The Gadfly On The Wall
Gary Jones Had It Right: Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan is the latest in an unfortunate string of Oklahoma public officials convicted of felony behavior while in office. With his wife, Lori, Democrat McMahan now stands convicted of bribery and conspiracy, the result of his long association with southeastern Oklahoma bagman Steve Phipps. McMahan, as Governor Henry suggests, should immediately resign and get the hell out of state government. The governor, by law, will appoint a successor. It is unlikely the governor will heed my counsel, but it is my opinion, based on testimony in McMahan's trial that the 2002 election he narrowly won was "stolen" from Republican Gary Jones (pictured), that Jones should be appointed, or offered the job. That would be poetic justice, but I'll not hold my breath that the governor, a Democrat, will appoint a Republican and especially the current Oklahoma Republican Party chairman. A lot can be said about Jones, not all of it flattering, but the bottom line is that this tenacious guy had McMahan figured out six years ago and it took a federal investigation to prove it. How much better a watchdog of public funds could we find than a guy with that kind of nose for corruption?
What's Up With Watts? Former Congressman J. C. Watts reacted swiftly Saturday after we posted an excerpt from a national AP story about black political figures conflicted over the Obama-McCain contest. The AP writer said Republican Watts is considering voting for Obama. Watts reacted by saying that conclusion is the writer's interpretation of what he (Watts) said. Watts also was quoted in the article as being less than enamored of GOP outreach. In all, it was an odd set of quotes from the man who, with the help of Congressman/Consultant/Mentor Tom Cole, at one time was a rising star on the national GOP scene. While TMRO was the first (so far as we know) to see and report the Watts portion of the AP story (Watts was buried deep into the story), that story is now posted on dozens of television network websites and blogs, none of which (so far as we can find) are using the statement Watts issued after we posted the story.
$4 Gasoline: In my much younger days, I rode a Cushman scooter and a Whizzer Eagle motorcycle. I am reverting. Soon, this conveyance will be my in-the-city method of transport. At 75-80 MPG, it is my attempt at going green.
What's Up With Watts? Former Congressman J. C. Watts reacted swiftly Saturday after we posted an excerpt from a national AP story about black political figures conflicted over the Obama-McCain contest. The AP writer said Republican Watts is considering voting for Obama. Watts reacted by saying that conclusion is the writer's interpretation of what he (Watts) said. Watts also was quoted in the article as being less than enamored of GOP outreach. In all, it was an odd set of quotes from the man who, with the help of Congressman/Consultant/Mentor Tom Cole, at one time was a rising star on the national GOP scene. While TMRO was the first (so far as we know) to see and report the Watts portion of the AP story (Watts was buried deep into the story), that story is now posted on dozens of television network websites and blogs, none of which (so far as we can find) are using the statement Watts issued after we posted the story.
$4 Gasoline: In my much younger days, I rode a Cushman scooter and a Whizzer Eagle motorcycle. I am reverting. Soon, this conveyance will be my in-the-city method of transport. At 75-80 MPG, it is my attempt at going green. Labels: Gadfly's Columns
posted by Mike McCarville @ 9:41 AM
<< Home