~ Following an unsuccessful Republican censure attempt, Congressman Pete Stark, San Francisco Democrat, apologized to his colleagues for controversial comments he made last week about President Bush: “I want to apologize to my colleagues — many of whom I have offended — to the president and his family and to the troops,” said the 18-term lawmaker. He added that he hoped the apology would allow him to “become as insignificant as I should be” and explained that public attention should remain focused on critical, divisive issues such as the war in Iraq and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill.

Stark touched off a firestorm last week when, on the House floor, he said troops are being sent to war to get their heads blown off "for the president's amusement."

Home Sales Plummet In Oklahoma City

Home prices remained strong, but home sales in the Oklahoma City area sank 25.3 percent in September compared with August, The Oklahoman reports today. It is a statistic that does not account for the usual seasonal changes, three times the national month-to-month drop of 8 percent, according to local and national Realtors. The national month-to-month decline in sales was the largest in records dating to 1999, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday. The seasonally adjusted national annual sales rate of 5.04 million existing homes was also the slowest pace on record.

Sullivan Says Only Single Copy Of Quran Involved

UPDATED 2:09 PM ~ Republican Rep. Dan Sullivan (pictured) of Tulsa has offered to distribute an unwanted copy of the Quran, but he tells TMRO he's not distributing multiple copies. In an email, he wrote, "I see your recent blog posting. I was simply requesting a singular copy to give to a friend that has a Muslim colleague that wanted one if it was otherwise going to be discarded. I was not offering to redistribute other copies as your blog suggests."

Rep. Randy Terrill of Oklahoma City revealed Sullivan's offer today in an email to the head of the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Committee in declining to accept the free copy he was offered.

Terrill wrote, "Thanks for the offer. However, I am a Christian. And, as such, I would not use it. But, Rep. Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa) sent out the following email to Republican House members this morning: 'I have been asked for a copy of the Quran that is being handed out. If someone receives one and doesn't want to keep it, please have it sent to my office and I will make sure it finds a new home. Dan Sullivan.' So, please forward the copy of the Quran that has been designated for me to Rep. Sullivan per his request. Thanks, best wishes and God bless! Respectfully, Randy Terrill"

Sullivan said although he is a Christian, there is no reason to not accept a copy of the Quran. "If it is going to be thrown away or discarded," he told the Tulsa World, "at least we can give it to someone who wants it." Sullivan added that he was not intending to redistribute all of the copies, but only wanted one.

Armes Plans Wine Industry Legislation In 2008

REVISED 10/25 ~ Restrictions that prohibit state wine producers from shipping their product directly to customers without going through a wholesaler could kill the state's burgeoning wine industry, experts told members of the House Agriculture and Commerce Subcommittee during a recent interim study at the Winery of the Wichitas in Medicine Park.

State Rep. Don Armes requested the interim study so lawmakers could get an up-close look at the current shape of the state's wine industry and introduce them to the issues that producers face in getting their products into the marketplace.

Several viticulturists and members of the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association told the committee that current restrictions on shipping are the biggest issue holding the state back from becoming a viable producer and supplier of quality wines for the rest of the nation and world.

"I'm not even a wine guy, but I recognize the impact that a sustainable wine industry would have on our state economy and our agriculture industry," said Armes, R-Faxon. "It would be a shame to lose such a great opportunity to make our state a factor in the wine industry and lose all the economic benefits that go with that before the industry even gets off the ground. The state has the perfect combination of soil and climate to cultivate the superior vineyards that a good wine requires. Unfortunately, these wineries can't get their products to the marketplace and develop their brand, so it doesn't matter how good the product is because nobody has access to it."

Armes said he intends to introduce legislation during the upcoming legislative session that would amend state law to allow wineries to ship up to 10,000 gallons of wine either in or out-of-state per year without going through a wholesale distributor.

Currently, Oklahoma wineries may sell wine on site and at festivals, but are prohibited from selling or shipping directly to Oklahoma restaurants and retail liquor stores. State Rep. Don Armes said that after 7 years of being allowed to ship directly to retail stores and restaurants, wineries lost the privilege on July 1, 2007. A 2000 state Constitutional amendment that allowed such direct shipments was declared unconstitutional in June by a federal judge in Oklahoma City, who ruled that, in accordance with Granholm v. Heald (a May 2005 United States Supreme Court decision finding a similar Michigan law unconstitutional under the dormant commerce clause of the United States Constitution), Oklahoma's direct shipment law is unconstitutional.

Armes said most of the state's wineries produce around 1,000 to 2,000 gallons each year, but some are close to producing 10,000 gallons a year and at least one produces approximately 15,000 per year. "Our smaller wineries basically need help to get off the ground and need an avenue to get their products to the consumers," said Armes. "Almost all of the state wineries are amenable to a 10,000 gallon annual limit, with the exception of a few that produce more than that. But even a 10,000 limit would allow those larger producers to save money by cutting out the middle man up to that limit. In addition, we think the wholesalers would be open to such a limit as well."Armes said wineries are a major source of tourism in states like California, where many allow tourists to sample flavors, stay overnight and work in the vineyard.

Oklahoma has 11 vineyards and more than 35 wineries, according to the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association Web site. In May 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that bans in New York and Michigan on direct-to-consumer shipments from outside those states were unconstitutional. Following that ruling, most states with similar bans have abolished those laws and now allow wineries to ship their products directly to customers. However, that ruling was narrowly tailored to out-of-state bans on direct shipping to in-state customers. Many states, including Oklahoma, currently have bans that prohibit shipping products from within the state to other states or to other locations within the state without going through a wholesaler.

Armed Citizen Exercises Gun Control

Lawton police say a homeowner shot and killed an apparent burglar in the northwest part of the city. An attorney for the homeowner says the burglar rushed the man who then shot and killed him. No names have been released.

Coburn Rips U. N. On Its 62nd Anniversary

Senator Tom Coburn today released a list of current U. N. scandals on the 62nd anniversary of the United Nations. The U.N. charter declares the purpose of the world body is to maintain peace and security, develop friendly relations based on respect for equal rights and self-determination, and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

"Unfortunately, 62 years later, the United Nations is incapable of living up to its charter," Coburn's news release said.

For years, there have been attempts to reform the United Nations, both from the secretariat and from the world body’s donors. Unfortunately, all reform efforts have failed.

“The best way to honor the United Nations on its birthday is to help the organization cure its cancer of corruption, fraud, secrecy and impotence that is preventing the United Nations from achieving its mission,” Coburn said.

Laws Become Effective On November 1st

Nearly 150 laws go into effect Thursday, November 1st. The State Senate Communications Office has compiled a list of some major measures.

HB 1816 modifies the penalties for certain child abuse-related and sexual abuse offenses to make the imprisonment terms comparable to the nationwide Jessica’s Law. It provides that parents or other persons who engage in child abuse, sexual exploitation of a child, and solicitation of a child for purposes of pornography, or lewd molestation, with a child less than 12 years of age upon conviction are punishable by a mandatory minimum of 25 years imprisonment. The crimes of child abuse and sexual exploitation of a child add a fine of $500 to $5,000 in addition to the imprisonment.

HB 1915 modifies the permission to hunt and fish upon land of others by excluding land primarily devoted to farming, ranching, or forestry purposes, and also excluding school land. Also modifies the fine for conviction of violating the provisions of this act. Also trespassing on land primarily devoted to farming, ranching or forestry purposes is hereby prohibited.

HB 1927 requires that employees of a court-appointed advocate program, or persons volunteering to become court-appointed special advocates for children to undergo criminal history background checks by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, as well as any other background check required by the Oklahoma Court-Appointed Special Advocates Association. The bill requires that if the prospective employee or volunteer has lived in Oklahoma for less than a year, a criminal history background check will also be obtained from the previous state of residence. The criminal history records search conducted by the OSBI is deemed to be for law enforcement purposes, as set forth in statute. For the purposes of the Oklahoma Child Abuse Reporting and Prevention Act, the bill changes definition of "neglect" to include omission or failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter or supervision.

HB 2104 creates an entry fee exemption for minors age 17 years and younger at least one day a week at all museums and historical sites under the purview of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The act also directs the Oklahoma Arts Council to be responsible for the acquisition, exhibition, and management of the state’s art collection and creates an incentive grant program to establish visual arts programs in schools.

SB 1 creates the "Taxpayer Transparency Act" to require the Office of State Finance to develop and operate a website which provides information on all state expenditures, incentive payments and tax credits. The website will be operational by 1-1-08 and searchable by 1-1-09.

SB 98 creates the Fire Extinguisher Licensing Act to regulate the sale, installation and servicing of portable fire extinguishers. Creates the Fire Extinguisher Industry Committee to assist the State Commissioner of Health in implementing the Fire Extinguisher Licensing Act. Prohibits any person from engaging in the fire extinguisher industry without a license. Sets minimum standards for portable fire extinguishers. Requires persons who service, install, inspect, certify, charge or test a portable fire extinguisher to affix a tag with specified information to the unit. Sets minimum requirements for any person applying for a license to engage in a fire extinguisher industry business. Specifies information required for an application for license. Directs the State Commissioner of Health to issue licenses to applicants who meet the qualifications, pay a license fee and are approved by the Fire Extinguisher Industry Committee and authorizes the Commissioner to invoke licensing sanctions in certain circumstances. Creates the Fire Extinguisher Industry Revolving Fund to be used to implement the Fire Extinguisher Licensing Act. Sets punishment for violation of the Fire Extinguisher Licensing Act. Extends the Committee of Home Inspector Examiners until July 1, 2013.

SB 139 Requires the State Department of Health to make a form available to physicians which requests information about abortions which the physician performs and requires physicians to submit the form to the Department. Directs the Department to publish a public report providing statistics from information compiled from the forms. Prohibits physicians from performing abortions without obtaining proof that the female is not a minor, is an emancipated minor or has been given judicial authorization as a minor, except in a medical emergency. Requires a parent who consents to an abortion to provide the physician proof of identification and a notarized statement. Directs physicians who perform abortions on minors without consent in a medical emergency to notify the parents. Requires physicians who perform abortions on minors to submit a form to the Department. Directs the Department to publish a public report providing statistics from information compiled from the forms. Makes it a felony to make a fraudulent representation in order to obtain an abortion for a minor. Makes it a felony for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion on a minor in violation of this act. Permits a minor or her parent to maintain a cause of action against the person who performed an abortion without complying with this act. States that this act and other sections of law relating to abortion are effective if any court enjoins, suspends or delays their implementation. Makes it unlawful for any person employed by the state to perform or assist an abortion not necessary to save the life of the mother, except in cases of rape and incest. Makes it unlawful for any public institution, facility or equipment controlled by the state to be used for the purpose of an abortion not necessary to save the life of the mother, except in cases of rape and incest. Makes it unlawful for any funds received or controlled by the state to be used to encourage a woman to have an abortion not necessary to save the life of the mother and clarifies that a physician may discuss options through nondirective counseling. Prohibits health insurance plans from providing coverage for elective abortions except by an optional rider.

SB 145 Allows district judges to carry weapons in courthouses when acting in the course and scope of employment and expands time period for renewal requirements for concealed handgun license.

SB 371 Changes the penalty for a purposefully false missing child report which causes the activation of an AMBER alert from a misdemeanor to a felony, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year, a fine of at least $1,000, or both.

SB 473 Adds all parts of a zoo to which the public may be admitted to the list of places in which the possession of lighted tobacco is prohibited.

SB 567 Gives victims of identity theft the right to file an incident report where the victim lives regardless of the jurisdiction for any investigation or prosecution of the crime. It provides for sharing incident reports with other law enforcement jurisdictions, and states that incident reports shall not be open cases for purposes of reporting open case statistics.

SB 739 Prohibits knowingly and intentionally destroying, removing, covering, altering, or defacing trim tag plates on motor vehicles manufactured from 1953 to 1977. Prohibits affixing counterfeit trim tag plates to motor vehicles. Prohibits manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, introducing, delivering or importing counterfeit trim tag plates. Certain exceptions are provided for persons engaged in the repair of a motor vehicle and the removal of trim tag plates from junk vehicles for historical documentation purposes. A first offense is a misdemeanor. A second or subsequent offense is a felony. The bill authorizes civil actions by defrauded persons against convicted violators, allows such defrauded persons to seek treble their compensatory damages, and allows courts to award reasonable costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party.

SB 806 Modifies various tax provisions, the following will be going into effect on Nov. 1: - Modifies definition and certain procedures relating to 9-1-1 wireless emergency service fee; - Modifies definition of "sale for resale" as it relates to goods with a point of sale outside the U.S.; - Reinstates sales tax exemptions for sale of certain advertising by Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, sales of food boxes by certain charitable organizations and sale of construction materials used for certain church construction contracts; - Creates sales tax exemptions for certain nonprofit organizations benefiting the developmentally disabled, certain youth shelters, certain childcare facilities and specified contractors to such facilities and certain military service organizations; - Requires out-of-state agricultural permit holders who purchase goods with a point of sale outside the U.S. to provide certain documentation; - Exempts churches with federal nonprofit income tax status from the requirement to obtain a sales tax special event permit; - Modifies regulatory requirements for certain federally regulated investment companies under the Small Business Capital Formation Incentive Act and the Rural Venture Capital Formation Incentive Act - Permits the buyer of certain delinquent tax sale property to use certified funds rather than cash.

SB 833 Requires that all information and records which identify a person who has participated in a public health investigation or who may have reported a communicable or non-communicable disease remain confidential.

SB 889 will create an Oklahoma Medicaid False Claims Act to establish procedures for investigation and prosecution of certain false or fraudulent claims.

SB 943 Modifies procedures for child support lien and requires DHS to develop an insurance industry data match reporting system to determine if an insurance claimant owes past due child support.

SB 945 Provides for enforcement by indirect contempt of orders for child support arrearages and orders for genetic testing in cases where paternity has not been established.

SB 1016 Relates to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. The bill modifies a prohibited act relating to mixed beverage or beer and wine licensees and designated bar areas. Will prohibit a mixed beverage or beer and wine licensee from allowing a person under 21 years of age to sit at the bar of the licensed premises.

SB 1021 will prohibit cities with a population of 5,000 or less and located within a county with a population of 200,000 or less from annexing territory without consent.

SB 1028 Relates to drug and alcohol testing of employees. Establishing prima facie evidence of administration of drug or alcohol test. Clarifying what constitutes compliance in an employer’s written drug and alcohol testing policy concerning substances which may be tested.

SB 1049 will provide that willful or malicious cruelty to an animal will subject the owner to legal proceedings forcing the owner to release the animal to the custody of the applicable humane organization. Provides procedures for seizure of an animal if a law enforcement officer has reason to believe the animal has been abandoned or neglected.

SB 1076 Modifies various tax provisions, including: Modifies statutory reference relating to county excise board procedures; Modifies numerous provisions relating to the application of sales tax on telecommunications for purposes of conformity under the Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement; Modifies the date after which certain sales tax sourcing rule applies to florists; Modifies dates relating to electronic filing of income tax return and claim filing under Sales Tax Relief Act; will extend from April 15 to April 20 the deadline by which individual returns can be filed electronically. Modifies Tax Commission procedure relating to rebate of certain workers’ compensation assessment.

SB 1078 Relates to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Enforcement Commission and to low-point beer. The bill authorizes the Commission to revoke or suspend certain licenses for licensees that have been found to have accepted certain inducements from wholesalers of alcoholic beverages. The bill also adds a new penalty relating to injury for those who violate certain prohibitions against permitting minors to possess or consume of low-point beer.

SB 1092 will increase employer contribution rates for members of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma. The law will increase the monies that the state, in combination with the school systems, puts into TRS. The increased employer contribution will be contingent upon available state dollars to cover that cost. Currently, the rate is 8 percent for common education employers, two-year colleges and state agencies in the system. Four-year universities and colleges currently contribute 7.05 percent. Under this legislation, the contribution rate will be increased to 8.75 percent. That will infuse the retirement system with $36 million a year, which will grow as teacher salaries increase. With this one adjustment, it is estimated that the funded rate of TRS can get to about 75 percent in twenty years.

SB 1130 Requires the Department of Corrections, in conjunction with the Pardon and Parole Board, to track the success and recidivism of parolees required to have a two-stage parole consideration for the first three years following their parole. The annual and cumulative data to be collected must include offense type, sentence length, release information, number of persons by offense type eligible for parole, number of persons by offense type recommended for parole, re-arrest data, re-incarceration data, employment data, and any other beneficial information. The bill requires the collected information to be made available to the Legislature, the Criminal Justice Resource Center, and the Governor no later than March 1 following the first data collection period.

HB 1016 Requires person possessing an agricultural tax exemption permit and owning an all-terrain vehicle or off-road motorcycle to have a title as proof of ownership, if ownership is transferred on or after 7-1-08. HB 1016 also makes provisions for security interests in ATVs perfected before 7-1-05.

HB 1027 prohibits convicted felons from possessing or using an altered air or toy pistol.

HB 1090 Adjusts the penalty for impersonation of a peace officer to a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to a year, a fine of up to $100, or both. The bill creates a misdemeanor for affixing an insignia to a vehicle that causes people to yield right-of-way under the belief that the vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle. The penalty is imprisonment in the county jail for up to a year, a fine of up to $1000, or both. It allows privately owned vehicles designated by a sheriff as support vehicles for the sheriff's office to be equipped with sirens and flashing lights. The bill allows courts to waive certain court fees associated with crimes committed while driving with a license that has been suspended, revoked, canceled, denied or disqualified.

HB 1225 expands eligibility for the Oklahoma Employer/Employee Partnership for Insurance Coverage (O-EPIC) Program also known as Insure Oklahoma. The law will extend eligibility for Insure Oklahoma to businesses with 250 or fewer employees who earn up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Part of Gov. Henry’s 2004 healthcare plan, the program currently helps eligible small businesses with 50 or fewer employees provide health insurance for their workers. Right now, the premium assistance program limits eligibility to workers earning no more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Under Insure Oklahoma, the state pays 60 percent of the insurance costs, the employer pays 25 percent and the employee pays the remaining 15 percent.

HB 1804 (the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007) - will prevent illegal immigrants from taking advantage of taxpayer-funded services except in cases such as a medical emergencies or natural disasters. State law mirrors federal law on transporting and hiding illegal immigrants. This will give our state law enforcement officers the authority to take action in such cases. Under the new law, if an employer releases a U.S. citizen while retaining an illegal immigrant, the citizen can file a discriminatory practice claim and seek to have both his job and back wages restored. In addition, businesses contracting with state agencies that don’t use an online program to verify the immigration status of employees will forfeit the ability to do business with the state. Businesses acting in good faith to verify status will be protected against liability. Finally, children of immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least two years and graduated from an Oklahoma high school will still be eligible for in-state college tuition under the law, but those students must be taking the necessary steps for becoming citizens. The new law doesn’t pertain to students currently in college.

Andrew Rice Embraces Quran; 17 Now Refuse

As the number of Oklahoma legislators refusing to accept gift copies of the Quran from the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council grew to 17 today, State Senator Andrew Rice and Rep. Mike Shelton, both liberal Oklahoma City Democrats, reportedly said they are happy and honored to receive their copies. Rice is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the U. S. Senate.

The controversy continued to grow, with stories in The Oklahoman, Tulsa World and others. Blogger M. Scott Carter, Norman Transcript political reporter, has a lengthy piece on his blog, http://www.reddirtpoliticalreport.blogspot.com/:

Saying he had no “spiritual or scholarly need” for it, Norman State Rep. Scott Martin confirmed Tuesday that he refused a copy of the Quran, the Muslim world’s holy book.

On Monday, a “Centennial” copy of the Quran was offered to all members of the Oklahoma Legislature from the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council. And while many lawmakers accepted the book, at least eight legislators refused the gift, citing religious reasons.

Martin, a Republican, joined at least five other state representatives and two state senators — David Derby of Owasso, Guy Liebmann of Oklahoma City, Mark McCullough of Sapulpa, Mike Reynolds of Oklahoma City, Susan Winchester of Chickasha, Rex Duncan of Sand Springs and Senators Randy Brogdon of Owasso and David Myers of Ponca City — who refused to accept copies of the Quran.

“They (the Governor’s task force) sent us an e-mail, asking if we wanted a copy,” Martin said. “And since it wasn’t something that I needed, I kindly declined the offer.”

Martin said he turned down the book for religious reasons.

“I’m a Christian,” he said. “And there’s lots of other religious documents that I don’t have a copy of. But I appreciated them giving us more of a choice.”

State Rep. Rex Duncan, who announced his refusal publicly, said he turned down a copy of the Quran because it advocated killing women and children.

“Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology,” he said in an interview with the Associated Press. Duncan said he objected “to the use of the state Centennial Seal and the state Seal all in an effort to further their (Muslims’) religion.”

However, one religious scholar said the action could be viewed as an insult to the Muslim community.

University of Oklahoma religious studies professor David Vishanoff, who specializes in Islamic studies, said lawmakers were making a “quick judgment” about the Islamic faith and probably haven’t read the book. “I think they are making the mistake of identifying what they perceive as some Muslims’ belief as what’s in the Quran,” he said. “I don’t think they can find it advocating ‘killing innocent women and children.’”

The Quran, Vishanoff said, condemns infanticide, has a system of rules about the taking of life and urges restraint and forgiveness. And while some parts of the Quran are “hair raising,” Vishanoff said they are subject to interpretation. “It’s a Seventh Century Arabian book. You can say the same thing about the Bible … it’s all in there.”

By refusing the offer, Vishanoff said lawmakers were sending a negative message to the Muslim community. “If I were in their shoes, I think I would get the message that we don’t really want Islam in our community,” Vishanoff said. “And that’s what they are trying to overcome.”

Oklahoma Muslims have “been making a real effort” to have a visible relationship with Oklahoma’s business and community leaders, he said. “They are an integral and respected part of the Oklahoma community. They are voters and supporters. And they matter.”

But while a few lawmakers passed on their copy of the Quran, at least one Cleveland County lawmaker said he accepted his copy.

Norman Democrat Bill Nations said he, too, was offered a copy of the Quran and he accepted it. “I did receive a copy,” Nations said. “I fact I already had one.” Nations said he wasn’t offended by the book, adding that he owned a copy of the Book of Mormon and “about 20” Bibles.“It’s a matter of an intellectual exercise,” he said. “And understanding what’s going on the world. All Muslims are not our enemies, just some radical ones, which are the problems.”

While he said he had not received the e-mail about the Quran, state Rep. Wallace Collins, D-Norman, said he would accept a copy if offered. “I didn’t see an e-mail about it, but I would accept one if offered,” Collins said. “I have several friends who are Muslim.”

The controversy comes on the heels of a recent Ramadan dinner hosted by Gov. Brad Henry at the governor’s mansion. Henry’s spokesman, Paul Sund, said the governor had hosted the dinner for several years. “Like President Bush, he’s hosted a Ramandan dinner for many years.”

At this year’s dinner Henry was presented with a copy of the Quran, Sund said. “No, he didn’t refuse it,” he said. “He accepted it warmly.”

Noted Quote: Columnist Dan Thomasson

From today's Scripps Howard News Service column by Dan Thomasson: "Unfortunately, all the intemperate language and false pronouncements offered as intelligent discourse have dropped the political debate to its lowest level in modern history. One yearns for the days when arguments could be passionate without the slanderous vilification of those who might disagree."

Total Of Legislators Who Refuse Quran Now At 15

The number of Oklahoma legislators refusing to accept copies of the Quran from the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council has grown to 15.

Rep. Rex Duncan was the first to announce his refusal to accept the Quran and he was followed by eight others. By late Tuesday, The Oklahoman reports, 15 legislators told the Council that they were returning the gift.

The number is expected to grow.

Illegal Immigrants Can Get Free Flu Shots

A new state law that creates barriers for undocumented immigrants to receive public benefits will not prevent them from receiving free flu shots, says an attorney for the Oklahoma Department of Health. Illegal immigrants are eligible for the shots, said Charles Broadway, assistant general counsel for the Health Department. The immigration law, House Bill 1804, goes into effect on November 1st but will not apply to flu vaccinations, Broadway said.

Brogdon, Myers Also Refuse Copies Of The Quran

Republican State Senators Randy Brogdon of Owasso and David Myers of Ponca City have refused to accept copies of the Quran, TMRO is advised by Brogdon's office.

More Legislators Refuse Copies Of The Quran

From The Tulsa World's Capitol Bureau ~ Six lawmakers in the 101-member House of Representatives have joined Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, in refusing a copy of the Quran.

The holy book of the Muslim religion was offered as a centennial gift by the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council.

Duncan refused a copy saying that "Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology."

Allison Moore of Tulsa, who converted to the Muslim faith more than a decade ago, said Tuesday that the lawmaker is taking out of context what the Quran says: "We do not condone suicide bombers any more than the Christians."

According to the governor's council, other Republican representatives declining a copy of the Quran are David Derby of Owasso, Guy Liebmann of Oklahoma City, Scott Martin of Norman, Mark McCullough of Sapulpa, Mike Reynolds of Oklahoma City, and Susan Winchester of Chickasha.

Coburn's Anti-Pork Amendment Killed By Senate

Senator Tom Coburn, a practicing physician, expressed his disappointment today after the Senate killed his amendment, “The Children's Health Care First Act,” that would have delayed funding for special interest pork projects until the Secretary of Health and Human Services certified that all children have health insurance. The Coburn amendment was defeated, or tabled, by a vote of 68 to 26.

“The American people have heard a lot of chatter in Washington about who cares more about children’s health care. The fact is lawmakers in both parties agree that Congress has a moral obligation to care for those who are unable to care for themselves. Yet, when asked to sacrifice their own pork projects, Washington politicians of both parties chose to abandon children,” Dr. Coburn said.

Dennis Prager: Internet Anonymity Destructive

By Dennis Prager on http://www.townhall.com/ ~ Whenever people lament aspects of the Internet, they are most likely to lament the net's ubiquity of pornography. Only God knows, for example, how many kids, searching for some government information, typed in "whitehouse.com" only to be greeted by pornographic images (happily, the website changed hands in 2004). It is almost impossible to completely avoid such imagery even with filtering programs.

But there is something at least as awful -- and arguably more destructive -- that permeates the Internet: the lies, vitriol, obscenities and ad hominem attacks made by anonymous individuals on almost every website that deals with public issues.

Sexual images and prose for the purpose of sexual titillation are not new. But the ability of anyone in society to debase public discourse is new. Until the Internet, in the public's best known venue for self-expression -- letters to the editor published in newspapers and magazines -- people either expressed themselves in a civilized manner or they were not published. And overwhelmingly, even those letters that were not published were written in a respectful manner because the letter-writers had to reveal their real names and their addresses (though only names and cities were published).

Being identifiable breeds responsibility; anonymity breeds irresponsibility.

That is why people -- even generally decent people -- tend to act so much less morally when in a crowd (the crowd renders them anonymous). That is why people tend to act more decently when they walk around with their names printed on a nametag. That is why people act more rudely when in their cars -- they cannot be identified as they could outside of their car. There is no question but that most people would write very different entries on the Internet if their names were printed alongside their submission.

E-mail provides another example. It is the very rare individual who sends a hate-filled, obscenity-laced e-mail that includes his name. As the recipient of such e-mails, I know firsthand how rarely people identify themselves when sending hate-filled mail. It is so rare, in fact, that I usually respond to hate mail that includes the writer's name just to commend him for attaching his name to something so embarrassing.

The Internet practice of giving everyone the ability to express himself anonymously for millions to read has debased public discourse. Cursing, ad hominem attacks and/or the utter absence of logic characterize a large percentage of many websites' "comments" sections. And because people tend to do what society says it is OK to do, many people, especially younger people, are coming to view such primitive forms of self-expression as acceptable.

Some might argue that anonymity enables people to more freely express their thoughts. But this is not true. Anonymity only enables people to more freely express their feelings. Anonymity values feelings over thought, and immediate expression over thoughtful reflection.

There is not one good reason for any website, left or right, or non-political, to allow people to avoid identifying themselves. Anyone interested in serious political discourse, or in merely lowering the hate levels in our country, should welcome the banning of anonymous postings. It would be interesting to find out how many websites continue to encourage anonymous postings. Presumably, they would pay some financial price by insisting on posters identifying themselves. I don't know why, and I don't know how big a price that would be, but it is hard to imagine that it is higher than the price society pays when hate, anger and irrationality become the normal way of citizens expressing themselves. And even from the websites' own perspectives this policy is probably self-defeating.

I doubt I am alone in reading fewer and fewer comments sections because of the low level of so many of the postings. Just as bad money chases away good money, moronic postings chase away intelligent ones. I have come to the point where I even read fewer comments posted about my own columns.

Websites should insist on listing names and cities of those who post comments, just as newspapers and magazines do.

The irresponsible, the angry, the obscene and the dumb have virtually taken over many Internet dialogues. But there is an easy fix, and websites owe it to society to use it. Just ban anonymous postings.

(Prager's column strikes a cord here; henceforth, anyone posting comments to stories on The McCarville Report Online must use their real names. Comments with screen names (or the names of others) will be deleted.)

Coburn Plans Earmark Delay Amendment Today

Senator Tom Coburn plans this morning to debate his amendment (#3358) to delay funding for all earmarks in the Labor/HHS bill until the Secretary of HHS certifies that all children have health insurance.

Coburn said he shares Senator Tom Harkin’s (D-IA) belief that the Labor-HHS-Education bill will "demonstrate to the American people what our priorities are.…”

In a statement from his office, Coburn said, "By putting the health care needs of America’s children ahead of its short-term political and fundraising interests, Congress can perhaps win back the trust and confidence of the American people, which is at all-time low.

"The estimated 1,000 earmarks in this bill costing $470 million could provide health care to more than 200,000 children (cost of private health insurance for a single child = $2,300)."

Coburn said earmarks in this bill include: $350,000 for an arts center in Iowa; $100,000 for a celebration around Lake Champlain in Vermont; $500,000 for field trips in the Chesapeake Bay; $500,000 for the “Virtual Herbarium” in New York; $50,000 for an ice center in Utah; and $130,000 for the National First Ladies’ Library Catalogue in Ohio.

Complete background on the bill is on Coburn’s website at http://coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Files.View&FileStore_id=5c9edf97-91e1-49cb-b339-2a8a4be30ba1

How Funny Is This?

Tulsa ~ At an informational meeting that was already planned for Monday night at East Central High School, American Dream Coalition President Victor Orta II said the fight against HB 1804 will continue. "We're planning for the long haul, and we've already planned the next step," Orta said through a translator.

Federal Judge Dismisses Hispanic Lawsuit

U. S. District Judge James Payne of Tulsa today dismissed a lawsuit brought by Hispanic groups seeking to block implementation of House Bill 1804, a state law aimed at illegal immigrants. Payne ordered the case dismissed because he found that none of the plaintiffs in the case had been injured by the law, so they do not have standing to file the suit.

Duncan Objects to 'Centennial' Copy Of Quran

State Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, has written other legislators in objecting to being sent a "Centennial" copy of the Quran, compliments of the Governor's Ethnic American Advisory Council.

Duncan wrote his fellow legislators Monday that he is refusing a copy of the Quran because, ''Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology.''

Marjaneh Seirafi-Pour, a Muslim, chairwoman of the governor's council, said she received a call from Duncan wondering whether state money was used to buy the books.

''Members of the Oklahoma Muslim community paid for copies of the Quran,'' she said. ''We are not trying to force anything on anyone. This is a peaceful, thoughtful project to introduce ourselves to leaders.''

Inhofe: Restore FEMA As Stand-Alone Agency

Senator Jim Inhofe today introduced legislation removing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Inhofe’s “Federal Emergency Management Advancement Act of 2007” returns FEMA to its pre-9/11 status as an independent agency led by a presidential appointee and also gives deference to state governments in determining disaster incident periods.

“FEMA’s integration into the Department of Homeland Security after 9/11 added an extra level of bureaucracy and removed much of the oversight and autonomy that once kept the agency operating efficiently,” Senator Inhofe said. “Oklahomans experienced this inefficiency first-hand after a series of winter storms and summer flooding caused extensive damage to our state this year.

“For the better part of the summer, Oklahoma was hit by heavy rain, tornadoes, and flooding – and FEMA was once again slow to respond. Aid was further delayed because of a disagreement between FEMA and the State of Oklahoma over the correct dates of the incident periods. It simply makes sense that the State would have the most accurate information available regarding the disasters and their causes, so I have also included language in my bill stating that the Director should give deference to State documentation when determining disaster incident periods.

“Prior to FEMA’s placement under Homeland Security, Oklahoma did not encounter these same bureaucratic delays and other problems in the wake of natural disasters. My legislation will make FEMA more responsive and more efficient, creating an agency that will serve the American people to a level that is expected when these life changing disasters occur.”

Mike Jackson Named Co-Majority House Whip

State Rep. Mike Jackson of Enid has been named co-majority whip in the 2008 session of the House by Speaker Lance Cargill.

"With the addition of Representative Jackson, we have a solid team of talented individuals ready to accomplish great things for Oklahoma,"said Cargill, R-Harrah. "Our leadership team is unified and focused on pursuing our conservative reform agenda in 2008."

In his new role, Jackson will work with Majority Whip Rep. Rob Johnson of Kingfisher to assist the Speaker and Floor Leader with duties pertaining to the GOP caucus, including keeping members advised of various floor and committee votes."

Human Events: Censure Pete Stark

Human Events has called for California Congressman Pete Stark to be censured by the U. S. House: "The Constitution gives the House the right to censure a member for misconduct or inappropriate words or behavior," Human Events notes. "According to the Congressional Research Service, the majority of the 22 censures of members in House history 'concerned issues of decorum, that is, the use of un-parliamentary or insulting language on the floor of the House or acts of violence towards other members.' In other words, precisely what Congressman Stark did last week. Congressman Pete Stark has dishonored the entire House with his despicable remarks."

Power Of The Blogosphere: Drudge In NY Times

Blogger Matt Drudge, whose ground-breaking Drudge Report is the nation's most-read and most-influential blog, has made it to Page 1 of The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/us/politics/22drudge.html?ei=5065&en=8e8c56803a2a987c&ex=1193630400&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print

Coats For Kids

Today's turn of the weather is a reminder that many Oklahoma City elementary school students do not have warm winter coats. It is the goal of the "Coats For Kids" campaign to provide them. Mike McCarville adopted the program almost 10 years ago while an on-air host at KTOK-1000AM and continues to work with the Oklahoma City School District on the program. Donations may be made at any MidFirst Bank or by sending checks to: Coats For Kids, 900 North Klein, Oklahoma City, OK 73106.

Fallin Announces 'YouthBuild' Grant

Congresswoman Mary Fallin today announced a $555,000 federal grant has been awarded to The Eagle Ridge Institute’s “Eagle’s Nest YouthBuild”. And, an equal second-year funding is contingent upon Congressional approval.

“I am proud of this Oklahoma City-based program’s efforts to provide job training and educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in our region.” Fallin said. “YouthBuild students construct and repair housing for low-income families in their own neighborhoods, while working toward a GED or high school diploma.”

Fallin called the program a win-win situation and an example of how the government and non-profits can work together for a brighter future for all Oklahomans: “Program Director Marie Burns tells me the grant is possible because of the strong support and partnership of The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Housing Authority, the Area Prevention and Resource Center of Oklahoma, Regional Food Bank, Workforce Oklahoma, the Mid-Del Adult Learning Center, and the Office of Juvenile Affairs. So, these entities deserve our gratitude and congratulations, as well.”

Towery Examines Role Of Romney's Faith

Matt Towery of the Southern Political Report is out with a column on Mitt Romney's religion that focuses on John F. Kennedy's struggle with his Catholic faith in 1960 and how Romney's Mormon faith might play out in the 2008 presidential race. He concludes that, "From my own and others' experience, I've come to believe that a presidential candidate's religion is usually thought to be a bigger deal with voters than it really is." Read all of Towery's column here.

Romney Edges Huckabee At Values Voter Summit

UPDATED 9:11 AM ~ Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney edged out Mike Huckabee in the straw poll at the Values Voter Summit in Washington over the weekend. Questions were raised about the way the voting was conducted (votes were permitted to be cast online as far back as August) and leaders said there did not appear to be a consensus.

“I don’t think the question is anywhere close to settled,” said Gary L. Bauer, an influential Christian conservative leader and former Republican candidate himself in 2000. “I think it’s going to play out over the next several months.”

Out of 5,775 votes cast, Romney won 27.6 percent; Huckabee, 27.1 percent; Ron Paul, 15 percent; Fred D. Thompson, 9.8 percent. Rudy Giuliani finished second to last, with less than 2 percent of the vote, and Senator John McCain of Arizona finished last among the nine candidates.

Thompson was only able to secure 567 votes. Romney won 1,595 votes and Huckabee got 1,565. “Undecided” came in fifth place, and Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), who withdrew from the race after addressing the crowd Friday, came in sixth.

But Huckabee was undeniably the big winner of those who spoke. Of the social conservatives who voted onsite, having listened to the candidates, Huckabee overwhelmed the competition, winning more than 51 percent of the vote. He had 488 votes to Romney’s 99. Thompson won 77 votes of those who voted onsite, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) won 60. Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo) came between them with 65 votes.

The Romney campaign trumpeted the victory, but there was only a smattering of applause in the auditorium when his name was announced and the event’s organizers cautioned against his deriving any kind of mandate from the results.

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, delivered an address Friday complete with policy commitments, but he faces continued skepticism about his Mormon faith. He has also been criticized for his relatively recent conversion to an abortion opponent.

Read other reports of the summit on our scrolling news site on the right.

Enid News Editorial: Voters, Pay Attention

Editorial From http://www.enidnews.com/ ~ It seems as if many incumbent lawmakers on the federal level are getting cold feet about running in 2008. There have been a series of announcements of resignations or retirements, mostly from some high-profile Republicans.Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison announced earlier this week she would not seek re-election. And also this week, former House Speaker Rep. Dennis Hastert, of Ill., will resign soon, likely before his term is out.

What’s going on?

It’s likely an unpopular Republican president and an unpopular war in Iraq are causing the Republicans in question to see the handwriting on the wall. Why spend all the money on a campaign when there is the likelihood of a defeat? However, there also is an anti-incumbent mood in general sweeping among voters as they have given Congress a staggering low rating of 11 percent satisfaction.

Democrats likely see these Republican announcements as a huge window of opportunity to regain power across the board. However, the lack of progress on the Democratic agenda makes Democrats vulnerable as well.

We know we’ll be seeing a new face in the White House after the 2008 election. And, it’s becoming more apparent there will be a lot of new faces in Congress as well. Everything seems up for grabs.

American citizens have the opportunity now more than in a long time to take Washington in a new and different direction. Both parties have vulnerabilities, both have challenges and both have extreme factions that have helped perpetuate the polarization that exists in our country today.

Voters beware and be educated. Take the time to pay attention to what candidates are saying and what their real agendas and records are. The 2008 election is very much a crossroads election for the country. Voters need to tune in, pay attention and — more than anything — vote when the time comes.

Republican Jindal Elected Louisiana Governor

From The New Orleans Times-Picayune ~ In a campaign that had the air of both inevitable and the historical, Republican Congressman Bobby Jindal was elected governor of Louisiana Saturday, claiming the electoral prize that eluded him four years ago.

By winning more than 50 percent of the primary vote against a field of 12 candidates, Jindal became the first candidate to win an open gubernatorial seat since Louisiana adopted its nonpartisan primary system in 1975. Buddy Roemer was elected governor in 1987 when incumbent Edwin Edwards dropped out after trailing in the primary. Jindal also is the first member of an ethnic minority to become the state's chief executive since Reconstruction.

The 36-year-old Jindal becomes the nation's youngest governor and the first chief executive of any state who is of Indian-American descent. When he officially takes over from Gov. Kathleen Blanco in January he will be the second-youngest person to serve in that office after Huey P. Long, who was 35 when voters first elected him in 1928.

Inhofe Wants River Development Without Tax Hike

From The Tulsa World ~ U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe -- who tried his best to stay out of a recent debate over an Arkansas River development proposal -- has launched an effort to keep the river development idea alive and fund it without a tax increase. "Quite frankly, I want to get it done," the Oklahoma Republican said. Inhofe believes key supporters of the unsuccessful effort are willing to stick with the plan, which would have increased the county sales tax by 0.4 percent over seven years to fund low-water dams, land acquisition and a connector system between the river and downtown. Read the rest of Jim Myers' article here.

Demo Bloggers: Rice A 'Lost Cause'

Bloggers on www.okdemocrat.com say State Senator Andrew Rice is too liberal to win a U. S. Senate seat from Oklahoma next year. Recent posters offer the opinion, in the words of one, that, "Any money raised for Rice will be a lost cause. He has a big mouth and talks too much about gay rights, abortion rights, and ultra left rights." Bloggers on another party site, www.demookie.com, however, tout Rice as the ideal candidate.

Clinton, Giuliani Raise Most From Oklahomans

Hillary Clinton, riding the wave of an August Tulsa fundraiser, is now the presidential candidate with the most money raised in Oklahoma this year. With $135,764 raised in the third quarter, she boosted her annual total to $434,704, topping John Edwards by more than $53,000.

The previous leader in Oklahoma, Senator Barack Obama, dropped to third with $370,279 and raised just $18,764 in the quarter.

Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is the top Republican, at $329,345, but had the best third quarter of any candidate. With fundraisers in Tulsa and Ada in the period, Giuliani raised $163,850.

Edwards raised $114,251 in the quarter.

The Tulsa World reports that Democratic presidential candidates raised about $970,000 for the entire 2004 election cycle. All added, Oklahomans have contributed nearly $2 million for various presidential campaigns with the 2008 general election still more than a year away. Tulsans have given the lion's share, $673,003, with nearly one-third of that coming from a single midtown ZIP code -- 74114, the area that includes Philbrook Museum of Art and Utica Square. Contributors from that ZIP code have given $217,848, more than twice the next-highest total, Oklahoma City's 73116.

More than 70 percent of Tulsa contributions -- $476,246 -- went to Democratic candidates during the first nine months of 2007. Candidates reported $526,605 from Oklahoma City contributors, with more than 60 percent to Democrats.

Clinton's third-quarter donors included: George R. Kravis II, Tulsa businessman, $2,300; William E. Lobeck, Tulsa businessman and husband of Mayor Kathy Taylor, $2,300; state Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, Tulsa, $1,000; Aubrey McClendon, Chesapeake Energy CEO, $2,300; Oklahoma Secretary of State and former Tulsa Mayor Susan Savage, $500; former Oklahoma Attorney General Larry Derryberry, $1,000.

Giuliani's third-quarter donors included: Oklahoma State University Athletic Director Mike Holder and his wife, Robbie, $2,300 each; Gary Sparks, Jenks architect, $4,600; Peter Walter, Tulsa Realtor, $2,300; Dewey Bartlett Jr., former Tulsa city councilor and oilman, $1,000; Stanley Lybarger, BOK Financial president, $500; Jay Helm, Tulsa real estate developer, $2,300; and John Brock, Tulsa oilman, $2,300.

Dallas Reporter's Ambush Interview Outrages Many

Reporter Rebecca Aguilar of Fox KDFW-TV in Dallas "ambushed" 70-year-old James Walton as he walked to his car. She stood over him, berating him for shooting and killing someone who tried to break into his house, asking, "Are you a trigger happy kind of person? Is that what what you wanted to do? Shoot to kill?" James Walton was reduced to tears, while she looked down on him with what appeared to be indifference.

The outrage by viewers over Aguilar's treatment of Walton resulted in her suspension by the station.

Here's the background: Walton, owner of Able Walton Machine & Welding in the 2000 block of Chalk Hill Road in West Dallas, was alerted to the intruder when his motion sensor system activated about 9 a.m. Sunday, police said. This, after 42 calls to police about previous burglaries.

Walton, who also lives at his business, went downstairs with a shotgun and fired at a man who had broken in. The intruder was later identified by police as Jimmy Gannon of Ferris.

Walton noticed another man outside his property last Sunday. Walton shot and wounded that man. The man escaped, but a witness eventually led police to him. The man, whom police did not immediately identify, was questioned by officers Sunday afternoon.

Police said Walton is allowed to protect his property. No charges were filed against him Sunday, though the case will be referred to a grand jury, police said.

"He's got a right to defend his property. What gives a stranger the right to go in and vandalize or burglarize his business?" said Dallas police Sgt. Gene Reyes. "He's within every legal right to do this."

On September 22nd, Walton shot and killed a man he saw climbing through a pried-open window of his business, police said. The intruder was later identified as Raul Laureles. That incident also was referred to a grand jury.

Aguilar recently was named one of the National Association for Hispanic Journalists' Broadcast Journalists of the Year.

Sooners Survive Cyclones 17-7

The OU Sooners survived the Iowa State Cyclones 17-7 today. The Sooners played a lackluster first half and trailed 7-0 as the second half began. They opened with a scoring drive and repeated that as the fourth quarter began. Late in the 4th, OU kicked a field goal and held Iowa State on its final drive. OU is now 7-1 overall, 3-1 in Big 12 Conference play.

Mark Shannon: Clinton Funny Money?

Blogger Mark Shannon: "Hillary Clinton's campaign has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from some of the poorest neighborhoods in New York City's Chinatown. The Los Angeles Times reports an April fundraiser in an area known for its gritty urban poverty churned out a whopping $380,000 dollars. The Times says at least one Chinatown donor has denied making a $1,000 contribution recorded in his name. Another who donated $2,500 appears to be ineligible to do so under federal election law. And many donors could not be tracked down using property, telephone or business records. Gee, nobody smells a rat here, do they?" (Has the Clinton campaign taken its lead from Gene Stipe and David Walters?)

Brandon Dutcher: Henry Legacy Watch

Blogger Brandon Dutcher is keeping an eye on Governor Henry: "Our gambling governor gave a speech to students in Bartlesville on Wednesday, which could have been a tad awkward for him given that a Bartlesville woman had been arrested the day before for leaving her 5-year-old alone while she went to the casino."

It's OU vs. Iowa State, K-State vs. OSU

Saturday football features the Sooners taking on Iowa State at 11:30 a.m. in a televised (Cox 37 in Oklahoma City) game. OSU takes on Kansas State at 6 p.m. in a non-televised game.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Nastiest Yet: Congressman Pete Stark's outrageous remarks about President Bush earlier this week had steam coming out of my ears, so much so I stuck my head in the sand to cool off (and there are those who say that's where my head is most of the time). Bush deserves criticism, but to say he wants to send more troops into harm's way so they can get their heads blown off for Bush's "amusement" is way beyond any decent level of criticism. Stark, by the way, is the same idiot who attacked former Congressman J. C. Watts on the floor of the House in 2001 with an asinine, racist, inappropriate remark about the legitimacy of Watts' children. Stark is from San Francisco's most liberal district and has been in Congress for 35+ years. Sad.

Blogging With Meat Cleavers Part II: Civility, to some bloggers, appears to be an unknown quality. This week, as in weeks past, the level of sophomoric drivel has continued. Some liberal Oklahoma blogs are after State Senator Randy Terrill over the immigration issue, describing him in the most uncharitable of terms. It is one thing to have a clear partisan agenda; it is another to savage public officials and private citizens with language we wouldn't want to hear our children use. On some blogs, the circle-jerk goes like this: One posts an accusation. A second comments. A third expands the accusation. A fourth, now having read the first three, re-presents the accusation as a proven fact. And the rest join in. Then there are the beat-'em-over-the-head-blogs where the blogger centers attention on one or two or three individuals and repeatedly denigrates them on the flimsiest of excuses; I try to avoid that, but do make exceptions for State Senator Andrew Rice and Gene Stipe. And, of course, California Congressman Pete Stark, an embarrassment to his party, his state, his city and his district.

Twenty-seven Years Ago: It was at this time in 1980 that The McCarville Report was born. A longtime political friend, noting this anniversary, wrote, "At least, little man, they can't say you're not an equal offender of Democrats and Republicans. I remember your reporting on Claudette Henry (disgraced GOP treasurer) and David Walters (disgraced Democratic governor) and a bunch in between. And congrats also for being what I presume is the longest still-in-publication state political newsletter in the country." I'm not too sure about this latest: Indiana Insight has been around a long time. I am certain that Henry and Walters hated me with a sure passion; 15 years ago, Walters described me and then-publishing-partner Neva Hill as "political terrorists" and Henry described me as "that little shit." (And that was BEFORE her deputy treasurer went to prison!) Can't argue with the accuracy of either statement.

Pray Tell Me: How it is that we've come to a two-year presidential contest? Ye Gods, even a seasoned political warhorse and newshound like me grows weary of it after so long...and we've still got over a year to go!

Turn Of Phrase: Michael Bates is as good as anyone in turning an interesting phrase or two; here he is, writing about the Tulsa World: "The hive-mind that writes the unsigned editorials from its Totalitarian-Moderne bunker on Main Street had this to say...."

Clyburn Refuses To Apologize For Stark Outburst

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said Thursday that he will not apologize for Rep. Pete Stark’s (D-Calif.) controversial comments on the Iraq war, claiming that the outspoken lawmaker “is responsible for his actions.” During an interview on CNN’s “The Situation Room” with Wolf Blitzer, Clyburn distanced himself from Stark’s comment earlier this week during floor debate on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Triggering a GOP outcry, Stark charged that Republicans “don’t have the money to fund the war or children. But you’re going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president’s amusement.”

Pressed by Blitzer, Clyburn said, “I’m responsible for my actions. He’s responsible for his actions. I would not use those words, but Pete Stark is Pete Stark.”

Clyburn is due in Oklahoma City on Saturday as the featured speaker at the annual Carl Albert Dinner staged by Democrats.

Corn Proposes Free College, Career Tech Tuition

State Senator Kenneth Corn of Poteau said today Oklahoma's economy would improve if free tuition is provided to students at community colleges and career techs. The Democrat said the move would greatly increase the number of college graduates in the state.

His proposal was immediately endorsed by the heads of several two-year colleges who said it would increase the earning potential of Oklahomans and boost the state's economy.

Latinos Seek Emergency Federal Court Action

From The Tulsa World Online ~ The National Coalition of Latino Clergy has filed an emergency motion in Tulsa federal court asking for an expedited hearing in the lawsuit filed Monday in which it and other plaintiffs are challenging House Bill 1804, a strict new state law against illegal immigration.

In the motion filed electronically after business hours on Thursday, the plaintiffs asked for a hearing as soon as possible on its motion for an preliminary injunction. Such an injunction would prevent enforcement of the law, which is scheduled to go into effect by Nov. 1. In their motion, the plaintiffs claim they will suffer irreparable injury unless the court issues an injunction before November 1st.

Romney Oklahoma Campaign Tackles Mormon Issue

Leaders of Republican Mitt Romney's campaign in Oklahoma are today circulating a memo that, among things, addresses resistance to Romney from some conservative Christians because he is a Mormon. Thad Balkman, former State House member from Norman who is working on Romney's behalf, sent an email on the subject.

The memo is from public relations strategist Mark DeMoss, who wrote, "As a Southern Baptist evangelical and political conservative, I am convinced I have more in common with most Mormons than I do with a liberal Southern Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic or a liberal from any other denomination or faith group. The question shouldn’t be, 'could I vote for a Mormon,' but, 'could I vote for this Mormon? After all, Mitt told me there are Mormons he couldn’t vote for (I presume Harry Reid, for example); and there are Southern Baptists I couldn’t vote for (Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, to name a few)."

Read the entire memo at http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/62b0dd8d-fc86-4669-a254-7288402a7573

Rice's Online PAC Dollars Noted By Human Events

Democrats, beginning with unsuccessful 2004 candidate Howard Dean, have seized a huge lead over Republicans in online fundraising, Human Events reports today. Since 2004 ActBlue.com, an online political action committee, has raised over $30 million for liberal Democratic candidates and committees, including Democratic U. S. Senate candidate Andrew Rice of Oklahoma. The Washington Post reported October 5th that for the 2008 presidential election Republicans trail Democrats in fundraising by nearly $100 million "a gap that is unprecedented in 30 years." A new initiative, Slatecard, is trying to close that gap.

45th's Deployment Has A Personal Face

From The Red Dirt Political Report ~ Second Lieutenant Jeremy Spearing is ready. He spent this week saying his good-byes, celebrating his birthday and Thanksgiving early, and packing his bags. Because Jeremy Spearking is going to war. Spearing, 25, and 2,399 other soldiers from the state’s 45th Infantry Brigade leave today as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On Friday, the 45th will move to Fort Bliss, Texas, for “about 12 weeks” of intense, mission specific training. Early next year, they’re expected to be deployed to Iraq. Read the entire story here.

Henry Names John Reif To Supreme Court

Governor Brad Henry announced today the appointment of Judge John Reif of Skiatook to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Reif will fill the vacancy created by the recent retirement of Justice Robert Lavender.

Reif has served in the state judiciary for 26 years, most recently as a member of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals where he spent the last 23 years. He has also served as a special district judge and an assistant district attorney in Tulsa County. Reif earned a law degree and a bachelor’s degree at the University of Tulsa. He resides in Skiatook with his wife.

Inhofe, Rice Campaign Finance Reports Filed

The campaign finance reports of U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe and Democrat Andrew Rice are now available online at the Federal Election Commission's website. Rice's report, the first of his campaign, shows financial support from the usual liberal interests such as the Hopefund Political Action Committee in Washington ($5,000) and Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats ($250). His report shows that 22 percent came from out of state donors and 36 percent came from attorneys. View Rice's report at http://images.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/

Feet Of Clay: Tribal Official Admits Embezzlement

From NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ A former business committee chairman with the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribe admits to a scheme to embezzle $114,000 from the tribe's Lucky Star Casinos at El Reno and Clinton. He's Robert Tabor, 62, of Calumet who pleaded guilty Thursday in Oklahoma City federal court to conspiring to embezzle the casino money. Tabor and his wife, Colleen Tabor, 49, were indicted in August. The indictment against her is pending. Prosecutors contend Tabor and his wife were part of the conspiracy. She is also accused of eight separate counts of illegally cashing checks or receiving wire transfers of $7,646.60 from different tribal bank acounts. Robert Tabor awaits sentencing and could get up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

GOP Leader Demands Stark Apology

UPDATED 1:56 PM ~ U. S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement regarding remarks made on the House floor by Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) during the debate on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): "Our troops in Iraq are fighting against al-Qaeda and other radical jihadists hellbent on killing the people we are sent here to represent. Congressman Stark's statement dishonors not only the Commander-in-Chief, but the thousands of courageous men and women of America's armed forces who believe in their mission and are putting their lives on the line for our freedom and security. Congressman Stark should retract his statement and apologize to the House, our Commander-in-Chief, and the families of our soldiers and commanders fighting terror overseas." View Stark's incredible, in-poor-taste, indecent and offensive on-the-floor remarks here: http://breitbart.tv/html/6912.html

It was just the latest provocative comment from Stark. On one occasion in 2001 he and then then-Rep. J.C. Watts of Oklahoma had to be separated after Stark claimed all of Watts' children were illegitimate. In fact only two of Watts' six children had been born out of wedlock.

Garrison Outlines New Laws

By Senator Earl Garrison, guest columnist, Muskogee Phoenix ~ A number of bills will be going into effect Nov. 1. Nearly 150 measures will become law, and some of them will more than likely impact your life in some way. For this reason, I’d like to spend the coming months going over some of the more important bills that are going to pertain to a significant number of Oklahomans.

First, there is SB 1, which will create the Taxpayer Transparency Act. The measure will create an online database to be maintained by the Office of State Finance, where citizens could see how every penny of their tax money is being spent. The program will be modeled on a new federal law by U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, which will allow citizens to track the use of federal dollars.

SB 98 creates the Fire Extinguisher Licensing Act to regulate the sale, installation and servicing of portable fire extinguishers. This will ensure the safety of these devices in people’s homes and that they work properly should there be a fire.

SB 139 will create the Oklahoma Public Cord Blood Bank at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The cord blood bank will be a repository of umbilical cord blood donated by families following the birth of healthy children. Cord blood is rich in adult stem cells, which can be used to treat a variety of blood diseases, including leukemia, as well as various immune and metabolic disorders. Private cord blood banks are available now, but the cost associated with testing, processing and storing cord blood cells is too expensive for most families, so this will be an exciting and lifesaving endeavor for the university and state.

SB 145 will allow judges to carry firearms in their chambers. This new law will allow judges to protect themselves as well as others in the courthouse. There have been incidences in other states, such as Georgia, where a defendant has gotten hold of a gun and killed people. This is something that might have been avoided had the those judges been armed. The administrative director of the courts will maintain a list of judges who fall under this new law, and those judges will be required to have self-defense licenses to carry concealed weapons in their courtrooms. We want to ensure that our courtrooms are safe.

SB 371 makes it a felony to provide false information to a law enforcement agency that results in the activation of an AMBER alert. This has already happened numerous times in our state, which undermines the purpose and effectiveness of the system. This is a safeguard to make sure people use the AMBER alert system for true emergencies.

SB 473 will prohibit smoking at zoos. This is good news for families, groundkeepers and animals who often have cigarette butts thrown in their enclosures.

SB 567 will ensure that an identity theft victim will be able to contact the local police or sheriff’s department and get a copy of the incident report on the identity theft to keep with them. It also gives law enforcement jurisdictions the authority to share such information. There have been situations where individuals were arrested for crimes the identity thieves had committed because there was no sharing of information among law enforcement divisions. This should stop such incidents from happening.

Finally, SB 712 creates the Anti-ID Spoofing Act to help protect citizens against a growing kind of identity theft. This technology is used to trick people into giving out their personal information that is then used for identity theft. There are companies that sell a service for as little as $10 that can be used to change the number appearing on someone’s caller ID to make it look like it’s a bank, doctor’s office or some other business. The service can also alter the caller’s voice. This new law will make ID spoofing a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, a $10,000 fine or both.

Democratic Senator Earl Garrison represents District 9 in the Muskogee area. Image courtesy the Muskogee Phoenix.

If It's THERE, How Long Before It's HERE?

Blogger Mark Shannon speaks for many when he writes of what's happening in a school in another state: "There is NO reason, not one, why a child eleven or twelve years old should be given birth control pills or condom, ESPECIALLY by a school. If a child is 'at risk' than they need to be dealt with, not helped along. If the parents DO NOT KNOW, they need to KNOW. If the parents don't care, the parents need to be prosecuted for child neglect. Schools have NO BUSINESS handing this stuff out. A parent cannot give a child a Tylenol to take to school without permission, how is it that our PUBLIC SCHOOLS are allowed to hand out BIRTH CONTROL items." Middle School Birth Control OK'd

Blogger Mike Hermes: Coburn Makes 'Em Squirm

From www.okiedoke.com ~ "I enjoy it when Sen. Tom Coburn appears on KFOR’s Flashpoint. Nobody makes partisan commentators Mike Turpin and Burns Hargis squirm more than the unconventional senator from Muskogee. Rabid Democrat Turpin has trouble painting Coburn with a broad Republican brush, and neocon Hargis treats the conservative Coburn like he is a wolf in Republican clothing. This is especially true when Coburn discusses the problems with congressional earmarks." Read all of Mike Hermes' entertaining piece on his blog.

Jones Says Stipe Scandal Will Be State's Largest

Republican State Chairman Gary Jones says the scandal swirling around former State Senator Gene Stipe and his southeastern Oklahoma associates will become the largest, and worst, in Oklahoma history when it's all said and done.

In a statement, Jones also questioned why state officials "are rarely the ones to uncover and expose wrong-doing...."

Here is Jones' statement:

When you compare the major scandals in Oklahoma history one has to question why Oklahoma’s Attorney General and State Auditor are rarely the ones to uncover and expose wrong-doing even though it is their responsibility to do so.

The Oklahoma County Commissioner scandal that was allowed to go unchallenged for decades was repeatedly ignored by local DAs, the State Attorney General as well as the State Auditor It wasn’t until the federal government got involved that anything was done about it. In addition to the feds cracking down the state auditor was also involved working closely with the feds to help clean up the mess. Federal Prosecutor Bill Price was a long time friend of the newly elected Auditor Tom Daxon. Daxon the only Republican ever elected to the position won a close election from the previous Auditor John Rogers who was involved in a scandal of his own.

The scandal and prosecution gained so much public attention that both Daxon in 1982 and Price in 1990 ran for Governor citing their roles in the prosecution as reasons as to why they should be elected. Both Daxon and Price were handily defeated in their effect. Daxon lost to longtime Lt. Governor George Nigh losing every county to the popular Nigh. Price on the other hand was defeated by David Walters who used illegal campaign funds to beat fellow Democrat Wes Watkins in a hard fought runoff.

While the commissioner scandal was extremely broad in scope and involved many people it may be relinquished to second place in the Oklahoma scandal ratings if you bring all the Stipe connected scandals under one tent. Ghost employees. health department, abstract monopoly scams, title insurance scams, bond financing, Rural Development Foundation, National Pet, American Products, Walt Roberts campaign, straw donors to the Governor, A.G., Auditor, Congressman Boren, the train deal, the bike path, Randy Green’s contract and who knows what else, as we don’t have an A.G. or Auditor investigating any of this still today.

Truth is I believe this is likely the biggest scandal in Oklahoma’s 100 year history, and it wasn’t the A.G. or the Auditor exposing it. It was a hand full of private citizens who put up with years of name calling, threats, and accusations, who did the research to shine the light on Stipe and his associates.

While Oklahoma’s State Auditor and Attorney General have literally hundreds of employees and they themselves are drawing 6 figured salaries it was private citizens who not only will never draw a single cent from their effects and who may never be known to the public that spent their time and own money working with the federal government that exposed this, what I believe the biggest scandal in Oklahoma history. You have only seen the tip on the iceberg. Sit back and wait as "the rest of the story" unfolds.

Fields, Organized Labor Leaders Endorse Edwards

Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields joined state labor leaders today in endorsing John Edwards for president.

Fields said that Edwards, the former U.S. senator from North Carolina, has the rural roots and family values that resonate with Oklahomans.

Mike McDonald, vice president of the Transport Workers Union Local 514, says Edwards understands working-class families. The TWU is the largest union in Oklahoma and represents more than 10,000 workers.

Edwards finished a close second behind Wesley Clark in Oklahoma's 2004 Democratic presidential primary before he became the party's vice-presidential nominee.

Coburn Praises Earmark Elimination

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, a practicing physician, released the following statement today after the Senate accepted his amendment that provides additional funding for children’s health care by eliminating a $1 million earmark for a museum dedicated to the 1969 Woodstock concert: “I’m pleased my colleagues took a bold stand today in defense of common sense and rejected the self-interested parochial politics that have disillusioned millions of Americans. Maybe this is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius for taxpayers,” Dr. Coburn said.

California Democrat Sinks To Rhetorical Low; Says Bush Wants Heads Blown Off For His 'Amusement'

This

Man

Is

Nuts

California Democratic Congressman Pete Stark is stark, raving mad. View his incredible, in-poor-taste, indecent and offensive on-the-floor remarks here: http://breitbart.tv/html/6912.html

House Fails To Override Bush SCHIP Veto; Boren Voted To Override, 4 Republicans Voted Against

UPDATED 4:13 PM ~ With Congressman Dan Boren, D-2nd District, voting for and the state's four Republican congressmen voting against, the U. S. House failed today to override President Bush’s veto of legislation that would have expanded the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). For the past two weeks, Democratic leaders had hoped that they would be able to convince enough Republicans to reach the 289-vote threshold needed to override the veto. However, the Democrats fell short when the GOP opposition to the bill did not crack.

Following the House vote, Senator Jim Inhofe said he has joined other senators in sponsoring a new SCHIP measure: “Congressional Democrats have been playing politics with their SCHIP re-authorization bill, using it as a vehicle to advance their long-standing agenda of socializing healthcare and creating a new middle-class entitlement. Congress needs to pass a reauthorization of SCHIP that maintains the original intent of the program by providing health insurance for the millions of uninsured, low-income children across the country, not middle-class adults. Our legislation is supported in both the House and the Senate, and gives Congress a viable alternative to reauthorize this important program quickly, without unnecessary government-run healthcare expansions.”

Four File For OKC Council Seat

Four candidates have filed for the Ward 7 Oklahoma City Council seat vacated by the election of Willa Johnson as county commissioner.

The candidates are: William Hollis Jr., 65; Ronald "Skip” Kelly, 57; Ebony S. Muhammad, 35, and John A. Pettis, 57.

City council seats are nonpartisan. The special election is on December 11th. The runoff, if necessary, will be on February 5th.

William Crowe Dead At 82

Retired Navy Admiral William Crowe, who grew up in Oklahoma City and attended Classen High School, died overnight at Bethesda Naval Hospital outside Washington. He was 82.

An Annapolis-trained submarine officer, Crowe rose to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and served as ambassador to Great Britain. President Reagan named him the 11th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1985. The year before, Crowe had impressed Reagan, who stopped in Hawaii en route to China for a briefing from Crowe on the military situation in the Far East. Crowe retired from the military in 1989. In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed him ambassador to the Court of St. James's, where he served until 1997.

Coburn Targets Pork Projects Again

Senator Tom Coburn today again is targeting congressional pork projects as the Senate takes up the Labor/Health & Human Services appropriations bill. Among the amendments he proposes is one that eliminates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Hollywood liaison and Ombudsman programs and prohibits the agency from purchasing additional rotating pastel lights, zero-gravity chairs, and dry-heat saunas.

Feet Of Clay: Is There No End To It?

Twelve women who were either jail prisoners in Custer County or involved in the county's drug court program have sued the county sheriff, making various sexual allegations against him. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, alleges that Sheriff Mike Burgess operated a sex-slave ring and threatened to send the female jail inmates to prison if they did not comply with sexual demands he made.

A Norman police officer has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation into accusations he helped a minor obtain alcohol.

SC Poll: Romney's Religion A Problem

From The Southern Political Report ~ Forty-five percent of likely South Carolina Republican primary voters say they are less likely to vote for Mitt Romney next January because he is a Mormon, according to the latest InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion poll. Read the story here.

Cole Tells GOP Candidates To Run Against Congress

From The Hill: National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Tom Cole called Tuesday’s Massachusetts special election a blueprint for the 2008 cycle and said he is advising candidates to emulate the GOPer in the race by running against Congress this cycle. Read the entire story: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/colerepublicans-are-harnessing-mass.-candidates-outsider-message-2007-10-18.html

'No. 2 In 1-Armed Bandits'

Blogger Steve Fair: Gambling proponents have to be proud of how well they have saturated the market in the state in three short years. But can we long term afford the social ills gambling expansion will bring to our state? Read Fair's thoughtful commentary here.

Brownback Out Of Presidential Race?

Republican Sam Brownback of Kansas will withdraw from the 2008 presidential campaign on Friday, people close to the senator said Thursday.

Bill Wiseman Dies In Plane Crash

Former State Rep. Bill Wiseman apparently was killed when the borrowed plane he was piloting crashed on Wednesday in Glenpool.

At least two others died in the crash, authorities said.

Wiseman served in the House from 1975 to 1980. An Episcopal priest serving a parish in Owasso, he also was director of university relations at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

Mike Reynolds: Chisel Stipe's Name Off Dome

From NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ Republican State Representative Mike Reynolds figures former State Senator Gene Stipe is enough of an embarassment for the State, so he's calling for the removal of Stipe's name chiseled into the dome of the State Capitol.

"I think we need to carefully evalute whether or not it's appropriate to have the Stipe family memorialized on the dome of the capitol," said Reynolds in an interview with KTOK's Peter J. Rudy.

But he also explained that the dome is not owned by the State of Oklahoma--rather by a foundation so it would be up to the foundation to remove the name. "You know--I might even vote for a tax increase if they chisel his name off," remarked the Republican legislator.

Stipe's legal problems have grown in the past year. First he came under a federal investigation for his alleged role in a scheme of bribery and funneling state money to his private business interests; then the government started efforts to revoke his probation from a previous campaign contrbution scheme and conviction. This week, a federal prison psychologist form Springfield, Missouri said that after conducting medical and psychological tests on the 80 year old Stipe, he determined Stipe was not mentally competent to handle the revocation hearing in Muskogee federal court.

Oklahoma Campaign Disclosure Ranked By Project

A new report from the Campaign Disclosure Project, a collaboration of the UCLA School of Law, the Center for Governmental Studies, and the California Voter Foundation, supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, gives Oklahoma a rank of "C" for campaign finance disclosure requirements, placing the state 23rd out of the 50 states. Here's the group's report:

O k l a h o m a Grade Rank C 23 (Out of 50 states)

Subcategories Grade Rank: Campaign Disclosure Law C+ 26; Electronic Filing Program A 16; Disclosure Content Accessibility B- 22; Online Contextual & Technical Usability F 35

The State of Disclosure in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s disclosure program earned a C in 2007, ranking 23rd overall. Strong gains in the Electronic Filing category were offset by a weaker performance in other categories, resulting in the same overall grade as in 2005.

Oklahoma received a lower disclosure law grade in 2007 as study researchers found that candidates are required to report the dates and descriptions of their campaign expenses, but not the names of vendors. The law requires that candidates report detailed information about contributors giving more than $50, including occupation and employer data. Large, last-minute contributions are disclosed prior to Election Day, as are last-minute independent expenditures. Electronic filing became mandatory in 2006 for both statewide and legislative candidates who reach a $20,000 threshold. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission provided training sessions in advance of the mandate to assist new electronic filers, and the agency reports having strong technical support for its program.

Oklahoma earned a B- and ranked 22nd in the Disclosure Content Accessibility category in 2007. Electronically-filed reports are available immediately online, and paper filings are posted online within five days of receipt. The state offers online, searchable contribution and expenditure databases that include both electronically-filed reports and data-entered records from paper-filed reports. The result is that Oklahoma’s online databases, which were previously found to contain only 25 percent of state disclosure records, are now comprehensive. Improvements could be made to the functionality of the databases. Currently, users can limit their searches by aggregate amounts, but cannot search records by an exact amount. Users can search expenditures by vendor; however, because vendor name disclosure is not mandatory, the search does not return comprehensive results. Given that campaigns must disclose the date and purpose of an expenditure, adding these search fields would be useful.

Oklahoma’s grade in the web site usability category slipped back into the F range after having earned a D- in 2005. Usability testers took longer finding specific data in 2007 and found the site’s terminology to be more confusing than in 2005. While the site now includes a helpful candidates list, it could be enhanced with additional contextual information. Specifically, explaining the contents of the databases, including which candidate reports are available, the time period covered and instructions for accessing the data would be of great help to site visitors. The Ethics Commission provides informative “Top Ten” lists of candidates’ fundraising; providing complete summaries of totals raised and spent by all candidates would add valuable contextual information to the web site.

View the site at http://campaigndisclosure.org/gradingstate/index.html

Cherokees Hire Black Caucus Lobbyist

The Hill in Washington reports today that the Cherokee Nation has hired a former Congressional Black Caucus official as its lobbyist, an ironic twist given the tribe recently voted to exclude black Freedman as tribal members. Details at http://thehill.com/business--lobby/under-fire-cherokees-hire-cbcs-former-director-in-lobbying-push-2007-10-17.html

Do Democrats Plan Cargill Grand Jury Petition?

The administrator of the Democratic blog http://www.demookie.com/, Tim Reese, is trying to spur interest in a petition calling for a grand jury to "look into illegal campaign activities regarding Lance Cargill and the so called 'Victory Fund'." Reese kicked off the effort with a post on the blog today.

Ivan Holmes, chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, apparently has not yet signed on to the effort. He has, however, criticized Cargill, saying, “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."

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission reportedly is conducting an investigation into the handling of donations in past campaigns.

Rice Says He's A 'Gramscian Organic Intellectual'

We don't make this stuff up: http://www.redoklahoma.org.

Inhofe Rips Ethiopia Accountability Act

Senator Jim Inhofe said today that legislation supposedly designed to help Ethiopia focuses only on "shortcomings." The measure passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is titled “The Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007” (H.R. 2003).

“Though this legislation states that its purpose is to ‘encourage and facilitate the consolidation of peace and security’ in Ethiopia, in reality it focuses only on shortcomings while blatantly ignoring the unprecedented progress the country has made,” Senator Inhofe said. “Ethiopia takes great pride in being the oldest independent country in Africa. They continue to be a close friend of the United States and a strong ally in the War on Terror in the Horn of Africa.

“The language contained in H.R. 2003 enflames tensions already present in the Horn of Africa, threatening regional stability and long term U.S. national security. The growing instability in Somalia and the Ogaden region, combined with the unresolved border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the north, has created major challenges for Ethiopia. While I agree that the violence and intimidation that took place in the country after the 2005 election was an unnecessary use of excessive force, the Government of Ethiopia has taken significant steps to regain a democratic process that is fair and respectful of human rights.

“I care deeply about Africa and visit the continent frequently. It is an area of strategic importance globally and to our country. During my recent trip to Africa in April, I witnessed first-hand Ethiopia’s democratic progress and commitment in fighting terrorism.

“Although I appreciate the increased attention being given to Africa and particularly Ethiopia, I believe the bill takes the wrong approach by placing demands on a friend and ally that has made obvious advancements in democracy and human rights. Ethiopia continues to be the central bulwark in the fight to deter the growth and disrupt the influence of Islamic extremists in the region. Our country’s strong support of Ethiopia during this significant time is imperative - it builds stability and encourages democracy and human rights.”

Rasmussen: 64% Want Troops Out Of Iraq

For the second straight week, a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 64 percent of Americans would like to see U.S. troops brought home from Iraq within a year. Prior to this week’s results, support for bringing the troops home had increased in three consecutive weeks.

Feet Of Clay: Today's Top AP Stories

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The state Board of Education is filing a complaint to revoke the credentials of an eastern Oklahoma school superintendent who's charged with embezzlement. Marble City Public Schools Superintendent Larry Couch is charged in Sequoyah County District Court with embezzling more than $100,000 from the school district.

SPARKS, Okla. (AP) - The former clerk and treasurer for the Lincoln County town of Sparks is being charged with embezzlement for allegedly stealing money from traffic fines. Elizabeth Ann Hellams of Sparks was charged after a state audit found more than $18,000 was collected in traffic fines from August 2004 through August 2007 but more than $10,000 is missing.

HUGO, Okla. (AP) - A state senator from Hugo who was involved in a traffic accident in August is now charged with misdemeanor aggravated drunken driving after his blood-alcohol level was found to be double the legal limit. Senator Jeff Rabon is charged in connection with the three car accident that slightly injured one woman.

And then there's this, from http://www.newsok.com/: MUSKOGEE — Le Flore County Commissioner Carroll Wayne Rogers has been indicted, apparently in connection with an FBI raid on his home last year, The Oklahoman confirmed today.

USA Today Features Coburn On Earmarking

By Ken Dilanian, USA TODAY ~ Two years ago, when Sen. Tom Coburn proposed killing funding for two projects known as the "Bridges to Nowhere," senators from both parties reacted with fury. That sort of thing just wasn't done.

"If you want a wounded bull on the floor of the Senate, pass this amendment," thundered Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, who inserted money for two bridges in a transportation bill — a practice known as congressional earmarking.

Democrat Patty Murray of Washington warned, "If we start cutting funding for individual projects, your project may be next."

Coburn's amendment failed, but it contributed to a wave of bad publicity that eventually doomed one of the Alaska bridges. It also kicked off the senator's crusade against what he considers wasteful earmarks. Elected in 2004 after spending six years in the House, he has spent the past two years making life difficult for colleagues trying to steer money to local pet projects.

The Oklahoma Republican expects to be at it again as early as today, offering floor amendments that target what he considers particularly egregious (and Democrat-backed) earmarks in an education and health spending bill. If history is any guide, his colleagues will do their best to block him.

His tactic is to request that the money be spent on something that is hard to criticize. For example, he will propose taking $900,000 earmarked for a Lyndon Baines Johnson museum in Texas, sponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and using the money instead to help people with disabilities.

"He frames the question in a way that people understand," said Ryan Alexander, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a non-partisan watchdog group. "Why are we spending money the way we are spending money?"

Coburn, a physician, put it more succinctly: "The purpose is to awaken the American people to the stupidity of what we do out here."

Although Coburn tends more often to challenge Democratic projects, he also goes after Republican earmarks. For example, when the Senate passed a transportation bill last month, Kit Bond of Missouri objected to a Coburn proposal to nix a Kansas City pedestrian bridge in favor of more funding for emergency bridge repairs.

"When we put in earmarks … they reflect the judgment of each member of this body on what is important in his or her state," Bond said. "Now, my friend from Oklahoma is earmarking money for bridges. If he believes Oklahoma is not putting in an adequate share of its money for bridges, then we would be happy to entertain earmarks. But don't tell us (how) to earmark ours." Coburn calls his quest non-partisan: He wants Congress to deal with the looming fiscal crisis linked to the retirement of baby boomers. "What's in front of us is massive," he said. "We're adding earmarks like tomorrow wasn't coming."

Other newly elected senators agree with Coburn, but not many have voted with him. Democrat Claire McCaskill of Missouri, for example, said in a floor speech that "the earmarking process in the past decade has ballooned out of control at a cost of billions of dollars to taxpayers."

"However," she added, "I am uncomfortable with cherry-picking which earmarks are worthy and which ones are wasteful."

Coburn doesn't share her discomfort: "My whole campaign was based on changing the culture of the Senate. This is an ingrained pattern of behavior that they're not going to want to give up easily."

Mark Shannon: Left-Wing Lies

From www.markshannon.com~ An Air America talk-show host who accused "the right wing hate machine" of being responsible for an alleged attack on an on-air colleague — and the network, itself — did a fast backpedal Tuesday, apologizing for "jumping to conclusions" about a now-debunked mugging report.

Host Jon Elliott issued a written retraction of his remarkable on-air charge, saying: "I shouldn't have speculated based on hearsay that Randi Rhodes had been mugged and that it may have been an attack from a right wing hate machine. I apologize for jumping to conclusions based on an emotional reaction."

Elliott's initial claim that Rhodes had been beaten "by the right wing" for her political views set the blogosphere abuzz Monday night.

Rhodes, whose program airs on Air America weekdays, allegedly informed Air America that she was struck while was walking down a street Sunday night near her Manhattan home. There even was a report on-air that she had suffered serious injuries and had lost several teeth. Elliott, meanwhile, went on a rant Monday night, telling listeners: "This does not appear to me to be a standard grab-the- money-and-run mugging," and, "Is this an attempt by the right wing hate machine to silence one of our own?" Elliot also suggested that the act might have been meant to intimidate left-wing radio.

The report spread quickly Tuesday over the blogosphere, with the Google blog search showing hundreds of posts on the subject.

The truth: She fell on her own.

No police report was filed.

Rhodes' lawyer NOW SAYS she was injured in a fall while walking her dog, speaking to the New York Daily News. He said she's not sure what happened, and only knows that she fell down and is in a lot of pain. The lawyer said Rhodes expects to be back on the air Thursday. He stressed there is no indication she was targeted or that she was the victim of a "hate crime." These are the idiots of the left. They don't care what the truth is, they just make it up.

SPR: Dixie Democrats Rolling In Dough

By Hastings Wyman in The Southern Political Report ~ The money numbers for the US House for the third quarter portend a good 2008 for the Democrats, another bad year for the GOP. The ten Southern Democratic members of Congress most vulnerable to a GOP challenge had an average of $813,000 cash on hand as of Sept. 30, according to reports from the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The ten potentially most vulnerable Republicans had an average of $422,000. Read it all.

Kevin Calvey Update From Iraq

Army Captain Kevin Calvey, former member of the State House, reports that he's been unable to blog for a month because his Internet service "in my hooch" has been down. Calvey, serving a year in Baghdad as part of the U. S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, said he is well.

Red Oklahoma: The Democrats' Banquet Speaker

From Red Oklahoma ~ Oklahoma Democrats’ 13th annual Carl Albert awards banquet won’t be headlined by a war veteran with a message of staying the course for victory. More.

Legislators Get Huge Health Allowance Increase

By John Greiner at www.newsok.com ~ The Legislative Compensation Board voted today to increase legislators’ health benefit allowance from $262 a month to a maximum $1,443 a month, effective November 2008.

One board member called it a matter of equity and another said it seemed only fair to give legislators the same allowance to buy health insurance that state employees receive. Currently, legislators receive a $262 monthly allowance to buy state health care insurance, compared to a minimum of $525 and a maximum $1,342 monthly allowance for state employees, depending on the number of dependents covered.

The increase for legislators will go into effect November 2008 when the benefit allowance for them and state employees will range from $554 a month for coverage of the employee to $1,443 a month for coverage of the employee or legislator, a spouse and two or more children. More.

Nebraska Brings Osborne Back As AD

Nebraska is bringing back football coaching icon Tom Osborne to temporarily run its athletic department and possibly determine the fate of Bill Callahan. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman made the announcement in a news release Tuesday. A news conference was scheduled for late afternoon. The 70-year-old Osborne's return to the athletic department comes a day after athletic director Steve Pederson was fired.

Hillary Clinton Faces Illegal Surveillance Questions

From The Hill ~ Republicans plan to seize on an allegation from the 1992 presidential campaign to tarnish Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) on the red-hot issue of government surveillance.

Government surveillance will be at the forefront of the political debate this fall as congressional Democrats and President Bush square off over legislation allowing electronic spying on U.S. soil without a warrant.

Republicans are focusing on an allegation in a recent book by two Pulitzer Prize-winning reporters, which suggests Clinton listened to a secretly recorded conversation between political opponents. More.

USS Oklahoma Marble Markers To Be Sent

The first shipment of marble markers bearing the names of the 429 men who died on the USS Oklahoma will soon be headed to Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to complete the national monument for the USS Oklahoma which will be dedicated this December.

State Senator Jim Reynolds (pictured), who has been working with USS Oklahoma survivors on this project for the past several years, said there will be a brief ceremony at the South Plaza of the State Capitol this Thursday to mark the occasion.

“This will be a wonderful occasion, and I would urge people to come join us as we continue to work to complete the permanent memorial to the 429 men who lost their lives on the ship named for our state," said Reynolds.

Reynolds said the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and members of various state biker organizations will escort the markers to the state border after leaving the Capitol on Thursday.

“This December 7, it will be 66 years since those brave men died on the USS Oklahoma—the ship with the second highest lost of life of any the day of the attack. This memorial is long overdue,” Reynolds said.

"I hope that those who can will attend this historic event,” said Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones. “Senator Reynolds and USS Oklahoma survivor Paul Goodyear are seeing their vision become a reality. I applaud their efforts, along with all others who assisted along the way.”

The ceremony to observe the send-off of the markers will be held Thursday, October 18, 11 a.m., on the South Plaza of the Capitol. For more information, contact Sen. Jim Reynolds at 405-521-5522. (END)

CARGILL REELECTED SPEAKER

UPDATED 1:37, 6:35 PM ~ As expected (reported here Monday), Oklahoma House Republican caucus members Tuesday elected Lance Cargill as Speaker-designate for the 2009-10 session, giving Cargill a second term in the House’s top post.

“I’m grateful to my fellow caucus members for their support, and I thank them for this vote of confidence as we move forward with important conservative reforms,” said Cargill, R-Harrah, who currently serves as Speaker. “I also want to say how much I respect Representative John Wright. He's a valuable member, and as a unified caucus we're poised for real progress this coming year. I see tremendous opportunities in the areas of state fiscal accountability, state government modernization, and performance pay for teachers.”

Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow, joined Cargill as a candidate in seeking the Speaker-designate position. Wright's attempt to unseat Cargill reportedly had support from a small group of GOP members, but not enough to forestall the vote, or elect Wright.

"I congratulate Speaker Cargill on his election by the caucus to continue to serve the House of Representatives as Speaker, and I dedicate to working with him to continue to advance good policies for the state of Oklahoma," said Wright, who serves as chairman of the caucus.

One member told TMRO that some other members were "pushed into" Cargill's camp by a KWTV-Channel 9 report on GOP fundraising that aired last night. The member said the report was "flawed" and was, in his words, "a clear hatchet job on Cargill, and thus, I guess, on all of us." The station's report can be viewed at http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1126532071?bclid=1111467132&bctid=1243684707

Cargill’s first term as Speaker will end after the upcoming 2008 session. The Harrah native has served in the House since 2000, representing large portions of eastern Oklahoma County. Provided Republicans retain their majority in the House in the 2008 election cycle, Tuesday’s caucus vote means that Cargill will serve as Speaker for another two years in 2009 and 2010.

“Today’s vote is a victory for the entire caucus, and puts us in a strong, unified position,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell. “By maintaining our current Speaker, we’re giving the House Republican majority the ability to press for needed conservative reforms in the upcoming session and beyond.”

House Majority Leader Greg Piatt, R-Ardmore, also praised Tuesday’s vote saying, “By designating Lance Cargill for a second term as Speaker, the House Republican majority is well-prepared for the upcoming legislative session, and we have real momentum.”

In response to the Republican Caucus selecting Cargill to be Speaker, Rep. Chuck Hoskin, House Democratic Caucus Chair stated, "I'm very disappointed the Republicans decided to nominate a candidate who is currently under investigation for ethics violations. This shows that the members that voted for Cargill have no regard for what law enforcement entities might conclude in their review of campaign finance violations over the past two cycles."

Jones: Romney Visit Wasn't Long Enough

From NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ The visit last week to Oklahoma by GOP Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney wasn't long enough to suit Gary Jones, the State Republican party chairman.

Romney stopped in Oklahoma City last week for 3 hours, long enough to have lunch privately with 50 supporters who contributed up to $2,300 each for the Skirvin Hotel event.

By 3pm, he was gone and made no public appearances. Not long enough, according to Jones and he wants other candidates to remember.

"From the party standpoint, we wish they'd spend a little more time, visit with the voters and visit with the Republicans," said Jones in an interview on KTOK's 1st News with Reid Mullins. "They're gonna have to win the delegate votes in order to be the nominee and not just pick up checks on the way in and out."

Ben Odom, a Democratic party executive, agreed and said it opens the door to any second tier presidential candidate to win the state: "You've got states like Oklahoma where if anyone comes in here, they could pick up Oklahoma just by being here and being on the ground and being seen in Pauls Valley, Purcell and Edmond."

"Ben's right," added Jones. "The Democrats, if somebody gets 30%, they get 30% of the delegates. In Oklahoma, if you get the most, you get the delegates."

Democrats Honor Late Keith Leftwich, Bob Lemon

Noted Quote: Father Plans To Arm Himself

From Jaiden Williams, father of Breanna, who was kidnapped from her home and escaped by biting her kidnapper and running from his vehicle, as quoted in The Oklahoman: Jaiden Williams has never fired a gun, let alone touched one. He now plans to buy a firearm and learn how to use it, he said.

"This is still very surreal,” he said. "I'm still waiting to wake up from this nightmare. The fact that he would come into my home is a different kind of predator.”

Former OSU President Eyes Morgan Senate Seat

Former OSU President James Halligan says "a lot of people" have talked to him about running for the state Senate seat being vacated in 2008 by Senate Co-President Pro Tem Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater.

Morgan is prevented by term limits from seeking another term.

"I have changed my registration to Republican," Halligan said. "We have had a lot of people talk to us, and no decision has been made."

Halligan said he had been registered as an independent to encourage both sides of the political spectrum to donate to the university. He registered as a Republican this summer, he said.

Rabon Faces Stiffer DUI Charge

From The Tulsa World ~ A state legislator's blood-alcohol level after an August traffic accident in Choctaw County was 0.16 percent, twice the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle.

Prosecutors filed an amended charge Monday of aggravated driving under the influence against state Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, said Laura Ross Wallis, the district attorney for Choctaw, McCurtain and Pushmataha counties.

A misdemeanor charge of aggravated driving under the influence can be filed when the blood-alcohol content is 0.15 or higher. The legal threshold for DUI is 0.08.

Wallis amended the count after reviewing the results of Rabon's post-crash blood test. A senator since 1996, Rabon, 45, failed a field sobriety test after the three-vehicle crash Aug. 27 that sent a woman to a hospital with minor injuries, authorities said. Rabon did not submit to a breath-analysis test, but blood was drawn from him at a hospital.

If convicted of the DUI count, Rabon faces as much as a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Boren Paces Congressional Fundraising

Congressman Dan Boren, D-2nd District, paced the members of the Oklahoma delegation in campaign fundraising from July 1 to September 30, collecting $190,297 for his planned reelection bid. He now has $736,578 on hand.

Congresswoman Mary Fallin, R-5th District, raised $175,000 and now has $340,511 on hand.

Congressman Tom Cole, R-4th District, raised $106,000 and has $477,075 on hand.

Congressman Frank Lucas, R-3rd District, raised $49,224 and has $335,824 on hand.

Congressman John Sullivan, R-1st District, raised $66,774 and has $358,607 on hand.

Inhofe, $1.65 Million; Rice, $260,143

U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe has more than $1.65 million in cash on hand for his reelection bid, while the lone Democrat in the race thus far, State Senator Andrew Rice, has $260,143.

Federal Election Commission filings show Inhofe raised $532,422 from July 1-September 30. Rice raised $310,906, much of it from liberal donors prompted by a website that specializes in helping liberals raise money.

Rice's report shows he raised $6,250 from political action committees. Inhofe raised $186,363 from PACs. The reports, filed with the FEC yesterday, are not yet available on its online database; they are expected to be posted today.

Boren Wants $500 Million Bounty On Bin Laden

Congressman Dan Boren, D-2nd District, introduced legislation late Monday evening to increase the reward for information leading to the capture of Osama Bin Laden. If passed, H.R. 3826 will increase the reward from $25 million to $500 million. The reward is administered through the U.S. State Department’s “Rewards for Justice” program.

“As we spend nearly $300 million a day for on-going operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, this will send a very clear message that the U.S. will keep its focus on the mastermind of the September 11th attacks," Boren said in a statement. "If we rid the world of Osama Bin Laden, it would be a very significant psychological blow to our enemies.”

Murphey: Health Care Authority Violates New Law

State Rep. Jason Murphey, vice chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said today that the Oklahoma Health Care Authority has created a "permanent and unconditional expansion of the welfare system" in violation of the new illegal immigration reform law that takes effect November 1st.

Said Murphey, Guthrie Republican: The Oklahoma Health Care Authority, which administers Oklahoma's Medicaid program, voted to approve emergency rules granting taxpayer-subsidized medical coverage to pregnant illegal aliens on the theory that the new child will be a U.S. citizen upon birth.

As it is now, illegal aliens are prohibited from Medicaid prenatal services.This is being done despite the fact that federal law dictates this action may occur only after a state's legislature has given approval.

The Oklahoma Legislature has not authorized any expansion of Medicaid for illegal aliens.

Making matters worse, Governor Brad Henry indicated he will sign off on this expansion of the welfare system. In taking this action, the OHCA board and Governor Henry seem to be saying that the taxpayers of Oklahoma should be forced to act as a welfare state for the rest of the world.

Oklahoma will join only 12 other states across the nation who have a program like this.

The financial impact of this decision will be about $3 million a year, with $1.19 million coming directly from state funds and the rest from our federal tax dollars. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority reports it is delivering 2,767 babies each year to illegal parents, which costs state taxpayers in excess of $8 million.

This action is likely to provide additional enticement for illegal immigration into the United States. If an illegal alien can give birth in America, the child automatically becomes an American citizen.

When the child turns 18, he or she can in turn sponsor relatives for permanent U.S. residency. By using taxpayer dollars to fund this process, state government is directly enabling those who wish to bypass immigration laws.

It is my strong belief that this is yet another example of how harmful situations are produced by big government. As citizens, we have allowed government to take so much money from us in the form of massive taxation that it has become almost impossible to hold government responsible for their decisions on how the money is spent.

I also question the timing of the emergency rule approval. I do not feel it is a coincidence that the "emergency" occurred just days before House Bill 1804, the Illegal Immigration Reform Bill, takes effect.

It appears the Health Care Authority unsuccessfully attempted to extend prenatal coverage to illegal aliens through the Legislature for the past two years. Now, however, the recent vote seems to be an end-run around the clear will of the people's elected officials.

I believe we will be successful in reversing the decision during the next session of the legislature. I will certainly support the effort to keep your tax dollars from being misused in regard to this issue.

Ballot Access Coalition Files New Petition

A coalition working to place third parties on the Oklahoma ballot has filed a new initiative petition. Oklahomans For Ballot Access Reform filed the petition, which replaces the one it filed last month. The first petition proposed allowing a political party to maintain its recognition of it received 1 percent of the vote in a general election; the new petition changes that to 2 percent. Current law requires 10 percent of the vote for governor or president.

Those in the coalition include The Libertarian Party of Oklahoma, The Oklahoma Constitution Party, the Oklahoma Green Party and Independents not affilated with any party.

The coalition has until January 14th to gather the required 74,117 signatures to place the issue on the ballot.

Both Sides Want End To Coburn's Gun Bill Hold

From The Tulsa World ~ Gun control advocates, the National Rifle Association and those affected by the Virginia Tech shooting rampage are working to overcome U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn's hold on a bill designed to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. Read Jim Myers' complete story here.

The Blogosphere: 'Righty Blogs'

There's a new place to look for conservative viewpoints on the Internet. It's "Righty Blogs" at http://www.rightyblogs.com/ and you can find right-leaning blogs in many states. Oklahoma itself can be accessed at http://www.rightyblogs.com/oklahoma or by going to the main site and clicking on the state name on the right, or on the map in the center of the home page.

KWTV Airs Another GOP Fundraising Story

KWTV-Channel 9 reporter Stacey Cameron is out with another story about Republican fundraising activities. View it here: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1126532071?bclid=1111467132&bctid=1243684707

Schwarzenegger Outrages Conservatives With Attack On 'Mom and Dad' And Family Values

"Mom and Dad" as well as "husband and wife" effectively have been banned from California schools under a bill signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who with his signature also ordered public schools to allow boys to use girls restrooms and locker rooms, and vice versa, if they choose.

His action outraged Christian and parents' groups and set off a firestorm of discussion.

"We are shocked and appalled that the governor has blatantly attacked traditional family values in California," said Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute.

Hispanic Group Files Immigration Lawsuit

From News Reports ~ The president of the National Coalition of Latino Clergy, Reverend Miguel Rivera, announced in Tulsa Monday that his group has filed a lawsuit against Oklahoma House Bill 1804.

The suit, announced in front of the federal court building, names Governor Brad Henry and Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson as defendants.

"The message we are sending to the people of Oklahoma . . . is when things are so difficult, like they are in Tulsa County, there are remedies," Rivera said.

Rivera and others specifically named Tulsa County when referring to the "ethnic cleansing" HB 1804 will cause.

Already, an estimated 25,000 people have left in fear of HB 1804's effects, Rivera said."Stay put, don't go anywhere," Rivera said. "God is on our side. Fairness and justice will be done for our people."

The law, which takes effect November 1st, requires law enforcement agencies to check the immigration status of people arrested for felonies.

Rohit Sharma, local counsel for the coalition, said the group plans to file for an injunction Tuesday, preventing HB 1804 from taking effect.

Tulsa reporters swarm Hispanic spokesman outside the Federal Courthouse in this image courtesy KOTV-Channel 6.

Robin Maxey Resigns Senate Communications Post

Robin Maxey, communications director for the Oklahoma Senate Democratic Leadership, has resigned to become communications director for Peter Courtney, president of the Oregon Senate.

Maxey is a longtime Oklahoma City-area journalist and State Capitol reporter. He was editor of The Midwest City Sun from May 1985 until January 2002 when he took over the CNHI Capitol Bureau. He joined the staff of then-Senate President Pro Tem Cal Hobson in March 2003.

Maxey's resignation has not yet been officially announced; no word on a possible replacement in Co-President Pro Tem Mike Morgan's office.

Fallout: Nebraska AD Sent Packing

Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson, who charted a new direction for the football program when he fired Frank Solich after a 9-3 regular season in 2004, was fired Monday. Pederson and head football coach Bill Callahan have come under fire after a disappointing string of performances this season. Heat intensified after back-to-back losses to Missouri and Oklahoma State by a combined 86-20, leaving the Cornhuskers with a 4-3 record.

Inhofe Proposes Weather Service Scholarships

Senator Jim Inhofe today introduced legislation creating a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to recruit and prepare students for careers in the National Weather Service and in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs. The “NOAA Scholarship Act of 2007” requires that recipients of the scholarship work for a branch of NOAA, including the National Weather Service, upon graduation for 24 months in return for each academic year that a scholarship is given.

Red Stater Swats Moonbats

Oklahoma blogger "Red S Tater" takes a well-aimed swat at the left in a column today. Read it at http://www.redstaterusa.blogspot.com/.

DAs Honor Blackwell As "Legislator Of The Year"

Speaker Pro Tempore Gus Blackwell has been singled out by the Oklahoma District Attorney's Council for his constant support of the judicial system during the 2007 legislative session and given the group's "Legislator of the Year" award.

"Since being elected to Oklahoma's House of Representatives, Representative Blackwell has been a staunch advocate for public safety. He is proactive in addressing issues impacting prosecution and the criminal justice system, and his commitment to public safety in Oklahoma is without question. It is our distinct pleasure to recognize him for that commitment," said Suzanne McClain Atwood, executive director of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association.

"A large part of Representatives Blackwell's selection was based upon his strong support of several critical issues involving law enforcement, crime and the judicial system. The DA Council felt his issues were important to maintaining the safety of Oklahomans," said District Attorney Mike Boring. "Gus has become well known to the 27 district attorneys in this state due to his law-and-order legislation."

The Goodwell Republican has been an active voice on many judicial issues including an independent outside audit of the Department of Corrections, increasing sex offender penalties and punishments, increasing the penalties for any individual who commits assault or battery on a school employee and carrying the DA's omnibus bill.

Democrats Use The Blogosphere Most, Study Finds

Michael Bates at the Tulsa-based BatesLine has a fascinating study about the blogosophere. Read all the details here: http://www.blogreaderproject.com/aggregates/medianindex

Michael's study found that Democrats use the blogosphere most.

GOP's Picture Gets Darker; Another Retirement

From The Hill ~ Rep. David Hobson (R-Ohio) on Sunday evening became the latest House Republican to announce his retirement. Hobson is the third Ohio Republican to announce he would not seek reelection at the end of his current term, joining longtime Rep. Ralph Regula and Rep. Deborah Pryce. Another, Rep. Paul Gillmor, died recently, and a special election campaign is underway to replace him.

STIPE RULED INCOMPETENT

Former Senator Gene Stipe is incompetent to deal with allegations pending against him, a federal prison doctor has reported. After he allegedly continued financing illegal campaign contributions, Stipe faces a probation revocation on a previous campaign fundraising conviction. Details on the Tulsa World Online and from The Oklahoman at www.newsok.com.

Meteorologist Pours Cold Water On Global Warming

Blogger Mark Shannon Has The Story ~ One of the world's foremost meteorologists has called the theory that helped Al Gore share the Nobel Peace Prize "ridiculous" and the product of "people who don't understand how the atmosphere works".

Wright's Challenge Of Cargill Likely To Fail?

Some Republican members of the State House say Rep. John Wright's challenge of House Speaker Lance Cargill (left) for the speaker's post in 2009-10 is likely to fail.

Wright (right), of Broken Arrow, says he'll run for speaker when Republican House members caucus in Ardmore this week. Wright is chairman of the caucus and says his candidacy isn't as much about Cargill as it is to give Republican House members a choice.

Cargill has described Wright's challenge as "a healthy process."

Rep. Gregg Piatt says he expects a motion to delay the vote on the future speaker; others say Wright doesn't have the votes to unseat Cargill from the post.

Wright's challenge of Cargill comes as the Ethics Commission investigates GOP fundraising efforts headed by Cargill.

Stipe Probation Revocation Hearing Delayed

From The Associated Press ~ A federal judge has delayed a probation revocation hearing for Gene Stipe, but has yet to rule on whether a mental competency hearing for the ex-state senator should go forward.

Baggy Pants Safe In Duncan For Now

From The Duncan Banner ~ For the time being, baggy pants that expose undergarments or skin are safe.

A proposed ordinance tackling the issue was discussed during the Duncan City Council meeting Tuesday, but no action was taken.

The purpose of bringing the item up for discussion was to gather community input on the issue, Mayor Gene Brown said: “We do expect for the standards of dress code to be raised,” he said. And, while raising community standards is a priority, Brown said it was important to understand that the city is not saying a person can’t wear baggy pants. He or she just can’t wear them so underwear or skin is exposed. “If your undergarments are showing, we’re basically saying it’s a violation of community standards,” City Manager Clyde Shaw said.

Many members of the council expressed concerns over regulation.

“How could we measure such a thing?” Councilman Michael Hale said. “That seems like it would present a great challenge.”

Councilman Tommy Edwards agreed. “How would you enforce this?” he questioned. “It just seems to me that we’re kind of opening a can of worms.”

And while Duncan Public Schools have addressed the issue in their dress code policy and a few other communities outside the state of Oklahoma have adopted similar ordinances with positive results, it may not be time for such a law to hit the books in Duncan.

“It’s a parental control issue,” Councilman Ricky Mayes said. “I don’t feel like we can ask our enforcement officers to be a judge on your attire. I don’t think it would be fair.”

But not everyone agreed with the council’s opinion. “I think that any time our City Council has an opportunity to raise the standards, then that’s what it should do,” said Clif Cummings, senior pastor of First Baptist Duncan. “I think it’s something we should consider in a positive way.”

While Mayes said he felt like the council had better things to do, he also said he recognized that if an ordinance addressing the issue is what it takes to resolve community complaints, then that’s what it would take. If the ordinance is passed, the violator would be fined in a graduated scale, beginning with a $25 fine and one eight-hour day of community service. A second offense would raise the fine to $50 and up to two eight-hour days of community service. A third offense would bring the fine to $100 and up to four eight-hour days of community service.