Democrat Forum Gets It Wrong, Garrett Says

State School Superintendent Sandy Garrett said today she will seek reelection in 2010 despite a report on the Democrats of Oklahoma Community Forum, www.demookie.com, that she plans to retire.

Lealon Taylor, Chief of Staff of the State Department of Education, said he spoke with Garrett after the story saying she planned to retire was posted and she said it is incorrect.

Garrett will mark 20 years in office in 2010 when she faces reelection.

Garrett was elected in 2006 to a fifth consecutive 4-year term and carried 74 of the state's 77 counties in winning reelection.

In 2001, she received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America for her work promoting character education.

Garrett is a Muskogee native who graduated from Stilwell High School. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Northeastern State University and pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Oklahoma and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. After 15 years as a classroom teacher and gifted programs coordinator in Muskogee County schools, she joined the State Department of Education as Gifted and Talented Programs Coordinator, then became Executive Director of Education Programs, which included rural education, technology, satellite instruction, media applications, and library resources.

In 1988, she was named Cabinet Secretary of Education by Republican Governor Henry Bellmon.

She was named one of the “Fifty Making a Difference” in Oklahoma by The Journal Record. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame in March 2001, into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame in August 2000, and is a member of the Northeastern State University Alumni Association Hall of Fame. In November 2000, she received the First Lady's Leadership in Literacy Award for her statewide efforts to improve reading instruction for children and expand literacy programs for adults.

Poll: Clinton Leads In Ohio, Obama In Texas

Hillary Clinton has an 8-point lead over Barack Obama heading into Tuesday's Ohio Democratic primary, due largely to the support of white women, seniors and working-class voters, while the race is virtually a tie in Texas, where Obama tops Clinton by a slim 3 points, according to a FOX News Poll released today.

Inhofe Seeks More Honors For Code Talkers

Senator Jim Inhofe today introduced legislation to award Congressional Commemorative Medals to the Code Talkers of the Choctaw, Comanche, and other tribes in recognition of their service during World Wars I and II. Inhofe has worked to honor the Code Talkers since first introducing the Code Talkers Recognition Act in March of 2003.

Sales Tax Opponents Say Cost Is Too High

Opponents of a sales tax to raise $121 million for improvements to the Ford Center and construction of an NBA practice facility pushed the argument Friday that the cost is too high.

Voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve the one-cent sales tax.

At a news conference Friday, Oklahoma City area resident David Glover handed out copies of an e-mail from Oklahoma City special projects manager Tom Anderson informing him that the proposal aimed at luring the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics would cost the average resident $10 per month or $150 per year.

Glover said he would support the relocation of an NBA team to Oklahoma City, but this price is too much to pay. "If I thought it would be just a penny or just a couple of pennies, I'd be for it," said Glover, who lives in The Village.

Employers Argue Against Gun Law

DENVER (From www.tulsaworld.com) ~ A group of Oklahoma employers are making a novel argument in opposing a state law requiring employers to allow workers to have guns in locked vehicles where they work.

ConocoPhillips Co. and other smaller employers in a court case contend the law constitutes "an unconstitutional taking of (their) property" and their right to exclude people from their property. That argument is in a new filing by the employers at the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. They want the court to uphold a decision of U.S. District Judge Terence Kern in Tulsa who struck down the law.

The case recently heated up at the Denver-based court when national organizations on both sides of the law submitted their stances to the judges who will decide whether Kern was correct.

The appellate judges recently allowed the National Rifle Association to file "friend of the court" arguments in support of the law.

A gun-control advocacy group and two safety and security organizations announced Thursday they have jointly submitted ''friend of the court'' arguments in opposition to the law.

A month ago, Gov. Brad Henry and Attorney General Drew Edmondson told the judges they should overturn Kern's Oct. 4 decision. The officials contend the law promotes public safety.

Massive Democrat Votes Reported In Ohio, Texas

CINCINNATI, Ohio (CNN) ~ It is a slow but steady trickle all day long at the Hamilton County Board of Elections: The Ohio presidential primary is Tuesday, but turnout is already smashing records.

It's the same in Texas, were early voting is said to be eight times more than four years ago.

Observers say Democrats are voting early in huge numbers.

In the 2000 Ohio presidential primary campaign, 10,371 absentee ballots were requested. Four years later, there were 9,600 requests.

And this year? More than 40,000 -- just in the Cincinnati area, part of an unprecedented early and absentee voting pattern across the state.

SPR Inside The Numbers: Hillary Clinton Demise A Warning To Barack Obama, John McCain

By Matt Towery, Southern Political Report ~ Newsweek's online edition recently featured a piece by former White House chief of staff Hamilton Jordan. He, along with Jody Powell, Jerry Rafshoon, Pat Caddell and others engineered the come-from-nowhere victory of Jimmy Carter in the 1976 presidential contest against Gerald Ford.

Jordan wrote in Newsweek: "I consider the Obama operation the most brilliant political campaign of my lifetime."

I take issue with Jordan, if for the ironic reason that I consider Carter's victory in 1976 to be the most brilliant campaign in modern history.

Read all of Matt's column at http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/.

Garrett: Education Cash Shortage 'Serious Situation'

From www.newsok.com ~ The Board of Education today voted to ask the Oklahoma Legislature for a $37 million supplemental appropriation to make up for money lost due primarily to a projected shortfall in state corporate income tax collections.

If the Legislature rejects the request, the department will need to start cutting its state aid payments to districts by about 2 percent a month beginning in March, said Shawn Hime, an assistant state superintendent with the department's financial services division.

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett (pictured) described the projected shortfall as a "serious situation."

Henry, Former Governors Endorse Tax Extension

Governor Henry and former Governors David Boren, Frank Keating and George Nigh today endorsed passage of Tuesday’s sales tax vote in Oklahoma City to improve the Ford Center.

“Oklahoma City voters have an opportunity to take a bold and visionary step seizing on the momentum of our capital city,” Henry said in a statement. “This city and state are more than ready for such a prospect.”

His statement, and the endorsement of the issue by the former governors, was released by Citizens for a Big League City campaign, a group supporting the proposal.

Oklahoma City voters on Tuesday will decide whether Oklahoma City should keep retain a present penny sales tax to raise $121 million for overhauling the Ford Center and building a practice facility to help attract the NBA Seattle SuperSonics to the city.

Henry, Legislative Leaders Agree On DOC Funding

Governor Brad Henry and legislative budget leaders announced Thursday that a bipartisan agreement has been reached on supplemental funding for the Department of Corrections and the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

The agreement includes: $24 million for the Department of Corrections and $2 million for the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Budget talks are expected to continue early next week. Negotiators will continue to review other agencies’ supplemental funding requests, and will discuss funding issues for the 2009 fiscal year.

“I appreciate the good work of legislative leaders, their respective budget chairmen, Treasurer Meacham and the many others involved in negotiating this agreement,” Henry said. “It is critical that we address the immediate needs of our prison system, and this agreement does that. Our goal now is to craft a larger budget that will adequately fund corrections for the entire fiscal year and eliminate the need for annual supplemental appropriations to DOC.”

“Public safety has been and will remain a top priority for the Legislature this session. This bipartisan agreement on supplementals only four weeks into session shows that,” said Chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee Ken Miller, R-Edmond. “We look forward to continuing to work hard on the budget as we seek additional agreements on the other requested supplementals and funding for fiscal year 2010.”

“This early, bipartisan agreement on supplemental funding for two critical public safety agencies is a positive indicator that the budget process can run smoothly this session,” stated Senate Appropriations Committee Co-Chairman Mike Johnson (R-Kingfisher). “It is also the first step in keeping our pledge to fully fund the Department of Corrections now and in the future.”

“We felt it was extremely important to make funding the public safety needs of our state our first priority,” Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, Senate budget panel co-chairman (D-Ardmore) said. “Now that we have an agreement that will help create a safer Oklahoma, we can continue working on the funding needs of our state’s educational institutions and other critical state services upon which all Oklahomans depend.”

Henry concluded, “This is just a small, first step in what will be a very challenging budget process, but it is an important step, and I applaud everyone for working together in an inclusive, bipartisan manner. If we continue to cooperate in this fashion, and I believe we will, we will be able to address the state’s budget challenges and other issues in an efficient and effective manner.”

Lamons Rips Republicans Over House Vote

Democrat Lucky Lamons today blasted House Republicans for opposing a bill he said would "provide access to affordable healthcare."

“I’m disappointed to see that providing affordable healthcare failed along party lines today,” said Lamons, Tulsa House member. “This is not a Republican or Democrat issue.”

Lamons offered an amendment to House Bill 2531 on the House Floor that he said appropriated $173 million to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, which would be used to levy matching Federal Funds for Oklahoma’s Medicaid programs. Based on the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rate for Oklahoma for FY-09, the amendment had the potential to generate $334,000,000 additional federal dollars for the Oklahoma Medicaid program. The total funds available for use in the Medicaid program as a result of this amendment would have been $507,000,000. The amendment was tabled along a party line vote, with House Republicans voting to kill the amendment.

'In God We Trust' Wins Senate Approval

Oklahomans are a step closer to being able to purchase a license plate displaying the national motto of “In God We Trust" with Senate approval of Senate Bill 1146. The bill, by Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, passed on a rare unanimous 48-0 vote.

Tennessee GOP Draws RNC Fire Over Obama Dig

From Fox News ~ The Tennessee Republican Party has toned down a fiery press release that included a controversial photo of Barack Obama and blasted the candidate on his stance on Israel following a rebuke from the Republican National Committee.

A GOP official told FOX News that the RNC privately chided the Tennessee Republican Party over the content of its online press release titled, “Anti-Semites for Obama,” which followed the endorsement of Obama by the controversial Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan. The statement cited Farrakhan, who has called Judaism a “gutter religion,” in claiming an Obama presidency would threaten U.S.-Israel relations.

The Farrakhan link has dogged Obama, as he tries to shake off accusations that he’s weak on his commitment to Israel. He was pressed to “reject” the support from Farrakhan at a debate with Hillary Clinton Tuesday night.

While Obama stays mum on the allegations from the Tennessee GOP, others have sharply condemned the press release — including the Republican National Committee, which issued a statement critical of the Tennessee party’s tactics on Thursday.

“The RNC rejects these kinds of campaign tactics. We believe this election needs to be about the critical issues confronting our nation,” RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said Thursday.

Rasmussen: Obama Ahead In Texas, Closes In Ohio

Barack Obama has moved ahead of Hillary Clinton in Texas and is almost even with her in Ohio, says the polling firm Rasmussen Reports.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey shows Obama attracting 48% of the vote in Texas while Clinton earns 44%. Eight percent (8%) remain undecided and another 12% say it’s possible they could change their mind. That latter figure includes 3% who say there’s a good chance they could change their mind.

Obama leads by sixteen points among men, but trails by nine among women. Clinton’s lead among Hispanic voters is down to seven percentage points.

Among those who are undecided, 73% have a favorable opinion of Clinton and 66% say the same about Obama.

Overall, 76% have a favorable opinion of Clinton and 75% view Obama in such a positive light. Seventy-nine percent (79%) believe Clinton would be at least somewhat likely to win the White House if nominated. Seventy-eight percent (78%) say the same about Obama.

These latest results show a continuing trend in Obama’s favor. Last Sunday, Clinton led by a single point. Last week, Clinton was up by three. Two weeks ago, the former First Lady enjoyed a double digit lead. The Rasmussen Reports surveys in Texas include people who have already voted and those who are likely to vote. Currently, Obama leads by six among those who have already voted or are absolutely certain they will vote.

Nationally, Obama continues to lead Clinton in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

Thirty-three percent (33%) of those likely to vote in the Texas Democratic Primary say that the North American Free Trade Agreement—NAFTA—is good for the United States. Forty-one percent (41%) say the opposite. In Ohio, NAFTA receives a much less favorable review from Democratic Primary voters.

In Texas, 41% believe Clinton favors NAFTA while 25% believe she opposes it. The opposite perception exists for Obama—46% believe their party’s frontrunner opposes NAFTA while 17% believe he favors it.

Insurance Agents Decry Laster Rate Board Bill

Legislation introduced by Senator Charlie Laster (D-Shawnee) that would reinstate the State Board for Property & Casualty Rates will negatively impact Oklahoma insurance consumers, says the board chairman of the state’s largest property and casualty insurance agents’ association, the Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma (IIAO).

“Hopefully Senator Laster is simply misinformed regarding the significant benefit made to Oklahoma insurance consumers since the State Board for Property & Casualty Rates was disestablished,” Tony Caldwell, IIAO board chairman said.

“The truth is the abolishment of this cumbersome board has been very positive for Oklahoma insurance companies and consumers as evidenced by more companies coming to Oklahoma to do business, creating competition which ultimately benefits the insurance consumer.

“Senator Laster fails to mention the Property & Casualty Rate Board was always an obstacle to rates being adjusted up or down and since the disestablishment of the board, Oklahoma policy holders have seen an overall decrease in insurance rates for automobile and homeowner’s insurance. The members of IIAO believe that is a positive for Oklahoma.

“Senator Laster criticizes profits being made by insurance companies leading me to assume he would prefer to have insurance companies lose money and be unable to pay claims that are presented to them. 2006 was the first year in 25 years the property and casualty insurance industry made an underwriting profit in the United States. The industry paid nearly $260 billion in claim losses in 2007. In order to provide the benefits promised to policyholders it is critical insurance companies have an opportunity to operate their businesses at a profit. It is also critical the state of Oklahoma provide an environment that welcomes an industry which has a track record of helping grow economies. Senator Laster’s hidden agenda to reinstate the State Board for Property & Casualty Rates would be disastrous to the insurance industry and Oklahoma insurance consumer.”

Mississippi Congressman Stresses Secret Service Security For Presidential Candidates

Congressman Bennie Thompson, Mississippi Democrat and chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, has raised concerns about Secret Service protection of presidential candidates in a letter to officials who oversee the Secret Service.

Thompson said that the intense interest in the election prompted him to make sure that Barack Obama (shown surrounded by Secret Service agents) and the other candidates were offered adequate security.

“The national and international profile of Senator Barack Obama gives rise to unique challenges that merit special concern,” Thompson wrote. “As an African-American who was witness to some of this nation’s most shameful days during the civil rights movement, I know personally that the hatred of some of our fellow citizens can lead to heinous acts of violence. We need only to look to the assassinations of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and 1968 presidential candidate Robert Kennedy as examples.”

In an interview, Thompson declined to elaborate on any specific threats that had come to the attention of his committee or authorities. He said he wrote the letter to the Homeland Security Department without discussing it with Mr. Obama, whom he has endorsed.

“His candidacy is so unique to this country and so important that the last thing you would want is for him not to have the opportunity to fulfill the role of a potential presidential nominee,” Thompson said. “It’s out of an abundance of caution that I wrote the letter, rather than keep our fingers crossed and pray.”

Obama's Secret Service detail came under criticism recently when metal detectors in use at a Texas rally were put aside to allow more people to get into the event more quickly.

Before Obama decided to run for president, he discussed his safety with his family. His campaign employed a team of private security guards before he was placed under Secret Service protection.

Murphey's Campus Carry Bill Draws NRA Attention

Rep. Jason Murphey's bill that would allow the concealed carry of a firearm, by those with licenses, on campuses has drawn the attention of the National Rifle Association's news division.

Murphey, Guthrie Republican, will appear on the NRA's "Cam and Company" show tonight at 8:20 p.m. The show airs at www.nranews.com (audio and video) and on Sirius Satellite Radio Patriot Channel 144.

Lewis Dumps Clinton For Obama

WASHINGTON — Civil rights leader John Lewis has dropped his support for Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential bid in favor of Barack Obama, according to a newspaper report Wednesday.

Lewis, a Democratic congressman from Atlanta, is the most prominent black leader to defect from Clinton’s campaign in the face of near-majority black support for Obama in recent voting. He also is a superdelegate who gets a vote at this summer’s national convention in Denver.

Clinton Skewered, Panetta Criticizes Campaign

Hillary Clinton is being skewered on television shows today for her catty remarks during Tuesday night's debate with Barack Obama and, as if her sputtering campaign and questionable debate demeanor weren't burden enough for her, she's also being criticized for her campaign's shortcomings.

Speaking out today is a prominent member of the political team that famously used the phrase “It’s the economy, stupid” to help Bill Clinton vault to victory in 1992.

Clinton has slipped from “inevitable” front-runner to second fiddle over the past two months, and political observers have chimed in with their take on what went wrong: No plan for after Super Tuesday. A poor caucus strategy. Her husband.

Leon Panetta, former White House chief of staff to Bill Clinton, is the latest Clinton loyalist to come out and criticize the campaign. And he suggests the problem was all of the above.

“It seems to me like they rolled the dice on Super Tuesday, thinking that would end it,” Panetta told The New York Observer. “And when it didn’t end it, they didn’t have a plan. And when it came to the caucus states, they did have a plan — which was to ignore them. I think those were serious mistakes.”

MSNBC, which sponsored Tuesday night's debate, characterized Clinton's performance thus: Her most memorable moment — the one that seemed destined to be replayed in the days ahead — was not, say, a sharp rejoinder to Mr. Obama that might undermine his credentials and tilt undecided voters toward her. Rather, it was when she invoked a “Saturday Night Live” skit from last Saturday that showed television journalists fawning over Mr. Obama, another example of her campaign’s increasing frustration over what it considers unbalanced coverage of the Democratic race.

Johnson, Vaughn Reject Rinehart Proposal

Oklahoma County Commissioners Willa Johnson and Ray Vaughn today rejected Commissioner Brent Rinehart's proposal to identify where commissioners' campaign donors live in relation to county road projects, saying it would be too time consuming and ineffective.

Rinehart, the District 2 commissioner, first proposed the practice earlier this year in response to past criticism of a bridge project he had planned near the home of a controversial donor to his 2004 campaign, developer Ray Pelfrey. Rinehart says he didn't know where Pelfrey lived or that the bridge would benefit him.

The practice, which Rinehart called an increase in political transparency, would have required the county engineer to use commissioners' campaign finance reports to create maps showing which donors live within a mile of proposed county road or bridge projects.

Rinehart said the intent was to give other commissioners and the public assurance that road projects were being chosen for practical reasons rather than political favors.

County Engineer Stacey Trumbo estimated it would take a full-time employee two and a half months to generate the maps if the employee worked on nothing else during that time.

Johnson and Vaughn classified that as an inefficient use of county resources. They also expressed doubts that the proposal could be efficient because identifying the owners of corporations, partnerships and trusts that own property can be difficult, if not impossible.

Cargill Pushes 'American Dream Act'

Standing before a new house in north Oklahoma City, former House Speaker Lance Cargill today urged lawmakers to enact the "The American Dream Act" to help first-time homebuyers purchase similar dwellings across the state.

"Home ownership is the foundation of 'the American Dream,' for most families," said Cargill, R-Harrah. "This plan puts that dream within reach for more Oklahomans and will help citizens avoid the pitfalls that created our current mortgage crisis."

House Bill 3392, "The American Dream Act," by Cargill, R-Harrah, and Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond, would create a tax-free savings plan similar to the state's plan that allows tax-free savings for college tuition. Under the bill's provisions, a first-time Oklahoma homebuyer would be able to make annual tax-free deposits into the account for a maximum of five years to be used as a down payment on the purchase of a home.

The idea for the savings plan was generated as the result of Oklahoma's 100 Ideas Initiative, which was spearheaded by Cargill, and is included in the recently published book, "100 Ideas - Innovation forthe Second Century."

The measure would authorize an annual deduction of up to$2,500 for single filers and $5,000 for joint married filers for every dollar deposited into the home savings account. The maximum deduction over a five-year period would be $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for joint married filers.

Measure Would Increase Road, Bridge Funding

Oklahoma road funding could dramatically increase under legislation approved by a House committee this week.

House Bill 3342, by Rep. Mike Thompson (pictured), would incrementally increase road funding by up to $500 million over the next several years.

"The Legislature has made significant investments in our roads in recent years, but it's still not enough," said Thompson, an Oklahoma City Republican who chairs the House Transportation Subcommittee. "When bridges on major highways are collapsing, that should be a wake-up call for all of us. House Bill 3342 is a very aggressive response to a very serious problem."

Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation recently closed the left lane of westbound I-40 at the North Canadian River bridge, between Council Road and Morgan Road, to perform emergency bridge repair.

Prior to 2005, road funding in Oklahoma had essentially flat-lined at $200 million per year - the same amount approved 20 years prior. Taking inflation into account, road-maintenance funding had actually declined by 45 percent over those two decades.

In response, House leaders developed a plan to finally begin investing in road maintenance. Legislation first approved in 2006 allowed annual increases of up to $50 million per year for roads until an additional $270 million was provided.

House Bill 3342 builds on that plan by raising the total increase from $270 million to $500 million new dollars. The legislation also provides new funding by requiring that all car tag and other motor vehicle fees that are now diverted to general revenue be used for road maintenance.

When funds are diverted to the general revenue fund, tracking how that money is spent is extremely difficult, Thompson noted. Those diverted funds are targeted by the bill to ensure they go to road uses. "It's a simple concept: Road taxes and fees should be used for roads," Thompson said. "House Bill 3342 ensures that transportation fees go for transportation needs."

House Bill 3342 passed out of the House Appropriations & Budget Committee and now heads to the floor of the House.

HOPE Rewards Act Passes House Committee

The Higher Outcomes in Performance and Education (HOPE) Rewards Act for Oklahoma teachers passed out of committee Wednesday.

House Bill 3390 will create a performance pay pilot program for up to 25 schools.

“In the 21st Century, Oklahoma must move past the days of paying teachers based solely on their years of service,” said author of the bill Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. “This bill offers hope and extra rewards for those teachers who are going the extra mile for our children. Our best teachers deserve more than just average pay.”

Performance pay for teachers is included on the House Republican agenda for this session.

“We want to empower teachers to take ownership of academic success in their classrooms,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa.

Schools will apply to take part in the program, and those selected will be allowed to craft their plan according to local wants and needs. The plan would have to meet a certain set of criteria, but beyond that the operation will be up to the local school, said Rep. Tad Jones, chairman of the House Education Committee and a co-author of the bill.

“There are no mandates in this legislation—school districts can decide if they want to participate and if they do, they are able to craft a plan around their local needs,” said Jones, R-Claremore.

However, a House Democratic Caucus leader and vocal opponent of the Pay for Performance Plan on education expressed alarm regarding the bill. “This bill does nothing to address the issues that are facing Oklahoma’s schools,” said Rep. Jerry McPeak, D-Warner. “The last thing we need to do is encourage schools to take up another program that will drain school budgets and demoralize our teachers.”

Debate: No Knock-Out Punch For Clinton

Last night's debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama failed to provide Clinton the boost most agree she needs. And this analysis seems the norm today:

"The stakes were high for Clinton heading into the 20th and possibly last Democratic debate of this extraordinary primary season, with a clutch of polls suggesting that her support from Democrats nationwide is collapsing.

"But she failed to land a knock-out punch, drawing boos at one point for a sarcastic criticism of the MSNBC moderators that implied the media was giving Obama a free ride.

"The New York Times political analyst Adam Nagourney noted that Clinton grabbed every opportunity to try to undermine Obama's readiness for the Oval Office.

"'Yet by the end of the night, there was little evidence that Mrs Clinton had produced the kind of ground-moving moment she needed that might shift the course of a campaign that polls suggest has been moving inexorably in Mr Obama's direction for weeks,' he wrote, echoing other pundits.

"In a debate last week in Texas, Clinton had been expected to go on the offensive, but only unleashed a few poorly received attacks (one of which also drew hisses and boos) before ending on a valedictory note."

And this, from Matt Towery, Southern Political Report: "There was a moment in last night’s debate that made one want to cringe. After scoring points on a long dialogue concerning the two candidate’s health insurance policies for Americans, a new question was posed. It was directed to Sen. Hillary Clinton. Her response was, in essence 'Have you noticed how every question in these debates has always been directed at me first,' then some reference to a Saturday Night Live skit 'Barack, would you like another pillow?' Bad…really bad. To the extent the pundits declared the Ohio debate a 'draw' then Clinton’s once again unusual debate moment will surely overshadow the meat of the contest."

Murphey Bill Would Allow Campus Concealed Carry

By Mick Hinton, Tulsa World ~ A bill that would allow some college students to carry concealed weapons on campus is headed for the House floor.

House Bill 2513 by Rep. Jason Murphey (pictured), R-Guthrie, was approved 14-2 by the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

The bill would allow students to carry firearms on campus if they are at least 21 and are licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

"As long as students kept their weapons concealed, they could go into class with them," Murphey said. He said he decided that the bill was needed after the Feb. 14 shootings that left six dead, including the gunman, at Northern Illinois University and an attack in April at Virginia Tech in which a gunman killed 32 people.

Murphey said the bill, which would apply only to public colleges and universities, would allow students to defend themselves, especially if they were being victimized by someone. But the greater value of such a law would be that a potential shooter might be hesitant to come onto a college campus, he said. "A gunman would not know who might be trained and could defend themselves," Murphey said.

"If you can walk down Main Street with a concealed weapon, you should be able to walk onto a college campus with one," he said.

Murphey will discuss his bill on the National Rifle Association's "Cam and Company" show tomorrow night at 8:20 p.m. The show can be seen and heard at www.nranews.com and on Sirius Satellite Radio Patriot Channel 144.

Rep. Paul Roan, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper for 25 years, voted against the bill, saying such a law could greatly hinder law enforcement.

"You wouldn't know who the players are," he said. Because weapons now are banned, he said, police can tell if someone comes onto campus "with a gun for evil purposes."

Roan, D-Tishomingo, said the amount of training to qualify for a concealed weapon permit is minimal. Those who are granted licenses have to take eight hours of training that includes classes and practice at a firing range. Roan said the bill would mean that a person who practiced with a simple kind of gun at a range could come onto campus armed with a high-powered weapon.

Murphey's original bill, requested by a constituent, would have changed the law so that a person could transport a rifle, shotgun or pistol "open and loaded" in a vehicle at any time. He said the bill would have been patterned after the "Texas Travel" law, which provides that Texans can have loaded weapons in their vehicles. Murphey said the committee did not like that version of the bill, so he decided to scratch that language and insert the new proposal regarding guns on college campuses.

Oklahoma State University spokesman Gary Shutt said OSU is tracking the bill. Noting that students are not allowed to have guns on campus, Shutt said police still are evaluating the proposal.

The Gadfly On The Ford Center Wall

Editorial: This is the closest thing to an editorial you'll ever read here. The MAPs sales tax extension to improve the Ford Center. Yes. I don't live in Oklahoma City, so some will discount my support; that's fine. A lot of us who live in the burbs spend money in the city, and the sales taxes we contribute will help foot the bill for the improvements. As I am sometimes reminded, I once (as a radio talk show host) opposed MAPs. The first go-round, it seemed to me at the time, was a pipe dream. Then-Mayor Ron Norick, with whom I shared the Civic Center Auditorium for a 1957 Elvis Presley concert, had the vision in the 1990s; I did not. Can anyone argue that MAPs has not been the best thing that's happened to downtown Oklahoma City since the underground Chinese opium dens there were bulldozed shut? I watched as urban renewal, known as I. M. Pei's urge to destroy cities, turned downtown OKC into a ghost town for decades. We now have a downtown sports complex that's a major draw. Whether OKC lands a professional basketball team is beside the point to me; upgrading the Ford Center would make it a (more) major venue for star performer concerts and convention events that might otherwise go elsewhere. A pro BB team would be icing on the cake and a certain plus for Bricktown merchants, restaurant and bar operators.

A major reason to support the MAPs vote on March 4th is the array of nay-saying liberals aligned against it. "Doc Hoc" and Nathaniel Batchelder chief among them. Batchelder, the Peace House guru, rails against the sales tax as doing harm to those with lower incomes, yet it is those with higher incomes who spend more money and thus, pay more in sales taxes. The sales tax also catches those, like me, who don't live in the city but spend money there. Thus, the "burden" is one shared by non-residents.

There are those in opposition who are miffed at the city's business leadership because, they say, the leadership wants to repeal the state's new immigration law. Fine. Let's hear their opposition and see what the merits are.

The argument that it is "MAPs For Millionaires" ignores reality; major cities compete for major sports franchises by financing the facilities that make their cities attractive to owners. That is the fact, and to ignore it is to be relegated to an also-ran when competing for a team.

Mayor Mick Cornett says the vote is a question of whether the city wants to continue to move forward. The question deserves a resounding answer: Yes.

McCain Apologies For Radio Show Host's Remarks

John McCain apologized Tuesday for disparaging comments about Barack Obama made by talk radio host Bill Cunningham (pictured) at a McCain campaign rally in Cincinnati.

Cunningham, a radio host at WLW-AM, had warmed up the crowd at Memorial Hall with comments about Obama and Hillary Clinton, likening Obama to a “hack, Chicago-style” politician and saying the Illinois senator would “saddle up next to Hezbollah,” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il if elected president.

When McCain addressed the crowd, he apologized for the remarks. “I regret any comments that may be made about these two individuals (Obama and Clinton) who are honorable Americans,” he said. “We just have strong philosophical differences, and so I want to disassociate myself from any disparaging remarks that may have been said about them.”

Tonight's Debate Is Do Or Die For Clinton

By Howard Fineman, MSNBC ~ In many ways, tonight is Sen. Hillary Clinton’s last stand. The pressure's off Sen. Barack Obama in Cleveland this evening, he just has to keep on keepin’ on. But if Clinton can’t dramatically convince voter/viewers of her essential point, that Obama is dangerously vague and ill-prepared for a fall campaign, let alone for the presidency, then it is very hard to see how she can stop the Obama Express in March.

Read more at www.msnbc.com.

House Panel Approves Special Lottery Fund Idea

Legislation that would place lottery funds into a special account so taxpayers know exactly how much lottery cash goes to their local schools was approved today by a House committee.

House Bill 1441, by Rep. Gary Banz, would create a special Common Education Lottery Revolving Fund to collect and distribute lottery funds every six months.

"The way we handle lottery money today is a risky business," said Banz, R-Midwest City. "Currently, we try to predict how much money the lottery will make each year and pre-spend it, building it into school budgets. For the past two years, the lottery has failed to meet those projections and schools faced mid-year budget cuts as a result. We need to allow the lottery to first produce and then distribute the money. We're doing it backwards right now."

In the current system, lottery funds are run through the state school funding formula along with all other education money, which makes it very difficult to determine how much each individual school district receives from the lottery. In addition, some schools will receive no lottery money at all so long as it is run through the state funding formula.

In addition, lottery projections have been very inaccurate. In the 2007 budget year, the lottery shortfall was more than $40 million and this year's numbers are below projections once again.

Under House Bill 1441, lottery money would be collected in the Common Education Lottery Revolving Fund and distributed to schools every six months divided on a per-student basis.

Ickes: March 4th 'Judgment Day' For Clinton

When the dust settles after next Tuesday’s election battle in Texas and Ohio, Hillary Clinton will know “whether to go forward or not” in the quest for the White House, in the opinion of one of her top campaign strategists.

Harold Ickes made the remark in an interview with political print journalists Monday as Clinton’s campaign faces the daunting task of reversing the trend of Democratic rival Barack Obama, who has now won 11 straight primary contests.

After making the argument that media are showing favoritism toward Obama, Ickes made a rare acknowledgment from within the Clinton campaign: her odds are shrinking.

“I think if we lose in Texas and Ohio, Mrs. Clinton will have to make her decisions as to whether she goes forward or not,” Ickes said, adding the slight caveat “as she has at the end of every other state,” according to the Christian Science Monitor.

Poll: Obama, Clinton Neck-and-Neck In Texas

CNN-Opinion Research Corp. polling shows that Barack Obama, 50 percent, and Hillary Clinton, 46 percent, are neck-and-neck in the all-important Texas primary. Clinton has said she must win Texas and Ohio.

Among Republicans, John McCain, 56 percent, leads Mike Huckabee, 31 percent.

Clinton and Obama were about even in a CNN-Opinion Research Corp., poll conducted a week ago.

With the Texas contest next Tuesday, whites are divided about equally in the new survey, while Obama has a large lead among blacks and Clinton is ahead with Hispanics.

Democrats and Republicans pick the economy as the top issue they will consider in choosing a candidate. Health care ranks second among Democrats while illegal immigration is No. 2 with Republicans.

NYT Hit On McCain Helps Him, TMRO Poll Shows

The New York Times "hit piece" on John McCain helps him with conservatives, 75 percent of those who voted in The McCarville Report Online's poll believe.

Thirty-six percent said the article definitely helps McCain, and 39 percent said it "probably" helps him with conservatives.

Twenty-two percent said they doubt it helps and 3 percent said it definitely does not help him.

Oklahoma Home Values Buck National Trend

By Richard Mize, Real Estate Editor, The Oklahoman ~ Oklahoma home values continued to increase — slightly — in the fourth quarter of 2007, as values in much of the nation slipped more and values in some formerly hot housing markets continued to plunge.

That’s according to figures released Tuesday from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight.

Nationally, the agency’s all-transactions house price index, which includes home sales and refinancings, showed a tiny increase of 0.1 percent compared with the third quarter of 2007 and an increase of 0.8 percent compared with the fourth quarter of 2006.

In Oklahoma, values rose 0.81 percent over the quarter and 5.2 percent over the year.

In Oklahoma City, values rose 0.63 over the quarter and 4.59 percent over the year.

In Tulsa, values rose 0.59 over the quarter and 4.97 percent over the year.

Nationally, the agency’s purchase-only house price index showed prices 1.3 percent lower in the fourth quarter compared with the third quarter, and 0.3 percent lower compared with the fourth quarter of 2006.

House Approves 3-Day School Year Extension

Legislation that would extend Oklahoma's school year by three days has passed the state House. House members voted 67-33 for the bill Tuesday. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. The measure would convert three professional training days for teachers into instructional days for students. State law currently allows teachers to have up to five professional days each year.

Coburn Votes Against ' Substandard' Indian Health Bill

Senator Tom Coburn today voted against continuing with the "substandard status quo" health care offered to tribal members and against the Indian Health Bill, S. 1200.

“Today the Senate voted to ignore the extensive problems within our Indian Health Services and reauthorized the same, broken system,' Coburn said. "Without addressing wait lines, rationing and inferior quality in our current system we are violating our trust obligations to tribal members across the country. I will continue my efforts to reward innovation and fix the inferior health services provided some to Indian communities."

Airport, Aerospace Measures Win House Approval

Bills that would provide financing to improve the state's regional airports and create an "Aerospace Institute" passed the House today.

“Aerospace is one of Oklahoma’s fastest growing industries, and we are going to do everything we can to foster that industry and help it grow,” said Rep. Mike Jackson (left), chairman of the House Aerospace and Technology Subcommittee.

House Bill 2784, known as the Regional Business Airport Modernization Act, asks for $10 million to modernize Oklahoma’s 49 regional business airports. The bill seeks to ensure that those regional airports in areas with significant economic activity and high aviation demand are accommodating to the businesses that use them.

“These airport upgrades will allow our communities to more successfully compete for those businesses that create jobs for their citizens and stimulate Oklahoma’s economy,” said Jackson, R-Enid.

The bill passed the House with a vote of 89-9 and will next be heard in the Senate.

Another bill would create the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute underneath the state Aeronautics Commission. The institute would help further aerospace education in Oklahoma in an attempt to create a pool of local engineers and workforce through the state’s higher education and Career Tech systems.

House Bill 3098, by Rep. Gary Banz (right), would also help local suppliers get contracts with Tinker Air Force Base and the federal government. The legislation seeks $2.5 million to help achieve these goals. The bill passed the House with a vote of 90-10 and will proceed to the Senate.

Both bills are contingent upon funds being appropriated through the budgeting process.

“Our growing aerospace industry is so vital to diversifying Oklahoma’s economy,” said Banz, R-Midwest City. “We need to do all we can to ensure this industry can expand. It is time we get behind this sector of our economy and make a financial commitment to its growth.”

Senate Approves Iraqi Freedom License Tags

The Oklahoma State Senate has given unanimous approval to legislation creating special vehicle tags for Oklahomans who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The author of Senate Bill 1138 is Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond.

Tulsa County GOP Issues Minority Platform Report

By David Arnett, Tulsa Today ~ For the first time in modern history the Tulsa County Republican Party Platform Committee last Saturday forwarded to the general convention a Minority Report supported by over 20 percent of voting members as an alternative to the traditional platform. The Report was described by proponents as “removing minutia that divides us to focus on foundations that unite us.”

Read the entire story at www.tulsatoday.com.

Education Secretary To Speak Here Thursday

U.S. Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings will be the featured speaker at a joint House and Senate Education Committee meeting Thursday.

The secretary will be in town as part of a state-by-state tour seeking local input on the No Child Left Behind Act. Spellings will speak to the joint committee, and then committee members will be allowed to ask her questions.

OPEA Officials Meet With House GOP Caucus

Representatives of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association told the House Republican Caucus Monday they have serious concerns about a bill that would affect state employee benefits.

The officials said state employees are alarmed that the bill would decrease their monthly health insurance benefits. If House Bill 3108 were passed today, an employee would lose roughly $90 a month that is now provided by the state for health insurance, they said. The amount would be about $250 a month for a family, said Sterling Zearley, OPEA executive director.

Read more here and here.

Obama Opens Wide Poll Lead Over Clinton

A new CBS News/New York Times poll finds Barack Obama with a 16-point lead over rival Hillary Clinton among Democratic primary voters nationwide.

Obama, coming off 11 straight primary and caucus victories, had the support of 54 percent of Democratic primary voters nationally. Clinton had 38 percent support.

In a CBS News poll taken three weeks ago, shortly before Super Tuesday, Obama and Clinton were tied at 41 percent.

Clinton led by 15 points nationally in January.

The former first lady has lost her advantage among women, according to the poll: The two leading Democrats now have even levels of support among female primary voters. Men, meanwhile, disproportionately favor Obama. He leads Clinton among male Democratic primary voters 67 percent to 28 percent, and leads among white men 61 percent to 33 percent.

Emphasis On Obama Photo A Clinton 'Smear Tactic'?

In a controversy over what may or may not be a smear tactic, campaign managers for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are arguing over this photo of the Illinois senator that's making the Internet rounds. The picture of Obama, right, shows him wearing traditional garments in Wajir, Kenya, during his trip to his father's homeland in 2006.

The Associated Press photograph portrays Obama wearing a white turban and a wraparound white robe presented to him by elders in Wajir, in northeastern Kenya. Obama's estranged late father was Kenyan and Obama visited the country in 2006, attracting thousands of well-wishers.

The Drudge Report posted the photograph Monday and said it was being circulated by "Clinton staffers" and quoted an e-mail from an unidentified campaign aide.

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe immediately accused Clinton's campaign of "the most shameful, offensive fear-mongering we've seen from either party in this election."

Obama's defenders say the photo attempts to infer he is Muslim, when he is a practicing Christian.

Askins Casts First Tie-Breaking Senate Vote

Lt. Governor Jari Askins cast her first tie-breaking vote in the Senate today, approving Senate Bill 1550 after a 24-24 tie developed.

The tie vote was mostly along party lines in the evenly-split Senate, but two Democrats voted with Republicans and two Republicans voted with Democrats to create the tie.

Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, issued the following statement regarding the first tie vote to occur under the evenly divided Senate’s power-sharing agreement.

“First of all, the process worked as the framers of our constitution intended. There was a tie vote and the lieutenant governor exercised her authority as president of the Senate to break the tie.

“Second, it’s important to note that many senators were concerned by Senate Bill 1550’s provisions that put burdensome and costly paperwork requirements on many small businesses, sole proprietors, and direct sellers – such as stay-at-home moms who sell products like Amway or Herbalife,” Coffee said.

The initial vote on SB 1550 showed 24 voting aye, and 24 voting nay. Askins broke the tie with her aye vote.

House Rules Committee Deadlocks On Voting Bill

The House Rules Committee deadlocked 5-5 today on a plan to end straight-party voting.

The vote was on party lines, Democrats voting yes and Republicans no. The tie means the bill is effectively dead for the year.

Republican Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell of Goodwell, an ex officio voting member of every House committee, cast the vote that created the tie.

House Panel Okays OTC, OTA No-Privatization Bill

With several states turning to plans to sell or lease their turnpikes to private companies in an effort to raise capital, a measure that passed today out of the House General Government and Transportation Committee would prevent the same thing from happening in Oklahoma.

House Bill 3182, by Rep. Sally Kern, would prohibit the Oklahoma Transportation Commission and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority from entering into any contract or lease agreement with a foreign company or any majority-owned subsidiary of a foreign company to operate or maintain any state-owned turnpike.

Senate Approves DOC Minimum Age Requirement

The State Senate on Monday approved legislation that would reduce the minimum age for correctional officers and guards from 21 to 20.

Requested by the Department of Corrections, SB 1468 is intended to broaden the pool of eligible candidates for employment in corrections facilities and assist an agency experiencing a significant labor shortage.

Laughlin To Laster: Make Up Your Mind

Senate Republican Floor Leader Owen Laughlin (left) responded today to last week's attack on Senate Republicans by Democrat Floor Leader Charles Laster (right), saying one criticism in particular made him chuckle.

“Senator Laster criticized Republicans for defeating a bill that would have recreated the State Board for Property and Casualty Rates, insinuating that bringing back this government bureaucracy would somehow reduce insurance costs,” said Laughlin, R-Woodward.

“That’s pretty funny because in 2006 Senator Laster actually authored the bill that repealed this board from state law. I guess he was against it before he was for it,” he said.

AAA's Mai Cites State Roads, Bridge Safety Crisis

Chuck Mai of AAA Oklahoma said today a safety crisis exists because of deteriorating roads and bridges.

Mai held a news conference at the Capitol to push for more funding for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

He said failure of lawmakers to keep their commitment on highway spending will lead to the loss of $127 million in scheduled repair and construction projects. He said Interstate 40 in downtown Oklahoma City and Interstate 244 in Tulsa have bridges with structural ratings worse than the bridge that collapsed in Minnesota.

J. D. Johnston Seeks Rinehart Commission Seat

Former Bethany mayor and Oklahoma City businessman J.D. Johnston today announced his candidacy for the District 2 seat on the Oklahoma County Commission, setting up a Republican primary for the seat if incumbent Brent Rinehart seeks reelection as expected.

Johnston pledged to bring integrity, credibility and diverse experience to the job.

He said, "a good part of what people see and hear in the media about their county commissioner often centers around fussing and fighting, legal troubles, political troubles, and other issues that have nothing to do with the business of the County,” Johnston continued.

“I believe that the people of District 2 deserve a county commissioner who is focused on county business. It is the job of elected officials at all levels to serve the people and to set an example for positive leadership and productivity.”

“The Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners needs to focus attention on doing the people’s business and solving the problems of Oklahoma County. I will bring integrity, credibility as well as business and public service experience to the Board of County Commissioners,” Johnston concluded.

Johnston is a lifelong resident of Oklahoma County. He and his wife, Pam, have been married for 28 years and have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. He's been a police officer with the Bethany and Oklahoma City police departments and has owned and operated Johnston Oilfield Equipment in Oklahoma City for 24 years. He was elected to the Bethany City Council to serve Ward 3 in 1996. He won election as Mayor of Bethany in 1999 and served unopposed in that position until 2006.

Ford's Charter Schools Bill Wins Approval

Senator John Ford's bill that would establish a charter school district pilot program passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 10-6 vote today. Currently, certain school districts are allowed to have individual charter schools within their jurisdiction. Charter schools are supported by state funding, but exempt from many state regulations. Senate Bill 2100 would establish a trial program allowing 10 entire school districts in Oklahoma to become charter districts.

Henry: Let HB1804 Lawsuit Run Its Course

By Jim Myers, Washington Bureau, Tulsa World ~ Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry said Sunday that the state should allow a lawsuit against a controversial immigration law to run its course before attempting to change it.

"I certainly think we need that direction from the court," said Henry, who signed the measure, House Bill 1804, into law last year.

The governor also said he plans to stay out of what is expected to be a major media campaign to persuade state officials at least to delay parts of the law.

Read the entire story at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectID=12&articleID=20080225_1_A1_World02077.

Big Pensions Draw Legislative Attention Again

By Mick Hinton, Capitol Bureau, Tulsa World ~ Legislation to close a loophole in state law that allows some elected officials to retire with pensions bigger than the salaries they earned on the job has survived two committee hearings. But it is still questionable that a bill to abolish the loophole will become law this session, since numerous attempts in previous years have failed.

Republican lawmakers are trying to get the enhanced pension benefits abolished.

Most Democratic legislators are opposed to closing the loophole that helps hundreds of elected county officials throughout the state.

Lobbyist Dave Herbert, former state senator who represents county officers at the State Capitol, said it is only right that they get the enhanced benefits. "You suffered through a crappy old government job so you could have a decent pension when you retired," he said.

Read the entire story at www.tulsaworld.com.

Nader Says He's Running Again

Ralph Nader said Sunday he will run again for president as a third-party candidate, criticizing the top White House contenders as too close to big business and pledging to repeat a bid that will “shift the power from the few to the many.”

No one expects Nader to be a real player in the race, but there is unease among some Democrats that he could drain off general election votes for the party nominee.

Nader, 73, said most people are disenchanted with the Democratic and Republican parties due to a prolonged Iraq war and a shaky economy. The consumer advocate also blamed tax and other corporate-friendly policies under the Bush administration that he said have left many lower- and middle-class people in debt.

Nader is depised by many Democrats who claim he cost Al Gore the presidency in his 2000 race with President Bush. Nader disputes that view, saying Gore lost on his own.

Ivan Holmes: State Party Now Debt-free

From The Tulsa World ~ The state Democratic Party's finances are finally in the black, Chairman Ivan Holmes said Saturday.

"We are now debt-free," Holmes said at the party's annual convention in Oklahoma City.

Delegates to the state convention also selected 24 Democrats committed to presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton and 14 to Barack Obama. The party has nine more "superdelegates," who are uncommitted to either candidate.

Holmes named Reggie Whitten, an Oklahoma City lawyer who has been serving as the party's finance chairman, as an add-on superdelegate Saturday.

Holmes said the party was $150,000 in debt when he became its chairman a year ago. He said two efforts have helped bring the party out of debt. Between 400 and 500 Democrats have pledged to give the party $5 to $25 a month. In addition, the party has greatly increased its number of "Rooster Club" donors, who have contributed $1,000 each. A year ago, it had 17 or 18 members, and now it has 109, he said.

Holmes credited Whitten as a primary force is getting the party out of debt. The party's monthly expenses have been pared to $12,000 from $35,000, he said.

State Employees Said Ready To Fight Proposals

One of the hottest issues facing legislators in the weeks to come could be the question of measures that impact state employees.

Sources report that some state employees are "livid" over the provisions of House Bill 3108 by Rep. Ron Peterson. The bill would recalculate the state employee benefit allowance that provides insurance for state employees and their families. The bill apparently would cost a single state employee $90 per month and a family with children $250 per month.

The measure has been the subject of numerous posts on the Oklahoma Public Employees Association website's blog at www.opea.org.

It's also said that employees are equally as livid with Governor Brad Henry's pay raise proposal that would also remove some of the benefit allowance and "self-fund" a 5 percent pay raise.

Sources say House Speaker Chris Benge has asked representatives of the employees to present their arguments on Henry's measure to the Republican Caucus on Monday. The OPEA's website confirms that, with this as part of one article: History will be made on Monday, February 25 as OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley and Deputy Director Scott Barger will take state employee issues to the House Republican Caucus. “I cannot stress what a massive inroad this is for the OPEA cause,” said Zearley. “Not only has OPEA never had the opportunity to speak in front of this group, the caucus rarely allows advocacy groups of any kind to make presentations.”

"The whole issue could get very, very contentious," a highly-placed source said.

The developments follow a news release last week by Rep. Scott BigHorse, D-Pawhuska, who said Peterson's bill represents "blatant unfairness" to state employees.

A former state employee with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, BigHorse said state workers have experienced lean times for too long: "In this year when state employees may once again have to take a back seat when it comes to a pay raise, I find it carelessly negligent to even suggest taking monies away," he said.

BigHorse noted that state employees have only had two pay raises in the past seven years.

"Currently almost all state employees purchase benefits that allow them to keep some of the benefit allowance as income," BigHorse said. "With their paychecks an average 12 percent less than their market peers, these additional funds provided by a benefits allowance help them make ends meet. That doesn't mean state employees are getting rich off the benefit allowance. This benefit allowance is a very important component of the state's hiring and retention policies. Last year, because of low pay and an increased workload, Oklahoma lost some $85 million due to turnover costs."

With agencies absorbing insurance increases since 2002, BigHorse said it's time someone made a stand for state employees, instead of attempting to reduce their hard-earned pay. "Health care costs rise every day," he said. "Why should we decrease the allowance given to our state workers to pay for them?"

Times Ombudsman Criticizes McCain Story

The New York Times' ombudsman Sunday strongly criticized the newspaper's insinuation this week that White House hopeful John McCain had a tryst with a female lobbyist 31 years his junior, nearly 10 years ago.

"The newspaper found itself in the uncomfortable position of being the story as much as publishing the story, in large part because, although it raised one of the most toxic subjects in politics -- sex -- it offered readers no proof that McCain and (Vicki) Iseman had a romance," public editor Clark Hoyte wrote in The Times' online edition.

In an article signed by four reporters that raised more backlash against the daily than the candidate, The Times Thursday cited unnamed McCain advisers who, "convinced the relationship had become romantic," had asked Iseman to keep away from the senator.

"The article was notable for what it did not say," wrote Hoyte in his column to be published Sunday.

"It did not say what convinced the advisers that there was a romance.

"It did not make clear what McCain was admitting when he acknowledged behaving inappropriately -- an affair or just an association with a lobbyist that could look bad," he said of alleged comments McCain made to his advisers.

Hoyt also criticized The Times executive editor Bill Keller's explanation that the article's main thrust was not the alleged affair but the political favors the Republican bestowed on a lobbyist, which Hoyt said "ignored the scarlet elephant in the room."

"A newspaper cannot begin a story about the all-but-certain Republican presidential nominee with the suggestion of an extramarital affair with an attractive lobbyist 31 years his junior and expect readers to focus on anything other than what most of them did. ... The stakes are just too big."

"The pity of it is that, without the sex, The Times was on to a good story," Hoyt added, recalling that McCain, 71, had been reprimanded in the past for cozying up to lobbyists -- the influence of money in politics is a recurring issue in Congress.

Meanwhile, several conservative media commentators who up to now had been critical of McCain rallied to his side against The Times, which they consider a bastion of liberal, left-wing America.

Four Republicans Say Obama To Be Nominee

Senator Jim Inhofe, Congresswoman Mary Fallin and Congressmen Frank Lucas and Tom Cole said today they expect Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee for president.

Speaking to the Oklahoma Press Association's Midwinter Convention in Oklahoma City, the four Republicans described Obama as a "far left" candidate. Inhofe pointed to his lack of military service and foreign relations experience as reasons Oklahomans should vote for John McCain, the apparent Republican nominee.

They also commented on the war in Iraq and Obama's statement he would end it immediately upon being elected.

"To leave at this point would be the disaster of the century. It's not going to happen," Inhofe said.

Cole said it is in the nation's long-term security interests to stay in Iraq. He said the Korean conflict was very unpopular but the U.S. effort for South Korea has been of long-range benefit. Inhofe said it has been fun watching Obama's fight with Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential race.

"He says nothing but he says it extremely well," he said of Obama.

Cole said while Obama appears to be winning a Democratic Party battle "between its heart and its head," he is not convinced the Illinois senator will be the strongest Democratic candidate in November.

"It is going to be, I guarantee you, a very close presidential election," Cole said.

Fallin said Obama has charisma and a message of hope, but "I tell people if you like Ted Kennedy, you're going to love Barack Obama."

Lest We Forget...

On February 23, 1945, U. S. Marines raised two flags over Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima. This famous photo, by Joe Rosenthal, shows the second flag raising.

Braddock's Abstract Company Involvement Noted

By Tony Thornton and Michael McNutt, Staff Writers, The Oklahoman ~ A co-chairman of the House committee that will explore impeachment proceedings against state Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan has a possible conflict of interest, The Oklahoman confirmed Friday.

Rep. David Braddock, D-Altus, tried to buy an Altus abstract company in a deal that was contingent upon McMahan squashing another man's effort to open a competing company, sources said.

Read the entire story at http://newsok.com/article/3207880/1203742126.

Oklahoma's Public Corruption Worse Than Others?

Associated Press Capitol writer Ron Jenkins writes that, "It's been a rough time for some elected officials in Oklahoma in recent months, leading citizens to question what's going on and causing soul searching over the state's level of corruption."

Read his entire article at http://newsok.com/article/3207762/1203736926.

World Reports Stipe Hospitalized In McAlester

From www.tulsaworld.com ~ Former Senator Gene Stipe, who has been on home confinement since November, was admitted to McAlester Regional Hospital earlier this week, authorities have confirmed. "We have adjusted our schedule accordingly to accommodate medical treatment," said Kelly Garrett, chief U.S. Probation Officer. Garrett could not confirm why Stipe is in the hospital, but records show that Stipe, 81, underwent chemotherapy last fall and winter for recurring prostate cancer. Stipe also suffers from dementia and a brain condition that makes him unsteady on his feet. He typically walks with a cane or walker or uses a wheelchair.

The Gadfly Screaming At The Wall

Incredible: The decision, apparently by the Secret Service, to discontinue security screening at Barack Obama's Dallas rally, has me screaming at the wall. Such a decision is an absolute breach of the Secret Service's responsibility to protect those under its care and is a recipe for disaster.

Local blogger and radio talk show host Mark Shannon noted the breach when he reported the story: Security details at Barack Obama's Dallas rally stopped screening people for weapons at the front gates more than an hour before the Democratic presidential candidate took the stage at Reunion Arena. The order to put down the metal detectors and stop checking purses and laptop bags came as a surprise to several Dallas police officers who said they believed it was a lapse in security. Dallas Deputy Police Chief T.W. Lawrence, head of the Police Department's homeland security and special operations divisions, said the order -- apparently made by the U.S. Secret Service -- was meant to speed up the long lines outside and fill the arena's vacant seats before Obama came on. "Sure," said Lawrence, when asked if he was concerned by the great number of people who had gotten into the building without being checked. But, he added, the turnout of more than 17,000 people seemed to be a "friendly crowd."

Obama, shown here followed by an agent, was placed under Secret Service protection in May at his own request. It was the earliest ever such protection was provided for a presidential candidate. Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff authorized Obama’s protection after consultations with the congressional advisory committee.

Thirty-eight years ago, I worked for a short while as part of a presidential advance team. Even then, long before attacks on President Reagan and President Ford, the Secret Service was stalwart it its zeal and it was unflinching in its protocols. Granted, Barack Obama is not the president; he is, however, a candidate for president and the Secret Service is charged with his protection. To cease the cursory checking of an audience, however "friendly" it might appear, for any reason is a violation of that responsibility and to do it in Dallas, of all places, recalls the nightmare a nutjob can visit upon us.

Coincidentially, there is this article today In Newsday by an Associated Press writer: "For many black Americans, it's a conversation they find hard to avoid, revisiting old fears in the light of bright new hopes. They watch with wonder as Barack Obama moves ever closer to becoming America's first black president. And they ask themselves, their family, their friends: Is he at risk? Will he be safe? There is, of course, no sure answer. But interviews with blacks across the country, prominent and otherwise, suggest that lingering worries are outweighed by enthusiasm and determination." (Read the entire article at http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-obama-safety-fears,0,7894734.story.)

AAA To Back 'Fix Our Roads' Campaign

AAA, the highway safety and travel organization with more than 325,000 members in Oklahoma, said today it will announce on Monday its support and endorsement of the “Fix Our Roads – Be F.O.R. It!” campaign of the T.R.U.S.T. (Transportation Revenues Used Strictly for Transportation) Coalition. AAA will urge lawmakers to not neglect their promise to adequately fund transportation.

Workers Comp Reform Measure Passes Committee

Legislation that would, its sponsors say, overhaul Oklahoma's workers' compensation system to drive down costs while improving worker benefits received committee approval this week.

House Bill 2605, by Rep. Mark McCullough (pictured), would create a three-member Workers' Compensation Commission to replace the current Workers' Compensation Court.

"This is sweeping legislation that will dismantle the current lawsuit-based Workers' Compensation Court and replace it with an administrative system based on Arkansas' successful model," said McCullough, R-Sapulpa. "Our current system has been failing both injured workers and employers for years. It's time to overhaul it in a way that reduces costs to the employer while creating an easier path back to work for injured employees. This bill will benefit injured workers most by streamlining access to medical care and focusing on vocational rehabilitation."

House Bill 2605 is the result of months of work, including an in-depth legislative study conducted this year that identified the major failings of Oklahoma's current workers' compensation system.

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

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

Debate Coverage: Clinton Blew It

From Fox News ~ Hillary Rodham Clinton accused presidential rival Barack Obama of political plagiarism, but drew boos from a Democratic debate audience when she ridiculed him as the candidate of “change you can Xerox.” Obama dismissed the charge out of hand at the debate Thursday night, then turned the jeers to applause when he countered, “What we shouldn’t be spending time doing is tearing each other down. We should be spending time lifting the country up.”

From The Hill ~ Defying expectations, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) mostly concentrated on her own résumé in Thursday night’s debate, a decision reinforced by the fact that her sharpest attack on rival Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was booed by the partisan crowd.

From CNN ~ Responding to a question from the panel, Clinton's sharpest attack on Obama came when she went after him for borrowing lines from a speech by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, his campaign co-chairman, in his own campaign speeches. The Clinton campaign has called that plagiarism. "If your campaign is going to be about words, they should be your own words," she said. "Lifting whole passages isn't change you can believe in; it's change you can Xerox." Some in the audience booed Clinton for the line. "This is where we start getting into silly season in politics," Obama replied, saying Patrick is a friend who suggested he use the lines. "People start getting tired of it."

From NewsMax ~ Clinton also raised Obama's use in his campaign speeches of words first uttered by his friend, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. "If your candidacy is going to be about words then they should be your own words," she said. "...Lifting whole passages from someone else's speeches is not change you can believe in, it's change you can Xerox." The debate audience booed. Obama said the entire controversy was evidence of a "silly season" that the public finds dispiriting.

From The Associated Press ~ Hillary Rodham Clinton accused presidential rival Barack Obama of political plagiarism Thursday night, but drew boos from a Democratic debate audience when she ridiculed him as the candidate of "change you can Xerox." Obama dismissed the charge out of hand, then turned the jeers to applause when he countered, "What we shouldn't be spending time doing is tearing each other down. We should be spending time lifting the country up."

From MSNBC ~ Hillary Rodham Clinton accused Democratic presidential rival Barack Obama of political plagiarism Thursday night and said he represented "change you can Xerox." Obama dismissed the charge out of hand, adding in a campaign debate, "What we shouldn't be doing is tearing each other down, we should be lifting the country up."

From USA Today ~ Clinton was alternately aggressive and emotional, provoking hisses at one point from the audience when she accused Obama of peddling "change you can Xerox" by lifting lines from a speech by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.

Property Tax Slow-down Bill Wins Approval

Senator Jim Reynolds’ bill to slow down property tax increases received the approval of the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday. It next goes to the full Senate.

Senate Joint Resolution 59 would send to a vote of the people Reynolds’ proposal to cap at 3% the amount that property value assessments can grow each year. Reynolds said the current cap of 5% is too high.

“The number one complaint I hear from my constituents is that their property taxes are growing too fast,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.

Jeff McMahan Impeachment Committee Ponders Whether Future Meetings Will Be Open Or Closed

The special House committee looking into possible impeachment proceedings against state Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan is assessing today whether its initital meetings should be closed to the public as was its first meeting.

Meetings four years ago to discuss the impeachment of then-Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher were open to the public, but those involved in the McMahan probe seemed unaware of that.

"Our counsel was that we needed to have those meetings behind closed doors,” Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, told The Oklahoman's Michael McNutt.

Rep. Rex Duncan, a former prosecutor and co-chairman of the McMahan impeachment committee, said the nature of the committee's work would seem to be closed. "Of course an investigation would be closed,” said Duncan, who was not in office when the Fisher committee met. "No decision's been made,” said Duncan, R-Sand Springs.

Benge later issued a statement that the eight-member committee still is collecting information about the Fisher proceedings and will determine "if this is an apples to apples comparison to the task at hand.”

"We want to make this as public as possible,” Benge told McNutt. "We're in the process of trying to find out what the precedent has been and what those legal barriers are if there are any to allowing public access."

If the investigating committee recommends removal, the full House will vote on articles of impeachment, which, if approved, will then move to the Senate for a trial.

The impeachment committee met briefly Thursday and talked about organizational matters, such as whether to hire an outside attorney, Duncan said. The committee has not set another meeting date, said Duncan, one of three attorneys on the eight-member committee.

The committee will look at whether McMahan violated his oath of office and the responsibilities he swore to uphold as an elected official. It is expected to investigate the federal charges filed against McMahan. Another issue could be McMahan's absence from the state job.

Initiative Petition Payment Bill Advances In House

A bill by Rep. Mike Shelton that would prohibit organizations that circulate initiative petitions from paying their employees on a "per signature" basis has advanced in the House. Shelton said paying signature collectors a "fair" hourly rate would eliminate "much of the misinformation, rhetoric and coercion tactics collectors currently use to encourage citizens to sign the ballots."

Debate: Clinton's Attack On Obama Falls Flat

Tonight's CNN debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama was a sleeper until Obama was asked about Clinton's allegation he had stolen the words of another in a recent speech.

Here's one account, from The Washington Post blog: Asked about his lifting of lines from Governor Deval Patrick (Mass.), Obama sought to dismiss the charges of plagiarism as the sort of politics the American public is sick of.

"The notion I had plagiarized from someone who is one of my national co-chairs who gave me the line and suggested I use it I think is silly," Obama said. "This is where we get into silly season in politics and people start getting discouraged about it."

Clinton, however, clearly believes this is a political weak spot for Obama and went after it -- hard. "If your candidacy is going to be about words, they should be your own words," said Clinton. "Lifting whole passages is not change you can believe in, it's change you can Xerox."

That line, obviously prepared in advance of tonight's debate, fell flat. The crowd went silent and then a smattering of boos rang out. Obama shook his head and muttered to himself.

That exchange highlighted the difficulty for Clinton when it comes to drawing contrasts with Obama. Any attack falls into a familiar dynamic that she is a partisan politician practicing politics as usual while he is a transformational figure bringing hope and change to the system.

Committee Approves DHS Performance Audit Bill

The House Human Services Committee today approved Rep. Susan Winchester's bill authorizing an independent performance audit of services provided by the state's child welfare agency to children who have been abused or neglected.

The measure now goes to the full House for a hearing. It would require a thorough review of the Human Services division of the Department of Human Services.

Times Attack On McCain Stirs Conservatives

The New York Times may be driving doubting conservatives into Republican John McCain's presidential camp.

Longtime McCain antagonist Rush Limbaugh, reacting to The Times story that relies on vague sources and not much more, immediately accused the "drive-by media" of "trying to take [McCain] out."

"The story is not the story," Limbaugh wrote in an email to the Politico. "The media picked the GOP's candidate, the NYT endorsed him while they sat on this story, and is now, with utter predictability, trying to destroy him."

Laura Ingraham--like Limbaugh, an influential conservative radio host--also implied that the Times' motives were sinister. "You wait until it's pretty much beyond a doubt that he's going to be the Republican nominee, and then you let it drop," she said this morning. "Drop some acid in the pool, contaminate the whole pool. That's what The New York Times thinks."

David Brody of CBN.com, the website of the Christian broadcasting network, told his massive conservative audience that a Times "hit job" is a "badge of honor."

And Kathryn Jean Lopez at the National Review's Corner blog says she's received a flood of emails from angry conservatives. "I'm the typical conservative who has not been happy with the McCain ascendancy, but the NYTimes has accomplished what Tojo did with Pearl Harbor," wrote one. "They have awoken a sleeping giant. We have been reminded who the real enemy is and it is not Senator McCain. I'm ordering my bumper sticker today."

OHLAP Enhancement Act Moves Forward

A bill aimed at giving greater opportunities for Oklahoma’s school children to obtain a college education won unanimous approval for the Senate budget panel.

The measure, called the OHLAP Enhancement Act, by Senator Randy Bass (D-Lawton) is part of the Senate Democratic “Vision for Oklahoma: Opportunity and Responsibility” 2008 legislative agenda.

“Oklahoma’s Promise has proven to be one of the greatest investments we have made in the future of our state,” Bass said. “It has increased the number of college graduates in our state, and made college more affordable to working and middle-class families in our state. But we can, and should do more.”

Bass said the OHLAP Enhancement Act will boost Oklahoma’s Promise by adding the cost of books and fees into the scholarship that currently only includes the cost of tuition for those Oklahoma students who make good grades and stay out of trouble.

Parolee Tracking Measure Wins House Approval

Legislation that could improve the tracking of paroled criminals across state lines received unanimous support in the State House today.

House Bill 2533, by Rep. Mark McCullough, adds new membersto the State Council of the Interstate Compact for Interstate Adult Supervision to improve that group's ability to monitor criminals once they have been released from jail. The bill will add three new members to the council, one each from the District Attorney's Council, the Indigent Defense System and the Administrative Director of the Courts.

Domestic Abuse Victim Protection Bill Advances

A measure to protect and keep confidential the location of victims of domestic abuse passed a House committee. House Bill 2250, by Rep. Marian Cooksey, modifies what information municipal utility companies can disclose to the public under the Oklahoma Open Records Act and allows non-disclosure of a customer's name. The bill also defines what information may be available for public access including consumption rates, adjustments to the bill, reasons for adjustment, address and the name of the person that authorized the adjustment.

Veterans Get Free Parks, Museums Admission

Lawmakers voted to honor Oklahoma's military veterans by giving them a break at museums and parks. House Bill 2970, by Rep. Chuck Hoskin, gives all honorably discharged Oklahoma veterans free admission at state parks and museums.

Coffee's Sportsman Protection Bill Passes Panel

The Senate Tourism and Wildlife Committee today unanimously passed Senate Joint Resolution 38, which recognizes the right of Oklahomans to hunt and fish, by Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee.

“Oklahoma has a rich history as an ideal location for hunting and fishing. Our state is truly a sportsman’s paradise. Sadly, there is a growing movement among radical environmentalists and animal-rights activists to restrict or eliminate hunting and fishing. This constitutional amendment would ensure that Oklahomans’ right to hunt and fish is protected by our state constitution,” Coffee said.

Key To Texas Could Be In Tonight's Debate

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama face off tonight in a Democratic presidential debate in Austin and it's possible the Democratic nomination for president depends on the outcome.

The debate, to be held on the campus of the University of Texas, will air live on CNN from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET.

Obama is now the frontrunner for his party's nomination and a win in Texas on March 4th likely would ensure he is the party's nominee. Clinton's hopes rest on Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania results as she attempts to recoup from Obama's string of 10 straight primary and caucus victories.

House Passes Hargis OSU Bill

The State House today approved a bill that allows Burns Hargis to take over as president of Oklahoma State University immediately.

Hargis, a banker and former OSU regent, resigned as a regent last July. Currently, there is a prohibition of one year before a former regent can take over as president of a university.

Representatives voted 84-12 to approve House Bill 2297, which cuts the waiting period to six months, meaning Hargis could take over immediately.

Hargis and regents have not indicated how soon he will be installed. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Hamilton's 'Scum of the Earth Bill' Advances

State lawmakers voted today for the "Scum of the Earth Bill" that would increase the punishment for individuals who assault pregnant women.

House Bill 1897, by Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, would allow felony charges to be pursued against anyone who beats a woman and causes her to miscarry.

"I have called this my 'Scum of the Earth Bill' for obvious reasons," said Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City. "The number one cause of death for pregnant women is murder, usually at the hands of the father of the baby. Under current law, we will file murder charges once a woman and her baby are dead, but I want to stop the violence before it gets that far. House Bill 1897 allows the state to intervene earlier, before two people die horrible and needless deaths."

New York Times Prints Attack On McCain; 'Journalistic Standards Of A Third-rate Tabloid'

Joined by wife Cindy, John McCain lashed out Thursday at a new report in The New York Times that revisits the Republican presidential candidate’s relationship with a female lobbyist, and rebuked the paper for spreading false rumors.

The Times article described how campaign aides kept him and lobbyist Vicki Iseman apart during the 2000 election for fear they were giving the impression they were having an affair. It noted how McCain wrote to government regulators on behalf of a client of the lobbyist while he was chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.

McCain called a press conference in Toledo, Ohio, to slam the paper for embellishing his committee activities on Iseman’s behalf.

“I’m very disappointed in The New York Times piece. It’s not true,” he said.

Asked about his relationship with the lobbyist, he said, “I have many friends in Washington who represent various interests and … I consider her a friend.”

McCain surrogates who rushed to address the issue were more outspoken in their criticism of the story.

Attorney Robert Bennett called the piece “a hatchet job” and campaign adviser Charles Black was even more vocal.

“Unfortunately, The New York Times, the largest liberal newspaper in America, is running a false smear campaign against the integrity of the new conservative Republican nominee for president, John McCain, printing false rumors and gossip with no sources,” Black said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “This doesn’t meet the journalistic standards of a third-rate tabloid and it’s a shame that they have stooped to that.”

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R), who is still in the running for the GOP nomination, said he would not react to the story beyond saying that he believes McCain is an honorable man.

Democrat Lanny Davis, who served as special counsel to President Clinton and is an ardent backer of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) for president, is defending McCain. Davis, a contributor to The Hill’s Pundits Blog, wrote that The New York Times failed to mention that the FCC investigated the matter referenced in its article and “found no violation by Sen. McCain.”

Fields Case: Guitar Owner Wouldn't Press Charges

From The Oklahoman ~ State Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields was not arrested for allegedly taking a guitar at a party Saturday night because the singer did not want to pursue charges, Oklahoma City police said Wednesday.

"The guy with the guitar didn't want to sign a complaint,” Police Chief Bill Citty told The Oklahoman. "If you have a victim that doesn't want to file the charges or file a report, then you don't have a crime. Period.”

Fields, 50, was allegedly drunk at the party thrown at the Cox Convention Center after a Professional Bull Riders Inc. competition Saturday night. Police decided not to arrest him for public intoxication. Instead officers took him to the city detox center, but refused to identify him by name.

The Oklahoman editorialized today that a publicly-funded entity like the detox center should provide public information on those who are sent there.

National Poll: Obama Leaps Over Clinton, McCain

Barack Obama has surged past Hillary Clinton to open a big national lead in the Democratic presidential race, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released today.

Obama also leads Republican front-runner John McCain in a potential November election match-up while Clinton trails McCain, enhancing Obama's argument he is the Democrat with the best shot at capturing the White House.

Among Republicans, McCain has a substantial national lead over his last major challenger, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, as he takes his final steps toward clinching the nomination. Heading into crucial March 4 nominating contests in Ohio and Texas, Obama has gained the upper hand in a close and fierce Democratic duel with Clinton. McCain broke open the Republican race and has driven out most of his leading rivals.

The poll showed Obama with a 14-point edge over Clinton, 52 percent to 38 percent, after being in a statistical tie with the New York senator last month.

Highway, Bridge Improvement Bills Advance

House and Senate committees approved bills today to provide more money for improving Oklahoma's highways and bridges.

Get the details at www.newsok.com.

Democrats Kill Term Limits Bill; Brogdon, Sweeden Exchange Words Over Action

Democrats on the Senate Rules Committee killed legislation Wednesday that would have sent term limits for statewide officials to a vote of the people and two senators exchanged words over the action.

SJR 33 by Senator Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, would have put a 12 year term limit on Oklahoma's statewide elected officials except the governor if approved by voters.

Governors are already limited to 2 terms (8 years) of service, and state legislators are already limited to 12 years of service.

"Senate Democrats killed the chance for the people to vote to apply the same term limits on statewide officials that currently exist for state legislators," Brogdon said.

"Term limits have brought fresh ideas to the state legislature, and I believe term limits would have a similarly positive effect on statewide offices," he stated. "The Democrats' blatantly partisan attempt to protect career politicians is very disappointing."

Democrat Joe Sweeden responded that, “If Senator Brogdon were truly serious about term limits for statewide elected officials, he would trust Oklahomans to begin their own initiative petition process, rather than use government to interfere with the decisions made by Oklahomans every four years at the ballot box. Unlike Senator Brogdon and the Republican members of the Senate Rules committee who voted for the bill today, we don’t believe it is government’s responsibility to take the rights away of Oklahomans to make their own decision when they exercise their right to vote. We didn’t see a big push for term limits on statewide elected officials when Republicans held key statewide offices and I think everyone can see his bill for exactly what it is: sour grapes over a 2006 election year gone bad for Republicans across the nation and what is shaping up to be a momentous election year for Democrats in 2008.”

Coffee Pushes Medical Examiner/OSBI Merger

State Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee said he will strongly push his legislation to merge the Office Chief Medical Examiner with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and said he is disappointed in criticism of his bill that seems to impugn the integrity and professionalism of the OSBI.

“Senate Bill 1709 is a very good bill that will improve public safety and make government more efficient and effective,” Coffee said. “States like Georgia, Kentucky, and Oregon have medical examiner systems that are part of state law enforcement agencies, so we’re not blazing a new trail here in Oklahoma.”

“I’m very disappointed that so much of the criticism of this proposal seems to impugn the integrity and professionalism of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and calls into question OSBI’s ability to provide fair and impartial oversight of the chief medical examiner,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

Obama's Momentum: Teamsters Endorsement Next

WASHINGTON — Sen. Barack Obama is slated to pick up the endorsement of the powerful Teamsters, the second major union endorsement for the Democratic front-runner in a week, union officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Obama will meet with Teamster President James P. Hoffa in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday. The endorsement is expected to come soon thereafter, said the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the planned formal announcement.

The Teamsters represent 1.4 million members.

Union support will be key in the Democratic primaries in the next few weeks, particularly in Ohio on March 4 and Pennsylvania on April 22. Ohio and Pennsylvania have some of the nation’s largest number of union workers, with more than 15 percent of the workforce unionized in Pennsylvania and just over 14 percent in Ohio.

Rinehart, Pope Trial Set For September 22nd

Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart, who faces felony campaign finance charges, will go to trial on September 22nd along with former campaign manager Tim Pope and contributor Ray Pelfrey, a judge ruled today.

Their trial date was set today in Oklahoma County District Court.

They are accused of conspiring to funnel excessive contributions to Rinehart's 2004 commissioner campaign through Pope's political action committee.

Lottery Privatization Bill Heads To Senate

With education revenues from the state lottery failing to produce the amount of education revenues initially projected, John Ford has authored legislation to examine whether to privatize the operation. Senate Bill 2173 is now headed to the full Senate for a vote after winning committee approval on Wednesday.

“I was opposed to the lottery, and I’ve never bought a single ticket, but I also respect the fact that 65 percent of Oklahoma voters said they wanted a lottery with proceeds going to education,” said Ford. “If there is a better way to run it that would result in more funding for education, then we should do that, and get our government out of the gambling business.”

SB 2173 would create an eight-person Oklahoma Lottery Asset Review Board to determine if privatization would result in a more efficient operation. The legislation would require six of the eight members to agree, and would require the governor’s approval as well before a private company could be chosen to operate the lottery.

Committee Approves Bill To Honor Veterans

The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously approved legislation Wednesday which would designate the first Monday of each month to honor veterans who are currently serving or were killed in the global war on terrorism. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

House Committee Okays Murphey's 'No Gifts List'

To avoid the slightest appearance of corruption, state lawmakers would be able to sign up for a "No Gifts List" that prevents lobbyists from giving legislators any item of value under a bill approved by a House committee today.

House Bill 2444, by Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie, would require the Ethics Commission to create and maintain a voluntary "No Gifts List."

Under the bill, lobbyists would be prevented from giving items to any lawmakers on the list.

Cole: Indian Gambling Restrictions "Highly unjust'

By Tony Thornton, www.newsok.com, From Miami ~ Proposed restrictions on certain forms of American Indian gambling are "not only destructive, but highly unjust," U.S. Rep. Tom Cole said today. During a congressional field hearing on the issue, Cole, R-Moore, said rules proposed to clarify the difference between bingo-based electronic games and Las Vegas-style slot machines would "cripple" economic development by tribes. Read the story at http://newsok.com/article/3206657/1203532678.

Made Only In The USA

Legislators want the flags that fly over public buildings to be made in the USA.

The House General Government and Transportation Committee passed a bill today that would require state and American flags that are flown on public property to be manufactured in the United States.

Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Bills

Bills to combine state agencies and create a new agency to modernize state government passed a Senate committee today.

The Senate Appropriations Committee also advanced Governor Henry's bill to earmark some natural gas tax revenue to the EDGE research fund. Henry wants to build the fund to $1 billion as a way of creating high-paying jobs.

One measure approved by the committee would merge the state Medical Examiner's Office with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Senator Kenneth Corn said an effort to consolidate the agencies could endanger the state’s ability to convict criminals. “If we’re going to consolidate the agency, it would be better for us to spend more time studying the issue and find a better place than OSBI,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “We need to find a place that preserves the independence of the evidence, rather than having the evidence provided to a jury by the very agency conducting the investigation.”

Another bill would transfer the duties of the Criminal Justice Resources Center to the attorney general and the OSBI.

The committee also voted to transfer administration of a rural grant program known as REAP from the auditor and inspector to the Department of Commerce.

Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee of Oklahoma City sponsored the bill to create the Office of Accountability and Efficiency, which would conduct performance reviews of state agencies.

Obama Revels, Clinton Panics

By The Associated Press In Washington ~ The Democratic nomination is now Barack Obama's to lose.

After 10 consecutive defeats — including a heartbreaker in tailor-made Wisconsin on Tuesday — Hillary Rodham Clinton can't win the nomination unless Obama makes a major mistake or her allies reveal something damaging about the Illinois senator's background.

Don't count her out quite yet, but Wisconsin revealed deep and destructive fractures in the Clinton coalition.

It's panic-button time.

Liberal Blogger Says McMahan Must Go

From http://www.okiefunk.com/ ~ State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan needs to explain to Oklahoman voters why felony charges against him are bogus or resign his position.

The argument that he should not talk about the charges publicly because of his personal legal problems is specious and absurd. The voters deserve better. He was elected by the people, and the people need to know the truth.

McMahan, a Democrat, pictured right, has been charged with receiving excessive campaign contributions in 2002 from a businessman identified in the media as Steve Phipps. In return, McMahan did special favors for him as auditor, the charges allege. McMahan’s wife has been charged with him, and they face a total of 135 years in jail.

Phipps is a longtime business associate of former state Sen. Gene Stipe, a Democrat, and has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and paying kickbacks to three state legislators. Stipe pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2003 for funneling illegal campaign contributions to Walt Roberts, who ran for a congressional seat in 1998.

Unfortunately, the charges fuel the narrative that it is still good ol’ boy politics in the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Is it true? Where is the party leadership? When the charges were first announced, Gov. Brad Henry appropriately called for McMahan to take an administrative leave. New information related to the charges surfaced later, however, that clearly demands McMahan resign his position unless he can bring forward a convincing argument to Oklahoma voters.

Did McMahan and his wife accept money, jewelry and trips from someone who then received political favors? Again, if there is clear evidence the charges against McMahan are untrue, he needs to share that information with all of us. If not, then Henry, perhaps the most popular governor in the state’s history, should publicly call on McMahan to resign.

McMahan has apparently turned over his duties to others in his office, but that simply does not cut it. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma House is proceeding with an impeachment investigation. To their credit, Democratic legislators are supporting the impeachment proceedings, but this should not be necessary, and it only draws out the painful spectacle.

This year promises to be a good one for Democrats on a national level, but McMahan’s problems have the potential to affect local races here. Democrats who want to get elected this year should distance themselves from the Oklahoma Democratic Party if it will not vigorously call on McMahan to step down or explain himself. Democratic Party Chairperson Ivan Holmes should be unequivocal on the issue.

Riding the Bull: Lloyd Fields’ Guitar Caper ~ Here is another reason state Democrats should be worried about the party’s image problems: Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields.

Fields apparently did a ten-hour stint in an Oklahoma City detox center after he was nabbed for taking a performer’s guitar at a Saturday after party for a local bull riding event. Fields later apologized and called the guitar incident a “practical joke.” Of course, it was no joke that he chose to go to a detox center after someone tackled him as he was leaving with the guitar. Well, I guess it depends on how you look at it, right? This one will surely make it into the Okie Spectacle Hall of Fame: Alcohol, bull riders, a "gee-tar," and a leading, statewide public official who ends up sleeping it off in a detox center.

Fields was elected Labor Commissioner in 2006. His campaign manager was Ivan Holmes, chairperson of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Again, the Oklahoma Democratic Party faces image problems going into the 2008 elections. What about all the people who have worked diligently against the right-wing juggernaut here for years? Do we all just have to stand by and watch it all be for nothing in a good national year for Democrats because of alleged political corruption and Fields’ silliness and Democratic legislators who cannot file their taxes on time and whatever is to come?

Okie Funk is the product of Edmond college professor Kurt Hochenauer, "Doc Hoc," who usually rants at Republicans. Thus, this post aimed at Democrats draws special attention.

Michael Moore's 'Sicko' Inspired Andrew Rice

From www.redoklahoma.org ~ Well it’s one thing to be the “darling of the left,” but this is a new low even for State Senator Andrew Rice, Senator Jim Inhofe’s lone opponent. Rice will do anything to remain the liberal elite’s favorite guy, and he’s going out of his way to impress.

After watching Michael Moore’s healthcare movie, “Sicko,” Senator Rice decided he needed to take action!

In a recent interview defending an outrageously expensive new mandate, Rice said that he was inspired by Moore’s film, stating: “The second issue is the one my bill addresses, and what the movie Sicko focuses on.”

OKC Settles Christmas Decoration Lawsuit

Oklahoma City officials have agreed to clarify rules regarding religious displays in city offices and has agreed to pay $20,000 in attorney fees for two employees who filed a lawsuit over these decorations.

City council members voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the settlement with Chris Spencer and Kenneth Buck, employees who filed the lawsuit last year. Brent Olsson, their attorney, said his clients wanted a fair policy that allowed them to express their religious freedom.

"This was not about money," Olsson said. "It was about trying to correct an injustice."

As part of the settlement, City Manager Jim Couch agreed to release a statement to The Oklahoman newspaper in which he said. "I appreciate Mr. Spencer and Mr. Buck bringing this matter to my attention. I also appreciate their working with the city to create new guidelines so that such a misunderstanding does not occur in the future and to ensure protection for the free speech rights of city employees."

The dispute began after Couch sent a memo that said Nativity scenes, crosses, angels, cherubs and other religious items should not be displayed in government offices to "maintain neutrality" and avoid promoting one religion over another.

Spencer and Buck sued the city, claiming a supervisor told Spencer he had to remove a religious decoration on his filing cabinet. The employees also claim the city forced the removal of a Bible from a break room and the cancellation of an annual break room Christmas party that included an opening prayer.

After the employees filed the lawsuit, Couch issued a second memo in which he said the policy only pertained to decorations in public spaces at city offices. Employees could have the decorations in their personal work spaces, the memo said.

City officials said a new memo will be issued next week that will describe the city's guidelines for religious expression in greater detail.

Gazette's Bleakley Supports March 4th Tax Vote

Oklahoma Gazette Publisher Bill Bleakley supports the March 4th sales tax extension vote in Oklahoma City and says bringing an NBA team to Oklahoma City as a result of Ford Center improvements puts the city in rare company.

Bleakley's editorial cites reasons to support the measure and the reasons some oppose it. He rejects the argument by some that the owners of the Seattle SuperSonics are wealthy and can afford to improve the Ford Center themselves. That, he writes, is not a realistic approach.

Read all of Bleakley's editorial at http://www.okgazette.com.

OKC Police Launch Probe Of Fields Case

By Randy Ellis and Augie Frost, Staff Writers, The Oklahoman ~ Oklahoma City police officials have launched an investigation into whether state Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields was given special treatment by a police officer, The Oklahoman has learned.

Meanwhile, Fields issued a public apology Tuesday for "an incident” in which he was taken to Oklahoma City's detox center after he was suspected of stealing a professional bull rider's guitar at a party.

Read the entire story at www.newsok.com.

Obama Makes It 10 Straight With Hawaii Victory

Barack Obama racked up two more victories Tuesday night, defeating Hillary Clinton by a wide margin in the Wisconsin Democratic primary and Hawaii caucuses and proving he can win big in a primary-style election in a state with a small minority population. Hawaii was his 10th straight win.

Meanwhile, John McCain won both the Wisconsin and Washington Republican presidential primaries, besting longshot rival Mike Huckabee. Washington also held a Democratic primary, but it was merely a beauty contest, awarding no delegates.

'Classless Clinton' Does It Again

From CNN ~ Three times may make a trend: for the third primary/caucus night in a row, Hillary Clinton has taken the stage at a post-election rally and failed to mention her losses, or congratulate her winning opponent, Barack Obama.

She spent Tuesday night at a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, looking ahead to the primary there on March 4. She made no mention of Wisconsin.

Last Tuesday in El Paso, Texas, hours after getting swept in the Potomac primaries that night, she didn’t acknowledge her rival’s big day. The Saturday before that in Richmond, Virginia, she spoke at the state’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner and ignored Obama’s string of four primary and caucus wins that day.

After reports that focused on the second oversight, Clinton congratulated Obama at a press conference the next day.

Acknowledging your losses isn’t required in politics, though it is a courtesy that’s been practiced for decades.

Then again: it's also been traditional for candidates to delay their remarks to avoid overlapping with their opponents' speeches. Obama began his victory speech in Texas Tuesday while Hillary Clinton was still addressing the crowd in Ohio — and most of the networks cut away from her event mid-speech. (Granted, she had delayed her scheduled start time by about an hour.)

UPDATE: CNN's Mike Roselli reports that after their speeches ended, Clinton called Obama to offer private congratulations before she headed back to New York.

Obama, McCain Win Wisconsin

Barack Obama and John McCain easily won their party primaries in Wisconsin today. Both candidates were in the 55-57 percent range in early ballot counting, with both soundly trouncing their opponents.

For Obama, it was his ninth straight win over Hillary Clinton and he seemed to seize the mantle of front-runner, beginning his remarks from Houston before Clinton, in Ohio, had finished her remarks. The three cable networks momentarily carried both of them in a split screen, but then left Clinton to air Obama's near-45 minute speech. Obama added 74 delegates to his growing count.

For McCain, it added to his delegate total and makes Mike Huckabee even more an asterisk in the GOP race.

Graphic courtesy Fox News.

Health Insurance Premium Deduct Bill Approved

Legislation to help Oklahomans afford health insurance passed out of a state House subcommittee today. House Bill 2897, by Rep. Richard Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City, would create the "Oklahoma Access to Affordable, Quality, Accountable Health Care Act." The bill would allow Oklahomans to deduct the cost of health insurance premiums from state income tax.

Death Tax Elimination Speed Up Bill Clears Panel

The State Senate Finance Committee voted 6-5 today to advance Senate Bill 1383 out of committee and to the Senate floor for debate. SB 1383 is a bill to speed up the elimination of the death tax in Oklahoma that will have no impact on the upcoming budget year.

State Senator Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher and Senator Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, praised the passage of SB 1383 by the Senate Finance Committee.

“The death tax remains a burden to farmers and small businesses in rural Oklahoma, and Senate Republicans believe this tax should be eliminated sooner rather than later. It’s encouraging to have advanced a bill that will help rural Oklahoma,” said Justice, the chairman of the Senate Republican Rural Caucus.

Judge: Tulsa County Proper Venue For Fisher Case

By The Oklahoman's Nolan Clay at www.newsok.com ~ Former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher won a small legal victory today when a judge ruled the only proper place for him to face prosecution in a tax-evasion case is Tulsa County.

His attorneys now plan to use today's decision to ask Fisher's trial judge to dismiss the case entirely on a legal technicality.

Fisher is charged in the tax case with filing a false state tax return that understated his 1999 income. Fisher allegedly should have paid an additional $4,688 in state taxes. He was being prosecuted in Oklahoma County until a judge there ruled he must be prosecuted in Tulsa County where he signed the return.

Dan Boren Nominated For NRA Board Of Directors

Oklahoma Congressman Dan Boren has been nominated for membership on the National Rifle Association's Board of Directors.

Boren is one of 34 nominees, from which 26 will be elected in balloting later this year.

Oklahomans now serving on the NRA Board include Joe Allbaugh of Blackwell and Washington; Cleta Mitchell, former Oklahoma legislator now a Washington attorney; John Burtt of Shawnee; and Bill Brewster, former congressman now a Washington lobbyist.

Benge Names McMahan Probe Panel Members

House Speaker Chris Benge this afternoon named the members of the Special Investigating Committee which will see if impeachment proceedings are warranted against indicted Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan.

The action came after the House passed a resolution approving the investigation by a vote of 100 to 0. Former Speaker Lance Cargill was the only House member not present for the vote.

The committee members are: Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs; Rep. Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview; Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa; Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City; Rep. David Braddock, D-Altus; Rep. James Covey, D-Custer City; Rep. Paul Roan, D-Tishomingo; and Rep. Dale Turner, D-Holdenville.

Six of the eight were mentioned as possible panelists last week by The McCarville Report Online.

The committee is similar to one that voted to impeach former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher in 2004. Fisher resigned before his impeachment trial started in the Senate.

McMahan and his wife, Lori, have been indicted on federal charges of mail fraud, bribery and conspiracy.

If the investigating committee recommends removal, the full House will vote on articles of impeachment, which, if approved, will then move to the Senate for a trial.

“It is imperative that this committee be as thorough and nonpartisan as possible as it takes up this serious task,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.

“The charges against the State Auditor and Inspector are very serious,” said Democrat Leader Danny Morgan, D- Prague. “It is our Constitutional duty to investigate and ensure that the integrity of Oklahoma’s government remains intact.”

Reps. Braddock and Duncan are co-chairmen of the committee.

“This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. It is important for these proceedings to be conducted in a bipartisan manner,” said Braddock. “I am happy to work with Rex Duncan and the rest of the committee to get to the bottom of these allegations.”

“I take this responsibility very seriously,” said Duncan, who is chairman of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. “We must have a process the people of Oklahoma can trust. The process is more important than the outcome.”

House Committee Approves Teacher Tax Credit Bill

A measure providing a tax break for teachers who purchase school supplies for their classrooms passed today out of the House Revenue and Taxation Subcommittee. House Bill 2919, by Rep. John Trebilcock, would provide a tax credit up to $500 annually for teachers for the purchase of classroom materials. The tax credit would cover the cost of materials, equipment,or supplies used in a classroom of a public school if the cost was "not refunded or reimbursed from any other source."

Senate Panel Approves Domestic Abuse Measure

A bill proposing the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) to protect domestic abuse victims passed out of the Judiciary Committee today. Senator Debbe Leftwich, author of Senate Bill 2163, said the bill makes smart use of available technology.

Leftwich, a Democrat from Oklahoma City, said, "This law utilizes the power of cutting-edge technology to provide a higher level of defense and protection to victims of domestic abuse in Oklahoma. Too many victims continue to be harassed and preyed upon even after successfully obtaining a court-issued restraining order against their abusers.”

Leftwich said the GPS devices will also be court-issued and will automatically notify both the authorities and the victim should an offender violate geographic boundaries set by the court. Offenders will also be responsible for the expense of the GPS bracelet, which is estimated to cost $4.50 per person per day.

Marcia Smith, executive director of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said her agency is highly supportive of the Leftwich bill because it can help prevent future violence and abuse from happening.

Senate Committee Advances Sales Tax Holiday Bill

Senator Don Barrington’s bill to expand Oklahoma’s back-to-school sales tax holiday to include school supplies was approved by the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday.

Under current law, the sales tax holiday on the first weekend in August exempts clothing and shoes from sales tax.

Barrington’s Senate Bill 1149 expands the list of tax-exempt items to include school supplies beginning in August 2009. The bill was drafted so it would not impact the upcoming budget year.

“Oklahoma’s first sales tax holiday was a huge success for our state, which had been losing business to neighboring states like Texas. This bill will help parents save money on the school supplies they buy for their children each year,” stated Barrington, R-Lawton.

Gumm Warns Against 'Largest Tax Increase'

Senator Jay Paul Gumm, Durant Democrat, warns today that if the state's tax exemptions are repealed, it would be the largest tax increase in state history.

In his regular column, Gumm writes, "One of the worst proposals on the table this year is a measure that would begin to 'sunset,' or systematically end, many of our state’s tax exemptions. The result would be a systematic tax increase for a broad spectrum of Oklahoma business activities. In fact, if enacted as presented, it would by far be the largest tax increase in Oklahoma’s history.

"Proponents of ending those exemptions have been clear: they want to raise taxes so they can cut taxes – primarily for the wealthiest among us. I know; it does not make sense to me, either. This proposal would be a tax shift that is potentially devastating for many Oklahoma businesses and jobs. It could drive up food prices for you and me, but more on that in a moment.

"This notion of tax shifting – from an economic development standpoint – troubles me greatly. In essence, ending these exemptions would be breaking a promise we made to businesses that have invested in our state and our people.

"Businesses relocate or expand into a state based on a set of promises. New and existing businesses that make new investments and create new jobs do not deserve to have the rug pulled out from under them by eliminating exemptions on which they depend.

"For those of us in rural Oklahoma, the idea to sunset these exemptions should be especially troubling. Agriculture is one component of our economy that benefits from these tax exemptions. I believe it would be very poor policy for Oklahoma to turn its back on this pillar of our state’s economy, a segment of the economy on which we all depend for life itself.

"I like the bumper sticker that says, 'If you eat, you are involved in agriculture.' Removing the tax exemptions enjoyed by the agriculture industry would make it harder for our farmers and ranchers to make a living; it also could raise food prices we all pay at the grocery store. Some would do all that just to cut taxes for the very wealthy.

"Oklahoma should keep its promises. Because of that, I will oppose this measure at every turn. It is a bad idea that ultimately would cost all of us much more than it potentially might save."

Chilling Prediction From Doug Wilder

Doug Wilder, the mayor of Richmond and a former governor of Virginia, predicts riots in the streets if the Hillary Clinton campaign were to overturn Barack Obama's lead through the use of superdelegates. “There will be chaos at the convention,” Wilder told Bob Schieffer on Face the Nation. “If you think 1968 was bad, you watch: In 2008, it will be worse.”

Michelle Obama Remark Prompts Response

From CNN ~ Tuesday morning seemed to bring the debut of yet another McCain-Obama flap – this time, Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama.

As she introduced her husband John McCain, the likely Republican nominee, at a campaign event, Cindy McCain told the crowd I “am proud of my country. I don’t know about you, if you heard those words earlier — I am very proud of my country.”

The comment seemed to be a response to a remark from Michelle Obama the day before. On Monday, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told a Wisconsin audience that “For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country, because it feels like hope is making a comeback… not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change."

After Tuesday’s event, the McCains were asked if the Arizona senator’s wife had been responding to that comment. Cindy McCain did not directly answer the question, responding: “I just wanted to make the statement that I have and always will be proud of my country.”

GOP Leaders Confident Budget Can Be Crafted

The state Board of Equalization certified the final amount lawmakers will have to spend for fiscal year 2009 today.

Despite a reduction from the initial certification last December, House Republican leaders are confident a budget can be crafted this year that is good for vital government services like education and public safety, while also protecting the taxpayers.

“Our position has not changed; we have said all along we would be cautious as we enter budget negotiations this year, and we plan to proceed along that same path,” said Rep. Ken Miller, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. “It is no secret the economy has been slowing nationwide, so these decreased numbers are not a surprise.”

Oklahoma has bucked a national trend of states seeing sharp budget cuts because of a slowing economy.

Governor Henry said today, "It's just not time to panic. We've been through worse."

Henry said he doesn't think the revenue picture is bad enough to tap the state's "Rainy Day" fund that holds $571 million.

“Our state has been insulated this long from the downward trend because of recent efforts to restrain government spending and a reduction in our state’s income tax rate, which has put more money back into the taxpayers’ pockets,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “Good financial years recently also allowed us to build a robust savings in our Rainy Day Fund.”

Miller, R-Edmond, said he looks forward to getting to work on the state budget. “As we move forward, we will continue to look for ways to make government more efficient and modern at a cost savings to the taxpayers,” he said. “And, as always, we will be mindful of the state’s full financial picture as we start negotiating the budget this year.”

Fields Apologizes For Weekend Incident

Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields apologized this morning for an incident over the weekend in which he was detained by police and taken to a detoxification center during a party.

"I acknowledge an incident occurred last Saturday night," Fields said in a statement. "However, it was simply a misunderstanding of a practical joke among friends gone bad. I am embarrassed about the incident and take full responsibility. I apologize for my actions and ask for forgiveness."

CJRC Director Resigns As OSBI Merger Considered

K.C. Moon, the controversial director of the Criminal Justice Resource Center at the Legislative Service Bureau, resigned today, The McCarville Report Online has learned.

Moon's resignation letter went to Rep. Gus Blackwell and Senator Richard Lerblance, co-chairs of the Sentencing Commission, with copies to the legislative leadership and others. He resigned effective March 1, 2008. He is joining the Department of Corrections.

Legislators are considering a measure that would move the CJRC out of the Legislative Service Bureau and merge it with the OSBI.

The Resource Center is the research arm of the Sentencing Commission, which chooses the director. Moon, a research analyst, stepped down less than a year after lawmakers considered legislation that would have given them authority to choose the agency's director.

The Gadfly: State's Humiliation Continues

The humiliation of Oklahoma because of the actions of some elected officials continues.

The list of stumbling officials continues to dominate water cooler and coffee shop talk and the comments aren't complimentary.

Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields, Democrat, allegedly tried to steal a guitar while allegedly drunk following an event in downtown Oklahoma City over the weekend.

Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, Democrat, indicted by a federal grand jury, now faces possible impeachment by the House of Representatives.

Rep. Lance Cargill, Republican, resigns as House Speaker after failing to pay personal income taxes and business property taxes in timely fashion.

Rep. Gus Blackwell, Republican, House Speaker Pro Tem, withdraws from race to succeed Cargill over failure to pay taxes in timely fashion.

Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher, Democrat, resigns while facing impeachment by the House of Representatives. Convicted criminal faces more criminal charges.

Senator Gene Stipe, Democrat, leaves Senate in disgrace following federal investigation. Convicted criminal faces continuing legal problems.

Rep. Mike Mass, Democrat and former chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, convicted in Stipe campaign funny money scheme.

Lloyd Fields Sent To Detox After Weekend Incident

By Augie Frost, Ed Godfrey and Nolan Clay, Staff Writers, The Oklahoman ~ State Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields was taken to Oklahoma City's detox center after he was suspected of stealing a professional bull rider's guitar at a party Saturday night, The Oklahoman has learned. Fields, a Democrat, was allegedly drunk but was not arrested and is not charged.

Read the entire story at http://newsok.com/article/3206129/1203431984.

Can Obama Keep His Winning Streak Alive?

From News Sevices ~ Democrats in Wisconsin and Hawaii headed to their polls today in a presidential campaign that has grown increasingly negative with charges of broken promises, plagiarism and petty partisanship.

Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York criticized each other as they looked to break out of a tight race, fearing the prospect that neither one will secure the nomination before the convention this summer.

They entered Tuesday's contests closely divided in the hunt for the 2,025 delegates needed for the nomination: 1,281 for Obama and 1,218 for Clinton.

The day's biggest prize is Wisconsin, where 74 delegates are up for grabs and polls showed the two in a statistical dead heat. Neither candidate made the long trip to campaign in Hawaii, where 20 delegates were to be decided by a caucus.

Obama, born in Hawaii and living in Wisconsin's southern neighbor, hoped to build on his string of eight straight wins. Clinton's campaign played down her chances in Wisconsin, but was hoping to beat expectations to give her struggling candidacy new life.

Oklahoma City Gridiron Production 'Great Fun'

From Tulsa Today ~ Journalists from print and broadcast news satirize the political and cultural scene in the Oklahoma City Gridiron Club's show, now at Stage Center.

This is great fun and good theater, in support of a worthy cause: college and university scholarships.

The show begins this week on Wednesday, and continues Friday and Saturday nights. The curtain goes up at 7:45 p.m.

OETA's Charles Newcomb, a Gridiron veteran, portrays the nation's chief executive as living “in a Bush kind of world.” Billie Rodely returns as Hillary Clinton, with Bill Perry reprising the former president. Robert Lange delivers as two political stars: Barack Obama and former Vice President Al Gore.

Newcomb and Perry reprise the ever-popular “Gridnac the Magnificent” after intermission each night. Pat McGuigan portrays probable GOP nominee John McCain with good humor.

Lovely ladies – Kim Mizar-Stem, Susan LaVictorie, Cassandra LaVictoire and radio journalist Cynthia Rozmaryn – interpret the foibles of four super-celebs. A male quartet aims an unforgettable send-up at U.S. Sen. Larry Craig. Alberto Gonzales is the target of Capitol reporter John Greiner's interpretation of Johnny Cash – you have to see it to believe it.

Jon Haque, one of five new Gridiron performers, hilariously sends up Dennis Kucinich, whose campaign for president epitomizes hopefuls who “couldn't get no traction” with voters. Later, Haque portrays state Auditor Jeff McMahan as an Okie Bob Marley, singing “I didn't do it” to the tune of “I shot the sheriff.” Newcomers Jon Barry, Megan Glyckherr, Ashley Barcum and Erin Boeckman bring good voices and vitality to the fray.

Local tax policies get comical treatment, before a chorus declares “there is nothing like a pro team!” Andrew Harris of News9 is director of the federal act and a performer in several skits, reprising his role as Gov. Brad Henry and giving an amusing interpretation to former state Sen. Gene Stipe's shenanigans. Beth Gollob is Kim Henry, and later joins real-life hubby Shawn to portray the troubled former first couple at Oral Roberts U.

Bob Hale appears frequently and supervised the script. After an early turn as former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Jim Palmer in the second act is a bemused Mayor Mick Cornett, fretting over weight loss and other local concerns. Bill Perry is an over-the-top OSU coach. Faithful performers Joe Mayes, Darrell Morrow, Jon Denton, Don Schmidt, Brooke Harry, Judy Murphy, Sue Perry, Sue Hale and Stephen Rhymer each contribute to the sardonic amusement, while Jean Schmidt is unforgettable as a biker babe. Jim Campbell delivers a nice zing to former House Speaker Lance Cargill.

Bart Vleugels renders several great songs, including speculation on state Treasurer Scott Meacham's plans for 2010. That sets the stage for a closer that will put a smile on every face. Dana Meister performs and ably directs the State & Local Act.

No joke, now: Gov. Henry and his wife plan to attend Wednesday. Gridiron officers said good seats remain for all performances. Tickets, at $25 each, can be purchased from the Gridiron Club, online at www.okcgridiron.org, by telephoning ticket chairman Don Schmidt, 745-2612, or by arriving a bit early for the performances.

Noted Quote: Obama Is Black Enough Now

From A Column In The Washington Post ~ "Remember all the commentator chatter last summer: Is Barack Obama black enough? Well, he's black enough now. Obama has swamped Clinton among black voters in each of the 20 contests that had exit polls and large enough samples of African Americans to be meaningful. Just to put that kind of shutout in perspective, black voters represent the only demographic group that the New York senator has not carried at least once during the Democratic primary campaign. Obama now has such a lock on the loyalties of African Americans -- 84 percent of the black vote in Alabama, 87 percent in Georgia, 84 percent in Maryland, and on and on -- that the black vote is no longer contestable."

Lamb's Safer Schools Measure Passes Committee

The Senate Education Committee on Monday unanimously approved a measure designed to make Oklahoma schools among the safest in the nation.

Authored by Sen. Todd Lamb, the Oklahoma School Security Act is a comprehensive proposal to combat bullying, reduce school violence and involve school administrators in the process of making their facilities safe for Oklahoma children.

“We all remember where we were when that horrible evil struck at Columbine and many of us have felt compelled to do whatever we can to prevent such tragedies in the future,” said Lamb, R-Oklahoma City. “The greatest responsibility of government is to protect the vulnerable, and few are more vulnerable than a child away from his or her parents. This bill represents an effort to ensure no parent or child has to endure the tragedy of school violence.”

Lamb said Senate Bill 1941 includes a number of provisions to secure school facilities, including the prohibition of using schools as polling places. Currently, anyone can walk into a school polling place without first presenting identification, which may represent a security risk. Additionally, the bill provides that school officials will have a place on regional Homeland Security Advisory boards.

The measure also contains provisions related to bullying. Under current law, electronic communications cannot be legally considered as bullying, but the Oklahoma School Security Act would add text messages and email to the state’s bullying statutes. The bill would also mandate that schools practice lockdowns at least three times annually, rather than just once, as is required by current law.

“Parents will be forgiving if a child comes home from school with a rough grade on a paper, but they will not be forgiving if they are not capable of coming home in the same condition they were sent,” Lamb said. “Keeping our children and families safe should be our highest priority, and I feel this proposal is an important effort toward meeting that standard.”

Clinton, Obama Locked In Battle For Texas

A new CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll suggests the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination between Senators Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois is a statistical dead heat in Texas, which holds primaries March 4.

In the survey, released Monday, 50 percent of likely Democratic primary voters support Clinton as their choice for the party's nominee, with 48 percent backing Obama. But taking into account the poll's sampling error of plus or minus 4½ percentage points for Democratic respondents, the race is a virtual tie.

Morgan Supports McMahan Investigation By House; Reynolds' Resolution Passes On 100 To 0 Vote

House Democrat Leader Danny Morgan said this afternoon he supports an investigation of fellow Democrat Jeff McMahan, the embattled auditor and inspector.

“House Democrats have made Ethics Reform their number one priority for this Session,” said Morgan, D- Prague. “Unethical and illegal fundraising practices are absolutely intolerable. This is not a partisan issue. Republicans and Democrats alike should be held accountable to the same standards. That is why we believe that an investigation into the State Auditor and Inspector is entirely appropriate and necessary.”

“Every person deserves their fair day in court,” said Morgan. “However, it is the Constitutional duty of this body to investigate if any impeachable offenses have occurred. If any unethical behavior has occurred, then the State Auditor and Inspector should be removed from office. We look forward to working with the Speaker and all of our colleagues in the House into investigating the charges brought against Jeff McMahan.”

House members passed the resolution calling for the formation of a committee to investigate whether McMahan should be impeached by a vote of 100 to 0.

The resolution calls for House Speaker Chris Benge to name the eight committee members. He said he will name four Democrats and four Republicans. A member of each party would serve as co-chairman.

Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, said he filed the resolution because House members have a duty to investigate the charges filed against McMahan and determine whether impeachment is appropriate.

Senate Panel Approves Smoking Ban Bill

A Senate committee today voted for a bill that would ban smoking in all bars and restaurants, the Associated Press reports.

The Legislature banned smoking in most public places in a 2003 law, but granted some exceptions. Restaurants, for instance, were allowed to build smoking rooms for their customers who smoke.

Under the bill passed Monday by the Senate Business and Labor Committee, restaurants that built separate smoking facility will have until 2013 to go completely smoke free.

However, smoking in bars, even cigar bars, would be banned when the law takes effect on Nov. 1.

Senator David Myers of Ponca City sponsored the legislation, citing the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Senator Randy Brogdon of Owasso says the bill went too far because tobacco is a legal substance. He offered an amendment to ban the sale and distribution of tobacco products, but it died for lack of a second.

Tulsa Sees Drop In Hispanic Student Enrollment

Since Oklahoma's anti-illegal immigration law took effect on November 1st, enrollment numbers for Hispanic students in many Tulsa-area school systems have dropped, it's reported today.

That trend is most noticeable in the Tulsa Public Schools system, which has seen a drop in enrollment of 257 Hispanic students between the fall 2007 and spring 2008 semesters, officials said. There now are 7,764 Hispanic students enrolled in the system.

Gary Lytal, the school system's assistant to the superintendent for accountability and research, said that during the 2006-07 school year, Hispanic enrollment rose during the same October-to-January period.

Bill Grants College Tuition Waivers To Vets, Families

Oklahoma's military combat veterans and their families would receive full college tuition waivers under legislation approved by a House subcommittee today.

House Bill 2896, by Rep. Richard Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City, would provide full resident tuition-and-fee waivers to members of the military who have served at least one tour of active duty in a combat zone with any military branch as part of the Global War on Terror. Spouses and children of those veterans would also be covered by the bill, which also provides for reimbursement for housing costs and textbooks.

Sparks: Fly Only Flags 'Made In The USA'

Senator John Sparks, Democrat from Norman, said today a bill he filed will require state agencies and public school districts to purchase American and Oklahoma flags manufactured solely in the United States. Senate Bill 2070 passed the General Government Committee and will go to the full Senate for a vote.

“I can’t think of a more patriotic statement,” Sparks said. “Across the world, the ‘Stars and Stripes’ is the living symbol of democracy and liberty and the across Oklahoma, our emblematic state flag represents the spirit of pride of our citizens. We should honor what that means to the people of America and the people of Oklahoma. The most earnest measure of respect we can give these flags is that they be made in the United Sates by an American worker. Very simply put, these symbols of pride should be made in America.”

Sparks said this bill is especially significant as it is supportive of Oklahomans currently wearing the American military uniform overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We must honor those men and women in the armed forces and the National Guard who are defending the ideals and values the flags represent,” Sparks said.

If approved, SB 2070 would require any state agency or public school in Oklahoma purchasing a state or American flag have it certified as “American Made” by November. Sparks said similar measures have been well received in other states, including Minnesota, Tennessee and Arizona.

The Flag Manufacturers Association of America is supportive of the sentiment behind the Sparks bill and to that end has a “Made in the USA” certification program to ensure flag consumers purchase homegrown products. The U.S. Census bureau estimates that $5.3 million worth of U.S. flags were imported from other countries in 2006, mostly from China.

Morrissette Seeks Division Of DHS

Rep. Richard Morrissette of Oklahoma City today urged legislators to break up the state Department of Human Services,warning that federal officials may step in if the Legislature fails to act.

House Bill 2890, by Morrissette, would require the Department of Human Services to develop a plan to divide the agency into three separate entities: the Children and Family Services Division, the Aging Services Division and the Developmental Disabilities Services Division.

"This transition is long overdue," said Morrissette. "During my years of practicing law, I have represented hundreds of clients dealing with this gargantuan behemoth of an agency. DHS needs to be broken up. My bill was filed last year before the recent class-action lawsuit was initiated. The longer we wait, the more we imperil those people who need to be protected. Let us remake DHS today before the federal courts tell us how to do it."

Last week, New York-based child advocacy organization Children's Rights sued DHS on behalf of nine children who were allegedly physically and psychologically damaged by Oklahoma's foster care system. The lawsuit alleges that abused children are often re-traumatized while in state custody because of numerous flaws in DHS oversight and management of the foster care system.

Nichols Given 'Exemplary Service Award' By OSBI

By Tom Blakey, Norman Transcript ~ Jonathan Nichols, R-Norman, recently was honored by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation with the Director’s Award for Exemplary Service.

Nichols said he was “taken aback" by the award, which he didn’t expect. “I’m honored to have received this award and certainly didn’t expect it,” Nichols said. “It certainly motivates me to continue working hard in this area.”

Nichols, who was elected to the state Senate in 2000, was honored for numerous measures that have given the OSBI tools to fight crime more effectively and provide a more rapid response to crimes against Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens, including children, officials said.

OSBI spokesperson Jessica Brown praised Nichols for his efforts to make the state “a safer place to live, work and raise a family.”

“Sen. Nichols has been a great champion for law enforcement and specifically the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation,” she said. “His efforts to help us fight crimes against children and solve cold cases through expanding the DNA data base have proven invaluable to law enforcement and the safety of our state as a whole.”

In addition to increasing funding to OSBI, Nichols authored two key laws that empowered the OSBI to better investigate child abuse cases as well as other violent cases that had gone cold because of lack of leads or evidence, officials said.

In 2005, Nichols authored Senate Bill 646, which authorized the OSBI to collect DNA from individuals convicted of felony offenses. Previously, collections for the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) were only authorized for 40 particular felony crimes. According to the OSBI, Senate Bill 646 has directly resulted in the identification of suspects in 85 different investigations which were unsolved prior to the passage of the legislation.

“I had hoped the legislation would be useful, but even I’m surprised at the impact it’s had in a short amount of time,” Nichols said.

Nichols has filed legislation this session that would expand the DNA database even further by requiring persons who are convicted of certain violent misdemeanors, such as assault and battery, domestic violence and stalking, to submit DNA samples.

“If we can get this passed, I think we’ll see the level of cold hits increased even more,” Nichols said. Nichols also was recognized for the Child Abuse Response Team (CART) that was created through legislation he authored in 2006.

Senate Bill 1800 established CART within the OSBI, for the purpose of investigating physical and sexual child abuse. CART is a team of child abuse professionals called in to address emergency child abuse cases throughout the state.

House To Consider McMahan Probe Resolution

By Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau, The Oklahoman ~ House members this week are expected to begin the impeachment process against state Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, who faces a nine-count federal indictment and has not been at his state Capitol office in nearly a month.

It seems certain the House of Representatives will approve a resolution calling for the formation of an impeachment investigative committee.

If the committee makes recommendations to file articles of impeachment, it is possible that impeachment proceedings could wrap up before the end of this year's regular session, House Democratic leader Danny Morgan said.

Read the rest of this story at http://newsok.com/article/3205314/1203218847.

Business Leaders Seek To Revisit Immigration Law

By Jim Myers & Barbara Hoberock, Tulsa World ~ Key business leaders in Oklahoma are preparing efforts, including a possible public information campaign, to revisit what one called the Draconian and insidious aspects of the state's landmark immigration law.

Despite the heavy hitters from the business world and the amount of money that could be involved in the efforts, it appears supporters will not have an easy time persuading leaders at the state Capitol to take a second look at the new law so soon.

The law created by House Bill 1804 makes it a state felony to knowingly transport illegal aliens, creates state barriers to hiring illegal immigrants and requires proof of citizenship to receive certain government benefits. After July 1, it requires state contractors to check the immigration status of workers. Supporters of the efforts privately concede they face an uphill battle in an election year on such a hot-button issue as immigration.

Read the entire story at http://www.tulsaworld.com/.

Fire Halts Printing Of Sunday Tulsa World

A major electrical fire early Sunday morning halted production of the Sunday Tulsa World. More than 60,000 complete Sunday Tulsa Worlds were produced and delivered to outlying portions of the newspaper's circulation area.

The remaining customers are being delivered two Classified sections, the TV World and advertising inserts.

Sunday Tulsa World stories are posted on tulsaworld.com.

Tulsa World Publisher Robert E. Lorton III said electrical repairs were being made. Plans are being made to deliver the main sections of the Sunday Tulsa World with the Monday Tulsa World.

"The electrical fire in the newspaper's downtown pressroom thankfully did not injure any of our press personnel. We are working as fast as we can to make the necessary repairs to publish the Sunday newspaper and get it delivered to our customers," Lorton said.

Coburn Dismisses Veep Talk With Emphatic 'No'

Senator Tom Coburn said Saturday he has no interest in the vice presidency, thus ending speculation he might be considered by certain Republican nominee John McCain.

Speaking Saturday morning at Northeastern State University-Muskogee, Coburn replied with an emphatic "No" when asked if he would consider being the Republican vice presidential nominee.

"Let me put this to bed," he added after a short pause. "I'm old enough to know what I'm called to do."

Coburn, and former Congressman J. C. Watts, have been mentioned as possible vice presidential running mates. Washington strategists have down-played those rumors, saying McCain will select a better-known running mate from a larger state.

Will Superdelegates Decide Democrat Nominee?

By Don Van Natta Jr. and Jo Becker, New York Times ~ Former Vice President Al Gore and a number of other senior Democrats plan to remain neutral for now in the presidential race in part to keep open the option to broker a peaceful resolution to what they fear could be a bitterly divided convention, party officials and aides said Friday. Democratic Party officials said that in the past week Mr. Gore and other leading Democrats had held private talks as worry mounted that the close race between Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton could be decided by a group of 795 party insiders known as superdelegates.

Read the entire story at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/16/us/politics/16delegates.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin.

Republican Legislators, Candidates Top Democrats

By Randy Krehbiel, Tulsa World ~ Heading into this election year, Republican legislators and legislative candidates had about $1 million more to spend on their campaigns than Democrats, according to reports filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.

Republicans' cash on hand at the end of 2007 totaled just under $3.1 million, compared with $2.1 million for Democrats.

Reports were filed for almost 200 active candidate campaigns, including all 151 current legislators.

"Money might always seem to be an advantage but it's not, really," said state Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes. Holmes pointed out that Democrats Ken Luttrell and Eric Proctor managed to win previously Republican House seats in 2006 with very little money.

The Ethics Commission figures include accounts for term-limited Sen. Jim Williamson, R-Tulsa, whose legislative campaign fund has been essentially dormant since 2005, and Rep. Rob Johnson, R-Kingfisher, who has also opened a corporation commission campaign fund.

The figures do not include old campaign accounts maintained by current and former legislators, nor do they include figures from the more than 300active political action committees registered with the Ethics Commission.

Despite the Republicans' overall cash advantage, four of the five largest balances belong to Democrats.

Of particular note is the war chest accumulated by Sen. Susan Paddack of Ada. Paddack raised $160,000 in the last three months of 2007 and had more than $308,000 in cash at year's end. Her donors include several known primarily as Republican contributors, including Oklahoma City energy tycoon Aubrey McClendon, Tom Love of Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores, Oklahoma City furniture store owner Bill Mathis and Seattle SuperSonics owner Clayton Bennett.

Second on the list is Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, with just under $235,000. Crutchfield has said he built a large balance expecting a 2006 challenge that never came. Now term-limited, Crutchfield has said he will probably give away anything left in the account after he leaves office in 2010. (As previously reported by The McCarville Report Online, Crutchfield has donated thousands to a large number of local charities, schools and community events.)

The top Republican and top House member is Rep. Dennis Adkins of Tulsa, followed by Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa; Rep. Lucky Lamons, D-Tulsa; and Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa.

Johnson, who announced in January he intends to run for the Corporation Commission, still had almost $140,000 in his House campaign fund at the end of 2007.

Former Oklahoma State University President James Halligan, Republican candidate for the vacant Senate District 21 seat, is making a strong bid for rookie of the year in fundrais ing terms. Halligan, who announced his candidacy only a few months ago, had already taken in $131,000 by the end of the year and reported a balance of more than $128,000. His contributions included $15,000 from various PACs associated with Senate Republicans and another $15,000 from a Texas ranching family with OSU ties.

Republicans are counting on Halligan and the defeat of Sen. Nancy Riley in west Tulsa County's District 37 to gain control of the Senate for the first time in history. Riley, a former GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, switched parties in 2006 to stymie a Republican takeover.

To this point, only one potentially serious Democratic challenger to a sitting Republican has appeared -- Norman attorney Diane Drum, who is going after District 15 incumbent Jonathan Nichols.

Holmes, the Democratic party chairman, said he thinks Elgin businessman Rick Wolfe will make a capable candidate in southwest Oklahoma's District 31 and vows to find a viable opponent for Halligan. Primaries are set for July 29; the general election is Nov. 4.

Clinton Campaign In Disarray?

From ABC News ~ After losing eight straight presidential nominating contests, campaign staff shake-ups, and fundraising problems last month, Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign is facing tension within its ranks.

Numerous Clinton campaign insiders tell ABC News there is unhappiness inside the Virginia headquarters right now, with staffers aligning themselves into factions.

One source said there is "increasing frustration" with Mark Penn, Clinton's campaign strategist and pollster, and the closest thing to a Karl Rove-type figure within the campaign.

Some are unhappy that former Clinton campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle was replaced last weekend with Maggie Williams, the senator's former White House chief of staff.

Clinton's deputy campaign director Mike Henry, who was loyal to Solis Doyle, resigned from the campaign Monday, writing in his farewell letter to the staff that he was stepping aside out of respect for the "new leadership team."

Two other staffers from the campaign's Internet operation have also left the campaign this week. Overall, there is a sense of melancholy in the Clinton campaign, and among some a "lack of confidence" in leadership.

World: Cargill Apologizes At State Expense

By Mick Hinton, Tulsa World ~ Former House Speaker Lance Cargill is planning to mail out 6,000 letters, at state expense, to apologize to his constituents for failing to pay his taxes on time. Bulk mailing through the House costs 22 cents per letter, so the cost of mailing Cargill's 6,000 copies would be $1,320.

House Chief of Staff Chad Warmington said Friday that it was Cargill's decision to send the letters through the House mail room. They hadn't been mailed Friday because a postage machine was broken.

In a copy of the letter obtained by the Tulsa World, Cargill said when he got busy with House leadership duties, "regrettably, I often put my personal business and finances on the back burner." "As a result, I was late in paying the property taxes on my law office and also allowed state income tax extensions to lapse," the letter states.

Warmington has advised members in a memo that their House mailings "should focus on your role as a lawmaker, share information about the Legislature with constituents and provide public policy updates." Warmington said he does not review the letters before they are mailed.

In late January, Cargill and four other lawmakers were informed by the Oklahoma Tax Commission that they had not filed their returns on time. Although Cargill's filings were late for two years, he has noted that he ended up receiving refunds.

In addition, Cargill, R-Harrah, was late six years in a row in paying the property taxes on his Harrah law office.

Cargill's letter states, "my property taxes, although late, were always paid in addition to late penalty fines and interest."

Taxes on his office were about $700 annually, and he paid penalties totaling $562.44, according to Oklahoma County Treasurer Butch Freeman.

After news stories about his tax problems appeared, Cargill stepped aside as speaker. In the letter, Cargill also said, "This was irresponsible and I am deeply sorry I allowed it to happen."

Although copies of the letter were printed on House equipment, the stationery apparently was supplied by Cargill and had a notation at the bottom saying the state had not paid for the stationery. The stationery with the letterhead "Office of the Speaker" apparently was left over from Cargill's tenure as speaker of the House. He resigned the post on Jan. 28.

Cargill could not be reached for comment Friday.

The other lawmakers who did not have major leadership positions say they have taken care of their late tax filings.

The Gadfly On The Wall

So Far, So Good: New House Speaker Chris Benge gets high marks thus far from most Republicans and Democrats we've asked. Most like his (relatively) low-key approach, businesslike demeanor, apparent willingness to talk to anyone in either party and efforts to bring the GOP House Caucus together.

Reading, Writing...Global Warming? A Silicon Valley lawmaker in California is gaining momentum with a bill that would require "climate change" to be among the science topics that all California public school students are taught. The measure, by Senator Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, also would mandate that future science textbooks approved for California public schools include climate change.

Inman's In: Former Oklahoma County Commissioner Stan Inman, Republican, says he's a candidate for Oklahoma County Clerk. The incumbent is Republican Carolynn Caudill, who has held the seat for 12 years.

Huck's Done: Someone tell Mike Huckabee it's over. Please.

No-Gun The Knucklehead: New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin made a fool of himself this week, shown in a newspaper photograph waving a semi-automatic M4 carbine around and pointing it at his police chief during a news conference to show off the city's new crime-fighting tools. Both men were laughing. Pointing a firearm at another person is not a laughing matter; it violates the first rule of firearms safety. This, from the guy who ordered police to confiscate legally-owned firearms from law-abiding citizens in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The photo of Nagin, by the way, was deleted by the local newspaper after Nagin and his minions protested, and apparently TMRO is one of the few places you can see it, and that appears the reason Reuters and USA Today both linked to this site in stories about the controversy.

Credibility: How credible can a television news anchor be when he or she can't properly pronounce Oklahoma place names? In recent weeks, I've heard: "Tallequay" for Tahlequah; "Chickashaw" for Chickasha; and "Pawtwah" for Poteau (I presume).

Comments: Some may have noticed recently that certain story comments have been deleted and, with some stories, the comment possibility has been eliminated. I am prompted to delete comments that are obscene, make unfounded allegations, launch offensive personal attacks on others or come from online product sellers trying to capitalize on the popularity of this site. In the past month or so, I've deleted posts that contained a foul attack on blogger Christopher Arps of Oklahoma Political News Service, made an allegation against new House Speaker Chris Benge, mentioned how "neat" a new sex-oriented website is, made a wild accusation against a former member of the Legislature and disrespected, in an offensive way, Governor Brad Henry. I'm no prude and am pretty open to civil discourse. But I draw the line when it comes to language and unsubstantiated allegations and personal attacks. The offenders are now blocked from access to this site.

Potty Mouth: Jane Fonda.

Toast: The State House next week will form a committee to take up the possible impeachment of Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan. Inside word: Evidence compiled by the feds is overwhelming, McMahan is toast.

Clinton Campaign Faces Black Leader Defections

In a fresh sign of trouble for Hillary Rodham Clinton, one of the former first lady's congressional black supporters intends to vote for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention, and a second, more prominent lawmaker is openly discussing a possible switch.

Rep. David Scott's defection and Rep. John Lewis' remarks highlight one of the challenges confronting Clinton in a campaign that pits a black man against a woman for a nomination that historically has been the exclusive property of white men.

Read more at www.newsmax.com.

Texas Stunner: Obama Surges Ahead Of Clinton

Barack Obama has surged ahead of Hillary Clinton in the presidential primary in Texas, a new poll shows.

In a stunning result, the poll found Obama at 48 percent, Clinton at 42 percent in a state Clinton has been counting on to help her stem Obama's momentum.

If the poll is accurate, Obama has gained 20 percent in the past month while Clinton has lost about the same amount.

Clinton has counted on winning delegate-rich Texas and Ohio to stop Obama. A loss in either state, nose-counters say, effectively ends Clinton's campaign and puts Obama within a whisker of the Democratic nomination.

The American Research Group poll included these findings: Clinton leads Obama among self-described Democrats 47% to 42%. Obama leads Clinton among self-described independents and Republicans 24% to 71%. Obama leads among men 55% to 29% (47% of likely Democratic primary voters) and Clinton leads among women 54% to 42%. Clinton leads Obama among white voters 51% to 40% (53% of likely Democratic primary voters), Obama leads Clinton among African American voters 76% to 17% (22% of likely Democratic primary voters), and Clinton leads Obama among Latino voters 44% to 42%. Additionally, 22% of likely Democratic primary voters say they would never vote for Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary and 20% of likely Democratic primary voters say they would never vote for Barack Obama in the primary. 30% of men say they would never vote for Clinton in the primary.

Oklahoman: No Work, No Pay

Editorial, The Oklahoman ~ After his client pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges last month, attorney Rand C. Eddy said state Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan was considering resigning. "We expect to make an announcement in the near future,” Eddy said.

Three weeks later, nothing. Why?

Perhaps because McMahan is still getting paid, despite not being in the office since before his court appearance Jan. 25. He announced after entering his plea to nine felony counts that he was stepping aside and turning over the office's day-to-day operations to his top deputy. McMahan did that, but with pay — which is $109,250 per year, or about $2,100 a week. Nice non-work if you can get it.

Now members of the state House of Representatives are beginning the process that could result in McMahan's impeachment. A vote could come next week on a resolution calling for the formation of a committee to look into the allegations against McMahan, who along with his wife is accused of accepting improper trips and illegal campaign contributions from the head of an abstract company. Until recently, the state auditor's office regulated the abstract industry in Oklahoma. The charges include conspiracy, mail fraud and violating the Travel Act to commit bribery.

The Legislature has every right to explore impeachment. When he ran for public office, McMahan knew he could be removed by voters or by impeachment in the event of malfeasance. If he were to resign, something his own attorney suggested might happen, lawmakers could avoid distracting impeachment proceedings and taxpayers could have a full-time auditor in place to do the auditor's duties.

McMahan was right to step aside, and we said so at the time. But it is clearly wrong that he continues to draw his salary. He can't have it both ways — if he isn't going to work, then he needs to forgo his paycheck.

Pressure Builds On Oklahoma Superdelegates

By Randy Krehbiel In The Tulsa World ~ What do you say when an ex-president, or a potential next president, asks for a really big favor?

If you're one of Oklahoma's Democratic "unpledged party leader and elected official delegates" -- the so-called super delegates -- you probably say you'll think about it. Six of the state's eight super delegates are uncommitted and say they intend to remain so, despite calls from party heavyweights including former President Bill Clinton.

"I don't care who you are, getting a call from the president is something," said Second District Congressman Dan Boren. Boren said he and Clinton talked for about 20 minutes on subjects ranging from former Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh to the former president's recent visit to the University of Oklahoma. But the purpose of the call, clearly, was to encourage Boren to support his wife Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential bid. "He told me why his wife should be president," Boren said. "I told President Clinton that I thought it was really important that pledged delegates be the deciding factor. And he agreed with me."

Pledged delegates are those earned, in Oklahoma's case, through the results of the state Democratic primary. Clinton carried Oklahoma by a wide margin and picked up 24 of a possible 38 delegates, with the remaining 14 going to Barack Obama.

Nationally, Obama leads Clinton in pledged delegates, but Clinton is thought to have the advantage among the 795 unpledged super delegates.

Clinton's victory in the Oklahoma primary and support among many long-time party regulars have not prevented Obama's forces from making a play for the state's super delegates.

Boren said he is supposed to talk to the Illinois senator by phone on Friday. Others said they have heard from Obama loyalists.

"Tim Roemer, a former congressman I know, called and talked to me for about 10 minutes," said Tulsa attorney James Frasier, Oklahoma's national committeeman.

Super delegate designation is reserved for party insiders. Besides Boren and Frasier, Oklahoma's are Gov. Brad Henry, national committeewoman Betty McElderry, state party chairman Ivan Holmes, state party vice chairwoman Kitti Asberry, Democratic National Committee member Kalyn Free and DNC member Jay Parmley.

McElderry has publicly supported Clinton, while Asberry has come out for Obama.

The eight super delegates and one unpledged at-large delegate to be chosen at next week's state convention complete Oklahoma's roster of 47 delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

Holmes, who nominates the at-large delegate, said former President Clinton asked him who his choice was. Holmes said he told Clinton he hasn't decided. "He was pretty low key," said Holmes. "He wasn't pushy or anything."

Free said she has been contacted by both camps but is resisting offers to speak directly to the candidates. "They are definitely putting on the full-court press," Free said.

The closeness of the race for the Democratic nomination has focused unaccustomed attention on the super delegates. Since the current system was put in place in 1980, the super delegates have not played a deciding role in the selection of the Democratic Party nominee. But this time they could, and that worries Oklahoma's super delegates.

"I hope to God it doesn't come to that," said Frasier. "I don't think it would be good for the party. I want the primaries to decide the nominee. I don't want people to think fat cats in smoke-filled rooms are deciding the nominee."

"I never thought something like this would come up," said Boren. "I think a lot of super delegates (in the past) didn't even vote. Some didn't even go to the convention."

On Thursday, the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics reported that Obama's political action committee has contributed nearly $700,000 to the campaigns of super delegates in the past three years, and Clinton's has given nearly $200,000.

Boren and Henry, however, are the only Oklahoma super delegates who have run for office during that time, and neither seems to have received contributions from the two presidential hopefuls.

Oklahoma's super delegates could be in a difficult situation if Obama goes into the convention with more delegates or an edge in total votes over Clinton. If they vote for Clinton they will be going against the national trend. If they vote for Obama, they'll be going against the voters of their state.

"You have to take that into consideration," said Boren. "Not only do I represent 25 counties in eastern Oklahoma, I represent people of both political parties."

Free said she doesn't think it will come to that. "I would be surprised," she said. "This election has taken so many twists and turns, I think it will be decided before the convention."

Benge: Income Tax Cuts This Year Unlikely

A slowing economy and growing concern about the state budget make it unlikely that lawmakers will enact more cuts to the state income tax this year, Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge said Thursday. "It's going to be difficult," Benge said. "I'm going to be mindful of the revenue picture. It really comes down to how much money is available to us."

Boehner Assures Cole Of Future Committee Seat

From The Hill ~ Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) has assured Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) that he will support the House campaign chairman’s bid for a seat on the Appropriations Committee next year.

In a Thursday evening statement issued after Rep. Jo Bonner (R-Ala.) was selected to replace ex-Rep. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) on the spending panel, Cole said he withdrew his name “shortly before the [House Republican] Steering Committee meeting.”

“I consider myself a team player,” Cole said. “The minority leader asked me to step aside while I focus on my duties as a member of Republican leadership. I believe this was the best decision at the appropriate time for the entire conference.”

Cole and Boehner clashed last year as Boehner pressed for staff changes at the cash-strapped National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). Cole balked and no staff changes were made. In an interview with The Hill last month, Cole praised Boehner but stressed that as NRCC chairman, he makes the final calls at the campaign committee.

Cole’s bid for the appropriations seat was a sensitive topic. GOP members and aides privately criticized his decision, noting that he was running against two politically vulnerable members.

Gun-grabber Nagin Violates Basic Gun Safety Rule

This photograph shows New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, who ordered the confiscation of firearms from law-abiding citizens in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, violating the most basic gun rule of all: NEVER point a firearm at another person unless you're going to shoot him.

And in this case, Nagin is pointing the M4 rifle at his police chief, Warren Riley.

And yes, Nagin is laughing as he does so. The chief seems to think it's funny as well.

The photo was taken at a news conference called to announce new crime fighting equipment purchased for the New Orleans Police Department.

Perhaps the NOPD needs a gun safety course sponsored by the NRA with Nagin as the first student.

Romney Endorses McCain, Releases Delegates

PROVIDENCE, R.I. ~ Mitt Romney, John McCain's former chief rival for the Republican presidential nomination, endorsed the Arizona senator today.

Romney made the endorsement at his campaign headquarters in Boston and released his 280 delegates and asked them to support McCain.

The former Massachusetts governor dropped out of the race last week after it became apparent that toppling McCain would be near impossible given his lead in the hunt for convention delegates.

Romney made his decision on Thursday, one official said, in hopes of helping McCain get the delegates he needs to secure the Republican Party nod and unite the GOP while Democrats continue to battle for their own nomination. The endorsement came together quickly.

Key Moves To Strip Edmondson Of Council Role

Republican Rep. Charles Key today fired a shot across the bow of Democrat Attorney General Drew Edmondson, saying he has filed a bill that would strip the attorney general from membership on the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council.

Key's news release said the bill would "reform the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council, removing it from under the Office of the State Attorney General and making the council an independent body with expanded membership.

"I believe that it is imperative that we have complete independence between the Office of the Attorney General and the District Attorneys Council. As it is configured today, the attorney general sits in the council as a voting member," said Key, R-Oklahoma City. "Under my proposal, the attorney general is removed from the entire process."

House Bill 3230, by Key, not only removes the District Attorney's Council from the attorney general's office but also increase the council's membership to include a certified public accountant and a member of the press appointed by the governor, a professor of law appointed by the speaker of the House, a county commissioner appointed by the Senate president pro-tempore, and a retired judge appointed by the chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

"By bringing professionals from accounting, media, legal education, local government and the bench, I believe these various perspectives will strengthen the DA's council," said Key.

Key said House Bill 3230 would allow DA's council be more active in pursuit and prosecution of corruption: "All we have to do is look at the key role that the federal government has repeatedly played in rooting out fraud in state government, such as at the Oklahoma Health Department in 2000 and the state auditor, state inspector and Gene Stipe today, and ask these questions: Where were the DAs and attorney general? Why is it that local DAs are not on the forefront in fighting corruption in state government?" said Key. "It is time to separate the influence of the attorney general from the DAs."

Key's bill, he said, would also make the District Attorneys Council's budgeting process independent from the attorney general. "This measure speaks to the need to provide complete independence for the district attorneys across Oklahoma from the office of the attorney general as well as provide greater representation from the public," said Key. "The citizens of Oklahoma elect each district attorney from their respective district to serve them to the best of their ability, and I believe that it is a good public policy for these independently elected officials to be able to govern themselves independent of the influence of the attorney general. We ought to be able to clean our own house."

Myers Pushes Total Public Smoking Ban

With the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the American Cancer Society supporting a proposal to lift exemptions on public smoking bans, Senator David Myers is hopeful Senate Bill 1875 will receive a favorable hearing when it is considered by the Business and Labor Committee on Monday.

“The facts are simple. Tobacco is Oklahoma’s leading cause of preventable death,” said Myers, R-Ponca City. “Every year, 5,800 Oklahomans die because of tobacco, and secondhand smoke exposure kills another 700 of our citizens. Too many people are dying because of smoke and secondhand smoke.”

Myers said SB 1875 would help prevent many of those deaths by removing all current exemptions regarding smoking in public places, including “stand-alone” bars. Although current law allows for specific smoking locations in restaurants, the entire establishment would be smoke-free under this legislation.

“Maybe the patrons have the opportunity to decide whether or not to go to a bar that has smoking, but the employees have no choice. Every year, thousands of Oklahoma waitresses, musicians and other employees are being exposed to deadly secondhand smoke, and they simply may not have any other employment options,” Myers said.

Myers noted that the economic toll on the state because of tobacco related illnesses was staggering, costing Oklahomans over $2.7 billion each year in medical expenses and lost productivity.

“Twenty-seven other states already have such bans in place. These bans have not hurt business, but they are protecting the lives of millions of citizens. That’s what we should be doing in Oklahoma.”

Kris Steele Honored By Child Advocates

Rep. Kris Steele will be inducted into the Child Advocates Hall of Fame in April by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, officials announced today

""I am honored and humbled to be included in the Child Advocates Hall of Fame," said Steele, R-Shawnee. "The vast majority of the people I work with want to create a better world for our children. I will continue to pursue that goal and I sincerely appreciate the efforts of all the officials and advocates who work alongside me."

In a letter notifying Steele of his selection for the honor, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy Executive Director Anne Roberts wrote that Steele is among a group of policymakers who "have made a real difference in the lives of the children and young people of our state in the areas of juvenile justice, health and safety, child protection, education and poverty."

Steele and other honorees will be inducted at an April 22 ceremony at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. Steele is chair of the House Health Subcommittee.

The event will also honor Steele's most prominent Shawnee neighbors, Governor Brad Henry and his wife, Kim.

Most Of Oklahoma's Superdelegates Still Undecided

Most of Oklahoma's Democratic National Convention superdelegates have not yet publicly declared their choice for the party nomination for president and several of them say they are waiting to see how the battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama (shown above with superdelegate Kalyn Free and former party Vice Chair Ben Odom at an event last year) plays out.

Some speculate the battle could play out all the way to the convention in Denver this summer. If that's the case, the nation's superdelegates become major players in the party's nominating process since they are free to vote for whichever candidate they wish no matter which candidate voters in their states favored. In Oklahoma, that was Clinton.

Oklahoma's Democratic superdelegates are Governor Brad Henry, Congressman Dan Boren, Party Chairman Ivan Holmes, Vice Chair Kitti Asberry, National Committeeman Jim Frasier, National Committeewoman Betty McElderry and DNC members-at-large Kalyn Free and Jay Parmley.

One of them perhaps spoke for most when, in an email response to an inquiry, wrote, "I haven't declared yet. I am very unsure. I think it could go either way. I am going to wait and see how a few more of the states go before I even try to make a final decision."

Two of the superdelegates indicated their preferences earlier; McElderry said she supports Clinton, while Asberry indicated she'll back Obama.

Humphreys To Join Turpen On 'Flash Point'

Former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys will replace Burns Hargis as co-host of KFOR-TV's Sunday political talk show, "Flash Point."

Humphreys was selected to join Democrat Mike Turpen and moderator Kevin Ogle on the long-running show following an audition process. An announcement is expected soon.

Others who auditioned for the show included public relations specialist Renzi Stone, radio talk show host and blogger Ron Black and longtime Republican activist Rodd Moesel, sources said.

Coburn Sees Progress In Iraq

Senator Tom Coburn says his weekend trip to Iraq has left him impressed with progress in reducing violence there.

"It's never going to be perfect, just like we can't get rid of all the violent capital crimes in our society," Coburn said. "But the point is, if you look at a map, we're at about 9 percent of what we were in April of last year in terms of violence, in terms of incidents, in terms of everything else, and that's in concentrated areas. ... The improvement is unbelievable."

Coburn told The Oklahoman he was "impressed beyond measure" with the Iraqi military and predicted a "great resolution" if the current progress continues.

Coburn met with Iraqi military and political leaders and with General David Petraeus, the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq.

Coburn said he has seen major progress since his last trip to Iraq in the summer of 2006

Riding The Wave

Barack Obama has moved ahead of Hillary Clinton in the race for delegates to the Democratic National Convention and his supporters now say Clinton can't catch him in the delegate race unless she wins Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania primaries by 3-to-1 margins and that, they say, won't happen.

In the civil war of the Democratic nominating season, Tuesday night’s Potomac Primary was Gettysburg.

That’s the argument Obama’s campaign was making Wednesday, saying the Illinois senator’s three-contest sweep of the Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. primaries marked a “decisive” turning point in his battle with Clinton.

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said on a conference call that it is now “next to impossible” for Clinton to close Obama’s lead in pledged delegates.

“We couldn’t be in a stronger position right now, and the last really five days, we believe, will be looked back at as a very decisive period in the nomination contest,” Plouffe said. “We think it really put us on the path to the nomination.”

Obama has won seven straight contests since Saturday, not counting the Virgin Islands, and on Tuesday he took the lead in overall delegates for the first time since the primary and caucus season began last month.

The latest Associated Press tallies show Obama with 1,223 delegates and Clinton with 1,198. It takes 2,025 to seal the nomination.

The difference appears negligible, but Clinton has found herself on the defensive.

The New York senator is staking her campaign on big wins in Ohio and Texas, which hold their primaries on March 4, along with two other states.

Bill Clinton Campaign Manager Endorses Obama

Former Bill Clinton presidential campaign manager David Wilhelm has endorsed Barack Obama.

Wilhelm, who managed Clinton's 1992 campaign, made his announcement today.

After managing Clinton's campaign Wilhelm became chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Wilhelm told reporters that Obama can build a coalition of Democrats, independents and Republicans needed to win the general election.

Wilhelm is a superdelegate who was previously uncommitted in the race.

Johnson Says DOC Funding Remains Top Priority

State Senator Mike Johnson (pictured), R-Kingfisher and co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said fully funding the Department of Corrections will remain a top budget priority in the 2008 legislative session despite a new Tax Commission estimate that revenues will be lower than originally estimated.

“The MGT performance audit was very clear that the Legislature must end the budget practice created by former Democrat Senator Cal Hobson that deliberately under-funded prisons every year and made DOC come begging for supplemental funding,” Johnson said.

“A tighter budget means that spending proposals must be prioritized. Senate Republicans are committed to fully funding DOC now and in the future. Protecting the public safety must be priority one for government, even in a tight budget year,” he said.

Speculation Increases About McMahan Probe Panel

With certain House approval next week of a resolution calling for an investigation of Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan that could result in his impeachment, there's speculation today about those who might serve on the committee.

New House Speaker Chris Benge of Tulsa will name the eight committee members, four Democrats and four Republicans, with a member of each party serving as co-chairman.

Rep. Mike Reynolds, Oklahoma City Republican, authored the resolution and is said by some to be able to cite line-by-line from the lengthy, nine-count federal indictment of McMahan and his wife, Lori. He told Oklahoma City radio station KTOK he would like to serve on the committee. His problem is that he's viewed as a maverick always on the outs with his own party's leadership and he's butted heads with Benge in the past.

Others mentioned as possible members are all attorneys and include Reps. Rex Duncan of Sand Springs, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee; T. W. Shannon of Lawton, assistant majority whip; Dan Sullivan of Tulsa, assistant majority floor leader and chairman of the Civil Justice Committee; and John Trebilcock of Broken Arrow, whose resolution authorized the panel that investigated former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher.

Capitol sources say that while the Benge appointments won't be certain until they are announced, three top members of Democratic Leader Danny Morgan's team, and a highly-respected former Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper, are possible members of the committee. They are Reps. David Braddock of Altus, James Covey of Custer City, Paul Roan of Tishomingo and Dale Turner of Holdenville. Covey is the minority floor leader and Braddock and Turner are deputy minority floor leaders. Roan is a retired OHP trooper and the former deputy sheriff of Pontotoc County. He's also a former first vice president of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association and is vice chairman of the House Civil Justice Committee.

Who Will Replace Hargis On 'Flash Point'?

Who will replace Burns Hargis as the Republican counterpoint to Democrat Mike Turpen on KFOR-TV's long-running Sunday morning "Flash Point" show?

An announcement from the station is expected soon and one of those who auditioned, conservative radio talk show host and blogger Ron Black, says it's not him. Black reports he auditioned for the spot, but lost out to "a Chamber-friendly pseudo-conservative."

It is known that Black, Oklahoma City public relations specialist Renzi Stone and former Mayor Kirk Humphreys were among those who auditioned.

Hargis has been named president of Oklahoma State University. Legislation approved by a House panel today would speed up his take over as president of Oklahoma State University.He was named the school's 18th president by the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents on December 4. But state law forbids him from taking over as president for a full year after resigning as an OSU regent. He stepped down from that post in July.

A bill passed by the House Education Committee on Wednesday would shorten the waiting period to just six months. That would allow Hargis to take over as soon as the bill becomes law.The measure now goes to the full House for action. It must also be approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Brad Henry.

Hillary Clinton's Lack Of Class Getting Attention

EL PASO, Texas (CNN) – For the second election night in a row, Hillary Clinton failed to acknowledge or congratulate Barack Obama after he won the day in dominating fashion.

On Tuesday in El Paso, hours after Virginia had been called for Obama, she stuck to her “Texas campaign kickoff” message and did not stray from an energetic, Lone Star-themed stump speech. She did mention Obama by name, only to chide his health care plan.

On Saturday night in Richmond, Virginia, Clinton spoke to a crowd of thousands at the state’s annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner, but she ignored Obama’s quartet of blowout primary and caucus wins that day as well (Obama also won the Maine caucuses the next day).

The courtesy of conceding a primary or caucus loss — and then congratulating your opponent — is by no means required. But it has become standard practice during campaign season.

Shumate Wants Dollar Reward For Exercise

Legislation filed by Rep. Jabar Shumate would provide financial incentive for Oklahomans to exercise.

His House Bill 2506 would give Oklahomans a tax credit equal to 20 percent of the cost of gym fees. The bill passed out of the House Revenue and Taxation Subcommittee.

"Unfortunately, Oklahomans rank very low on national health rankings, so we need to do more to promote exercise and healthy living," said Shumate, D-Tulsa. "By adding a financial reward to the physical benefits of exercise, I believe we can motive more Oklahomans to change their lifestyle."

Shumate has practiced what he preaches, losing 100 pounds over18 months thanks to increased exercise and diet.

Opinion: GOP In Complete Disarray

By Lee Bandy, South Carolina Insider ~ Republicans are in a fix – and here’s why.

Conservative members don’t care for John McCain, their presumptive presidential nominee.

GOP voter turnout during this primary season has been pathetic. There is no excitement.

The party’s political base is splintered. There are evangelical Christians, fiscal conservatives, veteran party regulars, and cultural conservatives competing for attention.

In addition, there is a growing sense of resignation among Republicans that no matter what they say or do – or whom they nominate for president - 2008 is going to be a Democrats’ year.

Summed up: Republicans are in complete disarray.

Read all of Bandy's essay at http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_211_209.aspx.

Obama Volunteers Stir Houston Political Firestorm

This is a still photo taken from Houston's Fox 25 News in a report that has caused a firestorm. Notice the Cuban flag with Che's likeness behind the woman at the desk. The controversy prompted the station to add this cutline to a still photo on its website: "The office featured in this video is funded by volunteers of the Barack Obama Campaign and is not an official headquarters for his campaign."

More Trouble In Clinton Campaign; No. 2 Quits

Hillary Clinton's deputy campaign manager has resigned, her campaign confirmed Tuesday night as the New York senator faced another round of disappointing primary results. Mike Henry is the second senior staff-level departure from the Clinton team in the past three days. He was hired by Patti Solis Doyle, Clinton's former campaign manager, whose resignation was revealed Sunday.

Latino Lawmakers Upset Over Clinton Shake-Up

By Patrick Healy, The New York Times Politics Blog ~ The anger in the Hispanic community over the ousting of Patti Solis Doyle as Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign manager continues to unfold, with two Hispanic legislators from Mrs. Clinton’s home state sending an open letter to her expressing their concerns. (They’re not the only ones voicing concerns.)

Given that Mrs. Clinton (not to mention Ms. Solis Doyle) spent months building a base out of Hispanic voters, does the move over the weekend — as Mrs. Clinton faced more losses — carry risks? Ms. Solis Doyle, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, was replaced by Maggie Williams, an African-American and a longtime, longtime Clinton adviser from their White House days. Ms. Solis Doyle has said that she will remain on the campaign as a “senior adviser.”