Delegate Agreement Threatens Fight

By The Associated Press In Washington ~ Democratic Party leaders agreed Saturday to seat Michigan and Florida delegates with half votes into this summer's convention with a compromise that left Barack Obama on the verge of the nomination but riled Hillary Rodham Clinton backers who threatened to fight to the August convention.

AP Notes Peterson's Insurance Ties

By Ron Jenkins/The Associated Press ~ Ron Peterson, the lawmaker who blocked health insurance mandates after getting thousands of dollars in contributions from insurance companies, is only one of a growing list of Republican House leaders opting to give up their legislative posts.

Peterson, R-Broken Arrow, announced last week that he will not be among lawmakers who will be taking part in the three-day filing period that begins Monday at the state Capitol.

He was not specific about his plans, other than that he would be returning to the private sector. He is a former owner of a property and casualty insurance agency and his wife is a part-time independent insurance agent.

In his announcement, Peterson bragged about passing some insurance-related legislation, but made no mention of blocking bills this year to require insurance companies to cover autism in children and other medical disorders and conditions.

Read the entire article at http://newsok.com/insurance-industry-champ-ron-peterson-bowing-out/article/3251311/?tm=1212253946.

Clinton's Supporters Protest, Dean Speaks

The Democratic National Committee's meeting today to resolve the question of Florida and Michigan delegates opened with a call by Chairman Howard Dean for unity and a group of Hillary Clinton supporters demonstrating outside the Washington hotel where the meeting is taking place.

Dean kicked off the high-stakes meeting over the disputed Michigan and Florida primaries Saturday by calling for “healing” and “party unity,” in the wake of a primary campaign season that he said has brought out high emotions, as well as racism and sexism. Dean said that the protracted contest between Clinton and Barack Obama has made the party and the candidates “much stronger,” but he gave a clear sign that it is time to set aside differences.

“This is not about our candidates. This is not about Barack Obama. This is not about Hillary Clinton. This is about our country,” Dean said. “Over the course of this primary there have been some very tough disagreements and some ugly moments in this campaign.

“Emotions have run very high and heated discussions have led at times to blatant sexist comments, particularly by some members of the media, and blatantly racist remarks. And we know that those comments have no place in our society and certainly no place in our party. … Your actions today will put us back on a course of party unity,” Dean said.

Clinton's Last Stand In DC Today?

From Fox News ~ Hillary Clinton and her supporters are making what may be their last stand, at a Democratic Party meeting this weekend in Washington, D.C.

When a rules panel of the Democratic National Committee takes up the issue of disputed Michigan and Florida primaries Saturday morning, Clinton’s campaign will continue to argue that the delegations from both states should be seated in full.

The Florida-Michigan decision is practically her only remaining chance of securing a tidal wave of delegates.

As of Friday, the New York senator was more than 200 delegates behind Barack Obama, and in the three primaries left to go she cannot win enough to make up that difference.

Officials Oppose Shawnee Tribe Casino

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Oklahoma County Commissioner Ray Vaughn and Congresswoman Mary Fallin have voiced their opposition to plans by the Shawnee Tribe top build a casino along Interstate 35 north of Remington Park.

Joe Lucas, president of the horse racing association, said, "Almost all of our industry centers around Remington Park."

Lucas said if the Shawnee Tribe is given the green light to build a $400 million entertainment resort next to Remington Park, it'll be a serious blow to Remington and to the horse racing industry of Oklahoma.

"We believe strongly that if this thing comes into reality, then we're done," Lucas said.

Lucas is urging politicians and the public to participate in the Bureau of Indian Affair's 30-day public comment period. The bureau will consider the comments when it decides whether or not to place this non-tribal land near I-35 and Remington Park into trust for the Shawnee Tribe.

The land is in Fallin's congressional district. "Well, the problem is that the tribe is located in northeast Oklahoma and they want to move into central Oklahoma City into the unassigned land area which would set a precedent for other tribes to come and take that land into trust," Fallin said.

McMahan's Treasurer Realized Money Came From Straw Donors, Oklahoman Reports

By Tony Thornton/The Oklahoman ~ As a treasurer for Jeff McMahan's 2006 re-election bid looked over the contributor list to his first campaign, she noticed a disturbing trend.

Numerous donors tied to abstract company owner Steve Phipps had given large amounts of money to the state auditor's race in 2002, even though many lacked financial means to do so, Erin Bradshaw determined.

"It became very obvious to her that many of these people were straw donors," FBI agent Gary Graff testified at a recent court hearing.

Bradshaw and McMahan's staff had a common phrase for those contributors: "Phipps people."

Read the entire story at http://newsok.com/witnesses-expected-to-detail-campaign-bribery-scheme/article/3250945/?tm=1212200662.

Cloud Announces Reelection Campaign

Corporation Commission member Jeff Cloud today announced he will file for reelection as he seeks to win a second six-year term.

Cloud, 47, is now chairman of the commission.

He was elected in 2002, winning about 54 percent of the vote against two opponents.

The Tulsa native holds a degree in petroleum land management from the University of Oklahoma and a juris doctorate from the Oklahoma City University School of Law. Cloud and his wife, Trish, live in Oklahoma City and are parents of three children.

Shelton Proposes 4/10 State Workweek

A 4/10 workweek for state employees? That's what Oklahoma City Democrat Mike Shelton suggests to help employees cope with high gas prices.

In a column released today, Shelton writes, "According to the state 'Open Books' Web site, Oklahoma government employed 33,517 in 2005. Assuming 80 percent of those employees drive alone, have a 32-mile round trip each day and get about 21 miles to the gallon, state workers would use 40,859 gallons of fuel each day.

"As a result, if we reduce work-related driving by 20 percent through a flex-time schedule, those workers would save a combined $149,000 per week at the current price of $3.65 per gallon of fuel.

"Annually, state employees would save $7.75 million annually at current fuel prices if flex time was implemented across the board in state government. That’s money that will then be spent on other needs such as food and clothing and help hard-working families stretch their dollars further.

"My proposal would not mean state agencies would be open only Monday through Thursday. Agencies would still have the flexibility to arrange work schedules so government services are properly maintained. Some employees could have Monday off, or Friday, or any day midweek.

KTOK's Rudy: Group Got It All Wrong

Radio station KTOK Capitol Correspondent Peter J. Rudy says a Washington-based group, The Center for Competitive Politics, criticizing the state's just-passed Clean Campaign Act has it all wrong.

Rudy says the group's researchers blasted the bill as containing language harmful to the First Amendent, but he correctly reports the group was looking at Senate amendments the House rejected.

The bill went to a conference committee and the only thing it deals with is donations to legislators or candidates by lobbyists during the session and for five days afterwards.

After reading the final version of the bill through a link provided by Rudy, the center's communications director, Mike Schrimpf, told Rudy, "This is good news for Oklahomans, albeit slightly embarrassing for our organization. We will certainly now be sure to double check the latest status of every bill we comment on immediately before we send something out. Apologies for the false alarm."

The group's erroneous news release criticizing the bill was printed by several bloggers.

Read the bill, by Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, at http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/WebBillStatus/main.html.

Cole Says He'll Seek Reelection

Congressman Tom Cole, R-4th District, announced today he will seek reeelection.

Cole, now chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, made the announcement on Reid Mullins' morning show on Oklahoma City radio station KTOK.

Cole is a former state senator, former state GOP chairman, former secretary of state and former political consultant. He was elected to Congress in 2002 and reelected in 2004 and 2006.

Libertarian Party Launches Petition Drive

By John Greiner/Capitol Bureau, The Oklahoman ~ The Oklahoma Libertarian Party will launch a petition drive today to get former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr on the Oklahoma election ballot as an independent candidate for president.

Barr will need at least 43,913 valid signatures of Oklahoma registered voters to get on the state election ballot, said Angelia O'Dell, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Oklahoma.

The signatures must be submitted to the state Election Board by July 15, she said. During Sunday's national Libertarian Party convention in Denver, Barr was nominated as the party's presidential candidate.

The Libertarian Party is not recognized in Oklahoma so Barr would need to run as an independent candidate.

"Bob Barr's independent candidacy will allow Oklahoma voters a real choice this November,” O'Dell said. "Even though our state's antiquated ballot laws kept our party off the ballot this year, we expect Barr's conservative message of limited government and personal responsibility will resonate with Oklahomans.”

Barr was in Oklahoma in October for a fundraising event for Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform.

The access reform group was trying to circulate an initiative petition for a statewide vote in order to change state law to make it easier for third political parties, such as the Libertarian Party, to gain recognition in Oklahoma.

The petition drive later was dropped.

As a Republican, Barr was the U.S. House manager of President Clinton's impeachment trial.

When he was in Oklahoma, Barr said he left the Republican Party because he reached the conclusion the party was no longer interested in its constitutional roots.

Brogdon, Worthen Honored By OFRG

Oklahomans for Responsible Government (OFRG) has named Senator Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso) and Rep. Trebor Worthen (R-Oklahoma City) as the 2008 OFRG Legislators of the Year.

OFRG is a leading taxpayer advocacy group dedicated to promoting fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability in state government.

OFRG selected Brogdon and Worthen for their leadership and commitment to supporting such issues as reforming the tort system to save Oklahoma businesses money, lowering the tax burden on hard-working Oklahoma families, school choice and term limits for statewide elected officials, OFRG Executive Director Curt Price said.

Words That Come Back To Haunt You...

“Gary Jones’ entire campaign when talking about Jeff McMahan is a lie. He lies to the press. He lies to Oklahoma voters.” ~ Democratic consultant and lobbyist Pat Hall, speaking for the McMahan campaign in 2006.

Troops: Ammo Not Powerful Enough

Huntsville, AL ~ The military is reviewing soldiers' complaints that their standard ammunition isn't powerful enough for the type of fighting required in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army's highest-ranking officer said Thursday. But Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the Army chief of staff, said it was too soon to say whether the Pentagon will switch. Current and former soldiers interviewed by The Associated Press said the military's M855 rifle rounds are not powerful enough for close-in fighting in cities and towns in Iraq and Afghanistan and lack sufficient "knock down" power. Speaking with reporters at a conference in Huntsville, Casey said leaders are constantly soliciting feedback from soldiers in the field and were aware of complaints about the M855 ammunition.

Dank To Seek Second Term In HD85

Rep. David Dank (R-Oklahoma City) announced today he will seek a second term representing District 85.

“I was proud to sponsor one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the recent session, a major ethics reform bill that will remove the stain of ‘pay for play’,” Dank said. “However, there is much yet to do in the vital areas of ethics and property tax reform and I will ask my neighbors in District 85 to return me to the State Capitol so we can complete that work.”

Dank was the principal sponsor of the Oklahoma Clean Campaign Act, passed in the final week of the 2008 legislative session. The bill prohibits campaign contributions by lobbyists or those who employ them during each year’s legislative session and for five days after the end of those sessions, removing the close link that had existed for decades between lobbyist contributions and the passage of related legislation. (The bill is now on Governor Henry's desk; yesterday, the group The Center For Competitive Politics, based in Washington, sent Henry a letter objecting to a portion of the bill the group claims stifles free speech and thus, violates the First Amendment. The group, however, apparently was reacting to proposed Senate amendments to the bill that were rejected.)

Dank was elected in 2006, succeeding his wife, Odilia.

Rinehart, Dickinson Signs Go Up

In what promises to be a spirited primary for the Oklahoma County Commission seat now held by Brent Rinehart, large signs for Republican Rinehart are now beginning to pop up in the district.

Rinehart, who faces trial on felony counts related to a previous campaign, has not announced officially he's seeking reelection, but his signs make it obvious he is.

He faces a challenge in the Republican primary by J. D. Johnston, the former mayor of Bethany, and Brian Maughan, former consultant to AT&T.

Signs also are appearing for Democrat Jim Dickinson of Choctaw, who previously ran against Rinehart.

Maughan kicks off his campaign tonight with a fundraiser at the home of GOP 1990 nominee for governor Bill Price.

Jett Plans Reelection Campaign

Rep. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh, is among Republican House members seeking reelection this year.

Jett, chairman of the House Rules Committee, was elected in 2004. He's a Shawnee native who previously worked for an international company in Brazil.

Rape Law Loophole Closed

A loophole that has allowed some rapists to avoid harsh penalties would be corrected under a bill passed by the Legislature that is now on Governor Henry's desk for action.

Among other things, Senate Bill 1992 amended Oklahoma's first-degree rape law to include cases where rape occurs when "the victim is intoxicated by a narcotic or anesthetic agent" or cases where "the victim is at the time unconscious."

"This legislation will make it easier to subject rapists to the full punishment allowed under the law," said Rep. Pam Peterson, Tulsa Republican who authored the proposal. "Unfortunately, we've already seen one case where an accused rapist was able to exploit this loophole. We don't want any rapist to ever evade justice on a technicality."

The legislation was proposed after Olayinka Osifeso, a former St. Francis Hospital nurse, was accused of raping a drugged patient at the hospital but could not face a first-degree rape charge because state law only permitted a second-degree charge in those cases.

Another recent incident in the town of Coyle illustrates the need for the new law, Peterson said. According to news reports, a teenage girl in that town recently attended a party and was given a drink she now believes contained a "date rape" drug. After passing out, the girl says she was raped and woke up with six men in the room. Coyle police are reportedly investigating the crime and believe two men may have committed the alleged rape while four others were aware of it. James Willie Chupp, a 24-year old Coyle man, has been charged only with second-degree rape by intoxication.

Peterson said Senator James Williamson (R-Tulsa) was a key player in the process and helped find legislation that could be amended to include the rape language. Rep. Randy Terrill, Moore Republican who authored the bill, was also active in the effort.

Democrats May Have Found Halligan Foe

Democrats may have found an opponent for Republican James Halligan in Stillwater's Senate District 21, it is being speculated today.

Identified as the Democrat of choice is Associate District Judge Robert M. Murphy, Jr., last elected to that post without opposition.

Halligan, former president of Oklahoma State University, seeks to replace Senator Mike Morgan, the Democrat who is co-president pro tem and who is term-limited.

Halligan, Republican insiders say, has been successful in raising money for his campaign and has the support of numerous Democrats in the Payne County district. Halligan's campaign finance report shows he has $181,000 in cash on hand. His campaign chairman is banker Rex Horning and treasurer is Lawrence Hammer.

Among Halligan's top donors ($5,000) is OSU benefactor Boone Pickens.

If Murphy indeed is the Democrat choice for the race, he may face questions about his removal as a judge in the Terry Nichols case. As The Oklahoman's Nolan Clay reported at the time, "A controversial judge will not be reinstated to the Oklahoma City bombing case. The Oklahoma Supreme Court refused 6-1 Tuesday to even consider whether the judge's ouster was justified. Judge Robert M. Murphy was disqualified in August on ethical grounds. He was to have presided over Terry Nichols' preliminary hearing. The ruling Tuesday was a victory for prosecutors who complained the associate district judge from Payne County was prejudiced against them. Both Nichols and Murphy asked the Supreme Court to overturn the ouster.... Murphy was disqualified for meeting with an Oklahoma City law firm May 19 about doing legal research for him on the bombing case. Prosecutors complained because two attorneys at the firm accused them of misconduct in other murder cases. The decision was made by District Judge Charles L. Goodwin of Clinton, who was appointed to hear prosecutors' complaints. He agreed Murphy violated ethical canons on judicial behavior. Murphy denied wrongdoing and described most of the meeting with the law firm as social. He said his 'good name and reputation' had been damaged."

Polls Show Democrat Senate Gains; Oklahoma Not On Watch List

By Aaron Blake/The Hill ~ A flood of recent polls supports Democratic arguments that the party will win a larger majority in the Senate in the next election.

Democrats have now polled ahead or within the margin of error in 11 Republican-held seats, as polls conducted in recent weeks show openings in second-tier targets including Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.

[Oklahoma is conspicuous by its absence on the list, leading to speculation that liberal Andrew Rice's campaign is not a national Democrat priority.]

There are 23 Republican seats up for grabs this election cycle — including five open seats. Democrats have only 12 members up for reelection and no open seats.

The only Democratic-held seat that is polling close is in Louisiana, where Sen. Mary Landrieu (D) and state Treasurer John Kennedy (R) will face each other. The majority of races that are polling close are in Republican-held seats.

Whether the polls illustrate reality or simply create perception, both sides are taking notice. While the results have provided liberal bloggers and Democratic operatives with cause for enthusiasm, Republicans and some experts urge caution at taking the polls — many of them automated — at face value.

Read the entire story at http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/early-polls-suggest-dems-can-take-many-gop-senate-seats-2008-05-27.html.

Coburn Predicts Senate GOP Losses

Senator Tom Coburn says Republicans will lose seats in the U. S. Senate this election year and "they should."

His comments came on Glenn Beck's CNN talk show last night.

Republican Coburn was discussing what he described as failures in fiscal responsibility by Congress, and Republicans, and made the point that voters are fed up with unrestrained federal spending.

Known as "Doctor No" for his outspoken opposition to pork barrel spending, and spending that in his opinion goes beyond the federal government's responsibility, Coburn said the 2008 election year will not be kind to Republicans. He said some of his fellow Republicans have failed to live up to the party's principles.

View the interview at http://briefingroom.thehill.com/2008/05/29/coburn-republicans-deserve-to-lose-seats/.

Henry Has Hopes For Ethics Funding

From The Oklahoman ~ Gov. Brad Henry is hoping an agreement for funding the state Ethics Commission still can be worked out.

Legislators adjourned last week without appropriating as much money that the commission sought. The five-member commission said the money allocated by legislators is insufficient and instructed its staff to start gathering information for a possible lawsuit against the Legislature if more money for the upcoming fiscal year is not supplied.

"Litigation is the wrong approach,” the governor said.

"The Ethics Commission is a critically important agency,” Henry said "It's a unique constitutional agency and that agency must be adequately funded.”

Henry plans to review the budget bill approved by legislators for the commission. The proposed budget calls for the commission to receive about $667,000 — a 30 percent increase — for the 2009 fiscal year that starts July 1. The commission had requested about $906,000.

"We will continue in my office to visit with the Ethics Commission and try to work out something short of litigation,” Henry said. "I am confident that we can work something out.”

Blackwell's Insurance Department Intervention Raises Questions About Ties To Christian Health Care Company

House Speaker Pro Tempore Gus Blackwell, an examination of a transcript of House proceedings and other documents reveals, last week tried unsuccessfully to convince Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland and her staff to intervene on behalf of an organization in regulatory trouble that also provides health coverage to Blackwell and his family.

Circumstances of the request have some at the Capitol invoking the case of former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. In 2004, lawmakers (including Blackwell) voted to impeach Fisher for, among other things, intervening in an independent hearing by personally assuming the role of hearing examiner and approving the application of the Gene Phillips Group of Texas. The Phillips group later gave Fisher about $20,000 in furnishings.

Four years later, Blackwell last week urged Holland and her employees to essentially duplicate Fisher's actions by intervening on behalf of an organization, Medi-Share, that's in regulatory trouble and also provides health coverage to Blackwell and his family. Blackwell has said that he and his family are members of Medi-Share and have been for two years.

On the floor of the House on May 23, Blackwell declared, "All I'm asking, and I called this morning the chief legal counsel [of the Oklahoma Insurance Department], is just withdraw your argument against the stay. Allow the stay to be put into effect for them to continue to operate while a higher court looks at this. He refused."

The controversy was the subject of a lengthy article in Tuesday's Journal Record in Oklahoma City. Reporter Janice Francis-Smith wrote that, "Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland shut down a Christian health care organization and lied about it, state Rep. Gus Blackwell told his fellow lawmakers on Friday in the chamber of the state House of Representatives. Holland, in a later phone interview, said she did not lie, but she had to take action regarding an organization that calls itself a 'ministry' but which the courts have determined behaves in every way like an insurance company." (Read the entire story at http://www.journalrecord.com/article.cfm?recid=89221.)

Blackwell's request to Holland's staff came as the House considered Senate Bill 1189, which, with a proviso, would allow the Florida-based, not-for-profit Christian Care Ministry’s Medi-Share program to resume doing business in Oklahoma. The bill does not automatically allow Medi-Share to go back into business unless it conforms to the law, which requires members to share directly, member to member, not member to Medi-Share and with subsequent disbursement to a member. The bill passed and is now on Governor Henry's desk for his action on it.

Due to a lawsuit filed by Oklahoma pastor Andy Bowman after Medi-Share denied him coverage for more than $27,000 in medical bills related to heart complications, District Judge Joe Vassar ruled that Medi-Share was in fact an insurance company and not merely a "medical bill-sharing ministry" as company officials claimed.

As a result of the court ruling, Holland issued an "emergency cease and desist order" that would allow the company to continue paying its members' eligible health-care costs while banning it from taking new members.

Medi-Share appealed the order through a two-day administrative law hearing conducted in November 2007. Following that hearing, Judge Leamon Freeman agreed that Medi-Share was operating as an insurance company.

That decision is now being appealed and Blackwell acknowledged on the floor of the House that he had attempted to enact legislation this year that would prevent regulatory oversight of Medi-Share.

However, Blackwell's efforts were thwarted, a fact he acknowledged on the floor of the House on May 23.

Sources say this is the second time Blackwell has attempted to use his power as speaker pro tempore to benefit an insurance entity under scrutiny for alleged ethical or regulatory transgressions.

In 2006, Holland supported legislation allowing a company to make commercial real estate loans based on a cap of 2 percent of assets, patterned after a national model.

However, legislation offered in a House committee that year would have raised that amount to 20 percent. Only three insurance companies, all tied to the Phillips family of Texas, sought the higher 20-percent cap.

In addition to his ties to Fisher, Phillips had a long history of regulatory problems and had faced federal fraud, conspiracy and racketeering charges at one point; those charges, however, were dismissed.

During the Fisher impeachment process, House officials reviewed documents that indicated Phillips and his associates had been involved in nine financial, real estate or insurance companies that went bankrupt, into receivership, or were the subject of litigation.

According to documents that became public during the Fisher impeachment process, Phillips and his associates had been the target of regulators or lawsuits in at least four states by 1999 - California, Florida, Texas and Utah.

Phillips' long history of regulatory troubles had led insurance officials to oppose his efforts to enter the Oklahoma market and engage in real estate speculation.

Although not a member of the committee hearing the Phillips' legislation in 2006, Blackwell as speaker pro tem has the ability to attend any meeting and vote on any piece of legislation, a rarely used power he employed to provide the deciding vote needed to pass the controversial Phillips' language out of committee.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Blackwell was among House Republican leaders who attended a fundraising event at Phillips' Dallas home for GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee.

Blackwell has become a controversial figure. He was a candidate for House speaker to replace Lance Cargill when The Oklahoman revealed he had been repeatedly late in paying his property taxes. He said he mistakenly thought he had until March 31 to pay property taxes on his home and three rental properties in Goodwell. He said except for one or two years he had met that deadline, usually paying around February. He withdrew from the speaker's race following the revelation.

Although Medi-Share touts itself as a medical bill-sharing ministry, state regulators believe it is acting as an insurance company and merely using different terms, such as referring to premiums as members "gifts."

During the November 2007 administrative hearing, Ronald Baldwin, president of Christian Care Ministry (parent company of Medi-Share), testified that approximately 300 Oklahoma households representing about 1,000 citizens make payments to Medi-Share. Those Oklahomans pay an estimated $1 million annually to Medi-Share. Nationally, the company generated about $60 million in revenue in 2006, according to Baldwin's testimony, and the company kept 25 percent for "expenses." Baldwin said the Group Major Medical Sharing Trust, where all Medi-Share revenue is deposited, is located in the Bahamas.

Baldwin testified that Medi-Share had leased software from Eldorado Computing, Inc. to process "needs" submitted by members. He acknowledged that Medi-Share officials asked Eldorado to modify the software program to refer to "explanation of benefits" as an "explanation of sharing," and to change "claim number" to "need number."

Evidence presented during the hearing also demonstrated that Medi-Share would require payment of an "extra blessing" from members late making a monthly payment in a manner very similar to a late payment penalty at an insurance company.

Baldwin also testified that eight "elders" served as independent contractors and "were paid on the basis of folks joining Medi-Share," with some earning "over hundred thousand dollars" gross income.

During the hearing, Baldwin acknowledged that one Medi-Share official, John Reinhold, chairman of the board of Christian Care Ministry, was previously involved with Christian Brotherhood, a similar organization that ran afoul of state regulators in Ohio.

According to The Washington Post, an Ohio jury found that Christian Brotherhood Newsletter founder Rev. Bruce Hawthorn and other former officials defrauded the ministry. They were ordered to repay nearly $15 million spent on luxury houses, cars and high salaries.

Baldwin also testified that he and other employees of Christian Care Ministry are able to use health coverage through Aetna and do not have to rely on Medi-Share, although Medi-Share clients cannot have duplicate coverage.

Because Medi-Share collected and pooled member funds and then distributed them, as well as charging late penalties, state regulators feel the company is in fact an insurance entity.

Oklahoma regulators have not sought similar oversight of legitimate medical sharing ministries, such as Ministries International of Peoria, Ill., which allow individual members to contribute to other members needs on a one-to-one basis.

In addition to Oklahoma, rulings have been issued in Wisconsin, Montana, South Dakota, Illinois and Kentucky declaring that Medi-Share is an insurance company.

Are Cargill, Adkins Next To Quit?

Republicans may face the prospect of losing two more sitting members of the House, Capitol sources say as rumors fly today about the reelection plans of former House Speaker Lance Cargill of Harrah, and Dennis Adkins of Tulsa.

An informed House source says Cargill and Adkins likely are to announce soon they do not plan to seek reelection.

If that's true, they will join Reps. Rob Johnson, Ron Peterson, Greg Piatt, Susan Winchester and Trebor Worthen in forgoing reelection bids. Four of them have said they will return to private life, while Johnson is running for the Corporation Commission. None of them are term-limited.

Cargill, an attorney who resigned as speaker after disclosures that he had failed to pay multiple taxes, once was touted as a future GOP candidate for governor. He was elected speaker in 2006 as Republicans took control of the House for the first time in history, and launched an ambitious public relations and legislative program. His "100 Ideas" initiative drew on ideas submitted by citizens and many of those ideas have been implemented.

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

Adkins, 43, was elected to the House in 2000; he's not had a serious opponent since and in 2004 and 2006, was unopposed. Earlier this year, he had the largest campaign warchest of any House member, $192,236, and that's after he spent almost $54,000 in the last reporting period. He has yet to comment on rumors he may run for the Corporation Commission seat now held by Democrat Jim Roth.

If Cargill and Adkins do opt out, the number of House Republicans not seeking reelection this year will total seven so far; Worthen announced at the beginning of this year's session and Johnson is running for the Corporation Commission.

Henry Requests More Federal Tornado Aid

Oklahoma has requested that President Bush grant public assistance to Craig, Latimer and Ottawa Counties in the aftermath of deadly tornadoes earlier this month, according to Governor Henry.

The White House already has approved individual assistance for the three counties, as well as Pittsburg County.

If approved, the designation would deliver federal funding to assist cities, towns and counties with infrastructure repairs and costs associated with responding to the May 10 storms.

Henry said the federal assistance is important in helping local officials recover from the devastating tornadoes. “The storms that damaged so many homes and businesses in Eastern Oklahoma also wreaked havoc on infrastructure, especially in terms of electric cooperatives and debris removal,” said Henry. “I am optimistic that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will act swiftly and approve our request.”

The storms resulted in at least $4.9 million in infrastructure damage and response costs.

Tougher Slave Trade Law Signed By Henry

Legislation to hike the penalties for modern-day slave traders has been signed into law by Governor Henry.

Two female House members who led the charge to punish human traffickers said they were pleased the bill finally became law after four years of work.

"Human trafficking is the slave trade of the 21st Century," said Rep. Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond. "For too long, people have been smuggled into Oklahoma and forced into prostitution or exploited as unpaid laborers."

"It has taken four years of work to build support for this measure," said Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City. "Many people don't realize the slave trade didn't end with the Civil War, it just went underground. Today's slave trade doesn't discriminate based on race. Instead, it exploits the weak and tramples their spirits, especially poor women from third-world countries."

Both women authored human trafficking legislation this year and joined forced to see the combined proposal become law. The two legislators had each authored similar legislation in both 2006 and 2007as well.

House Bill 1021, by Cooksey, creates new penalties for anyone convicted of human trafficking "for forced labor or forced sexual exploitation" who relies on the "use of force, fraud or coercion" to trap victims.

Under the bill, those convicted of human trafficking will face at least five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for each conviction. Anyone convicted of human trafficking involving victims younger than age 14 will face at least 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to$20,000.

Those convicted of the crime could also be ordered to pay restitution to their victims and the bill allows law enforcement officials to seize trafficker's property - including aircraft, vehicles and money - to help offset the state expenses of prosecution.

Although it took several years to approve a human trafficking law in Oklahoma, past efforts were not wasted, Cooksey and Hamilton said.

"Slave traders don't differentiate between Republicans and Democrats when they kidnap their victims, so the battle against human trafficking should not break down along partisan lines," Cooksey said. "I am pleased this was a bipartisan effort and an occasion where lawmakers worked together for the good of all Oklahomans."

A September 2004 Human Rights Center report titled, "Hidden Slaves: Forced Labor in the United States," found that at any given time more than 10,000 forced laborers are working in the United States. Most of them work in prostitution, domestic services, agriculture and sweatshops. In 2003, the Department of Justice reported the largest concentrations of trafficking survivors who received federal assistance resided in California, Texas, New York and Oklahoma.

Peterson, Winchester Opt Out This Year

Reps. Ron Peterson and Susan Winchester announced today they will not seek re-election this year.

"I have enjoyed my service in the Legislature and feel that I've made a real contribution to the state, but it's time for me to return to the private sector," said Peterson, R-Broken Arrow.

"I am proud that I championed common-sense, conservative legislation that will grow our economy and create private-sector jobs."

Peterson was first elected to the House in 2000 and has served four terms. During the last four years he has served as chairman of the House Economic Development & Financial Services Committee.

Winchester announced she will not seek re-election to a sixth term. Winchester, a Chickasha Republican, was the first woman to serve as House speaker pro tem. She also ran unsuccessfully to become the state's first female speaker.

Winchester says she is most proud of a bill that became law removing criminal penalties against parents who leave newborn infants safely with medical providers.

A third Republican, House Majority Floor Leader Greg Piatt of Ardmore, who could serve two more years until he is term-limited, also says he won't seek reelection. After serving in the House for 10 years, Piatt said he wants to spend more time with his family.

Hall, McGoodwin Likely To Testify At McMahan Trial, Sources Say

Capitol lobbyist Pat Hall and Office of State Finance official Jim McGoodwin are likely to be among those called to testify in the federal trial of Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan and his wife, Lori, sources tell The McCarville Report Online.

The trial is scheduled to begin next week.

A source said he would not be surprised if Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, former secretary of commerce, also is called as a witness.

Another almost-certain witness will be Tim Arbaugh of Guthrie, deputy auditor fired by McMahan as the scandal unfolded. Arbaugh is identified in FBI affidavits. One affidavit provides partial transcripts of conversations between Steve Phipps, Arbaugh (McMahan's then-abstract division chief) and Lori McMahan concerning alleged cash payments totaling $27,000 from Phipps. In return, according to the indictment, the auditor gave special treatment to Phipps' companies.

Asked if it is true he will appear as a witness, Hall told TMRO, "I would prefer for the U.S. Attorney to answer that question or Mr. McMahan's attorney."

Hall, a former Oklahoma Democratic Party executive director, is among the state's most influential lobbyists. A source says he's likely to be questioned about his knowledge of the activities of the McMahans and Phipps, the eastern Oklahoma abstract company owner implicated in the scandal that has engulfed McMahan and other public officials. Hall was also a consultant for Phipps' Rural Development Foundation and, according to an FBI affidavit, was paid $15,000 by RDF for work as a "water consultant."

McGoodwin now is deputy director of operations for the Office of State Finance and previously served as deputy state auditor and inspector and was director of special investigations in the auditor's office at the time laws allegedly were violated by McMahan and his wife. They face nine felony counts.

Taylor held the state office when a huge state grant was given to Phipps' interests by the Department of Commerce.

McMahan also faces a House committee formed to consider his impeachment.

McMahan and his wife were indicted by a federal grand jury in January on nine counts including conspiracy, mail fraud and violating the Travel Act to commit bribery. The McMahans have pleaded not guilty.

The charges stem from dealings with Phipps, who is identified in the nine-count indictment as a co-conspirator. Federal prosecutors say the charges are tied to favoritism shown to Phipps by McMahan as well as excessive political donations to McMahan during his 2002 campaign.

Steve Russell Makes It Official

Retired Army Lt. Colonel Steve Russell today officially announced he will seek the Republican nomination for the State Senate in District 45, the seat being vacated by term-limited Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson.

Former Oklahoma City Councilman Jerry Foshee and consultant Kyle Loveless also are candidates in the GOP race.

Lawler Seeks House District 50 Seat

Former Senator Daisy Lawler of Comanche is a candidate for the State House.

Lawler, defeated in her 2006 reelection bid, said she seeks the Democratic nomination for the House Distrct 50 seat now held by Republican Dennis Johnson of Duncan.

It All Comes Down To A DC Hotel Room

By Sam Youngman/The Hill ~ After millions of votes, dozens of debates and 18 months of incessant campaigning, 30 Democrats in a Washington hotel room this Saturday could seal the presidential fates of Sens. Barack Obama (Ill.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.).

The stage is set for a titanic showdown that could reshape the Democratic nomination process.

The Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) 30-member Rules and Bylaws Committee will make a momentous decision about the rogue states of Florida and Michigan in the face of relentless argument from the Clinton and Obama campaigns, a media crush and untold public scrutiny.

[The controversy could involve former Oklahoma Governor David Walters. He is the “principal chair” of the Democratic National Convention rules committee, which ultimately will have to ratify a solution to the dilemma.]

Read the entire story at http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/dems-race-down-to-d.c.-hotel-room-2008-05-27.html.

Stipe Gets $7,042 Monthly, Says Court

Disgraced former Senator Gene Stipe, now a convicted felon, gets to keep his $7,042 monthly state retirement checks, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled today.

The court upheld a district judge's ruling that Stipe is entitled to the sum, his full retirement benefit based on his years of service in the Legislature.

The board of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System had appealed an Oklahoma County judge's decision reinstating Stipe's full benefits. The OPERS had reduced Stipe's pension to about $1,600 a month after he pleaded guilty to illegally funneling money into a 1998 congressional campaign.

Stipe argued his pension should not have been cut because his plea did not relate to his duties as a legislator.

McMahan Panel Stymied By Feds' Reluctance To Share Probe Results

By Tim Talley/The Associated Press ~ One of the biggest tasks facing Oklahoma lawmakers remained unfinished when the Legislature adjourned its 2008 regular session.

The need to complete that task could force lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special session this summer.

Two weeks after it convened in February, the state House ordered an investigation of indicted Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, the first step in a possible impeachment vote of the second-term Democrat who faces federal charges of accepting improper trips and illegal campaign contributions.

House Speaker Chris Benge appointed eight House members — four Republicans and four Democrats — to a special investigating committee to collect evidence on whether McMahan violated his constitutional duties, particularly whether he took something of value for the performance or nonperformance of his job.

But the panel’s progress has been stymied by the pending criminal case and the reluctance of federal prosecutors to share information with state investigators prior to the auditor’s trial, which is scheduled to begin in one week in U.S. District Court in Muskogee.

Before the Legislature adjourned on Friday, members of the committee met only once to hire Edmond attorney Andrew W. Lester as special counsel to gather evidence that will help the panel decide whether to recommend that the full House impeach McMahan. Lester has done a considerable amount of background work, but obtaining evidence from the criminal case will have to wait until witnesses begin testifying at McMahan’s trial, said Rep. David Braddock, D-Altus, co-chairman of the House committee.

“I understand the concern on the part of the federal prosecutor. They don’t want to take any action at all,” Braddock said.

“We’ll be watching the trial. We’ll see what witnesses say. We’ll try to get a good handle on the testimony and then develop a plan,” he said.

Braddock said that depending upon the length of the trial, the investigating committee could be ready to begin taking testimony as early as July. An impeachment recommendation would force the House to return for a one-day special session to consider an impeachment vote. A vote to impeach would lead to a trial in the Senate and removal from office if McMahan is convicted.

McMahan and his wife, Lori, were indicted by a federal grand jury in January on nine counts including conspiracy, mail fraud and violating the Travel Act to commit bribery. The McMahans have pleaded not guilty.

The charges stem from dealings with southeast Oklahoma businessman Steve Phipps, who is identified in the nine-count indictment as a coconspirator. Federal prosecutors say the charges are tied to favoritism shown to Phipps by McMahan as well as excessive political donations to McMahan during his 2002 campaign.

If convicted on all counts, the McMahans could face up to 135 years in prison.

McMahan, who lives in Tecumseh, has not been to his state Capitol office since he turned over daily operations to Deputy State Auditor Michelle Day. But he continues to collect his $109,000 annual salary.

Key witnesses in the criminal case, including Phipps and Tim Arbaugh, former head of the abstract division of McMahan’s office, will likely testify before committee members following their appearances in federal court.

Officials, Friends Pack Mildren Service

Hundreds of Oklahoma's top elected officials, legislators, University of Oklahoma football fans and admirers packed Norman's McFarlin Methodist Church this afternoon for services honoring the life of former Lt. Governor Jack Milden.

Mildren died last week at age 58 of stomach cancer. He was an executive of Arvest Bank and a popular sports talk radio show co-host. He is survived by his mother, Mary, and his wife, Janis, and their children and grandson, and by brothers Richard and Glynne.

Among those in attendance at his funeral were Governor Brad Henry, Lt. Governor Jari Askins, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, Congresswoman Mary Fallin, former OU coaches Chuck Fairbanks and Barry Switzer and many of Mildren's former high school and OU teammates.

As his services were underway, a sports blogger revealed that Mildren's legendary high school football exploits may have been the inspriration for the popular movie Friday Night Lights about Texas football: "In an 2004 interview with ESPN.com, 'Friday Night Lights' author H.G. "Buzz" Bissinger said, 'When I was about 13 years old, there was a cover story in Sports Illustrated (Sept. 9, 1968) about a high school quarterback named Jack Mildren, and he played at Abilene Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas. 'I read that story word for word and was enthralled and amazed. He was like the Elvis Presley (or) Marilyn Monroe of the town. He was playing in front of 15,000, his name was on church marquees, and movie marquees all over town. I just said, 'My God.' I think I was jealous. I mean, what is it like to be that young and that famous? It sort of stayed with me and stayed with me.'"

Another Clinton Superdelegate Departs

Chicago, IL ~ Edward Lewis, chairman and founder of Essence Magazine and chairman of Latina Magazine, today endorsed Barack Obama. He switched his endorsement from Hillary Clinton to Obama, citing Obama's vision for a better America.

His endorsement comes as rumors in Oklahoma continue that Obama is about to pick up yet another of Oklahoma's four undeclared superdelegates. Five now support him, while one supports Clinton.

Lewis said, "As the founder of a woman's magazine, I acknowledge that Senator Clinton has served as a role model for many women across America and I have great admiration for her.

"However, as the campaign has unfolded, I have witnessed the strength of Senator Obama and both his passion and commitment for new possibilities for a better America. His conviction has led to my conviction that he is the hope for our country. I urge all Americans to support his candidacy for President of the United States."

Is Clinton (Bill) Losing Touch With Reality?

By Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand/CNN ~ Former President Bill Clinton said that Democrats were more likely to lose in November if his wife Hillary Clinton is not the party’s presidential nominee, and suggested some people were trying to “cover this up” and “push and pressure and bully” superdelegates to make up their minds prematurely.

"I can’t believe it. It is just frantic the way they are trying to push and pressure and bully all these superdelegates to come out,” he said at a South Dakota campaign stop Sunday, in remarks first reported by ABC News. “'Oh, this is so terrible: The people they want her. Oh, this is so terrible: She is winning the general election, and he is not. Oh my goodness, we have to cover this up.'"

The former president added that his wife had not been given the respect she deserved as a legitimate presidential candidate.

"She is winning the general election today and he is not, according to all the evidence,” he said. “And I have never seen anything like it. I have never seen a candidate treated so disrespectfully just for running.”

“Her only position was, ‘Look, if I lose I'll be a good team player. We will all try to win — but let's let everybody vote, and count every vote,’" he said.

The former president suggested that if the New York senator ended the primary season with an edge in the popular vote, it would be a significant development. "If you vote for her and she does well in Montana and she does well in Puerto Rico, when this is over she will be ahead in the popular vote,” said Clinton.

“And they're trying to get her to cry uncle before the Democratic Party has to decide what to do in Florida and Michigan” – which the party would need to do “unless we want to lose the election."

The current requirement to claim the Democratic presidential nomination is 2,026 delegates, a formula that does not take into account delegates from Florida and Michigan, whose contests were not sanctioned by the party – although if those votes were to be counted as cast, Hillary Clinton would still currently trail rival Barack Obama in the overall delegate count.

The former president said Sunday that the media had unfairly attacked his wife since the Iowa caucuses, repeating an often-used charge that press coverage had made him feel as though he were living in a “fun house.”

"If you notice, there hasn't been a lot of publicity on these polls I just told you about,” he said. “It is the first time you've heard it? Why do you think that is? Why do you think? Don't you think if the polls were the reverse and he was winning the Electoral College against Senator McCain and Hillary was losing it, it would be blasted on every television station?”

He added, “You would know it wouldn't you? It wouldn't be a little secret. And there is another Electoral College poll that I saw yesterday had her over 300 electoral votes…. She will win the general election if you nominate her. They're just trying to make sure you don't."

Jack Mildren Services Today In Norman

Former Lt. Governor Jack Mildren will be laid to rest today after services at 1 p.m. at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norman.

The former star OU quarterback died last Thursday of stomach cancer.

Those wishing to honor his memory are asked to donate to the Jack Mildren Athletic Scholarship Fund at OU. The mailing address is OU Foundation, University of Oklahoma, 180 West Brooks, Room 3575, Norman, OK 73019.

Funding Saves Rural DL Exam Sites

Two rural legislators who fought to preserve rural driver's license testing sites today praised last-minute legislation that saves the centers.

Reps. Ryan McMullen and Ryan Kiesel spent the final hours of legislative session last Friday shuttling between the House and Senate Chambers to ensure 32 testing sites across the state will remain open.

"Too often, rural Oklahoma gets the short end of the stick at the Legislature," said McMullen, D-Burns Flat. "I'm very pleased that did not happen this year. Obtaining a driver's license should be an accessible government service no matter where you live in Oklahoma."

The Department of Public Safety was planning to close over half the drivers' license examination stations this summer, reducing the locations from 59 to 27. The closure of the sites would have forced many rural Oklahomans to drive as much as 200 miles to receive their drivers' license.

Legislators voted at 10:20p.m. Friday night (the last day of this year's legislative session) to use revenue collected from the reissuance of Oklahoma license plates to ensure driver's license testing sites do not have to close this year.

House Bill 3326 would redesign and reissue license plates to all Oklahomans when they renew their annual tag in 2010. The new plate will not cost Oklahomans any additional money over their annual tag fee unless they want to keep their current license plate number. The fee to keep the same number will be $15 and is expected to bring in over $2million in new revenue.

House Bill 2348 would dedicate that new revenue to DPS to keep all their drivers' license testing sites open for at least the next year until legislators can develop a long-term solution.

"Had this legislation not passed, many Oklahomans would have faced longer drives, longer lines, and lost time at distant testing sites," said state Kiesel, D-Seminole. "Given the rising cost of fuel, that would be an unacceptable financial burden to place on families already struggling to make ends meet."

Insurance Agents Honor Jolley, Peterson

The Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma (IIAO) today recognized two state legislators for their support of issues of importance to independent agents. Senator Clark Jolley of Edmond was presented the 2008 State Senator of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership in passing legislation allowing Oklahoma businesses who operate in other states, and who are insured by CompSource Oklahoma, to be properly protected. The legislation gives Oklahoma employers the ability to protect employees who sustain injuries while working in other states. Rep. Ron Peterson of Broken Arrow was presented the inaugural Legislative Award for Courage in recognition of his firm opposition to legislation imposing unfunded mandates on health insurance policies.

Honoring Their Memory....

Mildren Scholarship Fund Established

Jack Mildren's family has asked that those wishing to honor the memory of the former University of Oklahoma football great and lieutentant governor who died on Thursday donate to the Jack Mildren Athletic Scholarship Fund at the OU Foundation.

Donations should be made payable to the OU Foundation and noted they are for the Mildren Athletic Scholarship. The mailing address is OU Foundation, University of Oklahoma, 180 West Brooks, Room 3575, Norman, OK 73019.

Services for Mildren will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at McFarlin Methodist Church in Norman.

Henry Names Boettcher to OSU Regents

Governor Henry has appointed former State Rep. Fred Boettcher of Ponca City to the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents.

Boettcher becomes only the second person ever to serve on the board who did not graduate from Oklahoma State University.

Boettcher received his bachelor's degree from Saint Louis University and his law degree from the University of Oklahoma. He was a state representative in the 1970s.

Clinton Pays Price For Kennedy Remark

Hillary Clinton is paying a huge price for her ill-considered remarks to a newspaper editorial board on Friday in which she said a reason she is staying in the presidential race is because Robert Kennedy was assassinated in June. The implication of the remark has stirred a firestorm. The newspaper front page above is one example; below are other examples.

New York Newspaper Columnist ~ SICK. Disgusting. And yet revealing. Hillary Clinton is staying in the race in the event some nut kills Barack Obama. It could happen, but what definitely has happened is that Clinton has killed her own chances of being vice president. She doesn't deserve to be elected dog catcher anywhere now.

From Oklahoma's Peace Arena Blog ~ Hillary's Meltdown - On Countdown with Keith Olbermann today, he had on presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, who I thought said some very astute things about Hillary Clinton, particularly what her comments today (and previously) about possible assassinations of candidates suggest of her state of mind. His remarks reflect not so much an historian's eye, as a very humane sensitivity to emotional distress, which just happen to be on display now in a presidential campaign. At about 4:00 he says something about how she is in "depression or meltdown" and is not expressing the "best side of her nature." This comment really struck a chord with me. There are plenty of others who are saying what needs to be said about the abhorrent suggestion in Clinton's remarks -- they say it far better than I can.

"We have seen an X-ray of a very dark soul. One consumed by raw ambition to where the possible assassination of an opponent is something to ponder in a strategic way. Otherwise, why is murder on her mind?" ~ New York Daily News

From Oklahoma's Sooner Thought Blog ~ Having been born on the day Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated, I have always taken a special interest in this great man and his times. Senator Clinton's dumb remark sullies his memory by using his murder as an election talking point. It is also tasteless when you consider that Sen. Kennedy's younger brother Edward just received a terminal illness diagnosis--I mean really, how crass can you get? Whether she meant to imply that Obama could also be assassinated or not, this is simply the point where she should fold up her tent. Apology is not enough. It is time for Sen. Clinton to stop embarrassing herself and our Party and go away.

Cable Television Website Story ~ BRANDON, SD - Another example of the power of the Drudge Report today, as a NY Post story pointing out that Clinton brought up the assassination of Robert F Kennedy in 1968 during an editorial board meeting sent reporters traveling with Clinton into a frenzy.

From AOL News ~ Clinton Remark Sparks Uproar.

From Oklahoma's The McCarville Report Online ~ Hillary Clinton's New Gaffe Worst Yet.

From The Hill ~ Her words quickly sparked a frenzy on the internet and on cable news networks.

From Blogger Michelle Malkin ~ Hillary’s foot-in-mouth moment: Will Bobby Kennedy assassination remarks be the final nail?

Rant By Keith Olbermann/MSNBC ~ You actually invoked the nightmare of political assassination. You actually invoked the specter of an inspirational leader, at the seeming moment of triumph, for himself and a battered nation yearning to breathe free, silenced forever. You actually used the word "assassination" in the middle of a campaign with a loud undertone of racial hatred - and gender hatred - and political hatred. You actually used the word "assassination" in a time when there is a fear, unspoken but vivid and terrible, that our again-troubled land and fractured political landscape might target a black man running for president. Or a white man. Or a white woman! You actually used those words, in this America, Senator, while running against an African-American against whom the death threats started the moment he declared his campaign?

From Oklahoma Blogger Stan Geiger ~ As everyone knows by now, Clinton made a public statement noting Bobby Kennedy, while running for president, wasn't murdered until June. If I were a nut case, a radical, passionate Hillary supporter that would do anything to see her elected president, I could easily take what she said as a suggestion. It's not too late. Obama might, kinda sorta, up and die---with the help of a couple of bullets from my gun. It's up to me. Hillary, my great leader, has called me to action. Clinton has lost it.

Democrat Announces In Cargill District

Edmond resident Dianne Hunter has announced that she will seek the Democratic nomination in House District 96 now held by Republican Lance Cargill.

Hunter becomes the second candidate to announce for the seat. Earlier this week, Republican Mike Idleman announced he'll seek the GOP nomination. Cargill has not announced whether he plans to seek reelection.

Hunter was joined by Lt. Governor Jari Askins and Democratic members of the House as she announced her candidacy."It’s time to put someone with integrity back in the House of Representative for the 96th District,” says Hunter. “Hard working citizens of the district pay taxes for Representative Cargill’s salary and it’s unacceptable for him to not pay his taxes on time. The 96th House District deserves and is ready for a change in leadership!”

“Rep. Cargill says he wants to improve the state’s education system, but when he doesn’t pay his property taxes on time, schools in the 96th district are hurt,” says Hunter.

“Rep. Cargill states that he fought to reduce the tax burden on working families, but in fact, he was neglecting his responsibility to pay taxes on time.”

Legislature Adjourns For The Year

The Legislature approved a $475 million bond package Friday night before adjourning for the year.

A two-part bond plan that will devote $300 million to road and bridge repairs easily passed the House and Senate over protests that the state should not go into debt with a vote of the people.

Lawmakers had until May 30 under the Constitution to adjourn, but passed resolutions to quit by midnight Friday. Adjournment came at 10:23 p.m. in the Senate and House members went home 17 minutes later.

Jack Mildren Services 1 p.m. Tuesday

Funeral services for former Oklahoma Lt. Governor Jack Mildren will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman.

Mildren, 58, died Thursday of stomach cancer. The former University of Oklahoma star quarterback was first diagnosed two years ago and was stricken a second time several weeks ago.

Hillary Clinton's New Gaffe Worst Yet

Hillary Clinton today cited the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy during the 1968 presidential campaign to explain why she was remaining in the race despite long odds.

The implication of the remark, and a furor that erupted within hours, prompted Clinton to later apologize.

Barack Obama's campaign said the remark is "unfortunate." Others were less charitable, saying it shows Clinton needs to "pack in it...she's lost it," in the words of one Democrat consultant.

"We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California," Clinton told the editorial board of a South Dakota newspaper. " I don't understand it," Clinton added, alluding to the calls for her to quit.

Clinton made the statement after pointing out that her husband didn't lock up the nomination until June of 1992, trying to point out that, by past history, it's not late in the campaign.

But Barack Obama received Secret Service protection one year ago this month, the earliest ever in presidential history, after reports of threats.

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement that “Senator Clinton's statement before the Argus Leader editorial board was unfortunate and has no place in this campaign."

Clinton's made the comment to the Argus Leader newspaper in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Clinton's campaign has put out a statement in her name, apologizing for the remark."The Kennedys have been much on my mind the last days because of Senator Kennedy and I regret that if my referencing that moment of trauma for our entire nation, and particularly for the Kennedy family was in any way offensive," she said.

Judge: McMahans Will Face All Charges

A federal judge ruled today that State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan and his wife, Lori McMahan, will face all nine counts of conspiracy, mail fraud and Travel Act violations at their joint trial on June 2..

Attorneys for the McMahans, present in U.S. District Court Friday morning, tried to persuade District Judge James H. Payne to dismiss several of the counts during a hearing.

Payne later issued a written order in which he denied the request.

State Senate Honors Mildren's Memory

The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a resolution honoring the life of former Lieutenant Governor and University of Oklahoma football star Jack Mildren.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins, President of the Senate, presided over the chamber as the resolution was read and approved unanimously. Mildren, age 58, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and died on Thursday.

Senator Kenneth Corn, principal author of Senate Resolution 105, said he was extremely saddened by Mildren’s passing. He recalled Mildren as a man who loved life and always had a smile on his face.

“Even though he’ll always be remembered as the famous football star, he was an extremely successful businessman, creating jobs for countless Oklahomans,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “As Lt. Governor, he showed us that integrity is more important than partisan politics, and he worked tirelessly to promote the state he loved.”

Known as the Godfather of the Wishbone, Mildren also achieved later success in the oil businesses as co-founder and President of Regency Exploration, Inc., and as an independent oil operator. He also hosted a daily sports radio talk show on two local radio stations, as well as two television sports programs.

Senator Jeff Rabon served as then Lt. Gov. Mildren’s senior administrative assistant in the early 1990’s. Rabon recalled Mildren as the most selfless man he’d ever met.

“He was tough and smart on the football field, in politics and business. I admire his character and his tenacity, and I’m very sad that we’ve lost him at such a young age,” said Rabon, D-Hugo. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Mildren family.”

Conservative Union Honors Mary Fallin

The American Conservative Union (ACU) has named Congresswoman Mary Fallin one of the “Best and Brightest” members of the 110th Congress by scoring 100% on its ratings for 2007.

Shelton Opposes Shawnee Tribe Casino

Rep. Mike Shelton today announced his opposition of the Shawnee Tribe's plans to build a casino just 1.7 miles away from Remington Park.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has opened an official 30-day comment period for state officials to express concerns or support of the land being put into Federal trust, which would allow the Shawnee Tribe to build a casino.

"Since the 30-day comment period on the proposed Shawnee casino complex is open, I feel it is my obligation to express my opposition to the project, as well as my constituents'," said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City.

"By law, Remington Park operates with many more limitations than tribal casinos and pays many times the taxes. To put a less-regulated, less-restrictive casino in Remington Park's backyard is far from fair.

"Personally, I resent the fact that the Shawnee Tribe's promotional materials have stated that their project would be 'good for Remington Park' and I believe the statement is intentionally misleading.

"State Question 712 was passed by Oklahoma voters in November 2004 and approved electronic gaming for Oklahoma racetracks, including Remington Park who was on the verge of closing its doors. The law limits the horsetrack's type of gaming, number of machines and hours of operation, and requires a higher tax rate.

"Remington Park has invested millions in our community, has played by the rules set forth by the state, and has contributed nearly $20 million to Oklahoma education in the 30 months they've had their casino open,"said Shelton.

"Putting nontribal, unassigned land into Federal trust forthe purpose of gaming is a slippery slope we should avoid. In this case, it upsets current law and threatens to harm existing businesses in the community."

McCain Oklahoma Fundraising Surges

By Randy Krehbiel/Tulsa World ~ Oklahoma Republicans got out their checkbooks in April. Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain collected more than $450,000 from Oklahomans last month, more than doubling his total for the entire campaign cycle, according to Federal Election Commission reports.

McCain's April haul and revisions to earlier reports pushed his Oklahoma total to $925,037, compared with $383,916 just a month earlier when he trailed Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, as well as fellow Republican Rudy Giuliani, who dropped out of the race in February.

Uncharacteristically, contributions to Democratic candidates led those to Republicans throughout the past year. But McCain now leads both Clinton and Obama, and the GOP has pulled to within about $35,000 of the Democrats.

Read the entire story at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectID=12&articleID=20080523_16_A8_spancl904906.

Holmes: Mildren Considered Campaign

Democratic State Chairman Ivan Holmes revealed today that former Lt. Governor Jack Mildren, who died yesterday of stomach cancer, was considering another run for statewide office.

"Jack Mildren was not only an outstanding individual but a great Democrat as well. His leadership will be missed," said Ivan Holmes, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

"Mildren came by the Democratic Headquarters a few months ago and we had a lengthy discussion about him running for statewide office," Holmes said.

"He felt like the time might be right for him to again run. The only thing holding him back was he wanted to be sure his cancer was in remission," Holmes said.

"I talked with him again a couple of months later and he said that it looked like he would need additional treatment," Holmes said.

"Jack was one of the most upbeat individuals I have ever met and we had a long discussion about he direction the Democratic Party needed to go. He was looking forward to once again getting involved in a state-wide race," Holmes said. "He will leave a real void in our party," Holmes added.

Bill Gives Veterans Free Park Admission

Rep. Chuck Hoskin's bills granting new benefits to Oklahoma veterans and benefiting the owners of motorcycles will soon head to the governor for his signature.

House Bill 2970, by Hoskin, gives all honorably discharged Oklahoma veterans free admission to state parks and museums.

"As we enter the Memorial Day weekend and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country, it's also a good time to honor those who served and made it back home," said Hoskin, D-Vinita. "House Bill 2970 is a small way to tell those veterans we appreciate their service."

Another proposal authored by Hoskin received final legislative approval this week. A provision of Senate Bill 2086 that Hoskin authored updates state regulation of motorcycle lights.

Cargill Draws GOP Opponent

Mike Idleman announced today that he is a candidate for the Republican nomination in House District 96, the post now held by former House Speaker Lance Cargill.

Cargill has not yet announced if he'll seek reeelection.

"I'm a conservative Republican and have never run for political office before. I know this will be a tough race but I'm ready to take up the challenge," said Idleman.

Idleman is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he also served as a graduate assistant coach for the Cowboys' football team under head coach Pat Jones from 1990-92. After serving in that capacity at OSU, he moved to Edmond to teach and also coach football and baseball from 1992-2000.

"I believe in a citizen legislature and feel that my background in finance, teaching and coaching lends me a great skill set to go down there and get things accomplished, Idleman said."

"I am also very concerned about the role of money in politics, and plan on proving we don't need to spend several thousand dollars to win a $38,000 a year job. I've knocked hundreds and hundreds of doors, so far and have had a great response by the voters. I plan on just out working my opponents!" said Idleman.

Idleman is currently a small businessman. He owns a court reporting business and is a Regional VP for Primerica Financial Services.

Worthen Laments Denial Of COLA

Teachers, firefighters, police officers and public employees were denied a cost of living adjustment following a political stunt by House Democrats late Thursday night, Rep. Trebor Worthen said today.

"House Democrats, led by liberal Oklahoma City Representative Richard Morrissette, were successful in killing the cost of living adjustment that would benefit thousands of retired teachers, firefighters, police officers and other state employees," Worthen said in a news release.

“It is outrageous that House Democrats would band together to kill a bill that would benefit so many of our retirees, many of whom are living on a fixed income,” Worthen added.

JACK MILDREN DIES OF CANCER

Former Lt. Governor Jack Mildren died tonight of stomach cancer. Sources report that family members confirmed Mildren's death. It came just two weeks after it was reported the stomach cancer he had fought for two years had returned.

He was 58.

His death came as a surprise since he had been on the air in recent days doing sports talk shows in Oklahoma City.

He had been undergoing treatment at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Democrat Leader Danny Morgan released a statement on behalf of House Democrats regarding Mildren’s passing. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Lieutenant Governor Jack Mildren’s family tonight,” said Morgan, D- Prague. “Oklahoma has lost one its greatest ambassadors tonight. We will always remember his sports heroics, his accomplishments as a public servant and his dedication to his wife and children. Tonight we mourn the loss of a great Oklahoman.”

Larry Jack Mildren was born on October 10, 1949, in Kingsville, Texas.

He attended Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas, leading the Cougars to the Class 4A state championship game in 1967 against Austin Reagan High School. In one of the most memorable moments in Texas high school football history, with time running out and Cooper down by a single point, Mildren drove the Cougars to the Reagan one-yard line, only to be stopped short of the goal line on a quarterback sneak as time expired.

In football, Mildren is perhaps best known as the "Godfather of the Wishbone" going back to his quarterbacking days at the University of Oklahoma (1969-71).

Mildren set records in his 1971 senior season that have since been exceeded. The Sooners posted an 11-1 record, with the wishbone averaging a remarkable 472.4 yards rushing per game. Mildren set records for most rushing yards in a season (1,140; 1971), most career touchdown passes (25), and season passing efficiency (209.0; 1971). That same season, OU fell just short of a national championship, losing 35-31 in Norman to eventual champ the University of Nebraska in what was billed as the Game of the Century.

Mildren was named both All-American quarterback and Academic All-American his senior season. He was also named the 1972 Sugar Bowl MVP after the Sooners' 40-22 victory over the Auburn, a game OU led 31-0 at halftime.

After his collegiate days, Mildren joined the ranks of the pros for three seasons, playing defensive back for the Baltimore Colts and the New England Patriots.

In 1990, Mildren became Oklahoma's 22nd Lieutenant Governor, a post he held until 1995. In 1994, he ran for governor, losing to Republican Frank Keating.

Mildren served as the Vice-Chairman for the Arvest Bank Group, and as a sports commentator for Jox 930 WKY.

Mildren and his wife have three children; Leigh Woody (married to Russell Woody), Lauren Ford (married to Adam Ford) and Andrew Mildren (married to Caroline Mildren). Leigh and Drew reside in Oklahoma City while Lauren and Adam reside in Washington D.C. He also has a grandson, Jacob Mildren Woody.

Jack Mildren's Cancer Takes Serious Turn

There's word late this afternoon that former Lt. Governor Jack Mildren's battle with stomach cancer has taken a serious turn. Mildren, a former University of Oklahoma quarterback who ran for governor following his term as lieutenant governor, was diagnosed two years ago and treated; the cancer apparently returned recently and just two weeks ago, it was revealed he was undergoing new treatment.

Plate Revenue Would Keep DL Sites Open

Revenue collected from the reissuance of Oklahoma license plates will go toward ensuring driver’s license testing sites do not have to close this year, House Republican leaders said today.

House Bill 3326, which is pending before the governor, would redesign and reissue license plates to all Oklahomans when they renew their annual tag in 2010. The new plate will not cost Oklahomans any additional money over their annual tag fee unless they want to keep their current license plate number. The fee to keep the same number will be $15, and is expected to bring in over $2 million in new revenue.

The Department of Public Safety is considering reducing their number of driver’s license examination stations from 59 to 27.

House Bill 2348 passed out of the House GCCA committee today and would dedicate that new revenue to DPS to keep all their testing sites open for at least the next year until legislators can further study the issue and develop a long-term solution, said Rep. Ken Miller, author of the bill.

Politico Profiles Tom Cole

Politico has an interesting profile of Congressman Tom Cole and the difficulties he's encountered as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Read it at http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10547.html.

Stipe Headed To Missouri Prison Hospital

Former Senator Gene Stipe is ready to report to a federal prison hospital in Missouri for another evaluation of his mental competency, his lawyer said today.

Stipe, 81, will be taken to Springfield, Mo., by family members on Friday, defense attorney Clark Brewster said.

Leftwich's 'Scum Of The Earth' Bill OK'd

The Senate on Thursday voted in favor of strengthening penalties for assaulting pregnant women by its approval of Senator Debbe Leftwich's "Scum Of The Earth" bill and it now goes to Governor Henry's desk.

The bill will allow felony charges to be filed against a person who assaults a woman and causes her to miscarry.

Noting that domestic violence is the number one cause of death among pregnant women, Leftwich said the state has a moral and legal responsibility to address the problem.

Dank's Ethics Reform Measure Approved

The Senate and House today voted overwhelming approval for Rep. David Dank's ethics reform bill and it nows to Governor Henry for action.

House Bill 2196 bans campaign contributions from lobbyists and lobbyist principals during regular legislative sessions. The ban applies to contributions to the campaigns of state legislators and candidates for a state legislative office.

The bill was coauthored Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

“This is a giant step forward for clean and open government,” Dank said. “It puts some important distance between giving money and passing legislation. We finally succeeded in separating the lawmaking process from campaign cash. I am less worried about Granny Smith sending ten dollars to her legislator than I am with deep-pocket lobbyists giving big bucks to the same people who are considering their bills.”

Reynolds Urges Henry To Veto Ethics Bill

Rep. Mike Reynolds today urged Governor Henry to veto a bill funding the Ethics Commission and force the Legislature to rewrite the agency's budget.

In a letter sent to the governor, Reynolds noted the Ethics Commission is a Constitutional body that the people have said "must be sufficiently funded" and urged Henry to veto House Bill 2286.

"With two days left in the legislative session and several million dollars still available, this will allow for a bill with sufficient funding to be enacted," Reynolds said.

If Henry does not want to veto the entire bill, Reynolds said, he could also use the line-item veto to oppose a section requiring the commission to spend $50,000 on a new software system that would be used to record campaign donations.

Reynolds noted that the Ethics Commission "has clearly indicated it is not compliant with their rules -- they do not want it and will not use it. Additionally the estimate for the cost of this software has been shown to be in excess of $750,000."

Reynolds noted that Henry had vetoed similar legislation in 2004.

This year's state budget provides about $667,000 to the Ethics Commission, an increase of about $140,000 less than the absolute minimum commission officials have repeatedly said they need to do their jobs.

The commission yesterday threatened to sue the Legislature if additional money is not provided.

Whetsel Says He'll Seek Fourth Term

Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel announced he'll seek a fourth term.

The former Choctaw police chief and former president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police has yet to draw an opponent.

Whetsel has been sheriff since 1997.

The filing period for Oklahoma County offices is June 2-4. Primaries are July 29. Runoffs will be August 26. The general election is November 4.

Chris Wilson Now A Fox News Regular

Oklahoma City and Washington Republican pollster and consultant Chris Wilson is now a regular commentator on Fox News.

Wilson joins "Fox And Friends" regularly to offer thoughts and observations on the presidential race, primarily, and what all the polls mean and how the candidates are handling the issues.

Recently, he was asked on the Fox morning show to discuss the accuracy of polls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI7Lb7P66Po.

A former executive director of the Texas Republican Party, Wilson was named a "Mover and Shaker" in American politics by Campaigns & Elections magazine in 1999. He's frequently quoted in national publications. He's a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and Georgetown University in Washington.

Wilson's recent appearances can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/WilsonResearchStrat.

His next scheduled appearance is Friday at 1 p.m. CDT.

Harkin's 'Insane' McCain Criticism Draws Fire, Creates Problem For Democrats

From Fox News ~ Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, who lied about his own military service, is catching grief for suggesting John McCain’s family history of military service makes the presumptive Republican presidential nominee unfit to be commander-in-chief.

Harkin, who has a history of embellishing his own military record, told Iowa reporters last week that McCain’s background as the son and grandson of Navy admirals creates a “dangerous” situation because he can only view the world through the prism of the military.

“He has a hard time thinking beyond that,” Harkin said, according to The Des Moines Register. “I think he’s trapped in that. Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous.”

The paper also quotes Iowa’s junior senator telling reporters, “It’s one thing to have been drafted and served, but another thing when you come from generations of military people and that’s just how you’re steeped, how you’ve learned, how you’ve grown up.”

Military service is not a foreign concept to U.S. presidents. Since Franklin D. Roosevelt, who spent seven years as assistant secretary of the Navy, Bill Clinton is the only president to have not served in some branch of the military.

McCain, who touts his family history on the campaign trail, was a Vietnam War pilot who spent five and a half years in a prisoner of war camp rather than accept the North Vietnamese offer to release him ahead of his fellow troops because he was the son of an admiral.

On the stump, McCain often discusses the need to continue operations in Iraq until the country can securely manage its own affairs, and has suggested that the U.S. could leave a presence there for as long as 100 years if the country is secure. In a recent speech, however, the Arizona senator laid out a vision of his administration that included removing U.S. troops from Iraq by 2013.

McCain’s campaign has blasted Harkin for suggesting that a long military career is a bad thing. Elsewhere, the right-wing blogosphere and pundits have suggested that Harkin is out of touch.”It’s perverse,” said National Review editor Rich Lowry. “He has this family history of serving the country in the most risk-taking way possible, and that somehow disqualifies you to be president of the United States? That’s insane.”

Democratic strategist Kristen Powers, a Fox News political analyst, said Harkin’s comments make it harder for Democrats to claim the moral authority on foreign policy. “I think it’s a problem. I don’t know why he would say something like that, and it reinforces this idea of Democrats not respecting military service … it’s a noble calling, and I don’t know why he would say something like that,” she said.

Harkin, who noted in the conference call with reporters that difficulty recruiting has led to more high school dropouts and felons entering the military, has a long military record of his own.

He served in the Navy on active duty for five years, and remained in the reserves until 1989. But while running for president in 2004, he was forced to admit that he never did combat air patrols or photo reconnaissance in Vietnam as he had claimed.

According to The Wall Street Journal, which acquired his military records at the time of his presidential bid, Harkin ferried damaged aircraft between repair stations in Japan and the Philippines, and ran test flights of the planes after they were fixed.

OCPAC Endorses Dana Murphy

Republican Corporation Commission candidate Dana Murphy has received the endorsement of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee chaired by Charlie Meadows.

Legislators Urge DL Exam Sites Retention

Reps. Ryan McMullen and Ryan Kiesel today urged colleagues to work to prevent the closure of over half of the state's driver's license examination sites.

More than 30 driver's license examination stations may be closed this year due to budget short-falls at the Department of Public Safety, according to recent reports.

The department is considering a plan to reduce the number of sites from 59 to 27.

"This is the reason folks get frustrated with government. People should expect something like obtaining a driver's license to be relatively hassle-free," said McMullen, D-Burns Flat. "I assure you that when people are forced to drive as much as 200 extra miles and wait in line an extra couple of hours for something as basic as a driver's license, people will be justifiably upset."

Missouri Car Dealer Offers Free Guns

In a move certain to generate both controversy and publicity, a new and used car dealer in Butler, Missouri, is offering his customers a choice between two sales incentives with their vehicle purchase: $250 in gasoline or a free semi-automatic handgun.

"We got high gas prices, theft, carjackings, innocent people getting hurt," Walter Moore, from Max Motors, told KMBC-TV.

It seems the resourceful dealer is offering car buyers a solution for it all -- and the gun is proving to be the popular choice with 80 percent of his customers choosing the firearm over free fuel.

Customers who choose the semi-auto pistol over the gas are handed a certificate that must be redeemed, after the requisite forms and background check are complete, at a local gun shop.

Ethics Commission Threatens Funds Suit

The Ethics Commission today threatened to sue the Legislature if it doesn't appropriate more money before it adjourns.

"It's a warning," Commissioner John Raley said. "This is what we intend to do."

Last month, legislative leaders and the governor agreed that the commission would receive about $667,000 - a 30 percent increase - for the 2009 fiscal year that starts July 1.

The commission had requested a third more than that, about $906,000, to be adequately funded.

The increased funding does not provide for any additional workers for the Ethic Commission, which has seven employees. One third of the funding increase, or $50,000, is earmarked by legislators for a computer software program for campaign reporting that the commission does not want.

Commission Chairman Don Bingham said commission members hope legislators will at least provide funding for an investigator, which would give the commission two investigators. Legislators are planning to adjourn Friday.

"We're trying to avoid (filing) litigation," Bingham said.

Legislative Leaders Agree On Bond Issue

From http://www.newsok.com/ ~ Legislative leaders have reached a tentative agreement today on a bond issue that will involve three separate proposals totaling $475 million.

The biggest proposal involves a $300 million bond issue for the state's roads and bridges.

Another proposal involves $100 million to fund endowed chairs for the state's share to match private donations given to universities. Some future restrictions are expected to be included in the package.

A third proposal totals $75 million — $25 million each for the American Indian Museum and Cultural Center, being built in Oklahoma City; bridge and dam improvements on the Arkansas River; and flood control measures for the state Conservation Commission.

The agreement should ensure that the Legislature will be able to make its goal of adjourning the 2008 legislative session by 5 p.m. Friday.

Washington Watch: Coburn Stirs It Up

Tom Coburn: Senator Tom Coburn continues to stir it up on Capitol Hill. Oklahoma's junior senator now calls to account the U. S. Department of Agriculture's expenditures for conferences and travel.

Coburn says the USDA spent $19 million in 2006 sending staff to conferences in such places as Las Vegas, Orlando and Hawaii. Among the trips were one to attend a “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” seminar in Las Vegas and others to Australia for conferences on fungus and crawdads, said Coburn.

In all, the agency sent 21,000 employees to 6,719 conferences in 2006 at a real cost of $19 million and “an unknown cost to taxpayers in lost productivity,” a report by Coburn states. “At a time when millions of Americans are being forced to tighten their belts, it is obscene that politicians in Washington are refusing to rein in wasteful spending."

Coburn, the top Republican on the Senate’s federal financial management subcommittee, has been proposing cuts to agency travel for conferences since coming to the Senate in 2005. He authored an amendment to the recently passed farm bill to require the Agriculture Department to post details on conference travel online. Coburn said federal agencies spent more than $2 billion on conferences from 2000 through 2006. The Agriculture Department spent $90 million on conferences in that time, he said.

“Whether it is sending 270 employees in one year to Mickey Mouse’s house in Orlando, attending 28 separate 2006 conferences in Hawaii, or spending a quarter-of-a-million dollars on Las Vegas resort-based conferences, these USDA trips have the appearance of a ‘spring break’ mentality,” he said.

Tom Cole: Congressman Tom Cole has been under fire from some after three GOP congressional race losses to Democrats. Some insiders suggested Cole was about to be shown the door at the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee he chairs, but others say that's just a knee-jerk reaction to a situation Cole didn't create, and GOP leaders are lining up in support of Cole.

House Minority Leader John Boehner, reacting to unrest within the House GOP caucus over the string of special election losses and tough prospects for November, said Wednesday he will name two members to conduct a “performance audit’’ of the party’s recent losing campaigns. Sources who attended the closed-door meeting of the House Republican Conference said Boehner also named Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, to head up a special fund-raising effort for targeted races this fall. The NRCC is way behind its counterpart, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in cash on hand and in fund-raising efforts. The minority leader also told the caucus that even though most state primaries are over, he and Cole will get more involved in the remaining ones by trying to head off divisive and potentially expensive primary fights for House nominations.

Cole has been under fire from House Republicans for the three special election defeats that began in March, when the party lost the Illinois 14th District seat of retired Speaker J. Dennis Hastert to Democrat Bill Foster. It continued this month with defeats in Louisiana’s 6th District and Mississippi’s 1st District — both once GOP bastions. Boehner, who has had run-ins with Cole over fund-raising and candidate recruitment, now expresses confidence in Cole, who was elected by the full GOP Conference.

J. C. Watts: There's been considerable blog chatter about the former 4th District congressman as a possible running mate for John McCain. Forget it, for a lot of reasons. The last thing McCain needs is a tie to another lobbyist, which Watts is. McCain needs a large swing state connection and Watts obviously doesn't have that. But...Watts easily could wind up in a top spot in a McCain Administration.

Dan Boren: The 2nd District Democrat was a rock star at the National Rifle Association's annual meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, last week. A new member of the NRA's board of directors, Boren was given a key spot on the speaker's schedule at the NRA's opening general session and received a rousing ovation from the 8,000-10,000 session attendees both before and after his remarks. Chris Cox, head of the NRA Institute of Legislative Action, praised Boren as a patriot whose rock-solid, long-standing support of the 2nd Amendment is an example of American values. To see and hear Boren interviewed on the NRA News show "Cam & Company" by Cam Edwards, Ginny Simone and Mike McCarville, go to http://www.nra.org/, click on "Browse Archives," then click on "2008 Annual Meeting" and then click on "Page 3."

Obama Wins Oregon, Clinton Kentucky

Barack Obama defeated Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Oregon primary Tuesday and moved within 100 delegates of the total needed to claim the prize at the party convention this summer.

Clinton won the Kentucky primary by more than 2-to-1, but that win was eclipsed by Obama's movement closer to locking up the Democratic nomination.

Obama's Oregon win may propel more party superdelegates to support him. In Oklahoma, he now has the support of five of the 10 superdelegates, while Clinton has just one, and there is speculation that at least one more Oklahoman will declare for him in short order.

House Approves Day Care Oversight Bill

The House voted today to increase oversight of day care facilities and to ensure that parents have easy access to the results of the Department of Human Services (DHS) inspections of the day care facility that they choose for their children.

"We want to empower parents by giving them access to information they need to make decisions about the care of their child," said Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa. "They need to know what's going on in their childcare facility. They shouldn't have to rely on DHS to make the decision."

House Bill 2643, by Peters, would require the Department of HumanServices to post all childcare inspection records on the Internet. The bill also requires centers to publicly post the availability of inspection records at the facility.

Obama At 'Symbolic Tipping Point'?

From Fox News ~ Barack Obama is reaching for a symbolic tipping point in the Oregon and Kentucky primaries today — a majority of pledged delegates offered in the Democratic presidential contest.

Hillary Rodham Clinton vowed there was “no way that this is going to end anytime soon” as she campaigned Monday across Kentucky, a state she is expected to win.

Obama is favored in Oregon, where supporters delivered the largest crowd of his campaign on Sunday.

Regardless of who prevails in those states, Obama is on track to secure the largest share of delegates who could be won in the long slog of primaries and caucuses since the snows of January.

Democrat Forum Alleges Probe Underway

The Democrats of Oklahoma Community Forum, http://www.demookie.com/, alleges in a post by administrator Tim Reese that an investigation into an aspect of the funding of Republican Corporation Commission candidate Rep. Rob Johnson is underway. No sources are named.

Read the post at http://www.demookie.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=38498.

Gumm Notes Editorial Nods For 'Nick's Law'

Two more newspapers have published editorials in support of “Nick’s Law,” a measure by Senator Jay Paul Gumm that would require health insurance policies cover diagnosis and treatment for autistic children.

The Edmond Sun and The Enid News & Eagle both published editorials supportive of the proposal. The plan passed the Oklahoma Senate on four separate occasions but stalled in the House.

“Republicans, Democrats and independent voters across the state overwhelmingly support “Nick’s Law’,” said Gumm, D-Durant. “Supportive editorials in newspapers serving ‘rock-ribbed Republican’ communities further illustrate how amazingly out of step those are who will not even allow a vote on the bill.”

The Enid newspaper acknowledged the effort by families with autistic children, relating the families “have not been deterred in trying to make lawmakers see the light.” Further, the newspaper wrote it believes “this situation deserves more consideration and that families of autistic children need consideration by insurance companies.”

In the Edmond paper, which serves the hometown of 10-year-old Nicholas Rohde, the Nick of “Nick’s Law,” editorial writers noted, “Bearing the cost of autism alone is hurting these Oklahoma families.”

In addition, the newspaper wrote about the Rubicon School in Edmond, which serves autistic children. The editorial described some of the financial threats to the school and services on which parents and children depend.

Finally, the Edmond paper wrote, “Clearly as the number of families battling autism rises, more aid will be needed. Ensuring insurance coverage for medical treatment of this epidemic is a clear first step in providing the help necessary for a brighter future for these children and their families.”

The papers join the Tulsa World, which weeks ago expressed its editorial support.

“We are seeing more support for ‘Nick’s Law’ across the political spectrum,” he said. “Speaker Benge has a chance to become a hero, and I pray he takes that opportunity rather than continuing down a shadowy path that is completely out of step with Oklahoma’s values.”

Acknowledging it would take a miracle to make “Nick’s Law” a reality before the Legislature adjourns Friday, Gumm said none of the families and their advocates would ever give up until the measure becomes law.

“It might take a miracle,” he said. “But anyone who has seen these parents and the love they have for their children know that miracles can happen. I have seen how much they care for their children; they are the most inspiring of parents."

DSCC Blogger Blows Rice Assignment

Youth, inexperience and a lack of fact-checking has lots of folks laughing about the blog posts and video report of one Amy Rubin, a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee staffer who was sent to Oklahoma from Washington to support the campaign of liberal Andrew Rice.

Among the errors in Rubin's report was one in which she reported visiting "Custard County." It's assumed the reference is to Custer County.

Worse, Rubin asserted in her report that most Oklahoma farms are operated by corporations: "I learned that farmers used to dry out cow dung to use as fuel and that the cost of fuel and production over the last seven years has devasted the family farmer. In fact, most farms in Oklahoma are now large corporate operations."

However, the statistics don't support that assertion; 78,197 of the 83,300 farms in Oklahoma are family owned.

See Rubin's video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PempZ_0aM_Y&feature=user.

(Note: Since our story went national earlier today, changes have been made to the video, including correction of "Custard County" to Custer County.)

Murphy's Campaign Office Rent Questioned

The race for the Republican nomination for the Corporation Commission is barely underway, but already questions are being raised about contender Dana Murphy's expenditure of just $50 a month in rent for office space from a maxed-out donor.

Murphy is renting an office from Oklahoma City-based Marlin Oil Co., which is owned by her campaign manager, longtime GOP activist and financial supporter Ralph Harvey.

A representative of opponent Rep. Rob Johnson's campaign, Rep. Trebor Worthen, dubbed the rate "a sweetheart deal” and questioned whether it violated ethics rules. That question would involve fair market value.

Harvey already has given the maximum $5,000 contribution to Murphy's campaign, Ethics Commission records show. Giving free office rent, or apparently giving greatly reduced rent that's below fair market value, could be an in-kind contribution and a violation of ethics rules.

Murphy's campaign wrote a $400 check April 1 to pay for rent from December through July, said Stephen Rhymer, Murphy's spokesman. Another $400 check will be paid in August to cover the period from August through the end of this year, he said.

"The rent has been paid and will appear on the next filing,” he told The Oklahoman's Michael McNutt. "Ralph is a supporter of hers and we certainly don't want anybody to think that we're doing something we shouldn't be.”

Rep. Trebor Worthen, who is Johnson's campaign consultant, questioned the rent payments. "It has to be fair-market value,” he said of the rent. He called it a sweetheart deal from a contributor.

Johnson, of Kingfisher, is paying $500 a month for his Oklahoma City campaign office, said Keili Hicks, Johnson's campaign manager.

Jones Renews Challenge To Democrats

With the recent declaration by Senator Mike Morgan, a Democratic National Convention superdelegate, that he's supporting Barack Obama as his party's presidential nominee, Republican State Chairman Gary Jones renewed his challenge to other Democratic Party senators to declare if they support Obama or Hillary Clinton.

Said Jones: “Morgan has come clean, along with the governor, in showing their true liberal, big spending, big-government stripes. Now it’s time to hear where Nancy Riley, Charlie Laster, Richard Lerblance, Earl Garrison and the Lawton boys – Keith Erwin and Rick Wolfe – stand on the presidential race.

“I see where Senator Morgan believes Obama ‘will be a plus for legislative candidates across the country as the Democratic nominee,’ according to the Associated Press.

“Does that mean Senator Morgan will have Barack Obama come to Oklahoma to campaign on behalf of Nancy Riley, Richard Lerblance, Keith Erwin, Rick Wolfe and the rest of the Senate Democrat team?” Jones asked.

Jones then repeated his challenge to Democrat candidates to make public their presidential preference.

“If these Democrats want the voters in their districts to return or to send them to the Oklahoma Capitol, the voters deserve to know where they stand on the big issues like the presidency of our great nation” he said.

“Do they agree with Barack Obama on issues such as the right to bear arms?

“Do they stand with him on threatening the lives of unborn children?

“Do they share his many positions which undermine the American family?

“Would they raise taxes as much as Obama would?

“Do they aspire to be named the Most Liberal Senator in Oklahoma – as Obama is in the United States Senate?

“Do they think we should cut and run in the Middle East, and leave the sacrifices our brave young men and women have offered for naught?

“Would they accept the endorsement of Michael Moore, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, the ACLU and the Sierra Club?

“It’s time for Democrat candidates to shoot straight with their employers – the Oklahoma voters,” Jones concluded.

Senate Passes Accountability Bill

The Oklahoma Senate voted 32 to 15 Monday to send Governor Henry legislation to make state government more accountable, effective and innovative.

Senate Bill 1865, by Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, creates an Office of Accountability and Innovation at the Legislative Service Bureau. The office will conduct regular performance audits of agencies, recommend best practices to improve efficiency in government, review tax policy, and suggest new innovations to make government more accountable and effective for taxpayers.

The bill is a key piece of the Senate Republicans’ 2008 legislative agenda.

Sooner Survey: Fix Roads And Bridges!

The latest edition of The Sooner Survey reports Oklahomans want legislators to fix their roads and bridges before doing anything else, a shift in past public opinion that has favored pay raises for teachers as their first funding option.

Survey Director Pat McFerron writes, "Fully 46% of those surveyed say that speeding up funding for road and bridge repairs should be the top priority for the legislature, while 32% said giving teachers a $1,200 a year pay raise should take to top spot. Additionally, 9% wanted to build more prisons so criminals are not released early and 4% favored increasing investment in our state universities."

McFerron adds: "One reason that legislators would be well-served to support accelerating road and bridge funding is because of its appeal to critical swing blocs in Oklahoma politics. As previous editions of The Sooner Survey have pointed out, the southwest part of the state has become a critical swing area. In the Lawton media market, 54% of voters indicate that rapidly getting funds to road and bridge programs should be the top priority – that is almost twice as many who prefer funding for teachers (28%). In addition, the 11% of voters who say they vote for the person over the party are the most intense on this issue with almost two-in-three (63%) saying that the need for improved roads and bridges outweighs that for teacher raises (18%). Other critical groups that prefer quickening the funding of the road and bridge program are self-described conservative Democrats (49%), Democrats voting for John McCain for President (46%), and those currently undecided on a generic ballot for the state legislature (52%). Certainly, issues come and go. And while the economy, moral issues, or even crime could certainly become a calling card in 2008, at this time, at least at the state legislative level, funding for roads and bridges has to be considered a top concern heading into the final weeks of session of an election year. ¨

Dan Boren Elected To NRA Board Of Directors

Second District Congressman Dan Boren is among the newest members of the National Rifle Association's Board of Directors.

Boren's election was announced during the NRA's annual meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

Boren was among keynote speakers at the group's opening general session on Thursday.

There Is Something To Be Said...

...for Loretto, Kentucky.

If You've Seen One State Capitol...

...you've seen them all.

Fine Whiskey And Good Tobacco Abound

The Grass Is Not Blue Here

Hillary Can Blame It On Howard Dean

By Matt Towery/Southern Political Report ~ It was over a year and a half ago that I wrote the first story suggesting that a move in the date of the Florida presidential primary, then just a rumor in Tallahassee, would likely shake up the entire presidential race.

It did.

Had the Republican-dominated Florida legislature not moved up the date of that state's primary, to precede the 23 Super Tuesday states by a week, the entire GOP and Democratic race for the presidency might have turned out radically different.

Certainly the change impacted the Democratic battle. National party leaders knew full well from the start that they would refuse to recognize the vote in Florida, where Hillary Clinton was a lock to win the contest (and, in fact, under Florida law, did win). Consider the impact Clinton's win in New Hampshire, combined with a huge victory in Florida, might have had on the Obama "train" to victory.

But Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee were determined to put the days of Bill and Hillary Clinton into history's rearview mirror. The party brass knew darn well that denying Clinton her biggest and most likely early prize would turn things upside down. She was doomed before she started.

Now Clinton battles on, limping her way through Southern states that really no longer matter. She can't prevent her campaign's inevitable doomsday meeting with the deluge of uncommitted "super delegates," including the great "peacemaker" himself, Jimmy Carter. He will soon issue his edict from on high: Off with Hillary's head!

Barack Obama, barring unforeseen happenings, will be the hero of the new Democratic Party. The Kennedy family has been in great fear that they might lose their "Democratic royalty" title to a Clinton clan with two presidents in the family. Now the Kennedys can breathe easier.

Now what will happen? The answer is -- nobody knows. Nobody.

Some polls show the septuagenarian Sen. John McCain leading Obama, while others show it the other way around. Of course, national popular vote, taken as a collective whole, means nothing. It's a state-by-state race.

Looking to the key swing states, it's hard to tell whether the weight of eight years of George W. Bush, amplified by a fair amount of Bush-like rhetoric from McCain, will move voters in places like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina and other states to reject another four years of Republican rule.

There's another side to the equation. Will the so-called blue-collar voters, who stood in hard for Clinton, now accept Obama as someone who truly understands the issues they care about; as a fighter for their causes? Might the old war hero McCain somehow appeal to their supposed profile of being the "common" men and women? Will patriotism -- his and theirs -- make a love match to put him in the White House?

I have no idea. I have polled these races until I'm blue in the face. I'm proud to say our firm polled all but one contest (Democrat or Republican) with the correct winner. But that matters little now.

The one thing that is clear to me is that Hillary Clinton has been finished off by a Democratic establishment, long based in the Northeast, that never liked her husband very much anyway, and that couldn't stand the thought of her serving as president. They got their way, as they knew they would.

Now the question is whether the GOP establishment, also with roots in the Northeast, wants John McCain to be president. After all, they can't control him, and he's not a part of their "political club."

It might be that unless McCain relents and allows the GOP establishment's man Mitt Romney to run on the ticket as the vice-presidential running mate, that the party kingpins will sit this one out.

That would allow a President Barack Obama the chance to show everyone what real "change" looks like.

Who knows? It might be great. Or it might consist of the leadership of an idealistic former state legislator with a few years in the U.S. Senate, who has the guiding hand of the Kennedy/Kerry political operation truly running things with an invisible hand.

If so, Hillary Clinton might take a cue from Ted Kennedy, and come back to run again in four years against a Democratic incumbent, just as Kennedy did against President Jimmy Carter in 1978.

If that happens, Lord help the people who get in her way.

Picher Tornado Caught On Videotape

EF4's force is clearly evident as it swirls into Picher. http://www.weather.com/multimedia/videoplayer.html?clip=365&from=36hr_outlet_video

Not Over Until The Lady In Pantsuit Sings

Hillary Clinton campaigned in West Virginia Monday, a day ahead of what is supposed to be a blow-out victory for her in the Mountain State, but one that will be mostly hollow.

Even if Clinton wins 100 percent of the vote and the accompanying 275 delegates available — including superdelegates — in the six remaining Democratic contests, she will end up short of the 2,025 delegates needed to win the presidential nomination. All the Democratic contests are proportional allocation of delegates.

Even if Florida and Michigan, which were penalized for holding their primaries early, are counted, it is very difficult for Clinton to overcome Barack Obama in the numbers race

Humphreys Named School Board Chairman

From The Oklahoman ~ Former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys was selected as chairman of the Oklahoma City School Board Monday night.

The selection means the board will be better equipped to move ahead with the search for a superintendent, acting board chairman Al Basey said.

"As we've said before, we'd like to have the chairman in place so we can have the whole team," he said. "There's nothing that says we can't do it fast and do it right, and that's what we're trying to do. It's very important that we get stability back into the board."

Humphreys also said stability is important.

"I think the most important thing the district needs — and it starts with the board — is stability," Humphreys said Monday night. "Excellence ... starts with the board and it starts with the superintendent and then it goes from there, but if you don't have stability and predictability then you don't have anything."

Humphreys said he is driven to see through to success what began as a project of his making.

"The reason I'm doing this is because of Maps for Kids," he said. "Our community has stepped up and said we care about this district being successful."

Board members conducted lengthy interviews with three of seven applicants for the job: Humphreys, Ret. Maj. Gen. Jay Edwards and former state Sen. Angela Monson.

The interviews were conducted in executive sessions.

In response to a previous call from Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, for the board to open the process, Basey said that the board members were elected by the people to make decisions such as this.

Religious Freedom Bill Goes To Henry

Legislation that would guarantee that Oklahoma students who express religious views at school are granted the same protections as students expressing secular views was sent to Governor Henry today.

House Bill 2633, by Rep. Sally Kern, declares that students may "express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments" without being penalized or rewarded as long as their viewpoint is on the otherwise permissible topic.

Under the bill, the otherwise permissible topic is always decided by the school.

"This bill simply ensures that students' First Amendment rights are protected," said Kern, R-Oklahoma City.

Lawsuit Reform Bill Veto Override Fails

House Democrats voted today against an attempt to override the governor’s veto of a lawsuit reform bill.

Governor Henry vetoed House Bill 2458 last week, claiming the bill is unconstitutional.

The bill would require a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit for professional negligence to attach to the petition an affidavit attesting that a “reasonable interpretation of the facts supports a finding that the acts or omissions of the defendant….constituted professional negligence.”

The affidavit must state that the plaintiff has consulted a qualified expert who has reviewed the available medical records and other facts, and that the qualified expert has provided a written opinion stating that the facts support a finding that the defendant was professionally negligent.

Rep. Colby Schwartz, author of the bill, called the legislation a meaningful step in reducing frivolous lawsuits in Oklahoma and criticized House Democrats for locking up on a bill that passed the Senate unanimously in its current form.

“The governor of Oklahoma does not get to decide if legislation is constitutional; that job is left to our court system,” said Schwartz, R-Yukon. “This bill would have cleared the courts of frivolous lawsuits to make way for those with legitimate cases, but instead House Democrats voted today to keep our court system clogged with expensive lawsuits without merit.”

This bill, unlike the narrowly tailored law struck down by the Supreme Court in 2006, includes all cases of professional negligence. The law previously deemed unconstitutional only included medical malpractice cases, which was too narrow under the state’s constitution.

In 2004, Gov. Brad Henry presented a lawsuit reform package that included a requirement of certificate of merit before proceeding with medical liability cases. In a press release the governor put out in January 2004, Henry said: “People shouldn’t have to hire an attorney and pay thousands of dollars to fight claims that have no merit. We must act decisively to eliminate frivolous lawsuits.”

Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa, said he couldn’t agree more with the governor’s statement in 2004.

“But unfortunately, Gov. Henry has done nothing but reject every lawsuit reform measure we have sent to his desk since he made campaign promises to bring changes to our state’s tort system,” said Sullivan. “The governor has made it clear that as long as he is in office, he will reject any and all reasonable lawsuit reform measures sent his way.”

Senate Approves School Protection Act

The Senate voted 26 to 22 today to pass the School Protection Act, a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill providing teachers and schools protections from lawsuits. Last month the House of Representatives passed the bill by a 94 to 0 vote. It now goes to Governor Henry.

The School Protection Act, Senate Bill 1024, is authored by State Senate Co-Floor Leader Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, and State Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa.

“The School Protection Act protects teachers and principals from lawsuit abuse, giving school professionals the tools they need to maintain order, discipline, and a positive educational environment,” stated Laughlin. “Too many teachers and schools are fearful that if they take common sense steps to maintain or restore order in the classroom, they will be subjected to lawsuits. Defending a lawsuit is expensive, even when the school wins."

Laughlin urged Henry to sign the bill: “I’m a little concerned because the governor’s knee-jerk instinct is to veto any meaningful lawsuit reform bill that provides protections from lawsuit abuse. But we hope this time he will join the Legislature in helping our teachers and schools. I encourage him to sign SB 1024 into law,” Laughlin said.

Another Superdelegate Endorses Obama

Portland, ME ~ Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen today pledged his support to Senator Barack Obama. Allen made his announcement during a press conference at his campaign headquarters here.

Are More Oklahoma Superdelegates About To Break For Obama?

There's gossip in Democrat circles today that one (and perhaps two) more of Oklahoma's superdelegates is about to declare support for Barack Obama. Obama now has four of the state's 10 superdelegates in his pocket, Hillary Clinton one.

Allen said he believes that both Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton are “supremely qualified to be president.”

“I have been friends for a very long time with former President Clinton and Senator Clinton. I respect their service to our nation. Hillary Clinton has run a vigorous campaign and has attracted a passionate following in Maine and around the country. She loves this country and is a true leader. For her service, I am grateful,” he said.

“Most of the primary voters across the nation have now spoken. It is time to bring a graceful end to the primary campaign. We now need to unify the Democratic Party and focus on electing Senator Obama and a working majority in the United States Senate. That is how we can change the direction of the country."

Bob Barr Says He's Running For President

Former US congressman Bob Barr on Monday announced plans to run for president on the Libertarian Party's ticket, in a move some analysts say could hurt Republican presumptive nominee John McCain.

Barr, a former member of the National Rifle Association's board of directors, said he was running because there was not "currently or anywhere on the horizon" any candidate who understood the principles of fiscal conservatism and basic principles on which he said America was founded.

The former Georgia congressman, who announced his plans at a press conference, must first win the Libertarian Party's nomination before throwing himself into the 2008 field for real.

The 59-year-old said he was not concerned about the prospect of damaging McCain, possibly among conservative voters whom the Republican candidate has had trouble courting.

Cruising The Blogosphere

Tulsa writer David Arnett has a think piece up on his Tulsa Today about Barack Obama that's well worth reading.

Mark Shannon continues his rant against the GM building acquisition on which Oklahoma County residents vote tomorrow.

State GOP official Steve Fair has a number of thoughtful, and thought-provoking, posts on everything from the State GOP Convention to the immigration debate.

The Hill reports on Hillary Clinton's fadeout in the presidential race.

Brent Bozzell's Media Research Center reports on the latest softball interview of Barack Obama.

Henry, Inhofe View Pitcher Destruction

Governor Brad Henry and Senator Jim Inhofe toured the tornado destruction in Picher, where six died. The Oklahoman has video of Inhofe's tour at http://www.newsok.tv/?titleID=1548122900 and of Henry's tour at http://www.newsok.tv/?titleID=1549584137.

McCain, Obama Plan Fall Campaigns

From The New York Times ~ Senators John McCain and Barack Obama are already drawing up strategies for taking each other on in the general election, focusing on the same groups — including independent voters and Latinos — and about a dozen states where they think the contest is likely to be decided this fall, campaign aides said.

In a sign of what could be an extremely unusual fall campaign, the two sides said Saturday that they would be open to holding joint forums or unmoderated debates across the country in front of voters through the summer.

Mr. Obama, campaigning in Oregon, said that the proposal, floated by Mr. McCain’s advisers, was “a great idea.”

Even before Mr. Obama fully wraps up the Democratic presidential nomination, he and Mr. McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, are starting to assemble teams in the key battlegrounds, develop negative advertising and engage each other in earnest on the issues and a combustible mix of other topics, including age and patriotism.

Anderson, Terrill Bury The Hatchet

From The Enid News & Eagle ~ Two state lawmakers said Friday they are willing to put their confrontation earlier this week behind them.

Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, and Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, had what Terrill termed “a thoroughly heated exchange” Wednesday after Anderson forwarded calls to his state Capitol office to Terrill’s office.

Anderson said Terrill flooded his district with so-called “robocalls” in favor of Terrill’s legislation to make English the official language of Oklahoma.

Anderson told the Tulsa World in a story published Friday that Terrill tried to pick a fight with him later Wednesday, using words to the effect, “I’ll whip your ass.”

Terrill denied he was trying to fight Anderson, but said it was “cowardly” for Anderson to forward all his telephone calls to Terrill’s office.

Both men said Friday they had talked Thursday and put the dispute behind them.

Anderson said they met Thursday and shook hands. He said he also sent a bouquet of flowers to Terrill’s assistant, Martha Perry, because of the burden the extra phone calls placed on her.

“In my opinion, the hatchet’s been buried,” he said.

Terrill said Friday he told Anderson he thought the flowers were “a nice and appropriate gesture.”

“I also told him as far as I was concerned, we were good to go,” Terrill said.

Terrill, though, was unhappy with the timing of the Tulsa World story, which he called “sensationalized,” and still disputed Anderson’s version of events.

He also said the “robocalls” did not come from him, but came from a member of the organization U.S. English, which was founded in 1983 and has a goal of making English the official language of the United States.

The Rout Is On: Obama Adds Four More

Barack Obama today took the lead in superdelegate endorsements for the first time, marking a potential turning point in the endgame of the Democratic primary as he's picked up 13 superdelegates in the past 24 hours.

Obama picked up four superdelegates Saturday, after rounding up nine such endorsements the day before. The gains erased Hillary Clinton’s once-imposing lead among the party officials and insiders who play a key part in selecting the nominee.

Worse for Clinton, two of Obama's Saturday endorsements came from superdelegates previously declared for Clinton.

Tornado Power

MSNBC has video of what a small tornado does to vehicles. View it at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24545554#24545554.

Obama Adds Nine Superdelegates, Union Endorsement; He Ties Clinton's Count

Barack Obama added nine national convention superdelegates on Friday and today appears tied with Hillary Clinton in the battle for support from party leaders. It's a dramatic reversal; Clinton at one time had a convincing lead among superdelegates.

Obama all but erased Clinton's once-imposing lead among superdelegates and won fresh labor backing as elements of the Democratic Party began coalescing around the Illinois senator for the fall campaign.

Obama picked up the backing of nine superdelegates, including Rep. Donald Payne of New Jersey, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus who had been a Clinton supporter.

In addition, the American Federation of Government Employees announced its support for Obama. The union claims about 600,000 members who work in the federal and Washington, D.C., governments.

Obama, who won a convincing victory in the North Carolina primary and lost Indiana narrowly on Tuesday, has been steadily gaining strength in the days since.

While Obama downplayed it, the developments Friday left the former first lady with 272.5 superdelegates, to 271 for Obama, poised to close what was once a gaping deficit between him and the New York senator in that category.

Obama already has 163 more pledged delegates than Clinton, and he expects to win a majority of those delegates on May 20. If he surpasses Clinton in superdelegates, she will likely be hard-pressed to keep the rest from moving into his corner.

“This trickle will soon become a steady stream,” said Democratic strategist Dan Gerstein. “At a certain point, it’s gonna become an inescapable wave.”

Behind the scenes, the Obama camp was working to get two more superdelegates. While the Associated Press tallies showed him slightly behind, other news organizations’ tallies showed he had already surpassed Clinton.

Who Might Replace Jeff McMahan?

As his federal trial on multiple felony charges nears, and as the time a legislative panel is due to consider his possible impeachment nears, Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan's days in that position may be numbered. And although his fate is not certain, the low-priority, behind-the-scenes jockeying to replace him reportedly is underway.

Insiders say several have been suggested to Governor Henry as possible replacements, but Henry is reluctant to discuss the subject at length, preferring to wait until the legal and legislative proceedings reach their end and wanting to avoid speculation or create the appearance he believes McMahan's tenure is almost over.

There appears, several insiders agree, to be a push to put CPA David Hanigar, an auditor in McMahan's office who apparently also does some work for Attorney General Drew Edmondson, at the top of Henry's list of possible McMahan replacements. Hanigar, state records show, is on the auditor's payroll at $6,081 per month.

Greg Sawyer, a high ranking administrator in the Regents for Higher Education, had contacted Henry's office possibly seeking an appointment to replace McMahan should the auditor have to leave office, but cold water was poured over the possibility and there's been little talk since of anyone seriously in the running.

Image: McMahan and his wife, Lori, are shown after their federal indictments were handed down.

Coffee: 'Trial Lawyers Have A True Friend'

Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee today responded to Governor Henry’s veto of House Bill 2458, a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill. “It is disappointing, but not surprising, that Gov. Henry has once again vetoed a bipartisan lawsuit reform bill. Instead of continually saying ‘no’ to lawsuit reform with his veto pen, the governor needs tell the Legislature which reforms he will say ‘yes’ to,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The trial lawyers have a true friend in Gov. Brad Henry.”

Schwartz: Lawsuit Reform Veto Override?

Governor Henry vetoed a lawsuit reform bill and its author says he may attempt to override the veto.

Rep. Colby Schwartz, R-Yukon, said Henry sided with trial lawyers again in vetoing the lawsuit reform bill, HB 2458. “It is not surprising to see, once again, Gov. Henry sided with trial lawyers over Oklahomans today with his veto of a reasonable lawsuit reform measure. This bill would have cleared the court of frivolous lawsuits, making them more accessible for those injured as a result of proven professional negligence, not less as Gov. Henry claims. We will look at the possibility of a veto override.

Obama Opposes Move To Punish Cherokees

From The Hill ~ Barack Obama, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, has weighed in against legislation proposed by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) that would punish the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

CBC lawmakers have proposed a number of provisions this year that would cut off federal funding to the tribe because of its decision in March 2007 to remove the Freedmen — descendants of freed slaves once owned by tribe members — from Cherokee membership.

But Obama disagrees with those measures. In a statement to The Hill provided by his Senate office, the Illinois Democrat said that although he opposes unwarranted tribal disenrollment, Capitol Hill should not get involved.

“Discrimination anywhere is intolerable, but the Cherokee are dealing with this issue in both tribal and federal courts . . . I do not support efforts to undermine these legal processes and impose a congressional solution,” said Obama. “Tribes have a right to be self-governing and we need to respect that, even if we disagree, which I do in this case. We must have restraint in asserting federal power in such circumstances.”

Bill Clinton Argues With West Virginia Voter

Bill Clinton got into it with a West Virginia voter. CBS News has it. http://youtube.com/watch?v=ReBygJ9aGV4

World: Terrill Accused Of Picking Fight

By Mick Hinton and Barbara Hoberock/Tulsa World Capitol Bureau ~ The decorum in the state Senate was nearly shattered at midweek when Rep. Randy Terrill, supporter of stringent polices on immigration, allegedly threatened to fight a fellow Republican.

Terrill, R-Moore, became so angry when an automated phone call scheme backfired that he beckoned Sen. Patrick Anderson to come out to the Capitol rotunda and fight, the senator confirmed Thursday.

Anderson, R-Enid, said Terrill used words to the effect, "I'll whip your ass."

"Mr. Terrill was trying to get me to fight him," Anderson said.

Terrill related a different story. Terrill said he told Anderson that forwarding phone calls to his office was "cowardly" and that Anderson was acting like a juvenile.

A ruckus had been brewing all week over Terrill's bill to declare English as the state's official language. Worried that he might not have enough votes to pass his bill, Terrill solicited the help of ProEnglish, a Washington-based group, to put pressure on some senators before the vote came to the floor. About noon Monday, several senators started getting dozens of calls from their constituents, who had received so-called robocalls paid for by ProEnglish, urging them to call their senators and tell them to vote for the bill.

"Mr. Terrill had sent robocalls for two days, totally disrupting our office, so we had the calls forwarded to his office," Anderson said.

This prompted Terrill to head over to the Senate chamber Wednesday and blast Anderson for his "cowardly act."

Terrill exited the chamber. Anderson followed him and witnessed Terrill relating his story to top Senate Republican aide Fred Morgan, who could not be reached for comment.

Terrill said Anderson "marched out of the chamber to confront me."

Terrill said that Anderson accused Terrill of "trying to stir up trouble" and that Terrill should leave. This was when Terrill actually tried to start a fight, Anderson said.

"I don't deny that the exchange got heated," Terrill said.

Also in the vicinity was John Angier, whose name Terrill provided to support his story. Angier, who has worked on two of Terrill's campaigns, said he did not hear Terrill threaten to fight Anderson.

At one point, Terrill called a Senate operator and ordered her to quit forwarding calls to his office. The operator said Terrill threatened to rip the phone out. Terrill said he may have said something about wanting to "yank the phone out of the wall." If so, it was done in "jest or frustration," he said.

Due to calls to Anderson being forwarded to Terrill's office, he ended up in a phone conversation with Anderson's wife.

"I basically told her I had never seen such a cowardly act by an elected official since I'd been at the Capitol and I suggested he stop," Terrill said.

When all was said and done, Terrill's bill was gutted on the floor of the Senate and replaced with a watered-down version. Then it was sent to a joint conference committee, from which both sides agree it is unlikely to emerge.

Anderson did not vote with Democrats to gut the bill and send it to conference.

Meanwhile, Anderson said Thursday that he realized Terrill's assistant, Martha Perry, had ended up receiving the brunt of the calls when she was only an innocent bystander. So Anderson sent her a bouquet of flowers. Terrill said he thought that was a "nice thing for the senator to do."

On Wednesday, It Was A Practical Joke

By Robert Barron/Enid News and Eagle ~ A practical joke by Enid state Sen. Patrick Anderson raised the ire of a state representative Wednesday.

State Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, author of legislation to make English the official language of Oklahoma, sent an angry e-mail to media outlets across the state Wednesday accusing Anderson of “cowardice” for not responding to his constituents.

Terrill was angry about automatic phone calls to Anderson’s office that were forwarded to his office.

Anderson said Terrill flooded his district with so-called “robo calls,” an automatic system that dials residents with recorded messages. Anderson said his office at the state Capitol was flooded with calls from places as far away as Washington, D.C.

Anderson said his office phone system was overloaded and couldn’t be used, so as a practical joke he forwarded the calls to Terrill’s office.

Terrill’s e-mail accused Anderson of avoiding his constituents’ calls. The angry e-mail said: “This is the most unbelievably cowardly act by an elected official that I have ever seen. Apparently, Senator Anderson is receiving so many calls from his constituents urging him to support an Official English law that he is now trying to avoid them by forwarding calls to me. Senator Anderson is turning his back on his constituents. The voters of Senate District 19 deserve better.

“It’s inconceivable that any public official would treat his own constituents this way unless Senator Anderson is truly working with the Senate Democratic leadership to block or kill consideration of Official English in the state Senate this week.”

Anderson said he was surprised at Terrill’s message.“I disagree with Mr. Terrill’s comment. I believe I have always been very receptive to my constituents’ concerns and will continue to be,” he said.

Anderson said he planned to support Terrill’s legislation, but said he does not appreciate Terrill’s “presumptions or accusations.”

“He has now called off the robo-calls, and I quit forwarding my calls to his office. I assume everything has been resolved,” Anderson said.

Attempts to contact Terrill were unsuccessful. An automatic voice mail informed callers he was busy.

A parliamentary move by Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, blocked a Senate vote on the legislation Wednesday. It will go to a House-Senate conference committee, where Republicans said it likely will die.

Jack Mildren Treated For Stomach Cancer

Former Lt. Governor Jack Mildren is undergoing treatment for stomach cancer, media writer Mel Bracht reveals in today's edition of The Oklahoman.

Mildren, a sportscaster as well as vice chairman of Arvest Bank, is being treated at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston every three or four weeks. He told Bracht he was diagnosed two years ago after an extended bout of the hiccups. He said he began chemotherapy shortly after being diagnosed.

Obama Adds Three More Superdelegates

The movement of Democratic superdelegates to presidential hopeful Barack Obama gained steam Friday with endorsements from a union president and two congressmen, including one who switched his backing from rival Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Obama has now climbed within a handful of superdelegates of catching Clinton in endorsements from the party and elected officials who will ultimately decide the nomination.

With the three new superdelegate endorsements, the superdelegate count is Clinton, 271.5 and Obama, 266.

Obama also picked up the endorsement of the influential American Federation of Government Employees union on Friday.

“Our people, I think, recognize the enthusiasm and vitality behind Senator Obama’s campaign,” AFGE President John Gage said.

Gage, a previously uncommitted superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, said he is also personally endorsing Obama.

In New Jersey, Donald Payne — a black congressman who had been backing Clinton for the nomination — is switching his support to Obama, Dan Pfeiffer, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, confirmed.

Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon also plans to formally endorse Obama and campaign with him at events Friday in Eugene and Albany, Ore.

Texas Democrats Say The Race Is Over

From The Dallas Morning News ~ Several prominent Texas supporters of Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama agreed that the race for the Democratic nomination is over and that the unification of the party needs to begin at once.

Mr. Obama's double-digit victory in North Carolina and close defeat in Indiana made it nearly impossible for Mrs. Clinton to catch him in the number of pledged delegates. His popular vote lead, assuming Florida and Michigan are left out of the mix, is also insurmountable.

Obama Picks Off Another Superdelegate

From The Hill ~ Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) surprise visit Thursday to the House floor has already paid dividends in the form of a superdelegate endorsement.

Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) announced, after meeting with Obama at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee headquarters, that he would endorse the Illinois senator for president.

Senior Protection Bill Goes To Henry

A bill designed to protect senior citizens from predatory investors who profit from life insurance policies is on Governor Henry's desk today.

The bill, by Senator Sean Burrage, was approved earlier in the day. Burrage said there is a growing national trend where unsavory investors provide a financial incentive for a senior citizen to purchase a life insurance policy and agree to sign over ownership of the benefits after a set amount of time has expired. The practice is called "stranger-originated life insurance" (STOLI) and is designed to provide investors with profits from the deaths of senior citizens.

History: Pioneer Pilot Bessie Coleman

Jean Warner's excellent Oklahoma Women makes note of the historic achievements of Bessie Coleman, who was born in Texas but attended Langston University when it was still the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University. She went on to become the first African American (male or female) to become an airplane pilot and the first American of any race or gender to hold an international pilot's license.

In pursuing a flying career, she had three goals: earn a pilot's license, become a recognized stunt and exhibition flier, and establish an aviation school for blacks.

Rejected by every American aviation school she applied to, she was encouraged by Robert S. Abbott (founder of the Chicago Defender) to study abroad.

It was through both German and French pilots that Coleman returned to the U.S. in 1921 as this country's first black female licensed pilot. A year later she earned her international pilot's license.

Barnstorming across the country, she thrilled thousands as "Brave Bessie."

On April 30, 1926, while making a practice run with her mechanic as the pilot, Bessie Coleman was thrown out of the plane when the controls jammed. She was 33.

Carter Warns Of Convention 'Disaster'

Former President Jimmy Carter says that delegates from Florida and Michigan should not be counted at the Democratic National Convention because they "disqualified themselves." He warned of a disaster if party insiders try to wrest the nomination from the candidate with the largest number of votes and state victories.

An attempt by so-called Democratic superdelegates to override the popular vote "would be an almost unacceptable thing," Carter told Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show."

If a candidate has a clear edge in votes, state-by-state wins and delegates claimed at caucuses and primaries, "I can't imagine that the superdelegates would go against them," Carter said. "It would be a catastrophe for the party."

Coburn Criticizes Senate Vote On Flood Bill

Senator Tom Coburn today criticized the Senate after it rejected, by a margin of 70 to 26, his attempt to pay for a bloated Flood Insurance Bill with spending cuts rather than borrowed money. The bill was a $30 billion bailout of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which was created with the intent of helping homeowners recover from disasters that traditional insurance would not cover. “Today, Senators had a chance to do the responsible thing and pay for this bill with common sense fiscal restraint," Coburn said. "Unfortunately, politicians in both parties chose not to do the hard work of conducting oversight on a program that hasn’t worked and isn’t going to work. Countless audits and studies have shown that the NFIP has turned into a boondoggle that subsidizes wealthy homeowners who don’t want to pay for the risks associated with living near the ocean or a flood plain. Yet, instead of fixing the problems with the program, politicians who are running for re-election chose to charge $30 billion to the next generation."

Key Democrat Endorses Obama

From The Hill ~ Former Rep. David Bonior (D-Mich.), who served as former Sen. John Edwards’s (D-N.C.) campaign manager until Edwards withdrew from the race, endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president Thursday.

Just two days removed from two potentially game-changing primaries, Bonior, on a conference call with Obama supporter and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), said Obama had answered his questions about the freshman senator’s toughness by winning North Carolina and pushing Indiana to the wire.

Obama To Declare Victory On May 20th

From www.politico.com ~ Not long after the polls close in the May 20 Kentucky and Oregon primaries, Barack Obama plans to declare victory in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

And, until at least May 31 and perhaps longer, Hillary Clinton’s campaign plans to dispute it.

It’s a train wreck waiting to happen, with one candidate claiming to be the nominee while the other vigorously denies it, all predicated on an argument over what exactly constitutes the finish line of the primary race.

The Obama campaign agrees with the Democratic National Committee, which pegs a winning majority at 2,025 pledged delegates and superdelegates—a figure that excludes the penalized Florida and Michigan delegations.

The Clinton campaign, on the other hand, insists the winner will need 2,209 to cinch the nomination—a tally that includes Florida and Michigan.

“We don’t accept 2,025. It is not the real number because that does not include Florida and Michigan,” said Howard Wolfson, one of Clinton’s two chief strategists. “It’s a phony number.”

Wolfson said they intend to contest the DNC’s 2,025 number “every day,” as well as any declaration of victory made by Obama based upon that number, because it does not include Florida and Michigan.

Gaddie: UnDemocratic Party Convention

Amidst all the arguing about the Democratic nomination – how many delegates does it take to win, how should delegates behave – I thought it’d be useful to have a history lesson about how Democrats have changed their nomination practices over the years.

A History Lesson

By Keith Gaddie

Special To

The McCarville Report

Until the end of the 1930s, to win the Democratic party nomination, a candidate had to have two-thirds of the delegate vote. Delegates were apportioned to states based on both size and loyalty to the Democratic party in elections. The consequence was that the South had votes out of proportion to it population or its votes. Southern Democrats could cast an effective veto over a nomination they didn’t like by sitting on their 30% or so of delegates, casting them for a trailing candidate or a favorite son until they could cut a deal that continued to protect segregation. One Democratic convention went 128 ballots seeking a nominee.

The two-thirds rule disappeared by 1940, and the veto shifted to northern urban machines and blocks of urban minority voters. The South could be part of a winning coalition, but given the southern dislike for black political empowerment and labor unions, such coalitions were tenuous at best, if not impossible. The South started to slip away in 1948 and it never really came back to the Democrats.

The Democrats, however, still had caucuses, strong state party organizations, and the "unit" rule. The unit rule allowed the majority of a state’s delegation to cast all of the votes from a state for a proposal or candidate. When Hubert Horatio Humphrey was nominated in 1968, it was the strong boss states and the unit rule that made his nomination possible.

The revolution in the Democratic Party overwhelmed the powers that be. Subsequently, the chairman of the DNC, Senator Fred Harris of Oklahoma, would appoint a commission to create a democratic delegate selection process so that the debacle of Chicago ’68 would not be repeated. The product of commission, the McGovern-Frasier reform (named after the commission leaders), was a primary/ caucus mechanism for selecting delegates that eliminated the unit rule, eliminated winner-take-all primaries, and required proportionality of delegate selection in a state, within electoral district (like congressional or state senate districts), and also required racial, ethnic, and gender quotas to make a convention that was not overwhelmingly composed of pink men in blue suits.

The problem with McGovern-Frasier was that it created a process that rendered the emergence of a majority nominee difficult at best. It also completely took party leadership and elected officials out of the nomination process. In 1982, the Hunt Commission proposed to bring party officials and elected leaders (PLEOs, in the jargon of the party) into the nomination process by allocating roughly 20% of the delegates to such leaders, who were unpledged. The idea was two-fold – to bring party leadership back into the convention, and to create a situation where party leadership could broker a nomination when no majority winner was determined through the primaries and caucuses.

At the same time, roughly, southern state Democratic leaders started to get antsy about presidential politics. From 1964-80, the majority of white voters in the South abandoned Democrats for president, and the concern of old school Democrats like Georgia house speaker Tom Murphy was that national Democratic nominees were too liberal, and needed to be moderated by a southern influence. Here begins the race to the bottom in primary scheduling with the creation of Super Tuesday, a mega-primary in late March that placed a huge bloc of southern and border state delegates into play on the same day. Presumably, by forcing the nomination fight to come South after Iowa and New Hampshire, the South could ordain a front-runner and moderate the national party. The old white guys of the South were born of the courthouse gangs but headed into an era of rapid suburbanization and increased black political empowerment. They didn’t calculate two factors into their equation: (1) that the McGovern-Frasier proportionality rules till guaranteed a split in the southern delegations; and (2) that black and while voters might have different preferences in the South, and black votes were magnified in Democratic primaries. In the first major Super Tuesday, 1988, the South split three ways for Al Gore, Jesse Jackson, and Mike Dukakis. Meanwhile, on the GOP side, the Republicans came out of Super Tuesday with a front-runner who had a huge delegate lead -- George Herbert Walker Bush.

The race to the bottom continued, until by 2004, Super Tuesday moved from Saint Patrick’s Day to Ground Hog Day, and by 2008 Iowa nearly caucused in December 2007. The Democrats, who again tinkered with the system to prevent front-loading of their primaries and caucuses and stop the race to the bottom, declared they would strip state parties of delegates if they jumped ahead of the February 5 start date and were not part of the select few – Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina – who were seeded early. Florida and Michigan jumped the gun, and 368 delegates disappeared from the equation. The majority at the convention went 2,209 to 2,025.

This, of course, brings us to today. Come May 20, Barack Obama will likely have won a majority of delegates in primaries and caucuses excluding Florida and Michigan. But, it is also worth noting that, whether the threshold is 2,209 or 2,025 (where it will stay if the Democrats decide to do something radical, namely, follow their own rules), a candidate who wins a majority of the delegates in primary and caucus still falls well short of nomination. To win the nomination and not have superdelegates come into play requires a candidate win about 63% of the pledged delegates, or a simple majority of pledged delegates and PLEOs.

It requires extraordinary support in the rank and file to overcome, and it is a surprise to many Democrats, who often do not understand their own nomination rules. Before a Democrat goes off feeling bad for not knowing the rules, relax and take a bath in forgiveness. This ignorance applied to the people who would shape the presumptive, winning campaign -- Hillary Clinton’s own pollster and strategist, Mark Penn, did not understand that California was proportional, and assumed a winner-take-all scenario in his campaign plan.

Put another way, there’s a new veto, and it isn’t from the South, but from the political class who are the guts of the Democratic Party: the ambitious officeholders who are in congress and state government; and the activists and organizers who create the mechanisms that raise money and coordinate volunteer and expert effort to elect those ambitious politicians.

Dr. Keith Gaddie is a professor of political science at the University of Oklahoma, pollster, pundit and author.

Clinton Plays The Race Card

From USA Today ~ Hillary Rodham Clinton vowed Wednesday to continue her quest for the Democratic nomination, arguing she would be the stronger nominee because she appeals to a wider coalition of voters — including whites who have not supported Barack Obama in recent contests.

"I have a much broader base to build a winning coalition on," she said in an interview with USA Today.

As evidence, Clinton cited an Associated Press article "that found how Sen. Obama's support among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again, and how whites in both states who had not completed college were supporting me."

The New York Times took note of Clinton's remarks: "As if the divisions between race and gender in the Democratic Party hadn’t been further exposed through Tuesday night’s exit polls — and by a very heated exchange on CNN between Donna Brazile and Paul Begala, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s interview with USA Today on Wednesday is further mining those tense depths."

Meanwhile, more tell Clinton it's over: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdzCxvbe5Hg.

The Hill in Washington reported, "The tide turned against Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) on Capitol Hill Wednesday, as even some of her supporters said she should consider ending her White House bid. Some uncommitted Democratic superdelegates refused to meet with the beleaguered candidate when her campaign approached them in the hope of wooing them. Reps. Brad Miller (N.C.) and Lincoln Davis (Tenn.) said they were invited to meet Clinton but declined to attend."

Clinton Ignores 'Face The Music' Calls

From Fox News ~ Hillary Clinton drop out? Perish the thought.

The New York senator is still raising bucks and wearing out her political pedometer, planning a breathless day of coast-to-coast campaigning Thursday as she tunes out calls from Democrats and pundits for her to face the music and accept Barack Obama as the nominee.

“I am staying in this race,” she told donors Wednesday night at a Washington, D.C, fundraiser that netted her about $500,000. Telling them she’s been counted out before, she attempted to link her electoral struggles today to those she had before winning the New Hampshire primary in January.

“I landed in New Hampshire on a Thursday night down 9 points, and I won on Tuesday,” she said. “You can turn elections in a day. You can turn them in a week if you know what it takes to actually win. I believe I know with your help, that is exactly what we’re going to do.”

Only when Clinton landed in New Hampshire, there were still 49 states left to vote. Now there are five, and none of them can give her the pledged delegates she needs to win.

While Clinton vowed to continue her fight “until there’s a nominee,” a general consensus was growing among Democrats Wednesday that the contest to become the party’s presidential candidate had already been decided beyond a reasonable doubt.

No Longer Obscure

The Oklahoma Gazette features The Lost Ogle, a local social blog once referred to here as "an obscure local blog," in a current cover story.

The liberal OG isn't The New York Times, but it has wide readership and thus, The Lost Ogle is no longer so obscure.

More importantly for TLO, the popular blog Dustbury has taken note of its existence along with a few content suggestions.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand....

Hillary Clinton speaks after Tuesday's thumping at Barack Obama's hands and the unhappiness on the unsmiling faces of Clan Clinton is evident.

Dawes Roll Allottees To Be Honored

Eight living monuments to Oklahoma and United States history will be honored in a ceremony in the Capitol Blue Room on Monday.

Those being honored are American Indian original allottees who will be recognized by Governor Henry and the House. They are the only living allottees that could be located and identified.

The recipients of this award and honor will be: Martha Berryhill, Age 107, Muscogee Creek Nation; Eva Cheek Gilbert, Age 105, Cherokee Nation; Asa Glenn Purcell, Age 102, Cherokee Nation; Dorothy Arnote West, Age 105, Choctaw Nation; Georgia Mae Roebuck Self, Age 103, Choctaw Nation; Irene Exodus Roberts Mills, Age 103, Choctaw Nation; Ruby Lee Trammell Brewer, Age 102, Choctaw Nation; Daisy Hawley Blackbird, Age 105, Chickasaw Nation.

As original signees of the Dawes Roll each member was allotted 160 acres of land. This land was assigned within the territories of their tribe in Indian Territory.

Rep. Jerry McPeak, D- Warner, is the organizer of the event. “When I realized that we were letting these people slip from our sight right here in Oklahoma, I became motivated to give them the recognition that they deserve,” said McPeak. “They are history that we can see and people who have seen so much.”

Governor Henry, as well as the Chiefs, Chairman, Governors and representatives of the Creek, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Peoria and Sac and Fox tribes, will bring gifts and citations for the allottees. Later in the day the allottees will be recognized on the Floor of the House.

“We are privileged to honor tribal members who have lived such an important part of our history,” stated Representative Scott BigHorse, D- Pawhuska. “This is something that should have been done years ago when so many more could have been recognized.”

Official English 'Obstruction' Cited By GOP

Supporters of the bill to make English the official language said today they are disappointed that Senate Democrats utilized a rarely-used procedural maneuver to block an up-or-down vote on the bill by sending it to a conference committee.

The bill’s author, Senate Republican Floor Leader Owen Laughlin, said the Democrats’ obstruction likely kills Senate Bill 163 for the 2008 session.

“Making English the official language of our state is an issue whose time has come in Oklahoma. I am very disappointed that Senate Democrats voted in lock-step to block an up-or-down vote on this important issue,” stated Laughlin, R-Woodward. “Senator Morgan sent a pretty strong signal on the floor that the Democrat leadership plans to kill this bill in conference.”

Other supporters of SB 163 also expressed their concerns about the Senate Democrats’ action.

“Republicans have made the Official English proposal a priority for many years. We believe the people overwhelmingly agree that English should be our official language. I am sorry that the Senate Democrats have continued to block the people’s right to vote on this important issue,” stated Sen. James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa.

“I’m disappointed but not surprised by the Senate Democrats’ actions. Instead of allowing the people of Oklahoma to vote on this critical issue, they maneuvered it into a conference committee where they can gut and kill the Official English bill,” said Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso.

“The Senate Democrats’ substitute language is just a piece of paper that does not change the status quo. It still requires the state to expend funds to provide unnecessary translations for government services. Our version would have stopped the silly lawsuits that seek to force our state to provide services in any number of foreign languages,” said Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore.

Terrill Claims Anderson Diverts Calls

Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore) issued a statement today after, he said, Senator Patrick Anderson (R-Enid) began forwarding calls to his office to Terrill’s office "in an effort to avoid communicating with his own constituents."

Anderson could not be immediately reached for comment on the allegation and there was no explanation of why he would forward calls to his office to another legislator's office.

“This is the most unbelievably cowardly act by an elected official that I have ever seen," Terrill said. "Apparently, Senator Anderson is receiving so many calls from his constituents urging him to support an Official English law that he is now trying to avoid them by forwarding the calls to me. Senator Anderson is turning his back on his constituents. The voters of Senate District 19 deserve better.

“It’s inconceivable that any public official would treat his own constituents this way unless Senator Anderson is truly working with the Senate Democrat leadership to block or kill consideration of Official English in the state Senate this week.”

Lawsuit Reform Bill Goes To Henry's Desk

Legislation requiring an expert opinion confirming professional negligence before a lawsuit can be filed is headed to the governor after final passage in the House today.

House Bill 2458 would require a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit for professional negligence to attach to the petition an affidavit attesting that a “reasonable interpretation of the facts supports a finding that the acts or omissions of the defendant….constituted professional negligence.”

The affidavit must state that the plaintiff has consulted a qualified expert who has reviewed the available medical records and other facts, and that the qualified expert has provided a written opinion stating that the facts support a finding that the defendant was professionally negligent.

The bill would provide for dismissal of the suit without prejudice if the affidavit is not attached to the petition and also provides for an extension of time to file the affidavit.

The legislation allows that the affidavit would not be admissible in court.

“I have shown my commitment to reducing the cost of health care in our state, and cutting down on the number of frivolous lawsuits filed against doctors is a step in that direction,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “We want to ensure our courts are reserved for lawsuits with merit, instead of cases that drive up malpractice insurance costs for doctors, which are then passed on to patients through rate increases for services.”

Voter ID Bill's Death Draws GOP Comment

House Republicans expressed disappointment today over the death of legislation that would have required identification to vote.

Senate Bill 1150 provided for a long list of identification options, including a free, state-issued voter ID card, a copy of a utility bill or a driver’s license. It also included language that would have allowed Oklahomans to vote without identification if they signed an affidavit attesting to their identity.

The bill was killed by Senate Democrats in a party line vote Tuesday.

Last week, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of an Indiana voter ID law that requires photo identification at the polls, citing the need to reduce voter fraud.

“Apparently the Senate Democrats who worked to block this legislation don’t care about the opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court or eliminating voter fraud in our state,” said Rep. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa. “Oklahomans need to have confidence that their vote will count, and they will not trust a system where anyone can vote without having to prove they are eligible.”

Ignoring Reality: Clinton Stays In

Ignoring all the numbers in favor of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton says that although her campaign is cash-strapped, she's staying in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination "until there's a nominee." That statement sent chills down the spines of some top Democrats, who see the Clinton-Obama battle continuing until the party's Denver convention in August.

Clinton appeared in West Virginia today after an early morning conference with advisers following her huge loss to Obama in North Carolina and a whisker-thin win in Indiana, where Obama came within less than two percent of her despite her earlier double-digit lead in polls.

Obama, meanwhile, added insult to injury when, on Wednesday morning, he pocketed the support of at least four Democratic convention superdelegates, building on his momentum and further extending his delegate lead over Clinton.

Pundits say Clinton's poor showing on Tuesday will only deepen her fundraising problems and may require far more than the $6.4 million she's personally put into her campaign in recent weeks.

"Her campaign is on life support," quipped a Democrat consultant today.

The list of people pushing Clinton toward the exit now is growing, and added to it Wednesday was one of her earliest backers, 1972 presidential candidate George McGovern, who said he now is supporting Obama.

“I don’t see how Senator Clinton could prevail” to win the nomination, the 85-year-old former senator told FOX News.

McGovern said Clinton’s exit is important to ensure the upper hand in November.

“I think it’s important for Democrats to be united,” McGovern said.

McGovern joins last week’s high-profile defection of former Democratic Party chairman Joe Andrew and February’s stinging departure of Georgia Rep. John Lewis.

Even before McGovern’s announcement, Clinton cut loose a planned day of rest Wednesday to start up the campaign machine for one final push. Six nomination contests remain over the next four weeks, 217 pledged delegates are still up for grabs and 269 superdelegates are undecided.

The campaign reacted coolly to the news.

“We appreciate his friendship, but we think voters in the upcoming states should have their votes counted,” said Clinton spokesman Jay Carson.

Clinton now aims to keep hope alive among a jittery group of superdelegates who have stuck with her so far. To do so she’ll need to pull together a string of fourth-quarter miracles while dangling the prospect of bringing back into the fold votes from Florida and Michigan — which were written off in a pre-primary party dispute.

That hope is diminishing quickly after the latest balloting. Clinton eked out a 1.7 percent win over Obama in Indiana, lower than pre-election polls predicted, taking the Hoosier State 50.8-49.1. But in the Tar Heel State, Obama racked up a 15 percentage point win, winning it 57-42.

Seeing the end in sight, Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod appeared to be shifting the campaign toward a general election fight, saying presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain has “run free for some time now” because of Democratic preoccupation with the ongoing primary fight.

“I don’t think we’re going to spend time solely in primary states,” he said. “We have multiple tasks here.”

Clinton has a chance at winning a few of the remaining states, but the likelihood of her taking the delegates she needs to win is nearly insurmountable. She is favored to win next week in West Virginia, as well as the May 20 contest in Kentucky, and the June 1 contest in Puerto Rico. But her chances are slim in Oregon on May 20, and in the last two primaries in Montana and South Dakota on June 3.

Still, she argues the count is close. Clinton touched on this theme Tuesday night, citing the “he wins one, she wins one” nature of the campaign.

But to reach the number of 2,025 total delegates needed to clinch the nomination, the New York senator would need to take 349 of the 486 total pledged delegates and superdelegates still on the table or undecided, which includes 16 pledged delegates that have yet to be cast in North Carolina.

“Absent a comfortable win in Indiana, it’s hard to see how the Clinton campaign can go forward from here,” FOX News contributor Karl Rove said, noting the results from Tuesday’s contests seemed to signal the end of the primary race and the beginning of the general election campaign.

“It’s gonna be much harder for her tomorrow,” Democratic strategist Bob Beckel said late Tuesday.

The Clinton campaign showed no signs of letting up even as it fought rumors that it was holding a “crisis” meeting with superdelegates on Wednesday to keep them from jumping to Obama.

The campaign, which canceled Clinton’s Wednesday morning show appearances, confirmed it will meet superdelegates but said it’s not anything unusual. Aides say the outcome of Tuesday’s primaries changes nothing and the race moves on to the remaining six contests.

Clinton's Personal Cash Fuels Campaign

Hillary Clinton lent her presidential campaign $6.4 million over the past month, her campaign revealed Wednesday, underscoring the financial advantage held by her rival, Barack Obama.

The money more than doubled Clinton’s personal investment in her bid for the Democratic nomination. She gave her campaign $5 million earlier this year.

A campaign aide said Clinton gave her campaign another $5 million on April 11, more than a week before the Pennsylvania primary. She then again dipped into her personal wealth for $1 million last week and $425,000 on Monday, one day before the North Carolina and Indiana primaries.

Clinton’s campaign reported raising $10 million online after her Pennsylvania victory on April 22. Evidently, the money was not enough and her fundraising was unable to keep up with her expenses heading into Tuesday’s contests.

Obama Blames Indiana Loss On El Rushbo

Barack Obama’s campaign issued an e-mail on Tuesday night that appeared to relegate Hillary Clinton’s lead in Indiana to efforts by Rush Limbaugh to wreak havoc in the Democratic presidential primary contest.

In an e-mail entitled “The Limbaugh Effect in Indiana = 7 percent,” Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton wrote: “According to the latest exit polling data, 17 percent of voters in the Indiana primary today said they would vote for John McCain in a Clinton/McCain match-up. Forty-one percent of that number is constituted by people who voted Clinton in the primary but also indicated they will vote for McCain in the general election. That comes out to just under 7 percent of the primary electorate the number that may be attributed to a Limbaugh Effect.”

“The Limbaugh Effect” referred to “Operation Chaos,” which the conservative radio talk show host launched early in the primary season to create “balance” in the 2008 primary contest after he said liberal influences helped John McCain emerge as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

Gene Stipe Case Takes A Twist

By Tony Thornton/The Oklahoman ~ A clearly irritated federal judge made references to “The Wizard of Oz” and “Ghostbusters” in a written order that reluctantly allows former state Sen. Gene Stipe to have a surgical procedure on his brain before he reports to a prison hospital for mental competency testing.

U.S. District Judge Ronald White's bizarre, if entertaining order was the latest of several odd developments in the federal government's attempt to revoke the political icon's probation.

After reciting the various delays that have characterized the case for nearly a year, White wrote: “The inevitable question becomes: where are we now? Well Toto, where ever it is, it is not a place where the Defendant is ready to go to Springfield. No, no, no, no,” White wrote.

Read the entire story at www.newsok.com.

Party-line Vote Kills Voter ID Measure

A bill that would require voters to show identification at polling sites was defeated along party lines Tuesday in the Senate.

Senator John Ford, R-Bartlesville, said he would seek another vote on the measure, if he can round up the 25th vote needed for approval.

The vote was 24-23 for the bill, but it takes 25 votes to pass a bill in the 48-member Senate.

All 24 Republicans supported the plan, while 23 Democrats voted against it.

Democrats said the proposal was meant to help Republicans and would deter the elderly and other citizens from voting because they may not have identification readily available. Ford said the bill is needed to guard against voter fraud.

Clinton Wins Indiana By 2%

Hillary Clinton apparently won the Indiana primary on Tuesday by a margin of just two percent over Barack Obama.

With final votes to be tallied, Clinton appeared to have a lead of about 23,000 votes, a dismal result given that Obama's victory in North Carolina produced a lead for him there of about 10 times the lead Clinton had in Indiana.

Mayor: 'Something for the world to see'

Updated 11:12 p.m. by Alec MacGillis/The Washington Post ~ As the fate of a nailbiter Indiana primary -- and possibly the course of the Democratic race -- hung on his city, Gary Mayor Rudy Clay said just now that it might take a while yet to finish counting the vote in Lake County, which includes Gary, and said tonight his city had turned out so overwhelmingly for Barack Obama that it might just be enough to close the gap with Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"Let me tell you, when all the votes are counted, when Gary comes in, I think you're looking at something for the world to see," Clay, an Obama supporter, said in a telephone interview from Obama's Gary headquarters. "I don't know what the numbers are yet, but Gary has absolutely produced in large numbers for Obama here."

Clinton Cancels Wednesday Schedule

Hillary Clinton late Tuesday night cancelled her public schedule for Wednesday, including planned appearances on television network early morning shows.

The action seems to indicate Clinton will huddle with her advisers following her poor showing in Tuesday's Indiana and North Carolina primaries, where Barack Obama expanded his popular vote and delegate count leads over Clinton.

Is It Over? Obama Wallops Clinton In North Carolina, Brings Her To Standstill In Indiana

Is it over? Has Barack Obama won the Democratic nomination for president?

Those questions from pundits and commentators after Obama's smashing (he won by about 250,000 votes) North Carolina victory over Hillary Clinton and surprising Indiana finish that remained in doubt into the night.

What is clear in the results is that Clinton's momentum is ended; she needed a solid Indiana win and a close race in North Carolina and she got neither. Obama's North Carolina win erased Clinton's early Pennsylvania win and his better-than-expected finish in Indiana makes any argument Clinton makes about electability just so much talk.

Obama's performance increased his popular vote lead over Clinton, and his delegate lead. Even if Clinton won the six remaining primaries in landslide fashion, it is obvious, she cannot catch his popular vote total. Even if the contested primaries in Michigan and Florida are thrown in, Obama apparently maintains the lead. That ends Clinton's argument that she's received more votes than Obama.

Umbilical Cord Blood Bank Bill Due Action

Legislation that would authorize a public cord blood bank to provide potentially life-saving treatments for Oklahomans is headed to the governor's desk today.

House Bill 3060, by Rep. Rebecca Hamilton (D-OklahomaCity) and Senator Jay Paul Gumm (D-Durant), allows the State Department of Health to establish a public umbilical cord blood bank "for the purpose of collecting and storing umbilical cord blood and placental tissue donated by maternity patients at hospitals licensed in this state."

'Fire Safe' Cigarettes Bill Goes To Governor

A "fire safe" cigarettes bill is on Governor Henry's desk for action.

House Bill 3341, by Rep.s Mike Thompson and Joe Dorman, creates the Fire Safety Standard and Firefighter Protection Act.

The bill would require retailers to sell only "fire safe" cigarettes, meaning no cigarettes could be sold in Oklahoma unless they have been tested and certified by the manufacturer and are in compliance with the State Fire Marshal's approved standards for being a fire safe cigarette.

Cole Chastises House Colleagues

From The Hill ~ Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) chastised his colleagues Tuesday for not contributing to the GOP candidate in an increasingly crucial Mississippi special election, saying those who have not helped “ought to be ashamed of themselves,” Republican sources said.

The harsh admonition from the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) was the latest rallying cry from GOP campaigners, who have repeatedly cited a lack of enthusiasm and giving from members.

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) told his colleagues earlier this year that they needed to get off their “dead asses” and raise money for the NRCC.

Boehner and Cole continued that theme Tuesday at a House GOP meeting, asking members to focus on the Mississippi race just days after the party suffered a second loss of the cycle in former Rep. Richard Baker’s (R) conservative Louisiana district.

Teach For America Bill Passes House

Legislation allowing participants in the prestigious Teach For America program to be granted a temporary teaching license in Oklahoma is headed for the governor’s desk after passing the House today.

House Bill 3124, authored by House Education Committee Chairman Rep. Tad Jones, will allow the Teach for America Program to come to Oklahoma.

The bill will get talented teachers into our most needy classrooms, said Jones, R-Claremore.

“This program brings together a bright pool of young teachers who go into the most challenged classrooms with proven results,” said Jones. “The national program is vigorous to ensure quality remains high.”

Teach For America is a national corps of outstanding recent college graduates and professionals of all academic majors and career interests who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become leaders in the effort to expand educational opportunity.

Teach for America was founded with a goal to reduce the education inequity that exists among socioeconomic and racial lines. The organization targets the 13 million children growing up in poverty nationwide and focuses on the notion that when students in low-income communities are given the educational opportunities they deserve, they excel. Since the organization was founded in 1990, 17,000 people have participated in the program, impacting the lives of more than 2.5 million students. This fall, more than 5,000 corps members will be teaching in over 1,000 schools in 26 regions across the country.

The bill passed the House with a vote of 78-17 and will now go to the governor for final approval.

Health Care Services Bill Goes To Henry

Legislation encouraging charitable and faith-based groups to take a stronger role in providing health care services to Oklahoma's poor now awaits Governor Henry's signature, the bill's author said today.

House Bill 3143 creates the Compassionate Care Task Force. The group's mission will be to encourage voluntary and faith-based provision of free health services.

"State government must actively support the efforts of charitable health providers in every way possible," said Rep.Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. "Faith-based groups have a long and successful track record when it comes to providing for the poor, including health care services. We need to remove any roadblocks that hinder their efforts to serve and work in a collaborative way to address the needs of thousands of Oklahomans who lack adequate health insurance and medical care."

Cargill noted the legislation is similar to a law he authored last year allowing faith-based groups the opportunity to provide prison rehabilitation services.

The idea is also a result of Cargill's 100 Ideas initiative, which solicited ideas from the citizens of Oklahoma.

Study: 93% Of OU Employees Back Dems

Choice Remarks reports today that a study shows that 93 percent of University of Oklahoma employees who made political contributions gave to Democrats. Read the entire post at http://okschoolchoice.blogspot.com/2008/05/ous-leftward-tilt-points-up-need-for.html.

Gumm Challenges Benge On 'Nick's Law'

Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, today sent House Speaker Chris Benge a letter asking Benge for a proposal to help families struggling to provide services to children with autism. Gumm said he asked for the proposal since his has been rejected by the House on four occasions.

Gumm is the primary author of “Nick’s Law,” the bill that would require health insurance policies to cover autism diagnosis and treatment.

Last week, Benge announced he would not allow the bill to be considered by the House.

Human Trafficking Bill Goes To Henry

Legislation to crack down on criminals who kidnap and sell human beings has gained final legislative approval and now awaits the governor's signature to become law.

House Bill 1021, by Rep. Marian Cooksey, creates new penalties for anyone convicted of human trafficking "for forced labor or forced sexual exploitation" who relies on the "use of force, fraud or coercion" to trap victims.

"Human trafficking is the slave trade of the 21st Century," said Cooksey, R-Edmond. "Anyone who holds another human being in slavery for prostitution or forced labor or any other purpose must pay a high price for their actions."

Under the bill, those convicted of human trafficking will face at least five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for each conviction.

Anyone convicted of human trafficking involving victims younger than age 14 will face at least 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to$20,000.

Those convicted of the crime could also be ordered to pay restitution to their victims and the bill allows law enforcement officials to seize trafficker's property - including aircraft, vehicles and money - to help offset the state expenses of prosecution.

Poll: Obama With Wide North Carolina Lead

On the strength of good polling numbers on the final day before the primary elections in Indiana and North Carolina, Barack Obama of Illinois holds a convincing lead in North Carolina, but the race is simply too close to call in Indiana, the latest Zogby two-day telephone tracking poll shows.

The pair of surveys of the Democratic presidential contests shows Obama with a significant 14-point lead in North Carolina, winning 51% support to Hillary Clinton’s 37%.

Another 12% said they were either favoring someone else or were as yet undecided. In Indiana, the race is clear as mud, as Obama holds a statistically insignificant lead of two points, winning 45% support to Clinton’s 43% support, with 12% either undecided or favoring someone else.

Close Races Seen In Indiana, North Carolina

From Fox News ~ If their moods offer any indication, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are vying as much for the role of underdog and front-runner as they are for votes Tuesday in Indiana and North Carolina's vital Democratic primaries.

“We’re working as hard as we can and I desperately want every single vote here in Indiana and North Carolina,” Obama said.

Obama continues to lead in North Carolina, although most polls show Clinton has closed the gap significantly; the candidates are in a statistical dead heat in Indiana.

The latest Gallup daily tracking poll also shows them in a virtual tie nationally — with Obama leading by 5 percent, which is within the margin of error.

Senate Passes Hunting, Fishing Proposal

The State Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 38 today by a vote of 46-0, sending to a vote of the people Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee's proposal to provide constitutional protections for the right of Oklahomans to hunt and fish.

SJR 38 adds a new section to the State Constitution giving all Oklahomans the right to hunt, trap, fish, and take game and fish. Under this legislation, state laws to prohibit anyone from engaging in such activities are not allowed.

“In recognizing the rich hunting and fishing heritage of our state, I authored SJR 38 to ensure the protection of hunters and fishers whose rights are under attack nationwide. This legislation ensures the protection of Oklahoma hunters and fishers and gives the people of Oklahoma a chance to decide if the right to hunt and fish will be added to the protections of our constitution,” Coffee said.

Huckabee Releases Delegates To McCain

Mike Huckabee, it was revealed today, has released his Oklahoma Republican National Convention delegates and encouraged them to vote for John McCain.

Republican State Chairman Gary Jones said the Huckabee campaign notified him by fax late last week while the GOP State Convention was underway in Tulsa. Jones said he has contacted Huckabee's delegates and "all but one" of them said they would vote for McCain, with one apparently going to vote for Ron Paul.

If that is the case, McCain will have 40 votes from Oklahoma, Ron Paul 1 vote.

Senate Ties On Term Limits Measure

The Senate tied 23-23 when voting on whether to accept House amendments to the statewide term limits bill on Monday and Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a Democrat, declined to vote because the state Constitution prevents her from voting on an issue that would directly affect her office.

The lieutenant governor can vote to break ties in the Senate, which is currently split between 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans.

Senators Nancy Riley, D-Sand Springs, and Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, did not vote on whether or not to accept House amendments.

Senator Harry Coates, R-Seminole, voted against accepting House amendments. Coates had previously voted for the measure and declined to comment on his vote Monday. Republican Senator Randy Brogdon, author of the measure, said he was "totally shocked" with Coates' vote.

Senate Democrat leaders refused a request to help bring compromise language the bill, Brogdon said.

“Senate Democrat leaders have refused to help us bring the bill out of a conference committee with the changes that were suggested by the Attorney General. So instead of sending this bill to conference, we plan to push ahead for a Senate vote on the bill as it is written. We’re not going to allow the Senate Democrat leadership to quietly kill this issue in a conference committee. There will be a vote,” said Brogdon, R-Owasso, before the vote occurred.

“The intent of the current language is that the term limits apply prospectively, not retroactively. We have made a good faith effort to help reassure the attorney general and others that the term limits won’t be retroactive by agreeing to incorporate General Edmondson’s legislative language in our proposal. So it is very disappointing that Senate Democrat leaders aren’t interested in working with us to make that happen,” Brogdon said.

"All along we have said the intent of this bill is not for it to apply to any seated statewide office holder retroactively, and that is still the case," said Rep. Trebor Worthen, R-Oklahoma City. "We made a good faith effort to work with the attorney general to allay his concerns with the bill, but the Senate Democrats have made it clear they are not willing to continue to work on the language in conference. The people of Oklahoma deserve to have a voice on this issue, so we will move forward with a vote on the bill in its current form."

Brogdon said he is hopeful a majority of senators will support the SB 1987. Seven Democrat senators voted for the term limits bill in March.

“Term limits are good public policy, so I remain hopeful a majority of senators will agree to send this to a vote of the people. It’s hard to envision seven senators flip-flopping just to help the Democrat leadership kill term limits on a partisan, party-line vote,” Brogdon said.

Senator Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, was the Senate author of SB 1987, but has transferred the bill to Brogdon. It was Brogdon who authored an amendment to the bill on the Senate floor in March to include the term limits referendum. Worthen is the House author of SB 1987.

Kayln Free Endorses Barack Obama

Barack Obama picked up another Oklahoma Democratic National Convention superdelegate today as Kalyn Free, an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee, announced her support in a news release on Obama's presidential website.

Free (pictured with Obama and Ben Odom at a 2007 Washington event) is the founder and President of INDN’s List, an organization dedicated to recruiting and training American Indian candidates.

This brings the total number of superdelegates to endorse Barack Obama to 258 nationally and four in Oklahoma. That puts Obama 276 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Other Oklahoma superdelegates who have declared for Obama are Reggie Whitten of Oklahoma City, party Vice Chair Kitti Asberry, and Governor Brad Henry. Hillary Clinton, who carried Oklahoma easily, has just one in her camp, National Committeewoman Betty McElderry.

Free, a member of the Choctaw Nation and a former congressional candidate, said she was excited to see two qualified candidates emerge from the field of Democratic contenders. “Today, I am casting my support for a new kind of leadership and a new possibility of what America can be. Barack Obama is a once-in-a-generation kind of leader and the best hope the American people have to rebuild the erosion our collective foundation has endured the last eight years. In 2008, we must elect a President who will restore our faith in the possibilities of each and every American, including the First Americans."

Clinton Campaign Shoots Self In Foot

Hillary Clinton's campaign went after Barack Obama on gun control in Indiana and shot itself in the foot.

Politico has it cold: Sen. Hillary Clinton’s mailing attacking Sen. Barack Obama’s record on guns appears to include a striking visual gaffe: The image of the gun pictured on the face of the mailing is reversed, making it a nonexistent left-handed model of the Mauser 66 rifle.

To make matters worse, a prominent gun dealer said, it’s an expensive German gun with customized features that make it clearly European.

“The gun in the photo does not exist,” said Val Forgett III, president of Navy Arms in Martinsburg, W.Va. Forgett's company was Mauser’s agent in the United States when the gun was released, and it sold Mauser guns here again in the 1990s. “The bolt is facing to the left side of the receiver, making it a left-handed bolt action rifle, indicating whoever constructed and approved the mailer did not recognize the image has been reversed.”

World: Three Funds Fuel Johnson's Race

By Randy Krehbiel/Tulsa World ~ Rep. Rob Johnson, R-Kingfisher, was able to get a running start at this year’s Oklahoma Corporation Commission race by using three different campaign funds since January 2007.

He rolled his 2006 House campaign account into a 2008 House campaign last June, then rolled the 2008 House fund into a Corporation Commission account in January.

As a result, his Corporation Commission campaign reported more than $250,000 on hand at the end of March, twice as much as his fellow Republican Dana Murphy and about $70,000 more than Jim Roth, a Democrat.

All told, Johnson has raised $336,250 since the start of 2007, and two-thirds of that went to two House campaign funds that are now closed, Oklahoma Ethics Commission reports show.

Johnson said he didn’t contemplate a Corporation Commission race until late last summer, several months after Denise Bode resigned from the panel in April to become a lobbyist and Gov. Brad Henry appointed Roth to replace her, and several months after he opened his 2008 House account.

He said he did not make a firm decision about a Corporation Commission race until around the first of this year. The multiple funds allow major donors to legally double and even triple the $5,000 contribution limit for state campaigns.

The tactic, used most notably by former House Speaker Todd Hiett in his 2006 campaign for lieutenant governor, is allowed as long as a candidate does not operate active funds simultaneously.

For Johnson, it has already allowed nine donors who would otherwise be maxed out to give a total of $81,000 to his various funds.

Contributions include $14,000 from his father, Sen. Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, and $8,500 from a political action committee that lists Rob Johnson’s mother, Judy Johnson, as its chairwoman. The contributions also include $10,500 from the Chickasaw Nation and $10,000 each from the Tulsa oilmen Charles Harmon and Joseph Craft and from Mike Cantrell of Ada.

The records show that the largest share of Johnson’s money, 36 percent, came from oil and gas industry figures.

Johnson began 2007 rather modestly, raising $16,865 during the first three months of the year. He nearly doubled his total April 25, just days after Bode quit, but Johnson said he was not thinking about the Corporation Commission office then.

He rolled his 2006 balance of $35,763 into a 2008 House fund on June 5.

His fundraising picked up noticeably afterward. Johnson collected $160,234 during the entire 2006 campaign cycle, including the first five months of 2007. He raised $183,530 during the eight months he kept his 2008 House campaign open, and rolled $164,307 into the Corporation Commission fund that he registered at the end of January.

Johnson said he was prepared to run for re-election to the House if his Corporation Commission feelers came back negative. Instead, they came back bearing cash. “I wanted to talk to some people before I made a decision, and the more I traveled around talking to people, the more it resulted in raising money,” he said.

The Corporation Commission fund reported receiving $107,581.39 in two months. Murphy reported contributions of $148,872 with a balance of $128,458.Roth has taken in $252,744 with a balance of $174,475.

GOP Elects McCain Slate Of Delegates

Supporters of Ron Paul failed Saturday in their attempt to elect an alternate slate of delegates to the Republican National Convention.

The move by a group calling itself the Liberty Coalition came during the state convention at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel.

The coalition said it deemed the state party's executive committee slate of 46 at-large delegates and alternates insufficiently conservative and tried to put up its own convention slate. It was able to force a roll call vote, but the executive committee slate was approved with about two-thirds of the vote.

The action ensures Oklahoma's delegates will support John McCain, who won the Oklahoma presidential primary.

Party insider and Tulsa blogger Michael Bates has several "inside" reports on what occurred at the convention.

Obama Wins Guam By A Whisker

Barack Obama defeated Hillary Rodham Clinton by seven votes in the Guam Democratic presidential caucuses Saturday.

The count of more than 4,500 ballots took all night.

Neither candidate campaigned in the U.S. island territory in person, but both did long-distance media interviews and bought campaign ads for the caucuses.

Results of the count completed Sunday morning Guam time show delegates pledged to Obama with 2,264 votes to 2,257 for Clinton’s slate. That means they’ll split the pledged delegate votes. Obama’s slate won in 14 of 21 districts.

ORG Robocalls Target 7 Senate Districts

The Tulsa World reports today that constituents of seven Democratic state senators are getting automated calls to ask them to encourage their senators to support a term-limits bill.

The group Oklahomans for Responsible Government is paying for the calls, aimed at the districts of Sens. Tom Adelson and Mary Easley of Tulsa; Nancy Riley of Sand Springs; Johnnie Crutchfield of Ardmore; Susan Paddack of Ada; and Constance Johnson and Debbe Leftwich of Oklahoma City, said Aaron Cooper, a spokesman for the group.

The measure would limit statewide elected officials, with the exception of the governor, to 12 years in office. It would limit the governor to eight years. Lawmakers already are required to leave office after 12 years.

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

The Gadfly On The Wall

Rock On, Forbes: As one with a considerable investment in Oklahoma City-area real estate, this week's Forbes magazine report citing OKC as the nation's most recession-proof city is welcome news to me (and my heirs!). Mayor Mick Cornett no doubt did a jig in his office upon hearing the news. NBA Commissioner David Stern no doubt had a second martini, his judgment of OKC thus vindicated by the respected national magazine and it's certain the owners of the Seattle SuperSonics (soon to be the Oklahoma City Somethings) joined him, as did the oil and gas companies pouring millions into the city's hardscape, and realtors and home builders all over the metro.

Speaking Of The NBA Team: What an opportunity to label OKC's coming team with a name that means something. ("Twisters" doesn't do it for me; why name a positive with a negative?) If Mayor Mick wasn't hung up on making it the "Oklahoma City Somethings," we could have the "Oklahoma Standard" with red, white and blue uniforms. (Oklahoma City Standard works, but it's not as all-encompassing.) Or, since OKC is now "The Big Friendly," how about the Oklahoma City Friendly or Friendlies? (No jokes about touchy-feely big guys, please.) I know...neither of those names has much of a pro-sports team aurora. But either is better than "Twisters."

Bill Cosby's Point: The Centers For Disease Control reports that in 2005, the total U. S. population was 296,507,061. Black males ages 10-34 totaled 7,763,680, or 2.62 percent of the population. U. S. homicides totaled 10,438, with black males ages 10-34 the victims in 5,181 cases. Thus, black males ages 10-34 constitute 2.62 percent of the U. S. population and 49.6 percent of the victims.

Clinton-Obama: Oh, my. If Republicans could have planned the scenario, it wouldn't be better than this: A bitter, divisive primary driven by gender and race, a primary that seemingly will never end. Six months ago, it appeared Clinton was the nominee hands-down. Sixty days ago, it appeared Obama was the nominee hands-down. Today, it is obvious those undeclared superdelegates will name the party's nominee and there's disaster waiting when that happens. Pick Obama and the denied Clintonistas snipe at him all the way through November. Pick Clinton and...I fear the result in major urban areas long before any votes are counted.

Bill Duncan RIP: Former Capitol lobbyist Bill Duncan died this week at age 70. The former newspaper reporter loved to debate politics; we shared many a spirited conversation years ago as our paths crossed.

Indianapolis Star Endorses Hillary Clinton

The Indianapolis Star endorsed Hillary Clinton for president Friday just four days before the Democratic primary in Indiana, praising her “years of high-level experience” as a senator, which have left her “well prepared for the rigors of the White House.”

Editors at The Star, who called Clinton “tough, experienced and realistic,” contrasted her with her opponent, Barack Obama, whose “inexperience in high office is a liability,” they wrote.

“Clinton offers a clear-eyed view of the way things are,” they wrote. “Her depth of knowledge is remarkable.”

The endorsement from The Star, the largest newspaper in Indiana, could be a boon for Clinton, who already leads in polling ahead of Tuesday’s primary.

A RealClearPolitics average of polls released Thursday shows Clinton with a 6 percent lead in Indiana. Clinton has been gaining momentum since her victory in the Pennsylvania primary April 22, which she won by nearly 10 percent.

GOP Gathers In Tulsa; Cheney Fundraiser Sold Out, Moved To Bigger Venue

Oklahoma Republican officials gather in Tulsa today for the party's state convention as a fundraiser featuring Vice President Dick Cheney is a sell-out and had to be moved to a larger venue as a result.

A reception at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Tulsa begins at 4 p.m., followed by a banquet at 6 p.m. with Cheney as the special guest. The cost of the reception is $1,000; for the banquet only, the charge is $100 per person. All persons attending must be at the hotel at 4 p.m. for security reasons per the Secret Service, a party announcement stated.

The party convention on Saturday has drawn considerable interest as rumors have circulated that supporters of also-ran Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul would attempt to elect Paul delegates to the party's national convention in an attempt to thwart the nomination of John McCain. Reports from GOP conventions in other states fueled the fear Oklahoma could be another target. Some Paul supporters said that's not the case, but party insiders say the McCain campaign became concerned about the rumors and sent field workers here to "get a handle" on the situation.

Paul himself headed such an effort in Nevada, as the Reno Gazette-Journal reported: "After a super-majority of Ron Paul supporters captured control of the Republican state convention Saturday, state party officials abruptly canceled the event without electing delegates to the national convention. Early in the day, state delegates supporting Paul's continued pursuit of the Republican nomination voted through a rules change that forced the state party to abandon its preset ballot of potential national convention delegates and open up the race to the rest of the state delegates. The vote followed a rousing speech by Paul of Texas, who said his presidential campaign will continue as long as he has support."

Bush Disapproval Rating Hits Record High

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey indicates that 71 percent of the American public disapprove of how George W. Bush is handling his job as president, the highest disapproval percentage on record.

"No president has ever had a higher disapproval rating in any CNN or Gallup Poll; in fact, this is the first time that any president's disapproval rating has cracked the 70 percent mark," said Keating Holland, CNN's polling director.

"Bush's approval rating, which stands at 28 percent in our new poll, remains better than the all-time lows set by Harry Truman and Richard Nixon [22 percent and 24 percent, respectively], but even those two presidents never got a disapproval rating in the 70s," Holland said. "The previous all-time record in CNN or Gallup polling was set by Truman, 67 percent disapproval in January 1952."

Randall Erwin Indicted By Federal Jury

Muskogee ~ Former Rep. Randall Erwin of Nashoba on Thursday was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly steering state funds to a phony nonprofit entity and receiving kickbacks from its owner, southeast Oklahoma businessman Steven Phipps, as part of a scandal that has rocked southeastern Oklahoma and implicated at least four former lawmakers and Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan and his wife, Lori.

Read The Indictment

Erwin, 56, a Democrat, is charged with one count of conspiracy, three counts of mail fraud and three counts of money laundering.

The indictment alleges that Erwin, former Rep. Mike Mass and another, unnamed person were involved in the conspiracy to steer state funds to the Rural Development Foundation.

The third, unnamed alleged co-conspirator is former Rep. Jerry Hefner, a source close to the investigation confirmed to the Tulsa World. He was not charged in Thursday’s indictment.

Money from the phony nonprofit foundation was then funnelled to Indian Nation Entertainment, a company owned by Phipps, the indictment alleges.

Erwin, Mass and Hefner used their influence to have INE gaming machines placed in Indian casinos, according to the indictment.

Phipps then periodically paid the three an agreed upon percentage of gross profits from the machines in cash, the indictment alleges.

The indictment does not say how much was paid to the former lawmakers.

Neither Phipps nor Mass, who earlier this year entered into plea deals with federal prosecutors in exchange for their cooperation, were charged in Thursday’s indictment.

Conviction of any of the seven counts in the indictment is punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 to $500,000 each, U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said.

Phipps is the former business partner of former longtime Democratic Senator Gene Stipe. Stipe’s brother, Francis, pleaded guilty to conspiracy, mail fraud, witness-tampering and engaging in an illegal monetary transaction. The charges included an allegation that Francis Stipe engaged in an illegal monetary transaction that directly dealt with a $48,000 kickback paid to Mass and drawn on Gene Stipe’s account.