Cowboys Win Insight Bowl, 49-33

The Oklahoma State University Cowboys defeated the University of Indiana in today's Insight Bowl 49-33 in a game that wasn't that close. The Cowboys held a 35-10 halftime lead and dominated the game. OSU scored touchdowns the first five times it had the ball. Indiana scored a final touchdown with just three seconds on the clock after OSU had scored with about a minute to go.

Iowa: Down To The Wire In Both Parties?

A new poll indicates the Iowa presidential caucus is coming down to the wire with top candidates in both parties clustered together and some say the outcome is now too close to call.

A McClatchy/MSNBC poll found Barack Obama, John Edwards and Hillary Clinton essentially in a three-way dead heat among likely caucus-goers. The poll found a similar dynamic in the Republican field, with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee tied with former Massacusetts Governor Mitt Romney and others lagging behind.

Insight Bowl: Cowboys Today At 4:30

The Oklahoma State University Cowboys face the University of Indiana in the Insight Bowl today at 4:30 p.m. The game is being televised by KSBI-52 (Cox 9 in Oklahoma City) and will be played at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. OSU is favored to win and improve its season to 7-6.

Term-Limited Johnnie Crutchfield Is Legislature's Cash King And He's Giving Campaign Money Away

Democratic State Senator Johnnie Crutchfield of Ardmore, term-limited and elected in 2006 without an opponent, has found a way to use the huge campaign war chest he amassed during and since that no-contest election: He's giving it away.

Crutchfield, a rancher with spreads in Carter and Pittsburgh counties, was elected to the Senate in 1998 and must leave in 2010. He's now co-chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, a position that traditionally generates signficant donations.

So it has been for Crutchfield. Today, he sits on a campaign fund of more than $251,000, tops among all legislators in terms of cash on hand.

Crutchfield had a Republican opponent in 2002; he won by a margin of about 3-to-1. By the end of 2006, his campaign fund held more than $261,000 even though he had no opponent that election year. In 2007, his reports to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission show, he's spent almost $60,000, most of it going to support charities and events in communities and schools throughout District 14.

Crutchfield's use of campaign funds to support charities and local events became evident in 2006. In that year, he made donations to support rural and volunteer fire departments, including those in Dickson, Springer, Fox-Graham, Marietta, Gene Autry and Wilson. He gave money to buy Christmas fruit boxes, support a battered women's shelter and a sheriff's department, and donated to support high school basketball tournaments, holiday festivals, a high school softball team, buy playground equipment, buy newspaper subscriptions for schools and help local rodeos. He also donated to the Oklahoma Education Televison Authority and to the Lone Grove and Marietta Future Farmers of America programs.

This year, he's donated campaign funds to Friends of Scouting, Dickson School, high school basketball tournaments, agriculture booster clubs, 4H and FFA programs, charity golf tournaments, a high school band, an Easter Egg hunt, a livestock show, the Healdton Relay for Life event, a local library, a pet spray/neuter program, Shriner's Hospital and a "Kids Day In the Park." He also donated money to buy pies and sponsor a fish fry in community fundraising events. His largest donation was $2,500 to help repair the Healdton Municipal swimming pool.

The donors who have made Crutchfield's largess possible include a wide range of individuals and political action committees; included are familiar names, those who frequently show up on legislative campaign reports with significant sums, and names that aren't familiar, donors who gave Crutchfield relatively small amounts. Almost every political action committee registered with the Ethics Commission donated to Crutchfield at one time or another.

Crutchfield was an Ardmore public school teacher for 28 years before winning the Senate seat. He served as an Ardmore city councilman and mayor and has been involved in numerous local organizations. He's a life member of the National Rifle Association and has been honored for his conservation efforts. In 2001, the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association named him its Legislator Of The Year and the Oklahoma Troopers Association did the same in 2002.

Boren Pushes 'Bipartisan Approach' In Campaign

University of Oklahoma President David Boren (left, with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg) said Sunday he will co-host a meeting next week with other prominent Americans to try and refocus the 2008 presidential campaign on restoring the nation’s standing in the world and end the partisan bickering at home.

Boren emphasized his support for the nation’s two-party system but left the door open to supporting an independent candidate if the current presidential hopefuls fail to embrace a more bipartisan approach.

He said his co-host for the OU event will be Sam Nunn of Georgia, like Boren, a former Democratic U.S. senator.

“Our political system is, at the least, badly bent and many are concluding that it is broken at a time where America must lead boldly at home and abroad,” the two men stated in a Dec. 18 letter to expected participants.

Read the Tulsa World's story at www.tulsaworld.com.

Sign Of The Times In South Texas

Armed Citizen Fights Off Five Attackers

ORLANDO, FL ~ A Central Florida man who collects cash for parking at a church fought off five armed men who had ambushed him and demanded cash.

The 65-year-old victim, who did not want to be identified, said he was collecting cash in the Parramore area before an Orlando Magic basketball game when someone put a gun to his head.

He noticed that that he was surrounded by four other men as well.

The man said he pretended to reach into his jacket for cash but instead pulled out his legally-carried hidden pistol and opened fire. The men fled during the shooting and it was not known if any of them were hit by bullets.

The victim said he had a permit for the concealed weapon. He said he has been a victim of crime before: "A couple of years ago, eight teens attacked me with a pipe trying to rob me," the man said.

Giuliani's Vets Co-Chair Out After Muslim Remark

From Fox News ~ A co-chairman for Rudy Giuliani’s veterans’ coalition in New Hampshire resigned Saturday after telling a British newspaper that Muslims need to be chased “back to their caves.”

The response was swift after the GOP presidential candidate faced questions Friday night about the comments, made by John Deady during a video interview with the Guardian at a Giuliani house party in Manchester, N.H. Deady was named co-chairman of the New Hampshire Veterans for Rudy over the summer.

“Mr. Deady offered his resignation from his volunteer position in the campaign and I accepted his resignation,” Giuliani New Hampshire Chairman Wayne Semprini said in a statement.

In the original Guardian interview, Deady said Giuliani is the best candidate to handle “one of the most difficult problems in current history...“the rise of the Muslims.”

Click here to see the video of Deady’s comments for the Guardian.

He added: “We need to keep the feet to the fire and keep pressing these people until we defeat or chase them back to their caves or, in other words, get rid of them.”

Later in an interview with the Talking Points Memo web site, Deady confirmed he made the statements and said he was referring to all Muslims.

“I don’t subscribe to the principle that there are good Muslims and bad Muslims,” Deady said in the article. “They’re all Muslims.”

Ye Gods! Does McCarville Really Believe That?

In a segment of The Verdict taped almost two months ago, veteran politics watcher Mike McCarville (left, with co-hosts Mick Cornett and Kent Meyers) gives his opinion on who the likely next president of the United States will be. (Hint: It's a woman.)

McCarville also offers thoughts on the 2008 U. S. Senate race, the role of the blogosphere in today's political campaigns and the Gene Stipe controversy.

The Verdict can be seen on Cox Communications Channel 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday at 9:00 a.m., Monday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

It airs on Cox Communications Channel 3 in Tulsa on Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Monday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Oil, Gas Interests Increase Republican Donations

The National Institute on Money In State Politics has analyzed Oklahoma oil and gas interest donations since 2000 and reports Republicans have received the lion's share since 2002.

As the graph shows, Democrats topped Republicans in 2000, but in each election cycle since, Republicans have increased their advantage and in 2006, received more than double the amount given to Democrats.

The "Follow The Money" figures show the following for each election year:

2000: Total $548, 907; Democrats $327,374, Republicans $221,533.

2002: Total $1,847,251; Democrats $804,672, Republicans $1,042,379.

2004: Total $1,700,683; Democrats $581,054, Republicans $1,119,379.

2006: Total $3,298,954; Democrats $1,058,754, Republicans $2,241,299.

Keating Leads 'Catholics For McCain'

Former Governor Frank Keating is the co-chairman of "Catholics for McCain," formed to support Arizona Senator John McCain's Republican presidential bid.

Said Keating: "John McCain can uniquely appeal to Catholics with his strong, 24-year pro-life record, his stand for traditional values and school choice, his proven leadership in defending America, and his demonstrated ability to appeal to independent-minded voters. These are exactly the type of qualities that Catholic voters will be looking for in 2008."

Lots Of Cash, No Campaign To Spend It On

Coming: How do you spend almost $260,000 in campaign cash when you don't have a campaign left to spend it on? The top state senator in fundraising and cash on hand is giving it away to local charities and events. The story on Monday.

Tulsa DA Fears Loss Of ME's Office There

Tulsa District Attorney Tim Harris has told legislators that closing the Tulsa branch of the state Medical Examiner's Office "would threaten public safety in Tulsa County by hampering murder prosecutions." In a letter to local lawmakers, Harris wrote that "in addition to public safety concerns, this move will be costly for Tulsa County law enforcement both in manpower and money."

Read the Tulsa World's online report at www.tulsaworld.com.

Henry Bets Products On Cowboys, Sooners

With Oklahoma State University facing Indiana University at the Insight Bowl on New Year’s Eve, Governor Brad Henry and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels have made a friendly wager on the game.

Each governor is wagering a basket of products from their respective states on the outcome of the 19th annual Insight Bowl. Those items have yet to be determined.

In addition, the losing governor will have to wear for a day a tie bearing the winning university’s logo.

Henry said he has faith the Cowboys will be victorious. “OSU has a terrific team that is certain to benefit from an outstanding offense and solid post-season bowl experience,” he said. “I am confident that Coach Gundy and the Cowboys will prevail, and I look forward to sampling some of the finest goods that the Hoosier State has to offer. I would urge Governor Daniels to start thinking now of what suit to wear with an orange and black tie.”

State bragging rights and a basket of goods are on the line also with a friendly wager between Henry and West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III on the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The University of Oklahoma Sooners and West Virginia Mountaineers will play in the bowl game Wednesday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Haught Draws Curtain On 'Potomoc Junction'

Veteran Washington reporter, columnist and editorialist Bob Haught is drawing the curtain on his engaging "Potomoc Junction" column and will devote his time to writing books, he writes today in his final column.

Haught, a longtime United Press International reporter and editor in Oklahoma City before going to Washington, has written his column for The Oklahoman for 18 years. During that time, and before, he wrote editorials.

Haught also served as press secretary to former Governor and U. S. Senator Henry Bellmon.

Haught has written The POTUS Chronicles: Bubba Between The Bushes, a book that will be out next year.

Humphreys Helps Huckabee

Former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys has signed on as Oklahoma finance chairman for Republican Mike Huckabee's presidential bid.

Humphreys, who served as mayor from 1998 until resigning to seek the GOP nomination for the U. S. Senate in 2004, is an investor and businessman.

King Of The House: Dennis Adkins Knee Deep In Energy Industry Campaign Contributions

Republican State Rep. Dennis Adkins of Tulsa apparently has parlayed his chairmanship of the House Energy & Technology Committee into a huge campaign war chest, one larger even than Speaker Lance Cargill's and one that makes him king of all House members going into the 2008 election year. That, despite the fact Adkins hasn't had an opponent since 2002 and even in that year, his "opponent" was a no-name Independent who wasn't a factor.

Adkins, his latest Ethics Committee report shows, is sitting on a campaign fund of $192,236 and that's after he spent almost $54,000 in the last reporting period.

His total cash on hand swamps Cargill, at $120,297. Cargill, however, spent almost $115,000 in the first nine months of 2007 and shows his total cash amount raised as $208,543.

Only Senator Johnnie Crutchfield tops Adkins among all legislators, Crutchfield showing $251,320 in his campaign fund.

Adkins' donors include executives of OG&E, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, Phoenix Coal Sales and others, including lobbyist Andrew Skeith, who gave him $5,000 in the first quarter of the year; Skeith lobbies for Phoenix Coal Sales, Chaparral Energy and other firms. In that same period, committees donated about $18,000; included were the Devon Energy Political Action Committee, $5,000, and the OG&E Employees Political Action Committee, $2,500.

In the second quarter, city officials and energy company leaders donated $14,150, most of it coming on June 27th. David Chernicky (pictured) of New Dominion Oil LLC in Tulsa donated $5,000; a present member and former chairman of the Grand River Dam Authority's board of directors, Chernicky heads the GRDA Coal Committee and has become one of the state's top donors to candidates. Committees added $11,400 to Adkins' war chest in the period, with $5,000 from Energy For Oklahomans, $2,500 from the Spectra Energy Corporation Political Action Committee and $1,000 from the Friends of Oklahoma Coal Political Action Committee.

For the year, including the transfer of about $153,000 from his previous campaign, Adkins has banked $246,018 and spent $53,782.

His expenditures show repeated amounts for unspecified "unreimbursed expenses" in addition to unspecified listings for travel, lodging and meals. He paid $12,000 for "campaign plan development" and lists $3,825 in unspecified consulting costs.

In the third quarter, Adkins' war chest earned $2,194 in interest.

Adkins' use of campaign funds put him in the news in September 2006, when the Tulsa World's Mick Hinton reported Adkins was using donations to pay for an Oklahoma City condo he purchased. Adkins subsequently repaid his campaign the $15,596 it spent for rent on the condo. Hinton also reported that Adkins said he reimbursed the campaign to "get this behind me." Adkins said he had asked the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to determine if he followed the law in making the rent payments from his campaign fund. Director Marilyn Hughes said that when Adkins asked her about the payments, he did not mention he owns the condo.

Adkins, 43, was elected to the House in 2000; he's not had a serious opponent since and in 2004 and 2006, was unopposed. He has yet to comment on rumors he may run for the Corporation Commission seat now held by Democrat Jim Roth.

He's Legislature's Cash King And He Hasn't Had An Opponent In Two Previous Elections

Coming Friday: He hasn't had an opponent in the last two elections and had only a token opponent the election before those. Yet, this influential committee chairman is the king of fundraising and is knee deep in campaign cash.

OBA Recommends Gassaway Be Disbarred

Oklahoma City attorney Mike Gassaway could lose his license to practice law for a second time if the Oklahoma Supreme Court adopts the recommendation of an Oklahoma Bar Association panel. The three member disciplinary panel found Gassaway violated the rules of professional conduct for attorneys on at least five occasions, according to a report filed today. Read The Oklahoman's online story at www.newsok.com.

Democratic Party's Money Woes Continue

The Oklahoma Democratic Party continues to face financial hurdles, its latest report to the Federal Election Commission, filed as of November 30th, indicates.

The report shows the party raised $397,419, spent $394,817, has just $7,063 in cash on hand and still has debts of $33,358. The cash on hand, however, is about $4,000 more than the party had on hand in its previous report and the party outraised the Oklahoma Republican Party by more than a hundred thousand dollars.

The Oklahoma Republican Party, however, ended the same period with $151,345 in cash on hand and no debt, its report shows. It raised $279,218 and spent $161,124.

Equalization Board Certifies $32 Million In Growth

Lawmakers will have only $32 million in growth funds to appropriate next year under a revenue estimate certified today by the Board of Equalization.

Governor Brad Henry and state Treasurer Scott Meacham said they're concerned the estimate may be optimistic, based on a slowdown in recent months in the rate of income tax yields.

The Board of Equalization's official estimate, upon which the budget for schools, highways and other government programs is built, will be updated in February, after the Legislature reconvenes.

Franking Privilege Total Tops $20.3 Million

U.S. House members spent $20.3 million in tax money last year to send constituents what's often the government equivalent of junk mail — meeting announcements, tips on car care and job interviews, surveys on public policy and just plain bragging.

They sent nearly 116 million pieces of mail in all, many of them glossy productions filled with flattering photos and lists of the latest roads and bridges the lawmaker has brought home to the district, an Associated Press review of public records shows.

Some offered advice on topics one would more commonly expect to see in a consumer-advice column.

"Keep your car properly maintained" to improve mileage, suggested Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., in a newsletter on how to deal with rising energy prices.

Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif., offered tips on home improvements.

And Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga., who lost her primary race after a high-profile scuffle with a Capitol Hill police officer last year, sent out a taxpayer-funded newsletter a few months before the election that included this simple observation: "Convicted felons can vote," she said, if "your" prison sentence has been served, parole or probation completed and fines paid. While campaigning, McKinney, who is black, noted that blacks make up a disproportionately large share of the prison population, which she said dilutes their voting strength.

A dozen House members spent more than $133,000 each to send 9.8 million pieces of mass mailings. Total cost? $1.8 million.

Sometimes the lawmakers' taxpayer funded mailings topped what they paid for direct mail through their campaign funds.

Of the 64 House members with at least $100,000 in taxpayer-funded mailing expenses — and overwhelmingly for mass mailings — 42 were Republicans and 22 were Democrats, the AP review found.

In sharp contrast, 59 lawmakers in the 435-member House — 35 Republicans and 24 Democrats — spent nothing on mass mailings. They tended to be the more experienced House members, often with 14 or more years of service.

Mass mailings cannot be blatantly political, but they still can have political benefits, said Pete Sepp, a spokesman for the National Taxpayers' Union, which has condemned mass mailings. "A taxpayer-financed mailing doesn't have to say 're-elect me' to have an impact on voters," Sepp said. "A glossy newsletter splashed with the incumbent's achievements in Congress can build useful credentials a lawmaker can take with him to the ballot box. The franking privilege is one of the main cogs in Congress' PR machine."

Franking, practiced since the early days of the republic, lets members of Congress send mail with just a signature where the postage would normally be affixed. Although the mailings are regulated by a congressional commission to guard against overt political appeals and cannot go out within 90 days of an election, they still sometimes take a dig at the opposition.

In a June 2006 newsletter, Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., noted that under the Republican majority, Congress had passed tax cuts that "benefit the wealthiest Americans at the expense of working families." Stark has been a regular among the biggest users of the congressional franking privilege. For 2006, his mass mailings alone cost $172,357, an amount large enough to rank him among the top congressional mailers. House documents reported his overall mailing costs to be about $37,000 less. The AP received no explanation for the apparent discrepancy from spokesmen for Stark, the House Administration Committee and House administration staff.

Some lawmakers defend the newsletters as a vital way of communicating with constituents. "One of the biggest complaints my constituents had (with) my predecessor was that they never knew what was going on in Washington," said Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Fla. "They never had the opportunity to do surveys, etc. I promised I would communicate with them regularly."

Brown-Waite is one of the biggest users of bulk mail, with 657,951 pieces at a cost of $129,428 last year. That surpassed the approximately $110,000 her campaign spent on direct mailings and related costs.

One taxpayer-funded mailing featured a picture of her and the headline: "Medicare Prescription Drug Update: The Time to Act is Now." Another, entitled "Constituent Service Guide for the 5th District," included a survey and information about how to obtain U.S. flags, assistance from federal agencies and an appointment to a military academy.

The House Democratic Caucus encourages members to use the mailings to communicate with constituents, spokeswoman Sarah Feinberg said. She said it was a good way for congressmen to focus on an issue or, if survey questions are used, get a handle on what constituents are thinking.

That argument doesn't persuade Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill., who said he has never used the mailings in 13 years in Congress. "It's a waste of taxpayers' money," he said. "I don't believe in this self-promotion."

LaHood argues that franking should be used only to answer constituent mail. He has repeatedly introduced bills to ban mass mailings and just as often the legislation dies in committee. For the House and Senate combined, the cost of taxpayer-paid mailings, including mass mailings, letters to individuals and groups of up to 500 people, was $34.3 million for fiscal year 2006, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report. In 1988, before more restrictions were imposed on the use of mailings, the figure was more than three times larger, $113.3 million.

The biggest senders in the AP analysis included freshmen in tight re-election fights and veterans who coasted to victory.

Rep. Henry Brown, R-S.C., had the most pieces of mass mailings: 1,257,972. His mass mailings' cost of $171,286 was among the highest in the House, as was the overall cost of his franked mail, at $177,705.

Murphy, who advised constituents to maintain cars, was one of the House leaders in sending out bulk mail, with 1,003,836 pieces. The price tag:$165,650.

Among legislative leaders, the biggest spender was Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., who last fall became chairman of the House GOP Conference. He spent $133,053 to mail 844,336 pieces.

Other leaders in the last Congress and the current one were not big users.

The cost of postage is not the only expense for taxpayers. Printing and reproduction can add tens of thousands of dollars to a mailing's cost. The printing cost for one mailing from McCotter was $30,259.

There is a practical limit on how much can be spent on mailings.

Funding comes from a congressman's office budget, which ranges from $1.2 million to $1.4 million for payroll and other expenses. The more spent on mass mailings, the less money is available for such needs as staff, salaries and district offices.

Senators can also send franked mail, but the amount for each senator is specific and generally based on the number of addresses in a senator's state. At no point may it exceed $50,000 a year for mass mailings. For fiscal year 2004, overall mail allocations ranged from $31,746 to $298,850.

Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., who mailed 906,788 pieces last year and won re-election with 60 percent of the vote, sees the mailings as helping him do his job. "Ours is a representative government, requiring an active dialogue between elected officials and those they serve," Stearns said in a statement.

Mike Stokke, a political aide and deputy chief of staff to Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., when he was House speaker, said he would advise congressmen to send out mailings when they've fulfilled an important promise, such as getting money for a bridge in the district.

With thanks to Fox News.

Report: Stipe Transfers Oil And Gas Interests

Former State Senator Gene Stipe has formed a new company and transferrered his oil and gas interests to it, The Oklahoman's Nolan Clay reports today. State Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, confirmed he discovered the transfers and informed the FBI. He said he did so because he questions how Stipe legally can transfer property after being found mentally incompetent. Read the entire story at www.newsok.com.

NRA Continues Post-Katrina Gun Seizure Case

The National Rifle Association has hired private investigators to find hundreds of New Orleans citizens whose firearms were seized by city police in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, court documents reveal.

The NRA is trying to locate gun owners for a federal lawsuit it has filed against Mayor Ray Nagin and Police Superintendent Warren Riley over the city's seizure of firearms after the August 29th, 2005, hurricane.

In the lawsuit, the NRA and the Second Amendment Foundation claim the city violated gun owners' constitutional right to bear arms and left them "at the mercy of roving gangs, home invaders, and other criminals" after Katrina.

The NRA says the city seized more than 1,000 guns that weren't part of any criminal investigation after the hurricane. Police have said they took only guns that had been stolen or found in abandoned homes. Yet, the NRA has produced videotape showing firearms being forcefully taken from citizens in their homes. It also has produced video of interviews with citizens who had their weapons confiscated in their homes and from their vehicles and boats.

NRA lawyer Daniel Holliday said investigators have identified about 300 of the gun owners and located about 75 of them. Some of them could be called to testify during a trial, he added.

"Finding these folks has been a nightmare," Holliday said. "That is really the guts of our case - to establish that there was indeed a pattern of the police going out and taking people's guns without any legal reason to do so."

In April 2006, police made about 700 firearms available for owners to claim if they could present a bill of sale or an affidavit with the weapon's serial number.

An attorney for the city and a police department spokesman didn't return a reporter's telephone calls Wednesday.

Alan Gottlieb, founder of the Bellevue, Wash.-based Second Amendment Foundation, said the police department has returned only about 100 of the 1,000 seized guns.

"Obviously, we don't expect the city to find everybody. We only wanted to see a good-faith effort, and that's what the city didn't do," Gottlieb added. "It's a bad example to let them get away with it."

In court papers filed Monday, NRA attorneys say finding the gun owners has been difficult because the storm has scattered so many residents. New Orleans had an estimated 455,000 residents before Katrina, but less than two-thirds of that number live there now.

The NRA is asking for a delay in the trial, set to begin February 19th, saying they need more time to find gun owners. U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier has not ruled on the request.

Oklahoma Poll: Inhofe 60%, Rice 19%

U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe appears a solid favorite to win reelection next year if his opponent is liberal Democratic State Senator Andrew Rice, the Tulsa World's new Oklahoma Poll indicates.

"Inhofe's approval rating of 56 percent was essentially unchanged from April, the last time the Oklahoma Poll asked about his job performance," the World reported.

"Inhofe appears to be well on his way to election to a third full term in November despite hopeful sounds from Democrats backing the candidacy of State Senator Andrew Rice.

"Sixty percent of those surveyed favored Inhofe over Rice, with just 19 percent going for the young Democrat and 21 percent undecided. Inhofe was the pick of three of every four Republicans surveyed and nearly half the Democrats. Rice, meanwhile, had the support of only 28 percent of his own party."

Clinton, Huckabee Oklahoma Favorites, Poll Finds

Frontrunners for Oklahoma's February 5 presidential primary may not be the best choices for carrying the state in November's general election, the latest Oklahoma Poll suggests.

U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton of New York was the first choice of Democrats surveyed and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee led Republicans. But Republican U.S. Senator John McCain was the only candidate from either party viewed favorably by a majority of all those surveyed and was the only GOP candidate to decisively defeat the top three Democratic candidates in head-to-head matchups.

Among Democrats polled, former North Carolina U.S. Senator John Edwards came in a distant second to Clinton but he had the highest favorable rating among all voters, 44 percent. Edwards won head-to-head matchups with Republicans Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney, and he came within 3 percentage points of Huckabee.

Conducted Dec. 16-19 by Sooner Poll.com for the Tulsa World and KOTV, Channel 6, the poll surveyed 745 likely voters.

Read the World's article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=071226_1_A1_hButC86400.

Iowa Conservatives Still On The Fence?

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee would seem to be the answer to their prayers, yet for many Christian conservatives in Iowa, he has not closed the deal for the Republican caucuses. Do they still like Mitt Romney? Are they intrigued by Fred Thompson? As always, voter uncertainty comes with the January 3rd caucuses, now just a week away. Huckabee, the former Baptist minister, is leading in the Republican polls here, though his advantage has narrowed. Perhaps, that's due in part to the negative TV commercials Romney is airing. Read all of this insightful report at http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-undecided-gop,0,5673311.story.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Endless Campaign: In a few days, the presidential primary season really begins, months, many months, after it began in what must be the longest campaign in history. Or so it seems. Confess I have found this presidential campaign tedious; not much entertainment on the Democrat side, confusing rhetoric on the Republican side. Like many, I've waited for the break-out candidates in each party. Haven't seen one yet. My man Fred Thompson has been a non-starter; perhaps a case of high expectations unmet. Hillary Clinton seems to have a lock on the Democratic nomination and right now is the odds-on favorite to win the whole game. She'll lose most of the South and the Southwest but likely take the big northern, eastern and western states and that's where the winning number of electoral votes are to be found. Some Republicans hope she is the nominee, believing that will mobilize the GOP base. That is likely, but that base is now splintered and the Republican who can put it all together against an opponent like Clinton is not yet evident.

Aftermath: I cannot see the houses across the street for the piles of limbs and cut tree trunks that line my once-lovely front yard and the yards of my neighbors. Last week's ice storm left my Midwest City neighborhood a shambles, not unlike many other neighborhoods all over the metro area I've seen this week. The aftermath of this worst-ever ice storm will be evident for years to come; let us hope spring's growth will help hide the topless and limb-lacking trees and shrubs.

Rock On: Did you know that since 1991, the number of privately owned firearms in the U.S. has increased by 65-70 million, the number of right-to-carry states has increased from 15 to 40, and violent crime has decreased 38%?

Social Mores: The media explosion of reports about the pregnancy of a 16-year-old with a celebrity sister and doting mother leaves me cold. How about similar coverage of the Eagle Scout who saved his father's life? Or of the off-duty security guard who saved the lives of dozens of kids?

NBA Arena: The extension of an existing penny sales tax by Oklahoma City voters to make the Ford Center a more NBA-friendly venue seems worthwhile, though I confess I doubt that an NBA team coming to OKC will experience the love affair evident with the New Orleans Hornets. The circumstances that brought the Hornets here for two years were extraordinary; George Shinn and crew, riding the popularity of young star Chris Paul and OKC basketball fans eager to embrace the hurricane-dislodged Hornets, made friends and fans who regularly packed the Ford Center. Back in the Big Easy, the Hornets find attendance is lousy, less than 11,000 per game compared to that lofty 16,000-plus per game average here. If the Seattle Sonics do wind up here, owners like Clay Bennett had best pray for a star who catches on with fans as Paul did; right now, most can't name a Sonics player, much less one with Paul's star quality.

Merry Christmas: The Grinches who would prevent that phrase..."Merry Christmas"...and the display of religious symbols during this season are not welcome in my home. The hand-carved Nativity that oldest daughter Shelli brought us as a gift from her archeological dig in Israel two decades ago has its usual prominent place. Tonight, when we gather for our traditional gift exchange, I'll be giving thanks to the Creator for another year of good health, prosperity, enduring friendships and children and grandchildren who daily offer evidence of the good to be found in man, and of the freedoms we enjoy in this greatest of nations. May you and yours find similar sentiments. Merry Christmas and joyous holidays to you.

Merry Christmas

Renzi Stone Sits In On 'Flash Point'

Oklahoma City public relations specialist Renzi Stone, the former University of Oklahoma basketball player, was Sunday's guest co-host on KFOR-TV's "Flash Point" show, sitting in for Burns Hargis.

Stone heads Saxum Communications.

Hargis has been named the new president of Oklahoma State University and there's been considerable speculation about his replacement. Stone may be the first of many Republicans the station will audition as Hargis' replacement. There's been no official announcement from the station and Stone wasn't introduced as a possible future co-host with Democrat Mike Turpen.

Register By January 11th To Vote In February 5th Oklahoma Presidential Primary Election

Oklahomans need to register by January 11th in order to vote in the 2008 presidential primary, Jean Warner at Oklahoma Women reminds. Oklahoma's presidential primary is Tuesday, February 5th.

Steve Fair Seeks GOP Committeeman Post

Longtime Republican activist Steve Fair of Duncan has announced he'll seek election as Republican National Committeeman from Oklahoma.

The present committeeman, Lynn Windel of Norman, has announced he won't seek reelection.

Fair now serves as chairman of the Stephens County Republican Party and is chairman of the GOP's 4th Congressional District.

Fair's also a blogger and commentator whose editorials regularly appear in The Duncan Banner, Lexington Observer, Fletcher Herald, and Washita Valley Shopper.

He and his wife Debbie live outside Duncan, Oklahoma. They have two children and two grandchildren. By profession, he's a jelly distributor.

Jones Campaign Trailer Case Ends In Tecumseh, Thief's Identity Remains Unknown

From the Tecumseh Countywide News Online Via Thru The Grapevine ~ ...... The case of the (Gary Jones) stolen campaign trailer was laid to rest...when a City of Tecumseh employee pleaded no contest to a charge of concealing stolen property and was given a deferred sentence.

The charge against Justin Lewis of Macomb will be dismissed if he successfully completes the five-year deferred sentence, including two years of supervised probation, $1,808 in restitution, 100 hours of community service and some court costs.

District Judge Doug Combs went against the recommendation of District Attorney Richard Smothermon in granting the deferred sentence. Smothermon, who handled Tuesday's appearance himself, said he had, “from day one, recommended a three-year suspended sentence if he would disclose who actually did it."

The trailer was stolen from the Branson-McKiddy parking lot the night before the 2006 Frontier Days parade. Decorated to look like a covered wagon, it was a well-known part of the campaign by Gary Jones, who ran against Tecumseh's Jeff McMahan for State Auditor & Inspector last year. McMahan defeated Jones, who is now chairman of the state Republican Party.

Tecumseh Police Detective J.R. Kidney and a sheriff's deputy found the trailer on property belonging to Lewis on Nov. 2, six weeks after it disappeared. In an August preliminary hearing, Kidney testified that Lewis wouldn't say who brought the trailer to his property but commented that Kidney was “smart and could figure it out.” Lewis later told Deputy Jim Patten that he “wasn't saying anything else and would take whatever happens to me.”

Shawnee attorney and Tecumseh native Allan Grubb represented Lewis. Grubb said he was pleased the judge rejected Smothermon's recommendation and said the DA “wouldn't negotiate” because of the political ramifications of the case.

Miller Says Revenue Growth Shows Overtaxation

State Rep. Ken Miller, Edmond Republican and vice chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Committee, issued the following statement today regarding the announcement of new revenue figures earlier in the day by the Office of State Finance: “The pro-growth policies we’ve implemented in the Legislature over the past few years continue to have a positive impact. This year, per the Office of State Finance’s figures, the state’s revenue growth has totaled $224 million, when you figure revenue growth plus what we’ll deposit in the state’s rainy day fund. That means taxpayers have been overcharged. We made a commitment to Oklahoma's hard-working families to bring them tax relief, and we need to keep that promise.”

State Eyes $32.1 Million More In Next Fiscal Year

Oklahoma will have about $32.1 million more tax dollars to spend in the next fiscal year, the Office of State Finance reports.

The increase, which produces a total budget of about $7.1 billion, represents "very modest growth" in the state's budget, said Tony Hutchison, director of the Office of State Finance. The sum compares to an increase of about $100 million a year ago.

The State Board of Equalization is expected to certify the figures at a meeting next week.

"The state's economy is continuing to do well," Hutchison said. "It's moderating from prior years. It's not as hot as it had been."

He added that Oklahoma's budget mirrors trends seen in other states:"The one thing Oklahoma has going for it is our strong energy sector, and that's continuing to keep us above the national average," he added.

Henry Asks That 18 More Counties Receive Aid

Governor Henry today requested that 18 more Oklahoma counties receive federal disaster aid to assist with infrastructure damage caused by last week’s ice storm.

Already, seven Oklahoma counties are declared for public assistance under the major disaster declaration that President Bush granted earlier this week. If this latest request is approved, the additional counties will receive federal funding to assist local governments with repairs to roads, bridges and public facilities, debris removal as well as the costs associated with responding to the ice storm.

Henry said he is confident the Federal Emergency Management Agency will add the 18 counties to the existing declaration.

“Numerous communities statewide received extensive damages in the wake of the ice storm,” he said. “Public assistance is an important step toward recovery. I am thankful that President Bush and FEMA have been so supportive during this challenging time for Oklahoma, and I anticipate that this request will receive the same level of attention.”

The requested counties are: Beaver, Caddo, Canadian, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Grady, McClain, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Rogers, Seminole and Washington.

Already declared for public assistance are Cleveland, Lincoln, Mayes, Oklahoma, Pottawatomie, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.

As additional preliminary damage assessments are completed, more counties will be requested to receive public assistance.

Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management continue to document damage to homes and business that will be used to support a request for individual assistance. Residents and business owners with uninsured ice-storm damages are urged to go online at http://www.oem.ok.gov/. Already, the state has received more than 8,500 reports from individuals and business owners.

In South Carolina, Thompson A Disappointment

By Lee Bandy, South Carolina Insider ~ GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson has been a huge disappointment.

South Carolina conservative Republicans had looked upon the former U.S. senator from Tennessee as the savior who would come and snatch the party’s nomination away from the more progressive wing of the party.

Thompson teased the party faithful all summer long. One day he sounded like a candidate who might run. Then the next day his candidacy was a no-go.

Conservatives were breathlessly waiting for a decision. They were not pleased with any of the three frontrunners and eagerly welcomed an alternative.

Read all of Lee's analysis on the Southern Political Report.

DHS Employee Charged With Perjury

A long-time state Department of Human Services employee has been indicted by the state's multi-county grand jury on 13 counts of perjury. She is Barbette Hull of Atoka, charged in an indictment unsealed this morning in Oklahoma County District Court.

Assistant Attorney General Joel-lyn McCormick says Hull lied to a grand jury investigating allegations of illegal campaign activity by officials at the Kiamichi Technology Center in Atoka.

McCormick says Hull was accused of using her state computer to produce campaign literature and was offered immunity in exchange for testifying truthfully to the grand jury. McCormick says Hull then lied at least 13 times while testifying.

Pruitt Heads Huckabee Oklahoma Campaign

Former state Senator Scott Pruitt will chair presidential candidate Mike Huckabee's Oklahoma Leadership Committee. Huckabee, who has been surging among Republican presidential candidates, said Thursday he and Pruitt share conservative values.

Tancredo Withdraws, Endorses Romney

After taking credit for pushing the issue of immigration to the forefront of the presidential race, Representative Tom Tancredo ended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, and in an unexpected move, endorsed Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts.

Dan Sullivan Seeks 'Christmas' Ban Explanation, But Edmondson Says No Such Ban In Place

UPDATED ~ State Rep. Dan Sullivan has asked the president of Southwestern Oklahoma State University to explain a "ban" on use of the word "Christmas," but late today Attorney General Drew Edmondson said Internet allegations he had issued a directive to that effect are in error.

A statement from the attorney general's office reads, "Attorney General Drew Edmondson didn’t give a second thought to a caller from Texas who called his office this morning to wish him a merry Christmas. His executive assistant returned the man’s well wishes and hung up the phone. In fact, no one in the attorney general’s office thought it at all strange to receive Christmas greetings until the calls started pouring in – by the dozens. The problem seemingly started after a group calling themselves the 'Liberty Counsel' issued a press release stating that an administrator had ordered employees at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford to refrain from using the word Christmas in oral or written form. According to the press release, the action was taken after the university received legal advice to that effect from Attorney General Drew Edmondson.

“Some of the callers were quite upset,” Edmondson said. “The idea that a state official would ban Christmas just days before such a holy day obviously struck a chord with a number of people.”

The release continues, "The problem, however, is that no such advice has been issued. The callers were getting their information off of Internet blogs, and they were taking it to heart."

“That advice was never given. The attorney general’s office doesn’t even advise SWOSU,” Edmondson said. “The first we heard of this so-called ‘advice’ came from someone who read it on the Internet. “Once the false information is out there, it seems to be immortal,” Edmondson said. “What gets reported as fact on one blog gets repeated as such on others. A few of the bloggers did call this afternoon to try to ‘verify’ the story and they did retract their original version of events, but the damage was already done.

"When it comes to the Internet, credibility is not required – nor is truth.”

Edmondson today had two messages for Oklahomans. “It seems like stating the obvious, but I would like people to remember that there is no accuracy filter on the Internet,” Edmondson said. “My second message – merry Christmas.” The attorney general also had a message for the original circulators of the grinchly tale.

“The folks at the Liberty Counsel will find lumps of coal in their stockings on Christmas morning,” Edmondson said. “That’s what Santa leaves for bad kids who tell lies.”

Tulsa blogger Michael Bates has the best rundown on this incident.

400 Scientists Question Global Warming Theory

Over 400 prominent scientists from more than two dozen countries recently voiced significant objections to major aspects of the so-called "consensus" on man-made global warming, it is being reported today. These scientists, many of whom are current and former participants in the UN IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), criticized the climate claims made by the UN IPCC and former Vice President Al Gore.

The new report issued by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s office of the GOP Ranking Member details the views of the scientists, the overwhelming majority of whom spoke out in 2007.

Even some in the establishment media now appear to be taking notice of the growing number of skeptical scientists. In October, the Washington Post Staff Writer Juliet Eilperin conceded the obvious, writing that climate skeptics "appear to be expanding rather than shrinking."

Many scientists from around the world have dubbed 2007 as the year man-made global warming fears “bite the dust.”

In addition, many scientists who are also progressive environmentalists believe climate fear promotion has "co-opted" the green movement.

The Senate report lists the scientists by name, country of residence, and academic/institutional affiliation. It also features their own words, biographies, and weblinks to their peer reviewed studies and original source materials as gathered from public statements, various news outlets, and websites in 2007.

This new “consensus busters” report is poised to redefine the debate.

Many of the scientists featured in this report consistently stated that numerous colleagues shared their views, but they will not speak out publicly for fear of retribution. Atmospheric scientist Dr. Nathan Paldor, Professor of Dynamical Meteorology and Physical Oceanography at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, author of almost 70 peer-reviewed studies, explains how many of his fellow scientists have been intimidated: “Many of my colleagues with whom I spoke share these views and report on their inability to publish their skepticism in the scientific or public media,” Paldor wrote.

Republican Presidential Race A 3-Way Knot?

If Republican voters were hoping for a wide open presidential race this holiday season, they are clearly getting their wish.

A new FOX News poll shows that Rudy Giuliani (20 percent), John McCain (19 percent) and the surging Mike Huckabee (19 percent) are clustered together at the top of the GOP hill—with Mitt Romney (11 percent) and Fred Thompson (10 percent) still within striking distance. Since a large share of Republican voters are still undecided (13 percent), this race is about as "up for grabs" as any in recent memory.

Giuliani suffered the biggest drop in support since November, losing a full 13 points.

On the other hand, Huckabee has shot up from 8 percent in November to 19 percent in the current poll.

Romney (up 3 percent) and McCain (up 2 percent) scored small gains in the last month.

As has been widely reported, the overall character of the Republican race has changed dramatically over the last several months. In fact, as late as September, Huckabee registered only 2 percent in a FOX News poll. Barely three months later he is a now co-front-runner.

Benge Questions Lottery Commission Request

State Rep. Chris Benge, chairman of the House Appropriations & Budget Committee, today questioned whether the Lottery Commission's request to cut education's guaranteed share of lottery profits would actually boost total profit.

"I question the premise that cutting education's percentage of lottery funds will ultimately boost sales," said Benge, R-Tulsa. "I think it is difficult to compare the Oklahoma lottery to other state lotteries. Oklahoma is very unique in that we have such a large presence of casino gaming and those facilities compete with the lottery for gambling dollars. The casino option has become more attractive to those seeking to gamble. It seems unlikely that a slight increase in lottery prize money would change that dynamic."

Lottery officials voted this week to ask the Legislature to repeal a voter-approved law giving education a guaranteed share of lottery profits. The program approved by Oklahoma voters requires that education programs receive 30 percent of lottery proceeds during the first two years of operation and 35 percent in all subsequent years.

However, lottery officials want lawmakers to repeal the 35-percent mandate so they can increase payout on some games, saying the larger prizes will boost overall sales. Oklahoma law already requires that at least 45 percent of lottery revenue be used for prizes with another 20 percent designated for administrative costs.

Since its inception, the lottery has consistently underperformed official projections - often by a significant margin - creating budget difficulties for Oklahoma schools.

According to news reports published this week, lottery officials claim they will break that pattern this year, but Benge warned that view may be overly optimistic.

"Although lottery officials have indicated they are on track to meet their sales goal for this year, the numbers I've seen show that collections are lagging," Benge said. "As of early December, the lottery's gross sales were averaging slightly more than $4 million per week. This year's state budget was written based on projections of about $5.2 million in gross sales each week. Things could improve, but the current average weekly sales will not support this year's lottery appropriation for education."

Fallin Seeks Tax Exemption On Overtime Pay

Congreswoman Mary Fallin has introduced legislation that would exclude overtime pay from gross income, making it exempt from the federal income tax. The bill immediately attracted several cosponsors and has been endorsed by Americans for Tax Reform.

DelGiorno's Remarks Prompt KFAQ Retraction

Tulsa radio station KFAQ (1170 AM) has retracted statements by former talk-show host Michael DelGiorno about City Councilor Bill Christiansen, saying some of the comments were untrue. As part of a settlement in a defamation lawsuit Christiansen filed in 2005 against DelGiorno and the station's owner, Journal Broadcast Group, KFAQ must air a retraction for 10 business days acknowledging that untruths were made repeatedly and offering an apology to Christiansen.

The retraction began airing Monday between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., a portion of the time slot in which DelGiorno's talk show aired.

DelGiorno resigned from KFAQ in April to take a job with a Nashville, Tenn., station (WWTN), which is not owned by Journal Broadcast Group, company attorney Doug Dodd said.

DelGiorno's resignation came during the evidence discovery period of the suit, in the wake of KFAQ's losing the University of Oklahoma's sports broadcasts, the FCC's fining the station and about seven months after media reports that DelGiorno was banished from a Creek Nation casino after allegedly being caught stealing.

Lamons Seeks More Ethics Commission Funding

UPDATED ~ State Rep. Lucky Lamons today announced he has filed legislation to increase the Ethics Commission's budget by 70 percent.

Lamons' bill will increase the watchdog agency's funding by$369,000 per year to hire additional staff and pay for new technology.

The Ethics Commission, which enforces state campaign finance laws, currently has an annual budget of just $518,000.

"In order for the public to trust their elected officials, we must be monitored by an agency that has some autonomy from the Legislature," said Lamons, D-Tulsa. "We must fund this agency and give them the resources necessary to oversee the financial transactions conducted by elected officials' campaigns."

The $369,000 increase includes money for the following improvements:*$75,000 for increased operational expenses;*$37,000 to double the agency's office space;*$26,000 for information/technology improvements;*$45,000 for performance increases; and*$186,000 to hire three new employees - a training specialist ($52,000), a new auditor/investigator ($56,000) and a new attorney($78,000).

Lamons said he will be a "strong supporter" of an ethics reform bill filed by Rep. David Dank (R-Oklahoma City), but said his legislation will complement Dank's efforts.

Dank's legislation would ban in-session legislative campaign contributions, prohibit shadowy transfers of campaign funds between political action committees and ban the use of campaign funds for personal use.

"I plan to support Representative Dank's sweeping ethics reform package, but for us to implement those new recommendations, it is imperative to increase the Ethics Commission's staff and appropriation," Lamons said."I believe there is a very good chance of new ethics reforms becoming law this year with bipartisan support."

The Democratic lawmaker said more funding is imperative now that questions have been raised about Republican House Speaker Lance Cargill and his leadership team concerning contributions intended for the state party that ended up with the Oklahoma County party and were spent on key House races.

Late today, Dank issued this statement: "While I appreciate Representative Lamons support for my comprehensive ethics reform measure and look forward to working with him to win its passage, I think it is inappropriate to point to any purported past violations when discussing additional funding for the State Ethics Commission. The issue is not partisan, but simply a matter of open and good government. Democrats, as well as Republicans, have been the target of ethics investigations in the past and several members of the Democrat leadership team were guilty of funneling personal campaign monies into a phony political action committee that slandered Republicans—including me—in the last two general elections. This Win Pac political action committee was founded by former Democrat Speaker of the House Larry Adair and funded in the last general election by virtually the entire Democrat leadership team, the Oklahoma Education Association and a host of other Democrat operatives and political action committees. So, I would suggest that we leave any of this speculation about past violations out of the discussion and concentrate on what we can do to assure proper conduct in the future."

The status of such a probe by the Ethics Commission is unknown because the agency's investigations are kept secret by law. However, a former Republican state lawmaker, Ray Vaughn of Edmond, confirmed that he visited the Ethics Commission office on Friday. Vaughn is now an Oklahoma County commissioner. His spokesman, Rick Buchanan, said that would be the only comment Vaughn would have regarding the visit. Vaughn said earlier that he had given $5,000 to the state party and was disturbed to learn that it went to the county party instead.

Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones also confirmed that he visited the Ethics Commission office Friday. Jones noted earlier that the Ethics Commission was raising questions about the contributions being diverted from the state to the county. Although several checks were written to the state, records showed that they ended up in the Oklahoma County Republican Party's coffer.

Coburn Wins Debate Over Mental Health Findings

From News Reports Via David Hardy At Of Arms And The Law ~ Congress on Wednesday passed a long-stalled bill inspired by the Virginia Tech shootings that would more easily flag prospective gun buyers who have documented mental health problems.

The measure also would help states with the cost.

Passage by voice votes in the House and Senate came after months of negotiations between Senate Democrats and the lone Republican, Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, who had objected and delayed passage. Coburn won his argument over the use of mental health findings and the determination of their validity. The government would pay for the cost of appeals by gun owners and prospective buyers who argue successfully in court that they were wrongly deemed unqualified for mental health reasons. The compromise would require that incorrect records, such as expunged mental health rulings that once disqualified a prospective gun buyer but no longer do, be removed from the system within 30 days.

It was not immediately clear whether President Bush intended to sign, veto or ignore the bill. If Congress does not technically go out of session, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has threatened, the bill would become law if Bush does not act within 10 days.

Laughlin Seeks To Reverse Inmate Care Ruling

State Senator Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, has filed legislation that seeks to reverse this week’s state Supreme Court ruling that makes counties liable for the cost of medical care for jail inmates even if the health condition existed prior to being jailed.

“This court ruling could literally bankrupt some county governments, especially in rural areas like my district, so it is imperative that the Legislature fix this problem,” said Laughlin, who represents northwest Oklahoma and the panhandle.

“My bill will make it clear that an inmate in custody at a county jail is responsible for the cost of his medical care for pre-existing conditions or self-inflicted injuries,” he said.

Laughlin, the Senate’s Republican floor leader, has filed Senate Bill 1168 for the 2008 legislative session.

Rinehart's Attorneys Withdraw Without Explanation

Two attorneys for Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart withdrew from his felony case today without explanation, meaning Rinehart now must find a new attorney before he returns to court in February on campaign finance charges.

Both of his attorneys asked for permission to withdraw from the case today when Rinehart made his first appearance before Oklahoma County Judge Jerry Bass.

Rinehart was ordered last month to face trial on conspiracy, money laundering and perjury charges stemming from his campaign for county commissioner in 2004. His former campaign manager and former State Rep. Tim Pope and contributor Ray Pelfrey, Del City businessman, face similar charges.

They are due back in court Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. for another pre-trial conference.

War Hero Ernest Childers Honored In Tulsa

U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), and U.S. Representative John Sullivan (R-Okla.), announced that legislation (H.R.366) designating the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient clinic in Tulsa the “Ernest Childers Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic” passed the Senate last night by Unanimous Consent. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in June and is on its way to the President to be signed.

“Ernest Childers was the first Native American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor,” Senator Inhofe said. “Fighting in Italy during World War II, Ernest Childers attacked and destroyed two enemy machine gun nests with a broken ankle and without any grenades, bravely risking his life above and beyond the call of duty. Later in life, Ernest Childers said, 'Take pride in what you do and be the best in what you do.’ Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Childers epitomizes the spirit of Oklahoma and I am glad he has received this well-deserved recognition.”

Fallin Lauds Storm Recovery Effort Workers

Congresswoman Mary Fallin spoke on the House floor today to thank utility workers, volunteers, charities and others for their assistance during last week's ice storm and the recovery efforts since. The storm killed more than 20 people and left a large portion of the state without power.

Fallin’s remarks are below:

“Madam Speaker, as you know, this past week the state of Oklahoma experienced a severe ice storm that left over 600,000 homes and businesses without power or heat. As you can imagine, Oklahomans had a very challenging week.

“Today I would like to thank the people of Oklahoma for helping each other and commend the generous people and organizations that came to our aid.

“Since the disaster of the Murrah Federal Building in 1995, the people of my Great State are said to have created what is now known as “The Oklahoma Standard,” rallying to help each other in times of need. This was no exception.

“I thank Governor Brad Henry and President Bush for working together to ensure that we receive federal disaster relief.

“I would like to commend the state office of Emergency Management, FEMA representatives, and state Corporation Commission, who kept us informed and on track as power loss was reported and power was restored.

“I especially want to express my gratitude to the utility crews who worked tirelessly in their efforts to restore power, and I want to thank the hundreds of utility workers from other states who came to help. Thank you for leaving your homes and families to help Oklahoma.

“There are so many other organizations to thank, including churches, synagogues and charities. The Southern Baptist Convention, United Way of Central Oklahoma, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross, to name just a few, worked to provide food, shelter and other supplies, and all went beyond their usual call of duty to clear the road to recovery.

“I thank all of them, Madam Speaker, and I thank the resilient, wonderful people of Oklahoma who always come together to help each other and show the world 'The Oklahoma Standard.'"

Bush Approves Major Disaster Declaration

President Bush today granted Governor Henry’s request for a major disaster declaration for seven Oklahoma counties impacted by last week’s ice storm.

Henry noted that more counties will be added to the declaration as damage assessment surveys continue across the state.

Henry praised President Bush for granting the December 15 request: “This public assistance approved by the President will help cities, towns and counties in their response and recovery efforts,” the Governor said. “Hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans know all too well that the ice storm was of historic proportions. Federal assistance is deserved and needed for numerous communities throughout our state, and I am grateful to the President for his quick response.”

The declaration means public assistance will be available for expenses related to infrastructure damage including roads, bridges and public facilities, as well as the costs of debris removal.

Counties now covered are Cleveland, Lincoln, Mayes, Oklahoma, Pottawatomie, Tulsa and Wagoner.

Henry noted that more counties will be added upon the completion of ongoing damage assessments. He said Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management officials are also continuing surveys to build the state’s anticipated request to the President for Individual Assistance. Residents and business owners who have uninsured ice storm damages are urged to call the toll-free Oklahoma Damage Assessment Hotline (866) 560-7584 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.

Images courtesy the Tulsa World, The Oklahoman.

Oklahoma Truly A Judicial Hellhole, Report Says

Oklahoma has suffered another blow because of Governor Henry’s veto of bipartisan lawsuit reform legislation during the 2007 legislative session, Senator Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee said today.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Judicial Hellholes report published by the nonpartisan American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) gives Oklahoma a “dishonorable mention.”

“America’s job-creators pay attention to the Judicial Hellholes report. This is very bad news for Oklahoma, and it is the latest in a long list of damaging publicity Governor Henry created for our state with his veto. This report creates another hurdle in our efforts to attract jobs and grow our economy,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

SB 507 passed the Senate and House of Representatives with bipartisan majorities during the 2007 legislative session, and included 18 of the 28 reforms Henry proposed in 2004. Despite previous promises to support meaningful lawsuit reform, Henry flip-flopped and vetoed SB 507.

The 2007 Judicial Hellholes report is posted at www.atra.org .

Gardenhire Leaving State House Post

Damon Gardenhire, director of communications for the State House, has resigned to become Assistant Dean for Communications and Marketing with the Oklahoma City University School of Law.

Gardenhire has been in the House post for three years. His new job begins January 1st.

Poll: Fallin, Henry Show Strong Approval

A new poll by The Tarrance Group for Congresswoman Mary Fallin shows the freshman winning approval from 72 percent, with disapproval from just 18 percent. Governor Brad Henry won approval from 67 percent, disapproval from just 20 percent.

Fallin won approval from 85 percent of Republicans and 65 percent of Indepdents. Henry won approval from 84 percent of Democrats and 40 percent of Independents.

The survey was conducted December 3-4.

Poll Shows Rice Struggling For Support

A poll by Democrats for the Andrew Rice for U. S. Senate campaign shows Rice with little support outside the Democrat base of 35 percent.

The poll, by the Benenson Strategy Group, is being touted as showing incumbent Republican Senator Jim Inhofe is vulnerable. It is similar to a poll taken in 2002 by the David Walters campaign that claimed Inhofe could be defeated; Walters' numbers then were about the same as Rice's numbers in this poll, and Inhofe trounced Walters. The difference is that Walters was much better known than Rice, but the two share liberal beliefs and Rice is even more liberal than Walters.

Historically, Inhofe's approval rating has hovered in the 53 percent range and in past Senate campaign early head-to-head polls with possible opponents, there's been a 10 to 25 percent spread. Against Rice, the spread is 13 percent (48-35), the poll found.

OKC Christmas Ban Sparks Defense Fund Lawsuit

Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund filed a lawsuit in federal court Monday to halt what they claim is an unconstitutional ban by Oklahoma City officials on the right for city employees to publicly celebrate Christmas at their workplace.

"The attacks on Christmas are simply part of a larger war being waged on anything and everything Christian," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Byron Babione. "It's ridiculous that city employees are being told that they cannot display symbols central to their faith during the Christmas season."

ADF allied attorney Brent Olsson, who is also representing the employees, said: "Allowing employees to exercise their right to express their faith is not a violation of the First Amendment."

On Nov. 15, Oklahoma City department and division heads received a memo from City Manager Jim Couch. The memo stated that city employees were forbidden to display items in their workplace such as "nativity scenes, troparia, cherubs, angels, crosses, and any other symbols of clear religious significance." The memo added that "appropriate" displays included "evergreen trees, snowflakes, reindeer, snowmen, and Santa Claus."

The policy also extended to a yearly Christmas party organized by Christopher Spencer, a city employee. At the party, employees annually presented gifts to a family in financial need. The party also included a shared Christmas dinner. Spencer was told that the party should be relocated to an offsite location and employees who chose to attend would have to use vacation time to do so.

"It's our hope that the city will quickly realize that they are in error in censoring the First Amendment rights of its employees to publicly celebrate Christmas," said ADF Litigation Counsel Amy Smith. "ADF is prepared to defend people of faith against attacks such as these, wherever they may occur."

A copy of the complaint filed Monday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma in Spencer v. City of Oklahoma City can be read at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/SpencerComplaint.pdf. A copy of the memo sent to city employees can be read at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/OklahomaCityMemo.pdf.

ADF is a legal alliance defending the right to hear and speak the Truth through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.

Coburn Demands Congressional Probe Of Secretly-Altered 2005 Highway Spending Bill

Senator Tom Coburn today notified Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell that he wants a congressional investigation into the unauthorized alteration of a highway spending bill and will object if such an investigation doesn't take place.

In a letter to McConnell, Coburn wrote, "I write to inform you that I will object to unanimous passage of any bill providing technical corrections of the 2005 highway bill if that bill does not require a full and open investigation of the events leading up to the unauthorized revision of congressionally passed legislation during the enrollment process.

"While my understanding is that the latest version of the technical corrections bill restores the original congressional intent of the 'Coconut Road' provision, those who perverted and distorted the explicit will of the U.S. Congress must also be held to account. A full investigation into this matter is necessary to ensure that this does not happen again in the future.

"After both Houses of Congress approved passage of the conference report on H.R. 3 (SAFETEA-LU) in the 109th Congress, a major substantive change was secretly made to the legislation during the enrollment process. Specifically, item number 462 of section 1934 of the bill was secretly changed from “Widening and Improvements for I-75 in Collier and Lee County” to “Coconut Rd. interchange I-75/Lee County[.]”

"As you well know, substantive changes during the enrollment process can only be made via a concurrent resolution, which must be agreed to by both the House and Senate. According to the Congressional Research Service, only one concurrent resolution (H.Con.Res. 226) regarding the 2005 highway bill was passed by the 109th Congress, and the resolution was 'silent on any other specific changes, including section 1934[.]'

"Because secret, improper, and unauthorized changes to congressionally passed legislation call into question the integrity of our entire Constitutional and legislative process, I believe a full and open investigation into this matter is necessary to restore the integrity of both the U.S. Congress and the Constitution.

"I thank you for protecting my rights as a U.S. Senator and I look forward to working with you to create a select committee, comprised of Members of both the House and Senate, to investigate the events that led up to the unauthorized change and to provide a full accounting of the matter to the American public."

Americans Still The Center Of America

From Human Events ~ Two and half weeks out from the Iowa caucuses, here's where we stand:

The Bush presidency is generally unpopular.

Congress is now even more unpopular than the Bush presidency.

The Republicans have failed to live up to people's expectations of them.

Now, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D.-Nev.) are doing a much poorer job of getting things done than the Republicans were.

But thankfully, Washington is not the center of America.

Americans still remain the center of America.

Romney Claims NRA Endorsement He Didn't Get

From The Huffington Post ~ Maybe it was the pressure of the moment. Being under the Tim Russert spotlight can get to anyone. Under Russert's grilling about guns on this morning's "Meet the Press," former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney claimed an endorsement he'd never won.

In answer to questions about whether he would sign an assault weapons ban, Romney said: "Just as the president said, he would have, he would have signed that bill if it came to his desk, and so would have I. And, and, and yet I also was pleased to have the support of the NRA when I ran for governor. I sought it, I seek it now. I'd love to have their support."

(The NRA did not support Romney in his race for governor; his opponent had an "A" NRA rating; Romney had a "B" rating.)

Congressional Blue Dogs Launch Surprise Revolt

From The Hill ~ Nearly 30 conservative Blue Dog Democrats voted with Republicans Monday night to defeat an effort by Democratic leaders to pass a resolution that would have allowed Congress to adjourn for the year at the end of this week.

Congressman Dan Boren of the 2nd District is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

By preventing the House from adjourning, Blue Dogs have in effect taken hostage, at least temporarily, their colleagues’ hopes to be home for Christmas to possibly use as a bargaining chip in tax relief talks.

The surprise revolt sent jitters among Capitol staff who envisioned the less-than-merry prospect of staying in session past this week.

The conservative Democrats blocked their leadership’s attempt to prepare for adjournment after hearing rumors that the House would vote on the Senate’s version of an Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) relief bill later this week. Unlike two House-passed versions, the Senate-passed legislation would not offset the cost of tax relief with other tax increases, thus violating budget rules House Democrats adopted at the start of the year.

Earlier this month, 31 House Blue Dogs signed a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) insisting that AMT legislation comply with budget rules known as “pay as you go” or “PAYGO,” which require the cost of legislation be paid for. House and Senate Democratic leaders support paying for the AMT bill, but Senate Republicans refused to a relief measure with offsets.

Murphey Wants Legislative Action To Be Televised

State Rep. Jason Murphey said today he is working on legislation that will require the televising of House and Senate proceedings.

Murphey, Guthrie Republican, said that's important and he favors "requiring state government to televise its proceedings so people can see what is really going on. I have observed that without televised proceedings, it is more difficult for citizens to view legislative events in their proper context. The number of procedural votes and other complicating issues create a cloud of confusion that sometimes allow politicians to take public positions on controversial issues that they in actuality are voting to sabotage. If proceedings were televised, people would be able to see not onlyhow their elected representatives voted, but they would have full access to the debate and procedural votes as well. That way, a representative would have to answer to a more informed electorate when he returned home."

CNN Poll: Public Affirms Right To Own Firearms

Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they believe the Constitution guarantees each person the right to own a gun, according to a new CNN poll.

In all, 65 percent said they thought the Constitution ensures that right, and 31 percent said it did not. The question had a sampling error of plus-or-minus 3 points.

Men and people living in rural areas were most likely to say the Constitution guarantees the right to own a gun. Nearly three quarters of men (72 percent) said they believed so, versus 26 percent who did not. More than half (58 percent) of women said they believed so, versus slightly more than a third (35 percent) who did not. That question had a sampling error of plus-or-minus 4.5 points. Among rural dwellers, 73 percent said they agreed, versus 64 percent and only half (50 percent) of city dwellers who thought the same. That question had a sampling error of plus-or-minus 7 points.

The Second Amendment to the Constitution says: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Some have interpreted those words to mean that everyone has a right to own a gun; others say the amendment protects only the right of citizens to form a militia.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation telephone poll of 1,002 U.S. adults was carried out December 6 - 9.

Lawmakers Criticize Tulsa School Board

State lawmakers today are praising regents at the University of Oklahoma for taking steps to potentially sponsor new charter schools, but say a new lawsuit being considered by the Tulsa public school board against a new charter school law is a thinly veiled attempt to prevent new charter schools from opening.

Last week, the University of Oklahoma’s Board of Regents approved a motion allowing the school to receive applications to sponsor new charter schools in the state. The move is the next step in a process started by House Bill 1589, a new state law passed earlier this year that allows universities to sponsor charter schools in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.

“We were able to open a door for charter schools this year in the Legislature. And we’re thrilled that the OU regents have stepped up to the plate and said they’re willing to help provide new learning opportunities for students in areas where traditional school models have hurt our kids. It’s a sign of hope in Oklahoma’s education system,” said House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah.

Yet despite OU’s efforts to sponsor charter schools, the Tulsa school board is considering a proposal by board member Matt Livingood to file a lawsuit against House Bill 1589 on the grounds that it limits new charter schools to only two counties.

“I’m extremely disappointed in the Tulsa school board for challenging this bill, especially since it helps address the constitutional concerns that they raised last year,” said Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore, who chairs the House Education Committee.

Jones said HB 1589 was written in response to constitutional questions that were raised by the Tulsa school board about the state’s original charter school law. The bill reduced the number of counties where new charter schools could open to just Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, but added universities to the list of entities that could sponsor charter schools.

Rep. Jabar Shumate, who represents portions of north Tulsa, echoed Jones’ sentiments, saying, “A lawsuit on an issue like this would be a colossal waste of money. Instead of money going toward helping our failing north Tulsa schools, they want to put the money in the pockets of attorneys. Once again, it’s our students who lose out.”

Shumate believes that the new charter schools law seems to be constitutional. “There are many laws on the books with population restrictions, and that’s all were talking about with this charter schools law,” he said. “And those laws have been upheld by the state Supreme Court.”

In 2006, the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of a law that had population restrictions, as long as all governmental entities that qualify are treated equally under the law. The particular lawsuit the court ruled on, City of Enid v. Public Employees Relations Board, was challenging a state law that would allow city employees to unionize, but the law only applied to cities of a certain population size. The City of Enid filed a suit against the law, saying it was unconstitutional because it only applied to certain cities, but the court eventually ruled in favor of the law.

“This lawsuit would be a waste of time and money, and those are two things that can’t be wasted when it comes to the kids of north Tulsa,” said Sen. Judy Eason, McIntyre, D-Tulsa. “This lawsuit would be nothing but a smokescreen. We need charter opportunities for these kids, but the members of the school board are trying to protect against exposure of their failures in north Tulsa.”

Worthen Warns Entities On Debris Contractors

State Rep. Trebor Worthen is cautioning Oklahoma counties and municipalities affected by recent ice storms to make sure any contracts for debris removal are in line with federal guidelines. Otherwise, they may not qualify for federal funds to help pay for the cleanup.

“In the coming days and weeks, there will be cities and counties all across the state that have to contract with private firms to clean up all the limbs and other debris from these ice storms,” said Worthen, R-Oklahoma City. “By keeping the FEMA guidelines in mind, city and county officials will be able to recoup a lot of the cleanup costs after this is all over.”

When selecting a firm for debris removal following a natural disaster, a multitude of factors should be considered, Worthen said. If the wrong contractor is selected and FEMA funds are de-obligated due to their action or inaction, the financial impact on the municipality can be devastating.

Following natural disasters, Worthen said, many firms who otherwise are not in the debris removal business determine that it is now their primary focus. It is important to select a contractor that has experience working with FEMA, as well as a lengthy track record of completing debris removal projects, he added.

Coburn's Clout Grows, The Politico Reports

From The Politico ~ Tom Coburn, an Oklahoma Republican, has long been known as the Senate’s gadfly, crusading against wasteful government spending. In the last year, however, this gadfly has gone through a metamorphosis and is now more of a scorpion: If you’re not careful, he’ll kill your bill. For that reason, Senate aides on both sides of the aisle now take legislation directly to Coburn’s office before moving forward to make sure he has no objections, whether he’s on the relevant committee or not. If he does, they often swallow their pride and make the changes he’s asking for.

Track Federal Spending On New Site

From www.stevefair.blogspot.com ~ The federal government has made it easier to find out where taxpayer dollars are being spent as well as what congressional District is benefiting from federal spending (it even ranks the congressional districts from 1- 435). Taxpayers can see who the top 100 contractors with the federal government have been in the past seven years. Searches can be done on specific contractors and Congressman. Great site! U.S. Senator Tom Coburn said that bloggers were the "key group" who helped spearhead this effort, and he said he hopes now that it is operational they will use the site to expose Congress. "I think this is going to be a wildfire," he said. Let's hope so. You can assess the site by clicking on the link http://usaspending.gov/

Ron Paul Hits Fundraising Homerun, Hillary Clinton Worries About Barack Obama's Poll Surge

Republican presidential hopeful Ron Paul's supporters raised over $5 million Sunday to boost the 10-term Texas congressman's campaign for the White House.

Called a "Money Bomb," the goal was to raise as much money as possible on the Internet in one day. The campaign's previous fundraiser brought in $4.2 million.

At 9 p.m. EST, donations were over $5 million, according to the campaign Web site. Those donations are processed credit card receipts, said Paul campaign spokesman Jesse Benton. Benton said the median donation is about $50 in the fundraiser, which was the idea of Paul supporters who are not officially connected to the campaign.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is keeping a stiff upper lip when it comes to questions about her presidential campaign’s vulnerabilities in the face of a rising threat in the polls from fellow Democrat Barack Obama.

“I really don’t pay a lot of attention to that. Maybe it’s because I don’t have to get up before the crack of dawn every morning and talk about it. I have a much longer view about this campaign, like I always have,” Clinton told FOX News Monday, speaking from a diner in Des Moines, Iowa.

Clinton tried to keep the conversation upbeat even as she faces questions about Obama’s recent poll surges. Obama has taken a lead in some polls in New Hampshire, though within the margin of error.

For more details, see the stories in our scrolling newsbar at right.

The Frozen Gadfly: Seven Days, Ten Hours...

Power was restored to Casa McCarville today, seven days and ten hours after it went out under a cascade of ice and falling tree limbs. That was after the first limb to fall hit the regulator on top of the gas meter and caused an explosion that sent Midwest City firefighters into our backyard at 4 a.m. and an ONG worker into it five hours later to restore our gas service.

Our beautiful yard, which I have compared to a well-groomed city park, is a disaster area. Half a tree rests on the roof. Huge branches litter the back yard. Our front courtyard was completely blocked by a crushed tree until our tree service moved the limbs out of the way earlier in the week. The giant Sycamore in the front yard is a single stalk, stripped of every huge branch it held. The branches litter the yard. The City of Midwest City, trying to clear the street in front of our house, used a backhoe to move the branches into the yard and in the process, left two ruts about a foot deep and a foot or more wide in the front yard. Thankfully, we were in the process of redecorating an empty rental property less than two blocks from our home, and we had power there. So, that's where we've camped for a week, sans bed, furniture or frig. It was warm, however, and cost us nothing, so we give thanks despite our angst and discomfort.

I suspect it will be weeks, or longer, before the debris is removed. It will take years for the trees and shrubs to regain their pre-storm form, if they ever do.

The storm has created an economic boost for some; our frig is completely empty and needs to be restocked. The tree crew will return tomorrow and the bill will be, I fear, astronomical. I've already spent several hundred dollars on limb removal at our rental properties, one of which has 110 service, but not 220; it went out early Tuesday morning. I overheard a diner the other night say that isn't possible; I'm here to tell him it is.

A real sour note: Our next-door neighbor purchased a generator and had it running in his open garage the first night without power. Some cretin or cretins stole it. May the thief or thieves rot in hell.

I've heard considerable bitching the past week about OG&E and how long it has taken to restore power in some areas; the criticism comes from those ignorant of the immense logistical and safety issues that wide area outages create. Before power can be restored in most cases requires workers to survey every house to make certain meters aren't pulled away from houses or lines aren't down and in danger of setting fires when power is restored. Couple that logistical time-eater with the weather we've had up until today and the scope of the chore OG&E workers, and the crews from out of state, face, becomes clear. And the complaints about alleged "preferential treatment" given some areas (i. e., Nichols Hills) are BS; some of the first areas with restored power were blue collar neighborhoods all over town, including some in Del City and Midwest City and Moore and Choctaw, Bethany and Warr Acres.

Image courtesy The Oklahoman

State A Major Disaster Area, Henry Says

Governor Brad Henry has asked President George Bush for a major disaster declaration for an initial seven Oklahoma counties devastated by the ice storm. As more damage assessments are completed, requests will be made for additional counties to be declared.

If approved, cities, towns and counties impacted by last weekend’s ice storm will receive public assistance for expenses related to response and recovery efforts. Gov. Henry noted that preliminary damage assessments continue in counties throughout the state. “The ice storm that swept through Oklahoma last weekend has been nothing short of catastrophic,” the Governor said.

Henry Names Pettigrew To Ethics Commission

Governor Henry has appointed Jo Pettigrew to serve on the state Ethics Commission. A former teacher and assistant executive director of the Oklahoma State School Board Association, Pettigrew served for nine years as executive director of the United Suburban Schools Association of Oklahoma.

Henry said he is certain Pettigrew, a McLoud resident, will make an excellent commissioner. “Jo Pettigrew has dedicated her professional life to excellence in education,” Henry said. “She possesses the intellect, integrity and commitment to public service that will serve her well on the Ethics Commission.”

Pettigrew, who succeeds Ken Elliott, takes on her new post at the Ethics Commission’s next scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Her term expires in 2012.

Ice Storm Wreaks Havoc

This week's ice storm has left Oklahoma City looking like a battle zone. It's also crippled TMRO and many other sites, as electricity has yet to be restored. As the power outages mount and insurance estimators begin to calculate the damge, these developments:

1 - Governor Brad Henry, on vacation in Hawaii when the storm hit, booked his return to Oklahoma as Lt. Governor Jari Askins declared the entire state a disaster area. 2 - OG&E, PSO, OEC and other power providers report outages are the worst ever. The difference in this storm and others appears to be that it "trained" freezing rain over the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas as well as the rest of the state; past storms hit rural areas and some cities. 3 - On Monday afternoon, 70 percent of Tulsa was without power. In Oklahoma City, OG&E reported about 295,000 customers were without power. 4 - It appears it could be a week to 10 days before power is restored to all customers.

Shannon Takes Over As KTOK PM Host

As expected, veteran broadcaster Mark Shannon is the new host of radio station KTOK's afternoon drive show. The show, which had aired from 5-7 p.m. for the past two years, will now air from 4-7 p.m.

Flash Point: Who Will Replace Hargis?

The selection of Burns Hargis as the new president of Oklahoma State University apparently means he will leave his 15-year role as the co-host of KFOR-TV's "Flash Point" political talk show. Co-host Mike Turpen is quoted in today's The Oklahoman as saying that while he's happy for Hargis, "I hate to lose a Flash Point partner in the process." The show airs Sunday mornings at 9:30. Hargis won't officially become OSU's president until summer, and it's likely he'll continue on the show until that time, or nearer it.

Is Mark Shannon KTOK's New Afternoon Host?

Veteran broadcaster and blogger Mark Shannon may be radio station KTOK's new afternoon show host.

Shannon, last on the air here hosting the morning show on WKY before it flipped to Hispanic music and before that the morning host on a Nashville talk station, today posted a message under his name on his blog: "His next 25 years of OKC radio starts Monday," the message reads. He's also addded a line to his biography noting he will return to Oklahoma City radio on Monday. As we reported on Friday, the station will introduce its new afternoon drive show host on Monday.

Shannon's background includes work as an FM disc jockey in several states. In 1983, after a stop in Amarillo, he moved to Oklahoma City and joined KJ103FM (KJY0). His 7-year run there ended when he joined Classic Rock 107.7 KRXO, for eight years, where he evolved the mornings from a "more rock, less talk" format to a "no rock, all talk" show. The show, which was sometimes described as Rush Limbaugh meets Howard Stern, helped take the struggling station to number one in the market, and the highest rated classic rock station (percentage of audience) in the United States. In 1998, The Sports Animal 104.9/640am, hired Shannon to do a "man show" for the sports station.

In October of 2000, he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, (CLL) a slowly progressing form of the disease of the blood. It responded to treatments and was in remission until earlier this year; he now is undergoing chemotherapy again.

Shannon returned to Oklahoma City after a stint doing mornings on 50,000 watt AM news/talk WLAC in Nashville and then joined WKY as the morning show host, a slot he held for three years until the station flipped its format.

Willa Johnson Faces Breast Cancer Surgery

Oklahoma County Commissioner Willa Johnson will undergo surgery next week for breast cancer that was discovered during a routine mammogram the week of Thanksgiving. Johnson revealed her situation at this week's board of county commissioners meeting.

KTOK To Announce New Afternoon Show Host

Oklahoma City radio station KTOK-AM 1000 may announce a new afternoon show host on Monday.

The new host will replace Gerry Vaillancourt, who was dropped from the 5-7 p.m. afternoon slot a week ago. "Gerry V" had hosted the show, with Program Director Lee Matthews, since Mike McCarville resigned from the station and vacated his long-running 4-6 p.m. time slot two years ago. When McCarville resigned, Sean Hannity's syndicated show was extended by an hour, until 5, thus moving the local two-hour afternoon drive show into the 5-7 slot.

Oklahoma's Immigration Law Urged On Congress

State lawmakers from across the country today urged members of Congress to reform immigration law to essentially mirror Oklahoma's new law.

Pennsylvania State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, founder of State Legislators for Legal Immigration, led a delegation that called on Congress to enact laws that prevent illegal aliens from obtaining taxpayer-subsidized benefits and punish businesses that violate the law by hiring those workers.

The group's actions came just one day after a handful of officials in Oklahoma - including businessmen who admit to heavy reliance on illegal alien labor - called for repeal of Oklahoma's immigration reform law, originally known as House Bill 1804.

"While businesses who exploit illegal aliens to depress the wages of working families may not like House Bill 1804, it's obvious that most American citizens support the law," said Rep. Randy Terrill, a Moore Republican who authored House Bill 1804.

"Today's action by State Legislators for Legal Immigration shows we did the right thing in Oklahoma. We can't let the baseless complaints of unscrupulous business owners deter us from upholding the rule of law."

Metcalfe was joined by officials from the Federation forAmerican Immigration Reform (FAIR) and state lawmakers from Arizona, Indiana, Tennessee and Colorado, according to a news release issued bythe group.

According to the group's release, State Legislators for Legal Immigration members have entered into a working partnership with the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI) to create a comprehensive package of model "National Security Begins at Home" legislative solutions that any state lawmaker can introduce to effectively shut off all economic attractions and incentives for illegal aliens. That model legislation is largely based on Oklahoma's law, Terrill noted.

Gumm Tries Again On Grocery Sales Taxes

Senator Jay Paul Gumm of Durant will try again in 2008 to remove the state's portion of the sales tax on groceries.

The measure would remove the state’s portion of the sales tax on groceries; if enacted, Gumm said, the bill would save Oklahoma families 4.5 cents on every dollar they spend at the grocery store. Families spending $500 per month on groceries would save $270 annually on sales taxes under the bill.

“Working families are feeling the pain of all-time high gas prices, and could use the relief at the checkout stand when they buy food for their families,” Gumm said. “Eliminating this unfair tax will allow Oklahomans to have more money in their pockets to spend on necessities and to boost their local economies.”

This will be the third year Gumm will try to end collection of the state’s portion of the sales tax on groceries. He introduced similar legislation last year, however that bill was never granted a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee.

Pearl Harbor Ceremony Memorializes Oklahoma

Governor Brad Henry and First Lady Kim Henry are present at Pearl Harbor today for ceremonies memorializing the loss of the USS Oklahoma in the December 7th, 1941 attack by Japanese forces. The USS Oklahoma had a crew of about 1,000 and suffered the second-highest loss of life at Pearl Harbor.

Among those in Pearl Harbor for today's events is The Oklahoman's John Greiner. Check http://www.newsok.com/ for his latest articles.

Huckabee Claims No. 2 Spot; Will Romney Climb?

Republican Mitt Romney's almost-universally praised speech on his Mormon faith may jumble the national polls even more, but as of the latest Associated Press-Ipsos finding, it is former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (right) in the headlines.

Huckabee "has vaulted from nowhere into second place in the Republican presidential race, riding a burst of support from evangelicals, Southerners and conservatives," the poll, released today, shows.

The upsurge by the former Arkansas governor has come largely at the expense of Fred Thompson, according to the national survey. Thompson has dropped after failing to galvanize the party's right-wing core as much as some had expected.

Rudy Giuliani remains the front-runner, yet while his support long has been steady it shows signs of fraying. Huckabee's growing strength in the South has come as the former New York mayor's support there has dropped, the poll found.

"Why not me?" Huckabee said in an interview Thursday. "I meet all the criteria. I'm conservative, but I think I appeal to a broader set of voters. And I think that people are also looking for someone with whom they can identify."

The poll showed Giuliani at 26 percent among Republican and GOP-leaning voters, about where he has been since spring. Huckabee has 18 percent, 8 percentage points more than in an AP-Ipsos survey a month ago.

That put Huckabee in a virtual tie for second with Arizona Sen. John McCain, who had 13 percent. Also close were Mitt Romney with 12 percent and Thompson with 11 percent.

Rabon Promises Fight Over English Language

In response to recent announcements regarding a proposal to make English the official language of the state of Oklahoma, Senator Jeff Rabon on Thursday said he will do everything in his power to ensure such a measure would not win the approval of the Senate.

Rabon said he felt the state should be doing more to honor the fact that Oklahoma is home to numerous sovereign nations with unique languages and cultures that deserve the respect of the Legislature.

“I feel like this highlights an intolerance and insensitivity to our history and background,” said Rabon, D-Hugo. “Oklahoma is the quintessential melting pot. We have folks here from all over the world, but we also have more than 40 Indian tribes all with their own unique language. I think we ought to be going the other direction and doing more to honor and highlight the fact that we have so many sovereign nations with their own languages and cultures.”

Cargill Tours Warehouse, Cites Inventory Control

House Speaker Lance Cargill has toured one of the state's warehouses where surplus property is stored and offers his thoughts on his blog, http://www.okspeaker.blogspot.com/. Among other observations, he says the tour suggests better inventory control is needed.

Gumm: 'In God We Trust' License Tag

Senator Jay Paul Gumm, Durant Democrat, has filed legislation allowing Oklahomans to purchase license tags for their vehicles displaying the national motto of “In God We Trust.” The legislation is modeled after a law passed in Indiana in 2006. During the first four months of availability, more than a half-million of “In God We Trust” license plates were sold to Hoosiers who wanted to display the nation’s motto.

“This license plate would give Oklahomans an extraordinary opportunity to express their feelings about the principles on which this nation is founded,” said Gumm.

Cargill Puts Brakes On Illegal Immigration Laws

House Speaker Lance Cargill said Wednesday that he thinks a bill to make English the state's official language is about as far as the Legislature ought to go next session in toughening laws on illegal immigration. Fellow Republican Rep. Randy Terrill, who successfully sponsored a stringent immigration reform bill last session, said he wants more laws passed, including one authorizing the seizure of property and assets of people who hire illegal immigrants or knowingly rent property to them. Read all of Tulsa World Capitol Correspondent Mick Hinton's article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=071206_1_A13_hAlaw10161.

Huckabee, Thompson Join Oklahoma Filers

Republicans Mike Huckabee of Arkansas and Fred Thompson of Virginia filed with the State Election Board on Wednesday to join 13 others running in Oklahoma's Super Tuesday primary on February 5th.

Republicans filing Monday were U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona; U.S. Reps. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, Duncan Hunter of California and Ron Paul of Texas; former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Jerry Curry of Haymarket, Va.

U.S. Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York were the Democrats to file Monday.

Coburn: No 'Last Minute Spending Spree'

U. S. Senator Tom Coburn has once again put his colleagues on notice he will oppose any year-end "last minute spending spree."

In a letter to members of the Senate, Coburn wrote, "As we approach the end of the year, I recognize that there is often an urge for Congress to engage in a last minute spending spree, approving bills costing millions of dollars with no debate or discussion. It is important that we recognize the impact of such hastily made decisions.

"The U.S. national debt now exceeds $9.13 trillion. That means almost $30,000 in debt for each and every man, woman and child in the United States. The U.S. debt is expanding by about $1.4 billion a day, or nearly $1 million a minute. The unfunded liability placed on a child born today is $400,000.

"It is completely irresponsible for Congress to approve more spending or to create new programs when we have failed to pay for those that already exist.

"In the remaining hours of this session of Congress, therefore, I will not agree to any unanimous consent requests to authorize or appropriate increased spending or expand the size and cost of the federal government.

"If you intend to seek unanimous consent for any legislation in the next three weeks, I would encourage you to contact me as soon as possible so I have sufficient time to read and review your bill or bills and we can work out any differences, avoiding the frustration of last minute, late night negotiations.

"During this season, let’s remember that one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children and grandchildren, neighbors, and constituents is hope and opportunity. This means not burdening future generations with insurmountable debt as well as keeping our obligations to those in their retirement years.

"While we may have different sets of priorities, these differences should not prevent us from working together to ensure our actions today do not come at the expense of future generations or senior citizens. As members of Congress, we should make the same budgetary choices American families make as they celebrate the holidays."

Did Government Try To Stop Nichols Trial?

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ Convicted Oklahoma City bomber Terry Nichols maintains the U.S. government, through a mediator, attempted to cut a deal with him to stop the state murder trial held three years ago in McAlester. His claim is contained in a legal motion filed by Jesse Trentadue, the Salt Lake City lawyer who continues waging a several year long Freedom of Information Act battle with the Justice Department and the FBI.

Trentadue included a declaration of Terry Nichols as part of his response to the FBI's response of a Utah federal judge's ruling to let Trentadue interview and videotape Nichols and convicted killer David Paul Hammer, who once was in prison with bomber Tim McVeigh prior to McVeigh's execution.

In his declaration, Nichols maintained that during December of 2003 and January of 2004 when he was held in the Oklahoma County jail, he was offered a deal by an attorney named Michael Selby who was from Missouri and claimed to speak for the Justice Department. Selby, according to Nichols, told him that their meeting was 'off the books' and would be denied by the federal government. But Selby asked him to do three things and said if Nichols did them, there would be no state murder trial in connection with the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Murrah building.

"According to Mr. Selby, the Department of Justice could prevent the state prosecution from going forward by not releasing evidence to the state prosecutors and by not allowing FBI agents and other federal employees to testify in the state case," wrote Nichols in his declaration.

Nichols wrote that Selby wanted him to admit to making a phone call to the FBI the day before the bombing and warning of the plan to bomb the Murrah building. Selby also wanted Nichols to implicate his brother James Nichols in criminal activity and to reveal the location of explosives stolen from the home of Roger Moore, an Arkansas gun dealer.

Nichols said he never heard of the phone call warning the FBI of the bombing and refused to implicate his brother because it was not true that he was involved in criminal activity. Nichols said Moore had given the explosives to McVeigh. Selby told Nichols, according to the declaration, that Moore was "untouchable."

Donate To Coats For Kids Now

The Oklahoma City Public School District's annual "Coats For Kids" campaign is in its final weeks. Donations, in any amount, may be sent to Coats For Kids, 900 North Klein, Oklahoma City 73106, or dropped off at any MidFirst Bank location. The coats are provided to inner city elementary school students. The program operates with no overhead costs and all donations go to buy warm winter coats.

Study Could Save Millions, Legislators Told

From The State House ~ Oklahoma could save $70 million a year and nearly three quarters of a billion dollars over the next decade if the state implements simple reforms recommended by an IBM study two years ago, lawmakers learned Tuesday.

"Two years have already been wasted since this study was released, so the state has blown $140 million of taxpayers' money. It's clear the state can see substantial savings for taxpayers by implementing IBM's recommendations," said Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. "This IBM report has been gathering dust on a shelf for two years while tens of millions of dollars are at stake every year. $70 million is more than the annual budget of most state agencies."

IBM analysts studied Oklahoma's purchasing practices two years ago. They found the state largely had not adopted electronic purchasing practices that are common in today's marketplace -- such as online bidding -- which could save the state money and make purchasing more efficient.

"There are potentially huge savings that could be returned to taxpayers or reinvested in real priorities for the state, like education and transportation," said Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond, vice chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. "I think we need to see some results. This study is two years old. It's time to get moving."

Department of Central Services Director John Richard testified two weeks ago that he was working to implement some, but not all, of IBM's recommendations.

The IBM experts testified Tuesday at the third in a series of House hearings on government modernization and efficiency -- a top priority for Speaker Cargill in the coming year.

Lawmakers also heard testimony from an expert with Cisco Systems, who told lawmakers about savings that could be achieved using new mobile and wireless technologies in state government. The Cisco expert also testified about cost-effective ways the state could implement "interoperability" among law enforcement and public safety entities, enabling various agencies to more easily talk to each other on radios during emergencies.

David Blatt, director of public policy for the Tulsa-based Community Action Project, also testified about the bipartisan nature of government modernization.

Cargill also pointed out that the state's surplus storage practices are an additional concern. The state leases some 20 separate agency warehouses storing massive amounts of surplus items, and even outright junk in some cases.

"The state needs a basic central inventory system, and it's concerning that we don't have one," said Cargill. "These hearings have shown there are many areas where we could be saving taxpayers money right now, simply by updating government practices for the 21st century."

Coates Seeks Repeal Of Parts Of HB1804

From The State Senate ~ Over the past few years, the State Legislature has passed right to work and tort reform measures designed to make Oklahoma more attractive to business, but now the state has a law on the books that negates those efforts.

That’s according to Republican Senator Harry Coates, Co-Chair of the Senate Business and Labor Committee and the only Republican in the Legislature to vote against HB 1804. Coates announced he would file legislation to repeal portions of the bill approved during the 2007 session aimed at illegal immigrants.

“I think people in the legislature, the business community, private citizens and churches of many denominations are beginning to realize that this legislation is having an extremely negative impact on our state in many areas,” said Coates, R-Seminole. “I know there are those who felt this measure would not be good for Oklahoma but they supported it anyway because they worried that a no vote would be used against them in the next election. It was the classic case of good politics resulting in bad policy.”

Coates said the bill would likely include provisions to repeal sections of 1804 dealing with the harboring and transporting of illegal immigrants. He said the bill is causing a tremendous hardship for property and business owners alike. In addition, HB 1804 has caused difficulty for churches and humanitarian organizations although many have said they would continue to help anyone who comes to them for assistance. Coates said he would also file legislation to give some relief to businesses offering jobs that pay at least twice the minimum wage, but can no longer fill those positions.

“This law was passed out of frustration with the federal government for not doing their job of closing off our borders and enforcing current laws,” Coates said. “But one of the reasons for lack of movement on a federal level is the fact that tens of billions of dollars flow into government coffers from social security and from W2 withholdings that illegal immigrants do not claim. And regardless of what HB 1804 supporters say, jobs that pay twice the minimum wage are going unfilled because too many American citizens simply won’t do hard, physical labor.”

Coates said since HB 1804 became law last month he has received numerous phone calls from farmers, business owners and contractors.

“They want to know where the replacement workers will come from to fill the jobs resulting from the recent exodus of the immigrant worker and they are angry with the legislature for putting good politics ahead of good policy,” Coates said. “Furthermore, many of the same legislators who claim to champion the rights of the unborn child have flip-flopped when the child is being born to a mother who is here illegally. How can they not see the hypocrisy of their wish to refuse pre-natal care to those babies and their mothers?”

Coates said it was also hypocritical for lawmakers to claim to be a friend to business and then essentially throw farmers and business owners under the bus.

“I do not believe the citizens of this state sent us to the legislature to focus on getting re-elected,” Coates said. “Our job is to provide leadership in creating public policy that will help, not hurt Oklahomans.”

“It is my deepest hope that my fellow members will have the courage to help correct the many problems we’re already seeing as a result of the passage of HB 1804,” Coates said. “I also hope that my legislation will pass with an emergency clause so the bill can become law as soon as the Governor signs it. We need to reverse the damage while we still can.”

Coffee, ESRB Unveil New Video Ratings Campaign

From The State Senate ~ With the holiday shopping season underway, Oklahoma State Senator Glenn Coffee and Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) president Patricia E. Vance today unveiled a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign to explain and encourage parents to use video game ratings.

In the TV and radio ads, previewed for the news media at an Oklahoma City Blockbuster store Tuesday morning, Coffee encouraged parents to check the rating each time they purchase or rent a video game to ensure that it is appropriate for their children and family. The State Senator also encouraged parents to spend time with their children in order to be sure the choice of the game was appropriate.

“As a father, I know about the tough decisions parents face today about the media they allow into their homes,” said State Sen. Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The simple fact is that there’s no substitute for parental involvement and responsibility. It’s important that parents play an active role in choosing games for their children, just as it’s important for Oklahoma retailers to comply with their store policies that restrict the sale or rental of M-rated games to those under 17. ESRB ratings are an effective and informative resource that allows parents to decide if the video game their child wants is appropriate. I’m proud to be educating parents in our state about the tools at their disposal.”

It's Official: Hargis New President Of OSU

Oklahoma City banker Burns Hargis is the new president of Oklahoma State University. Regents today unanimously named Hargis as the institution's 18th president and only the second alumnus to hold the job. Hargis is well known as the co-host of KFOR-TV's weekly "Flash Point" television talk show with Mike Turpen.

Fallin Passes McGee Creek Land Transfer Bill

Congresswoman Mary Fallin, R-5th District, passed legislation in the House of Representatives today that approves a long awaited land transfer between the Federal Bureau of Reclamation and the McGee Creek Authority. The legislation was co-sponsored and brought to the floor with the help of Congressman Dan Boren of Oklahoma.

The bill formally transfers ownership rights of the water pipeline, pumping facility and other maintenance facilities surrounding the McGee Creek Reservoir from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation to the local governments that make up the McGee Creek Authority. The land transfer is prepaid and supported by both the Bureau and the McGee Creek Authority.

Following the vote, Fallin said, “This bill represents a win-win situation for both the State of Oklahoma and the federal government. In Oklahoma, the McGee Creek Authority will no longer have to navigate federal bureaucracy in order to make updates and improvements to their water facility. That should make it easier to provide top quality water services to Oklahomans who receive their water from McGee Creek."

Duncan Joins Criticism Of Edmondson

The chair of the House's Public Safety & Judiciary Committee Tuesday criticized Attorney General Drew Edmondson's comments on Oklahoma's new immigration law, calling the remarks inappropriate for an official charged with defending the state.

In a December 4 article in The Oklahoman, Edmondson criticized Oklahoma's comprehensive immigration reform law (House Bill 1804) and called proposals to expand it "cruel."

"I find the Attorney General's comments a slap in the face to all the people who work hard and play by the rules in this state," said Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs. "What's 'cruel' is taking law-abiding taxpayers' money and spending it on services for people who aren't even supposed to be here in the first place."

Reynolds Says Edmondson May Draw Bar Complaint

Attorney General Drew Edmondson's recent comments on the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act have undermined his client, the citizens of Oklahoma, and may force state lawmakers to file a complaint with the Oklahoma Bar Association based on Edmondson's apparent violation of professional ethics rules, State Rep. Mike Reynolds claimed today.

"The attorney general is not only under a legal obligation to defend House Bill 1804, but also an ethical obligation as an attorney,"said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "Typically, attorneys don't publicly undermine their client's position by making disparaging statements about them."

In a news release, Reynolds said, "In a Dec. 4 article in The Oklahoman, Edmondson said Oklahoma's omnibus immigration reform law (House Bill 1804) is constitutional, but then criticized the law and characterized proposals to expand it as 'cruel.' As attorney general, Edmondson is ethically required to 'zealously' defend state law."

The Oklahoma City Republican noted that Edmondson can farm out defense work to independent firms with more expertise, such as the Immigration Reform Law Institute (a non-profit legal organization that has defended immigration reform laws across the country). "The IRLI lawyers are not only immigration law experts, but also constitutional and pre-emption law experts," Reynolds said. "Officials at IRLI have indicated they are both capable and happy to defend House Bill 1804. If it 'upsets' the attorney general so much to do his job,there are competent and ethical lawyers ready to step in and do it for him.

"Attorney General Edmondson has routinely farmed out legal work to outside firms in the past - often to campaign contributors - in high-profile cases that made those firms very wealthy. There's no reason for him not to hire outside counsel this time. All he has to do is ask."

House Democratic Caucus To Meet In Muskogee

The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus will hold its annual retreat in Muskogee on Thursday and Friday, it was announced today. A press conference will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, at The Sadler Arts Academy in Muskogee to discuss the Democrats' agenda and issues pertaining to education. They will be joined by public school educators, administrators and students. After each legislative session, Democratic House members conduct listening tours in their districts to receive input on the issues facing everyday Oklahomans. They then come together at their annual retreat and form an agenda based on the issues they received on their listening tours.

Six Women Byliner Award Recipients Named

The Oklahoma City Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications has named six 2008 Byliner Award recipients:

Jari Askins, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, is honored for her commitment to Public Service. Lt. Gov. Askins has served in all three branches of state government, including as a Special District Judge in Stephens County for eight years, as Executive Director of the Pardon and Parole Board and as Duncan’s state representative for 12 years. Lt. Gov. Askins is also a lifetime champion of children and an advocate for the economic development of Oklahoma.

Gerry Bonds, a veteran broadcast journalist, is recognized for her accomplishments in Communications. Bonds, co-anchor of OETA’s Oklahoma News Report and host of OETA’s OKC Metro, has worked in broadcasting for more than 30 years. A former high school teacher, Bonds is heavily involved in the local community, including work with the Girl Scouts Redlands Council and Positive Tomorrows, a school for homeless and in-crisis children.

Susan Chambers, M.D., an OB/GYN in Oklahoma City, is honored for her contributions to the field of Medicine. Dr. Chambers has proven herself as a champion of women’s health issues around the world and is a founding member of the city’s leading OB/GYN hospital, Lakeside Women’s Hospital. Dr. Chambers also devotes much of her free time and financial resources to non-profit programs and organizations.

Suzanne Edmondson is founder of the Friends of Eddie Warrior Foundation, and is recognized in the area of Education. The foundation provides textbooks and college tuition for incarcerated women at the Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, where hundreds of lives have been changed, as a result. Among her numerous awards and recognitions is the Daughters of the American Revolution’s highest award: the Medal of Honor.

Carol M. Hansen is a Court of Civil Appeals Judge, and is honored in the field of Law. When elected by her fellow judges as Chief Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals in 1993, she became the first female to serve as Chief Judge of any appellate court in the state. Judge Hansen is involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations besides serving in several professional and legal committees and associations.

Jo Rowan is chairman of the Oklahoma City University School of American Dance & Arts Management, and is recognized in the category of Arts. Professor Rowan is founder of the OCU Dance Program and director and founder of the American Spirit Dance Company. She has a stellar record as a performer as well as an educator, having appeared in scores of musicals in New York and produced several instructional books and records.

The Association for Women in Communications Byliner Awards recognize the accomplishments of women who have made a significant contribution to our community through their professional and volunteer achievements.

These six outstanding women will be feted at the 50th annual AWC Byliner Awards banquet February 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. AWC uses proceeds from the event to offer education and resources to members and scholarships to students pursuing a degree in communications.

For more information, contact Byliner Co-chairs Erin Brewer at 405.232.8441 ext. 212 or Jana Gridley at 405.529.8822.

Reynolds Disagrees With State Bond Advisor

From The State House ~ Oklahoma government should not increase debt without a vote of the people in spite of the recommendations of the state bond advisor, Rep. Mike Reynolds said today.

"According to the Oklahoma Constitution, the voters determine our bonding capacity, not the bond advisor," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "His job is simply to ensure that bonds are issued in compliance with state law. He has no policy role and should not try to assume one."

In a Nov. 30 article in The Oklahoman, State Bond Advisory Jim Joseph noted Oklahoma's current bond payments consume 2.2 percent of the state budget and suggested that amount could be increased to 3.5 percent of government appropriations.

Currently, the state of Oklahoma carries roughly $1.5 billion in bond debt and appropriates $157 million per year to repay that sum.

While Joseph suggested the current debt service was relatively small, Reynolds said it already has a significant impact on all Oklahomans. "That's $157 million that's being diverted from our schools and roads each year," Reynolds said. "It's not pocket change."

According to the article, Joseph said the state could finance an additional $836 million in 25-year bond issues if debt service was increased to 3.5 percent of general fund appropriations. But Reynolds said there should be no increase in state debt without a vote of the people.

"State debt is passed on to our children and grandchildren and should not be increased without a thorough vetting and public approval," Reynolds said. "Just because we can increase our debt load doesn't mean it's a good idea."

He said assuming additional debt obligations could also derail efforts to shore up the state's financially drained retirement systems for teachers and other workers.

"We've got $14 billion in unfunded liabilities in our retirement systems that are a debt of the state even if they don't show up on the bond advisor's tally sheet," Reynolds said. "We can't ignore that problem. The Legislature needs to restrict our borrowing to no more than what the voters approve."

Henry Names Ross DA In Pontotoc County

Governor Brad Henry today announced the appointment of First Assistant District Attorney Chris L. Ross as district attorney for the 22nd District, which encompasses Pontotoc County. He succeeds William Peterson, who is resigning effective January 1st.

Henry praised Ross, 50, calling him an ideal choice for the position: “Chris Ross will be an excellent district attorney,” Henry said. “He is a talented prosecutor of consummate professionalism, integrity and experience.”

Ross has been with the prosecutor's office since 1983. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1979, Ross earned his law degree from the OU College of Law in 1982. He is married and has two children.

Presidential Candidates File For February Primary

Nine presidential candidates filed paperwork today with the State Election Board to on the ballot for Oklahoma's Super Tuesday primary on February 5th. Early filers were representatives of Democratic hopeful Barack Obama and Republican contenders John McCain, Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo. Hillary Clinton's supporters filed later in the day. The three-day filing period ends Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Edmondson Responds To Critical Editorial

Attorney General Drew Edmondson has responded to a newspaper editorial critical of his prosecution of TABOR petition drive circulators. The Oklahoma Political News Service has the story.

Early Presidential Favorites?

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a Republican, and former Senator John Edwards, a Democrat, appear to be early favorites as Oklahoma prepares for its presidential primary contest on “Super Tuesday” February 5th. Read all of Tulsa World writer Mick Hinton's story at http://www.tulsaworld.com/.

BCS Selects LSU, Ohio State; OU Finishes 4th

The latest chapter in the 2007 unpredictable college football season was written Sunday when LSU was picked by the BCS to play Ohio State for the championship, thus leaving about a half-dozen other candidates, including Oklahoma, with plenty to complain about. Oklahoma finished fourth in the BCS standings.

The Tigers (11-2) will be the first team to play in the BCS title game with two losses.

No. 1 Ohio State goes into the game, January 7 at the Superdome in New Orleans, at 11-1.

Why did LSU, which was seventh in the BCS standings heading into the final weekend, make the jump to No. 2 and into the big game, while Oklahoma, Southern California, Georgia and a number of others were left behind? an AP writer asked. He suggested that the "174 poll voters and handful of computer nerds whose calculations make up the BCS rankings probably all have their own reasons. Among the best is that LSU was rewarded for winning the Southeastern Conference, which is traditionally viewed as one of the toughest leagues in the nation."

HOW SWEET IT IS!

Sooners Win Big 12, Advance To Fiesta Bowl

Coach Bob Stoops' OU Sooners handled the No. 1 Missouri Tigers 38-17 Saturday night in the Big 12 Championship game and now advance to the Fiesta Bowl. What OU's win over Missouri might do to the BCS Championship standings is unknown, but it's certain to cause yet another shuffle. Tonight's game was tied 14-14 at the half; OU ran away with the second half, hitting on all offensive and defensive cylinders. Missouri's fate was foreshadowed in the first half, when they had to settle for two field goals instead of touchdowns and OU scored two TDs. Missouri did finally score a TD and engineered a successful 2-point play to tie it up. Missouri managed only a field goal in the second half while OU tacked on 24 more points.

KTOK Releases Gerry Vaillancourt

Oklahoma City radio station KTOK has released afternoon show host Gerry Vaillancourt, whose 5-7 p.m. show was co-hosted by Lee Matthews, the station's program director. Clear Channel's Vice President and Market Manager Bill Hurley made the announcement in an email to employees.

Vaillancourt continues his association with the New Orleans Hornets basketball team from his New Orleans home base. He serves as the color analyst on all Hornets radio broadcasts.

It's OU-Missou At 7 P.M. On ABC-TV

No. 1 Missouri and No. 9 OU meet tonight in San Antonio for the Big 12 Championship. It's a rematch, the Sooners having won the first game 41-31. The game will be televised on ABC-TV.

OSU Advocate Questions President Search Decision

From The Tulsa World ~ A professor and president of an open-government advocacy group questioned on Friday whether the Oklahoma State University presidential search committee violated the state’s Open Meeting Act. The attorney for OSU’s governing board, Charles Drake, replied in an email to OSU journalism professor Joey Senat that the search committee did not eliminate any presidential candidates from the board’s consideration.The search committee unanimously recommended one candidate, former board member Burns Hargis, to the board on Thursday, according to board s p o k e s m a n Brent Gooden. Read the entire World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=071201_1_A1_hApro87803