One Door Closes, Another Opens

World: Carson's Obama Donation Questioned

The Tulsa World reports today that former Congressman Brad Carson, until recently the CEO of the Cherokee Nation, authorized a $50,000 donation to the inaugural fund of President-elect Barack Obama without permission from the tribal council.

The newspaper reports that many council members were unaware of the donation until seeing news accounts of it or after receiving phone calls from their constituents.

Records show the donation is the maximum amount and the largest donation from an Oklahoma entity. It was contributed to the fund by Cherokee Nation Businesses.

Tribal officials say the donation was authorized by Carson, the former two-term Democratic congressman who left his position as CEO just before Christmas when he was called up as a member of the armed forces after giving the donation.

Oklahoma's Top Five Political Stories Of 2008

From a historic change in legislative power to the disgrace and subsequent downfall of two top elected officials, 2008 brought controversy and change to Oklahoma's political landscape.

An Analysis By Mike McCarville

Measuring the impact of the changes is subjective; there's no magnetic north to point to the most important political events of the year. However, with input from numerous consultants and observers, here's one list of the year's Top Five Political Stories:

1. Republican Control Of The State Senate ~ The Republican Party's march to parity with perpetually-dominant Democrats in the Legislature peaked in November, when voters elected enough additional Republicans to turn control of the Senate to the GOP for the first time. GOP leader Glenn Coffee, who shared president pro tem duties in 2008 with Democrat Mike Morgan given the even numbers in the Senate, became the pro tem and immediately made it clear he's in charge. With the House already in GOP hands, padded by four additional pickups in November, the 2009 legislative agenda now is in their almost-complete control and that's sure to engender controversy and an agenda different than any proposed by Democrats in the past.

2. House Speaker Lance Cargill's Resignation ~ Harrah Representative Lance Cargill went from one of the state's golden boys to relative obscurity in record time. Caught in the glare of repeated reports about unpaid personal and business taxes and an Ethics Commission probe into the handling of donations, Cargill resigned as speaker in an unexpected move that elevated Tulsan Chris Benge to the speaker's post. Cargill, a popular GOP speaker when he took that seat, was viewed by many as on the fast track to higher elective office before melting in the hot glare of his personal shortcomings. He did not file for reelection to the House.

3. Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan's Conviction ~ Federal prosecutors nailed McMahan and his wife on multiple corruption charges as part of the lengthy, wide-ranging probe into the nefarious affairs of former Senator Gene Stipe and his former business partner, Steve Phipps. Their convictions proved that McMahan's two-time opponent, Republican Gary Jones, was on target with his allegations about McMahan beginning in their first race in 2002.

4. John McCain's 77 County Win ~ The Republican presidential nominee carried every Oklahoma county against Barack Obama as Obama defeated McCain nationally. McCain's walk-away Oklahoma win is viewed by many as a rejection of liberal Obama more than an embrace of McCain, although there's continuing speculation on that point. Some believe race played a role in McCain's huge win, but there's been little evidence to substantiate that belief.

5. Jim Roth's Defeat By Dana Murphy ~ Democratic Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth, appointed by Governor Brad Henry when Republican Denise Bode resigned, had all the money he needed and seemed headed to election. But Republican Dana Murphy edged the incumbent, returning the commission to all-Republican status. Roth, the state's first openly-gay elected official, received kid glove treatment from the news media and his close association with Aubrey McClendon of Chesapeake Energy Corp., an entity Roth helped regulate, was for the most part ignored.

Internet Tops Newspapers As News Source

From RealClearPolitics ~ For the first time ever, more people cited the Internet than newspapers as their primary source for news, according to the latest Pew Research Center survey, conducted Dec. 3-7 among nearly 1,500 adults in the U.S.

Currently, 40 percent of the respondents say that they get most of their national and international news from the Internet, up sharply from 24 percent in 2007. Newspapers remain the top source for 35 percent, about even with the past three years, but down significantly from the 50 percent as surveyed in 2003.

Television is still the top source for news, with 70 percent (multiple responses were allowed), though the web is closing in on it as well. Among young people (ages 18-29), the Internet has pulled even with TV, with each drawing 59 percent. Just a year ago, twice as many young people cited the tube over the web (68 percent to 34).

The Internet's gain in 2008 was partly fueled by the heated presidential election, during which a record number of people flocked to the web daily to get their political news. But the survey also confirmed perhaps the worst-kept secret in the media industry, that the viability of the printed press is in grave danger. The two trains have passed each other in broad daylight.

Study: Black Youths Killed, Killing Increases

WASHINGTON ~ The number of young black men and teenagers who either killed or were killed in shootings has risen at an alarming rate since 2000, a new study shows.

The study, to be released Monday by criminologists at Northeastern University in Boston, comes as FBI data is showing that murders have leveled off nationwide.

Not so for black teens, the youngest of whom saw dramatic increases in shooting deaths, the Northeastern report concluded.

Last year, for example, 426 black males between the ages of 14 and 17 were killed in gun crimes, the study shows. That marked a 40 percent increase from 2000.

Similarly, an estimated 964 (about two-and-a-half times more than white youths) in the same age group committed fatal shootings in 2007 — a 38 percent increase from seven years earlier.

The number of offenders is estimated because not all crimes are reported, said Northeastern criminologist James Alan Fox, who co-authored the study.

"Although the overall rate of homicide in the United States remains relatively low, the landscape is quite different for countless Americans living, and some dying, in violence-infested neighborhoods," Fox said.

Austin Fire Destroys Allbaugh Home

An Austin, Texas home occupied by the family of Joe and Diane Allbaugh has been destroyed by fire. Allbaugh and family members were not injured in the Christmas Eve blaze.

Allbaugh, Blackwell native and former chief of staff for Governor Henry Bellmon who later managed George Bush's first presidential campaign and then became director of the Federal Emergency Managment Agency (FEMA), said the family had used a backyard fireplace earlier in the evening, but turned it off when they went inside. The fire destroyed the 8,100 square foot home and most of the family's possessions. The home was being rented while Allbaugh's home a short distance away is being renovated.

The Allbaughs own a home in Virginia that was purchased from Vice President Dick Cheney.

Allbaugh operates The Allbaugh Company in Washington and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association.

Inhofe's Nephew Top GOP Ad Producer

By Randy Krehbiel/Tulsa World ~ That's what did it for Fred Davis: a television spot featuring big-bellied cons in ballerina costumes, produced for Jim Inhofe's 1994 Senate campaign.

Inhofe, Davis' uncle, won. So did the ad. The American Association of Political Consultants voted it the ad of the year. And Davis and his ad agency became one of the nation's most influential Republican communications firms.

Although Davis (pictured above with associate Beth Monica) moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s, much of his company's pre- and post-production work is still done in Tulsa.

Clients have included President George W. Bush; former Vice President Dan Quayle; U.S. Sens. Charles Grassley, Bob Corker and Paul Coverdell; and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Davis, through his company, Strategic Perceptions Inc., was creative director of the 2008 Republican National Convention, a job that entailed producing all of the convention's visual and audio effects, including the videos shown throughout the convention on the giant screen behind the stage.

Read the entire story at www.tulsaworld.com.

Obama Most Admired Man In America

President-elect Barack Obama has replaced President George W. Bush as the most admired man in America, according to a poll published Friday in the USA Today newspaper.

One-third of the 1,008 respondents surveyed named Obama as their first or second choice, with Bush falling to a distant second after seven years as the country's most-admired man.

Thirty-two percent of respondents chose Obama against five percent for Bush. It was the first time a president-elect topped the poll since Dwight Eisenhower in 1952.

No-gun Norton Seeks To Stoke Hysteria

By Jordy Yager/The Hill ~ Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and gun control groups are concerned that some visitors attending President-elect Obama’s inauguration may try to pack heat because of a rule allowing concealed weapons in national parks.

The Bush administration recently altered federal regulations to allow people with permits to carry concealed firearms while in national parks if the park falls within a state or district that allows concealed weapons.

Washington D.C. does not allow concealed weapons, but Norton and other think confusion over the rule could lead visitors to bring guns to Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration, which will be held on two miles of National Park land – the National Mall.

“It is truly frightening to think of what this could mean coming just a couple of weeks before the inauguration,” said Norton, who has long supported strict gun laws in D.C.

Larry Pratt, executive director for the pro-gun rights Gun Owners of America, said Norton’s fears are misguided.

“People know enough to check on what the rules are,” Pratt said. “It’s not been a problem in the past and I can’t imagine why all of a sudden it’s going to be a problem on that particular day. It may be a problem for people who don’t like guns, but they have that problem every day.”

Read the entire story at www.thehill.com.

Benge Announces House Panel Assignments

From The House Media Division ~ Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge today announced committee assignments for the 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions.

“This is obviously going to be a challenging session given our economic outlook, but I believe the members of the House are up to the job and look forward to beginning committee work in January,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “We have a very diverse membership with a wide range of experience and insight that will prove invaluable as we develop new policies and the state budget.”

The committee assignments for the Oklahoma House of Representatives are as follows:

Appropriations & Budget Ken Miller, Chair; Scott Martin, Vice-Chair; Jeff Hickman Lee Denney Guy Liebmann Doug Cox Ron Peters Dale DeWitt Randy Terrill Weldon Watson Mike Jackson John Auffet John Carey Joe Dorman Larry Glenn Chuck Hoskin Danny Morgan

Human Services Pam Peterson, Chair; Wade Rousselot, Vice-Chair; Weldon Watson Fred Jordan Mike Reynolds Sally Kern Mark McCullough Jason Nelson Al McAffrey Mike Shelton Ben Sherrer

Government Modernization Jason Murphey, Chair; David Derby, Vice-Chair; George Faught Scott Martin T.W. Shannon Leslie Osborn Bill Nations Anastasia Pittman Seneca Scott

Higher Education & Career Tech Todd Thomsen, Chair; Bill Nations, Vice-Chair; Lee Denney Harold Wright Skye McNiel Marian Cooksey David Dank Sally Kern Lewis Moore Mike Brown Rebecca Hamilton Anastasia Pittman Jabar Shumate

General Government Lisa Billy, Chair; Dennis Johnson, Vice Chair; Scott Martin Mike Christian Sue Tibbs Charlie Joyner Phil Richardson Wallace Collins Larry Glenn Jeannie McDaniel Jerry Shoemake

Energy & Utility Regulation Mike Thompson, Chair; Weldon Watson, Vice-Chair; Shane Jett Marian Cooksey Dennis Johnson John Trebilcock Ron Peters John Enns Steve Martin Colby Schwartz Gus Blackwell Dan Kirby Mike Sanders Mike Jackson Paul Wesselhoft Neil Brannon Wes Hilliard Steve Kouplen Lucky Lamons Jerry McPeak Danny Morgan Eric Proctor Wade Rousselot Ben Sherrer Purcy Walker

Wildlife Phil Richardson, Chair; R.C. Pruett, Vice Chair; Mike Sanders Earl Sears Dale DeWitt Jeff Hickman Skye McNiel Fred Jordan Terry Harrison Brian Renegar Glen Bud Smithson

Public Health John Trebilcock, Chair; David Derby, Vice-Chair; Charlie Joyner Lisa Billy Colby Schwartz Ron Peters Jason Nelson Pam Peterson Mike Ritze Pat Ownbey Randy Terrill Corey Holland Lee Denney Ed Cannaday Larry Glenn Rebecca Hamilton Terry Harrison Wes Hilliard Ryan Kiesel Jeannie McDaniel Seneca Scott

Administrative Rules and Agency Oversight John Wright, Chair; George Faught, Vice-Chair; Dan Kirby Mike Reynolds Earl Sears Steve Martin Jason Murphey John Auffet Mike Brown Samson Buck Joe Dorman

Veterans & Military Affairs Gary Banz, Chair; John Carey, Vice-Chair; Ann Coody Paul Wesselhoft Rex Duncan Don Armes Randy McDaniel Mike Christian Neil Brannon Chuck Hoskin Scott Inman Paul Roan

Judiciary Rex Duncan, Chair; Fred Jordan, Vice-Chair; Mark McCullough Daniel Sullivan Jason Nelson Randy Terrill Marian Cooksey Scott Inman Ryan Kiesel Lucky Lamons Richard Morrissette

Transportation T.W. Shannon, Chair; Charlie Joyner, Vice-Chair; John Wright Mike Christian Eddie Fields Gary Banz Charles Ortega Ken Luttrell Al McAffrey Ryan McMullen Eric Proctor

Public Safety Sue Tibbs, Chair; Steve Martin, Vice-Chair; Mark McCullough Jason Murphey Randy McDaniel Leslie Osborn Todd Thomsen Mike Ritze Wallace Collins Chuck Hoskin Paul Roan Glen Bud Smithson

Agriculture & Rural Development Don Armes, Chair; John Enns, Vice-Chair; Eddie Fields Dale DeWitt Leslie Osborn Charles Ortega Mike Sanders Phil Richardson Harold Wright Dennis Bailey Steve Kouplen Ryan McMullen R.C. Pruett Brian Renegar

Common Education Ann Coody, Chair; Sally Kern, Vice-Chair; David Dank Tad Jones Earl Sears Doug Cox Daniel Sullivan Gus Blackwell Samson Buck Ed Cannaday Joe Dorman Jeannie McDaniel Jabar Shumate

Rules Gus Blackwell, Chair; Mike Jackson, Vice-Chair; Tad Jones John Trebilcock Mike Thompson Guy Liebmann Charles Key Joe Dorman Richard Morrissette Cory Williams Jerry Shoemake

Business & Economic Development Daniel Sullivan, Chair; Randy McDaniel, Vice-Chair; George Faught Pat Ownbey Lewis Moore Charles Key Skye McNiel Ron Peters Guy Liebmann John Auffet John Carey Danny Morgan Mike Shelton Jabar Shumate

International Relations & Tourism Shane Jett, Chair; Purcy Walker, Vice-Chair; Jeff Hickman Doug Cox Corey Holland John Wright Todd Thomsen Gary Banz Dennis Bailey Ken Luttrell Jerry McPeak Cory Williams

Appropriations Subcommittee on Revenue & Taxation Jeff Hickman, Chair; Neil Brannon, Vice-Chair; Randy McDaniel Dan Kirby Tad Jones John Trebilcock Pat Ownbey Weldon Watson Jerry McPeak R.C. Pruett Ben Sherrer

Appropriations Subcommittee on Education Lee Denney, Chair; Earl Sears, Vice-Chair; Sally Kern Todd Thomsen Ann Coody Harold Wright David Derby Corey Holland Eddie Fields Ed Cannaday Wes Hilliard Jeannie McDaniel Bill Nations Jabar Shumate

Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government & Transportation Guy Liebmann, Chair; Colby Schwartz, Vice-Chair; Gary Banz Mike Thompson T.W. Shannon Shane Jett Mike Jackson Steve Martin Mike Reynolds Mike Brown Steve Kouplen Ken Luttrell Ryan McMullen Eric Proctor

Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Health & Social Services Doug Cox, Chair; Paul Wesselhoft, Vice-Chair; Mike Ritze Lisa Billy John Enns Charlie Joyner Gus Blackwell George Faught Samson Buck Rebecca Hamilton Lucky Lamons Anastasia Pittman Mike Shelton

Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services Ron Peters, Chair; Marian Cooksey, Vice-Chair; Pam Peterson David Dank Dennis Johnson John Wright Sue Tibbs Charles Ortega Dennis Bailey Wallace Collins Al McAffrey Wade Rousselot Cory Williams

Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources & Regulatory Services Dale DeWitt, Chair; Skye McNiel, Vice-Chair; Phil Richardson Jason Murphey Don Armes Lewis Moore Leslie Osborn Charles Key Terry Harrison Brain Renegar Seneca Scott Jerry Shoemake Purcy Walker

Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety & Judiciary Randy Terrill, Chair; Mark McCullough, Vice-Chair; Mike Christian Rex Duncan Mike Sanders Fred Jordan Daniel Sullivan Jason Nelson Scott Inman Ryan Kiesel Richard Morrissette Paul Roan Glen Bud Smithson

Santa's New Sleigh

It will be occupied this Christmas season, so posts here likely will be few and far between.

Corn: Eliminate Election Board Patronage

From The Senate Communications Division ~ Senator Kenneth Corn announced plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit the partisan appointment of County Election Board Secretaries.

Corn said it was important that the Legislature make a firm commitment to ending political patronage, without exceptions. The proposal would require that Election Board Secretaries have at least three years of experience with the system.

“If we truly want to end political patronage and provide better services to the citizens of Oklahoma, then our approach to County Election Board Secretaries should be no different,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “These are particularly demanding and consequential posts, and they should be filled by qualified and experienced administrators. These positions are far too important to be determined by patronage.”

In 2005, Corn authored legislation that would have prohibited Oklahoma legislators from recommending tag agents to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, but the measure was not heard by the Legislature. Corn said continued efforts to end political patronage would result in improved government services.

Homeowner Wins Gunfight With Burglar

A Tulsa homeowner shot and killed a man who was breaking into his house early Tuesday, police said.

Shortly before 3 a.m., three individuals broke into a home in the 1300 block of North Irvington Avenue, Tulsa Police Cpl. Mark Shelton said.

Many of the 15 to 20 occupants were awake, including the homeowner, who heard the break-in and got his gun.

Two of the burglars, including one who was armed, were moving through the house when they encountered the homeowner, Shelton said.

Gunfire was exchanged. The homeowner shot one of the burglars twice in the chest, and the homeowner's wife was shot in the abdomen.

The wounded burglar left the house before collapsing and dying in the front yard. His name has not been released.

The homeowner's wife was hospitalized but is expected to recover.

The other two burglars ran from the house and were not located, Shelton said. They were described as black, in their late teens and wearing hooded sweatshirts and dark baggy pants.

Super Sam Named AP Player Of The Year

OU quarterback Sam Bradford was voted The Associated Press college football player of the year Monday.

He beat out the same two quarterbacks he did in capturing the Heisman Trophy — Colt McCoy of Texas and Tim Tebow of Florida.

Bradford received 27 votes from the AP media panel that votes in the weekly poll. The sophomore quarterback was followed by McCoy with 17 votes. Tebow won the award last year and had 16 votes this time. Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree had two votes.

Bradford is the third Oklahoma player to win the AP award, which began in 1998. The others were Josh Heupel in 2000 and Jason White in 2003.

Coffee Says He'll End Tag Agent Patronage

Senator Glenn Coffee confirmed Monday that one of his first reforms of state government will be in the form of authoring legislation ending the Senate’s tag agency patronage system by prohibiting lawmakers from recommending tag agents to the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC). In the past, Oklahoma State Senators have suggested to OTC those individuals they thought should hold the position of tag agent. Under Coffee’s legislation, the Oklahoma Tax Commission will directly appoint tag agents.

“Traditionally, the OTC has followed the recommendations of the local senators in filling these positions,” said Coffee. “This legislation simply removes patronage and returns professionalism to the appointment and management of tag agencies.

“This is a reform that is long overdue, and I believe it will be greeted with bi-partisan enthusiasm,” he continued. “It’s time for this patronage to end, and I’m happy to bring it to a painless, peaceful conclusion.”

Oklahoma and Tulsa counties have been out from under the patronage system for many years with significant success, and Coffee says this reform brought by the new Senate majority will bring professional management to the tag agency system.

Casino Increase Produces Problem Gamblers

As the number of casinos in Oklahoma increases, so do the number of people who become pathological or problem gamblers, authorities say.

That slippery slope that leads people to become addicted to gambling can begin with meager winnings. Very seldom do pathological gamblers convert money they win into spending money -- it becomes money to further gamble with, an expert said.

''The pathological gambler doesn't consider it real money," said Wiley D. Hawell, executive director of the Oklahoma Association for Problem and Compulsive Gambling, a non-profit association based in Norman.

Read the entire McClatchey News Service article at www.tulsaworld.com.

Cherokee Nation Gives Obama Inauguration Committee $50,000, Whitten Gives $25,000

From The Tulsa World's "Political Notebook" Column: The Cherokee Nation has given the maximum $50,000 to President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration committee, according to a list of donors on the committee's Web site.

The only other large state contribution is $25,000 from Reggie Whitten, the Edmond attorney who led efforts to rescue the Oklahoma Democratic Party from the brink of insolvency this year.

Three Oklahomans have given $500 or less.

National notables on the $50,000 list include film director Stephen Spielberg, film executive Robert Zemeckis, actors Tom Hanks, Halle Berry and Sharon Stone, and music executive Berry Gordy. Financier George Soros and four of his family members gave $50,000 each. Actor Christopher Guest and former basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson are among those giving $25,000.

AP Joins Mud-Tossing At Rahm Emanuel

The Associated Press has joined other media and some bloggers in throwing mud at Rahm Emanuel, President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff.

While The AP regularly issued glowing reports about Obama and pilloried John McCain and Sarah Palin during the campaign, several of its reporters now seem ready to throw Emanuel under the bus for his contacts with Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich even though there's evidence Emanuel would have nothing to do with Blagojevich's "pay for play" scheme to sell Obama's Senate seat to the highest bidder. The AP asserts that Emanuel's political ties to Blagojevich constitute "a troubling liability" despite the fact Emanuel, like the governor, has been a well-connected Illinois pol for years. It would be extra-ordinary if they did not have political ties.

Here's today's primary story from The AP:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is legendary in Illinois political circles for not picking up the phone or returning calls, even from important figures like the state's senior senator, Dick Durbin.

But there was always one call Blagojevich regularly took, say his aides, and that was from Rahm Emanuel - his congressman, his one-time campaign adviser and, more recently, and troubling for Emanuel, one of his contacts with President-elect Barack Obama's transition staff.

The friendly rapport Blagojevich and Emanuel shared over the years has suddenly become a troubling liability for Emanuel and the new president he will serve as chief of staff.

Read the entire story at www.newsmax.com.

FEC Fines Kalyn Free $10,000 For Salary

Former 2nd District congressional candidate Kalyn Free has been fined $10,000 by the Federal Election Commission for paying herself an "excessive" salary while a candidate.

Free also is required to repay $6,906 to her campaign for expense overpayments she received.

Free, who now heads a liberal political action committee, lost the 2004 Democratic primary to Congressman Dan Boren. She was a "superdelegate" to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Free, records show, paid the FEC fine last month.

Rights Group Lauds Appeals Court Ruling

Citizens in Charge Foundation, a national initiative rights advocacy group, applauded today's federal 10th Circuit Court of Appeals 3-0 ruling that an Oklahoma law requiring that petition circulators be residents of the state violates the First Amendment rights of Oklahoma citizens.

"We have long argued that residency restrictions are unconstitutional violations of the First Amendment rights of citizens to petition their government," said Paul Jacob, president of the Citizens in Charge Foundation. "The impact of these laws is to reduce the number of people available to help Oklahomans speak out politically."

The decision in this case, Yes on Term Limits v. Savage, joins the 9th Circuit's July decision in Nader v. Brewer and the 6th Circuit's October ruling in Nader v. Blackwell. All three circuit court decisions were unanimous in overturning residency laws for petitioners.

"Circulating petitions is the only job in politics facing these legislative restrictions," Jacob pointed out. "Campaign managers,lobbyists, advertising executives, and others can be from outside the state, but not petition circulators. Why not? The reason is clear: legislators don't like petitions because they allow citizens to get around those same legislators."

Yes on Term Limits Inc. sought relief from Oklahoma's law to to begin a ballot drive using circulators from both within and outside the state of Oklahoma."Only an Oklahoman can propose a petition, only Oklahomans can sign that petition, and only Oklahomans can vote on any measure proposed by petition," Jacob argued. "But Oklahomans should be allowed to hire anyone they choose to carry their petition around the state."

In December of last year, Attorney General Drew Edmondson indicted Jacob – as well as Rick Carpenter of Oklahomans in Action and Susan Johnson of the petition company, National Voter Outreach – with criminal conspiracy for allegedly hiring non-residents to gather signatures on a 2005 petition for the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights. If convicted, the three face ten years in prison.

"This decision also impacts the criminal prosecution of the Oklahoma3," said Jacob. "We did not violate this law, but now we know that the law in question is unconstitutional.""Mr. Edmondson should end his politically-motivated prosecution, which has had a terribly chilling effect on Oklahoma citizens wanting to petition," Jacob added.

Citizens in Charge Foundation is a national group that works to educate citizens and opinion leaders on the importance of the voter initiative and referendum process, and litigates to protect the initiative rights of citizens. However, neither Citizens in Charge Foundation nor Paul Jacob are a party to this litigation.

Inhofe 'Outraged' By President's Action

Senator Jim Inhofe ripped President Bush today, saying, “I am outraged by the President’s announcement today that he will be using money from the massive $700 billion bailout to bailout U.S. automakers. Once again we have an Administration changing course regarding the implementation of the massive bailout without any input from Congress. This is exactly the reason I have been such an outspoken opponent of the bailout from the very beginning.

“I also opposed the $700 billion bailout because I knew that more than just the financial industry would soon be lining up to ask for government assistance. Congress considered legislation to assist the auto industry and it failed. By taking this action, these bailout funds are avoiding the necessary oversight the American people expect. I do not agree that the lack of a federal bailout will result in a disorderly bankruptcy of these companies. Chapter 11 of the US Code provides the structure for the substantial restructuring these companies need to take. Key among the steps is making their costs competitive with foreign automakers operating in the U.S.

“Now, as the Bush administration has waffled and changed course again on implementation of the massive bailout, many of my colleagues who initially voted for the $700 billion bailout have been expressing regret over their decision to hand over such a massive blank check with little oversight to the administration. They still have a chance at redemption by co-sponsoring my legislation, S. 3697, which freezes the bailout and gives back to the taxpayers their money that should never have been taken from them in the first place. Americans need to contact their Senators and tell them to co-sponsor my bill so that it is has the necessary support to be heard. Over the next few weeks I will be reaching out to my colleagues to ask them to sign on to my bill so we can stop this nonsense as soon as possible.”

Foundation Rips Tax Dollar Lobbying

From Americans For Prosperity Foundation ~ In recent elections, voters overwhelmingly supported a fiscally conservative platform, regardless of party affiliation. And yet taxpayer dollars are being used to lobby directly against taxpayer interests. Americans for Prosperity Foundation today released a policy paper exposing the growing financial hit Americans are taking each year due to taxpayer-funded lobbying.

“Exposing taxpayer-funded lobbying is important to our AFP Foundation’s mission of educating Americans about barriers to prosperity,” said AFP Foundation President Tim Phillips. “This is just one more way out-of-touch Washington bureaucrats ignore the interests of the American people.”

The report, titled “Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying: Runaway Government Growth,” reveals the staggering amount of money spent on taxpayer-funded lobbying in the last 10 years— $1.09 billion. In addition, the report points to an explosion of university earmarking and lists a “taxpayer-funded lobbying hall of shame” to identify the big spenders.

“Using our tax dollars to hire lobbyists to go back and lobby for more of our tax dollars only grows government spending," said AFP-Oklahoma's Executive Director Stuart Jolly. "The state is now lobbying the state, and where is the taxpayer in all of this?" Phil Kerpen, AFP Foundation's Director of Policy and author of the paper says, "Tax dollars should be used to deliver necessary government services, not to lobby for bigger government. While ordinary Americans are busy working, their hard-earned tax dollars are being used to pay for lobbyists who are fight­ing for higher taxes and bigger govern­ment.”

A few key findings: ● Over the entire 1998 through first-half 2008 period, taxpay­er-funded lobbying totaled a staggering $1.09 billion; ● Taxpayer-funded lobbying is a major cause of the dramatic growth in pork-barrel earmarks; ● In 2007 alone, public universities in 46 states em­ployed lobbyists. View the full report at http://www.americansforprosperity.org/files/PolicyPaperTFL2008.pdf.

Coffee Strips Laster's Committee Selections

By Mick Hinton/Capitol Bureau, Tulsa World ~ In a power play Thursday at the state Capitol, the new Republican chief of the Senate erased three key committee appointments announced just hours earlier by the minority Democrats.

President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, said the Democrats had no business announcing their appointments because they can only make recommendations to the head of the Senate.

Coffee said Sen. Charlie Laster, the Democratic leader, "knew exactly what he was doing. The Democrats are acting like they are in charge."

Laster said he was relying on tradition in the Senate for the past two decades that has allowed the minority party to make its own committee appointments. Each side said the other was getting carried away with a "power grab."

It appears that Coffee's revised appointments could prevail, because the rules have always stated that committee assignments need to be approved by the Senate, which now has 26 Republicans and 22 Democrats.

Caught in the fracas was the appointment of Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa. Laster had named Adelson to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, but Coffee stripped Adelson's name.

"The people of Tulsa ought to be outraged that the most competent member of the Legislature on health-care issues is being denied to serve for political reasons," Laster said.

Coffee responded that Adelson should not be on the committee, questioning Adelson's efforts to make an OSU Medical Center agreement work. Adelson said Coffee's comment was curious because Coffee had been reluctant to support a recent agreement to keep the Tulsa hospital open.

Laster said Coffee's actions on the committee assignments would be comparable to the coach for the University of Florida determining the starting lineup for the Oklahoma Sooners in the upcoming BCS bowl game "and not letting quarterback Sam Bradford play."

"This is disappointing after Sen. Laster talked about bipartisanship," Coffee said, adding that, "In fact, the citizens of the state of Oklahoma handed the reins to Republicans on Nov. 4."

For the last two years, the Senate has been operating under a power-sharing agreement when the chamber was split between 24 members of each party.

Coffee also ignored Laster's appointment of Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, to the Senate Public Safety Subcommittee. He also refused to allow Sen. Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, from serving on the committees that deal with judiciary and energy.

Previously, the two Democrats had chairmanship roles on those committees. Coffee also removed a few other Democrats from a few committees, saying Laster had been allotted a certain number of slots but exceeded them.

Obama Approval Matches Highest To Date

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Approval Index for Thursday shows that 42% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way Barack Obama is handling the role of President-elect while 14% Strongly Disapprove. Those figures give Obama a +28 rating, matching his highest level of support to date.

[Obama thus far appears unscathed by the scandal swirling around Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his alleged attempts to sell Obama's Senate seat to the highest bidder.]

Fleischaker Resigns, Wegener To Be Named

David Fleischaker has resigned as Oklahoma's energy secretary to return to his Jolen Operation Co. and Governor Henry is expected to name Bobby Wegener of Oklahoma City as his replacement.

Fleischaker is president and CEO of Jolen, his oil and gas exploration company.

Wegener has been deputy secretary of energy since 2005 and previously was an attorney specializing in oil, gas and public utiltiies law. He's a graduate of the OU Law School.

Gumm Promises New Grocery Tax Push

Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, says he'll continue his fight to eliminate the sales tax on groceries in the 2009 session of the Legislature.

That word comes as others offer proposals that also would impact the sales tax, thus ensuring it is likely to be hot topic next year.

Gumm's proposal to eliminate the tax was introduced for the 2008 session, but died at the hands of those opposed to it.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Asleep At The Switch? It was startling to see the Iraqi shoe-thrower get in a second throw without Secret Service agents (1) blocking the throw, (2) shoving the president to the floor and (3) taking down the thrower. The first throw couldn't have been contemplated; but the slow (all things are relative) response of agents after it troubles me. Agents are trained to act without hesitation. It seems several hesitated here, and none were close enough to actually protect their package. Fortunately, the president of the United States wasn't injured or worse.

Colin Who? Colin Powell, one of those silk-stocking "Republicans" who like to cozy up to the Washington crowd, has completed his transition to liberal Democrat. The former general, with the help of a media that seems to believe his opinions matter and have delighted in reporting his remarks critical of conservatives in general and Rush Limbaugh in particular, has shown his true colors.

Rock On: Rep. Eric Proctor, Tulsa Democrat, wants to remove the sales tax on the purchase of firearms and ammunition. My kind of guy.

Rock On II: Rep. Rex Duncan, Sand Springs Republican, wants to make it illegal for any public or private employer to ask job applicants about their ownership of firearms. It's an obvious response to Barack Obama's questionnaire that seeks detailed information on the gun ownership of applicants.

Boomer Sooner: I'll not shout it during a public ceremony as Billy Sims did, but Sam Bradford's claiming of the Heisman Trophy Saturday night was a wellspring of jubilation here at camp. Bradford's a class act.

Getting It Wrong: Sean Hannity, among others, continues to insist that President-elect Obama last week said he and members of his transition team had no contact with Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich about the Obama Senate seat. That's not what Obama said at all; what he said is that he, himself, had not been in contact. Huge difference, but one ignored by those who should know better. Fairness and facts matter, even when they favor Democrats.

House Democrats Complete Leadership Team

House Democratic Floor Leader Mike Brown (left), D-Tahlequah, today announced the selection of additional Democratic floor leadership positions for the 52nd Legislature.

Those named include Whip: Ben Sherrer, D-Chouteau; Deputy Floor Leaders: Wes Hilliard, D-Sulphur; Jerry McPeak, D-Warner; Assistant Floor Leaders: Wallace Collins, D-Norman; Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner; Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa; Jeannie McDaniel, D- Tulsa; Larry Glenn, D-Miami.

Proctor, Corn Seek Removal Of Oklahoma Sales Tax On Firearms, Ammunition Purchases

Rep. Eric Proctor today said he will file legislation to repeal the sales tax on the purchase of guns or ammunition in Oklahoma.

“As Americans, we should not have to pay a tax to exercise our constitutional rights – especially our Second Amendment rights,” said Proctor, D-Tulsa.

The measure, by Proctor and state Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Howe, will not affect any dedicated revenue stream for wildlife or other programs and the measure would have minimal impact on the state treasury, Proctor said.

“In Oklahoma, we have a long tradition of sportsmanship and hunting that precedes statehood and we should protect that heritage,” Proctor said.

He said the tax should also be repealed because it could be a barrier for those needing protection.

“People shouldn’t have to pay a tax to the government if they need a gun in the home for self-protection,” Proctor said. “No matter what, the responsibility to protect your family is greater than the state’s need to generate taxes.”

Noted Quote

"Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says that the budget crisis is so bad in California they may have to start selling Senate seats." ~ Jay Leno

Fallin Named Women's Caucus Co-chair

Congresswoman Mary Fallin was today named Co-Chairwoman of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues along with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09).

They will be replacing outgoing Chairwomen Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Lois Capps (CA-23).

Fallin was formerly a vice chairwoman of the caucus and co-chaired the Women in the Military Taskforce.

Elaine Dodd Hangs Up Chair's Gavel

Veteran Tulsa Democratic party leader Elaine Dodd has announced she won't seek a fourth term as chair of the Tulsa County Democratic Party.

Dodd has served three two-year terms; she's been a fixture in local politics for decades.

THE WINNER!

OU quarterback Sam Bradford was named tonight as recipient of the Heisman Trophy.

Cox Sells Nursing Home Interests

Rep. Doug Cox says he has sold his part interest in two nursing homes after receiving criticism for his ownership.

"I'm a strong proponent of our senior citizens, particularly ones that need long-term care," said Cox, a physician. "This way, I can stand up for them without being accused of having a conflict of interest."

Cox, R-Grove, owned 25 percent interest in a 29-bed nursing home at Fairland and a 60-bed facility at Kingston, which he said are two of the smaller nursing homes in the state. The new operators took over the facilities Dec. 1.

Last session, Cox was criticized when he stripped a clause from a bill that called for $250,000 in mandatory liability insurance for nursing homes.

Jackson Jr.'s Backers Tied To Scandal?

Businessmen with ties to both Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson discussed raising $1 million for Blagojevich as a way of persuading him to appoint Jackson to President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, a Chicago newspaper reports.

Citing unnamed sources, the Chicago Tribune reports in a story that businessman Raghuveer Nayak (RUG'-oo-veer NAY'-uk) and Blagojevich aide Rajinder Bedi (RUJ'-in-dur BEH'-dee) told attendees at an Oct. 31 meeting that they needed to raise $1 million for the governor to make sure Jackson was appointed to the Senate.

Nayak is a Blagojevich supporter who is also close to the Jackson family. Bedi has also been a Blagojevich fundraiser.

Republicans: Where's Obama's Openness?

From Fox News ~ Republicans are criticizing President-elect Barack Obama's silence over contacts his aides may have had with disgraced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, saying he is breaking promises to bring openness to government.

"While it is encouraging that the president-elect has stated his office will disclose contacts with the scandal-ridden governor, it remains disappointing that his actions are in response to political pressure," Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan said.

"Americans expect the highest degree of transparency from their elected leaders, rather than promises of openness on the campaign trail," he said.

Obama said Friday he will release in a matter of days the results of an internal investigation into what conversations his aides and advisers may have had with Blagojevich, who has been accused of trying to sell Obama's Senate seat.

Obama's staff has declined to respond to even basic questions, like who is conducting the probe, how long it will take, what issues are being explored and whether they are working with federal investigators. While Obama has promised openness throughout his service, his staff has locked down on inquiries for now.

The Obama transition team's refusal to talk has contributed to a maelstrom around Obama's incoming White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, a Chicago congressman likely to have been in contact with the governor. Blagojevich was arrested this week in a corruption scandal.

But Emanuel is not a target of the probe, according to people who have been briefed on the investigation.

The two people spoke on a condition of anonymity because the criminal investigation is ongoing. One is a person close to Emanuel, who said he has been told by investigators that he's not a subject of their probe.

Asked if any conversations between Emanuel and Blagojevich were captured on government wiretaps, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said, "I honestly don't know." Other transition officials refused to respond to inquiries.

There are no suggestions that Obama or his aides were involved in the alleged sale of his seat. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said prosecutors were making no allegations that Obama was aware of any scheming. And Blagojevich himself, in taped conversations cited by prosecutors, suggested that Obama wouldn't be helpful to him and the governor called Obama a vulgar term. Even if the governor was to appoint a candidate favored by the Obama team, Blagojevich said, "they're not willing to give me anything except appreciation."

The Gadfly Asks 'What If You're Wrong?'

The rush by some to put President-elect Obama and his chief of staff Rahm Emanuel in the middle of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's "pay for play" scheme to name Obama's U. S. Senate replacement raises a question: What if you're wrong?

Thus far, with no evidence of their involvement in the scheme, numerous news sites and bloggers have rushed to judgment, inferring, asserting, claiming that they must have been involved.

Let me suggest an alternative scenario for their "involvement" in Blagojevich's seedy actions: As would be the norm, Obama and/or his top advisers would be consulted in the selection of Obama's replacement in the Senate. Emanuel is the "go-to" guy. Emanuel soon discovers that Blagojevich wants to trade the appointment for a top Obama Administration job and he also discovers that Blagojevich is trying to extort money from other potential appointees and their supporters for the appointment. Emanuel tells Obama of what he's discovered and is told to tell the governor the only thing he gets from Obama is appreciation. In other words: We're not playing your game and stay the hell away from us. Obama then names his pick for the Senate seat to his staff, thus sending a clear message to Blagojevich that he isn't playing that game. In other words, the only involvement of Obama and Emanuel in this sorry mess is to say "No."

This scenario, based on the transcript of recorded conversations released thus far by U. S. Attorney David Fitzgerald, seems much more plausible than any other. The transcripts clearly indicate that, whatever the circumstances, Obama's representative (Emanuel or someone else) refused to meet Blagojevich's demands; that's the logical explanation for the governor's obscene rant against Obama as quoted in the transcript.

Obama and his administration will provide plenty of fodder for his critics in the months to come. (And Obama's and Emanuel's reluctance to discuss the case thus far can be criticized as a fact.) Creating an Obama crisis out of this controversy, when there's no evidence, is as bad as Democrats attacking Republicans on the scantiest of innuendo, is as bad as some Democrats and bloggers insinuating hanky-panky by some Oklahoma Republicans with no evidence at all.

The Blagojevich investigation, it is to be hoped, will answer all the questions about Obama and Emanuel that are now floating in the ether. The more circumspect among us will await further developments before turning to the tar and feathers. - Mike McCarville

Obama's Gun Question Would Be Banned In Oklahoma Under Rex Duncan's Proposed Law

Sand Springs Rep. Rex Duncan wants to make it unlawful for private or public employers to ask job applicants if they own a firearm, a move aimed directly at President-elect Obama's transition team questionnaire that seeks such information.

Duncan's prefiled measure, House Bill 1025, reads, "It shall be unlawful for any private employer doing business in this state to ask any applicant for employment information about whether the applicant owns or possesses a firearm. Any private employer who violates the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

"B. All public employers and public officials within this state shall be prohibited from asking any applicant for employment information about whether the applicant owns or possesses a firearm. Any public employer or public official who violates the provisions of this subsection shall be deemed to be acting outside the scope of their employment and shall therefor be barred from seeking statutory immunity from any exemption or provision of The Governmental Tort Claims Act."

Obama's questionnaire seeks information about gun ownership and seeks to determine the applicant's degree of involvement with firearms. The question has been criticized by gun rights activists and organizations, including the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, and others.

Coburn Cites 'Worst Waste Of The Year'

Senator Tom Coburn, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, today released the oversight report “2008: Worst Waste of the Year.” The look back on 2008 features absurd federal spending from beltway bureaucrats and elected officials. To view the entire report click here.

“As we look back on federal spending for 2008, American taxpayers will laugh, and then cry at how their elected officials spent their hard-earned dollars. Not even these tough economic times have dulled Congress’ ability to find new and creative ways to waste taxpayer dollars,” Coburn said.

Examples of waste in 2008 include: $188,000 for Lobster Institute in Maine, home of the “LobsterCam," $1 million for bike paths on Louisiana levees while levees await basic repairs, $2.4 million for a retractable shade canopy at a park in West Virginia, $24.6 million for the National Park Service’s 100th year birthday in 2016 - 8 years early, $3.2 million on a blimp the Pentagon does not want, $367,000 wasted by a Texas school board on items like an inflatable alligator and under-the-sea waterslide, among other things, $5 million for a bridge to a zoo parking lot in St. Louis, $9,000 for a non-functioning airplane-shaped gas station in Tennessee, $300,000 for specialty potatoes for high-end restaurants.

“The waste highlighted in this report is only a fraction of the more than $385 billion the federal government throws away every year through waste, fraud and duplication. Yet, each example in this report is a snapshot that tells a larger story, just as the Bridge to Nowhere justifiably became a symbol of the corrupting nature of earmarks.

"The story the American people already understand is that Congress’ inability to make common sense decisions about spending priorities is putting our children’s future at risk. Until Congress abandons the short-term parochialism that gives us LobsterCams and inflatable alligators, we will never get a handle on the major economic challenges facing this country,” Coburn said.

Bradford Wins O'Brien Award As Top QB

University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford tonight was named recipient of the 2008 O'Brien Award as the nation's top collegiate quarterback.

Bradford also is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, winner of which will be announced in New York on Saturday night.

Benge Fills House Leadership Positions

From The Speaker's Office ~ House Speaker Chris Benge announced additional floor leadership positions today, naming assistant majority floor leaders and deputy whips.

The members will work closely with Majority Floor Leader Rep. Tad Jones and Majority Whip Rep. Mike Jackson to ensure bills run smoothly on the floor each day.

“It is critical that our floor activity is well-organized on a daily basis, and I am confident these members are capable of making sure legislation moves through the process as efficiently as possible,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.

Rep. Jones said he looks forward to working with his floor leader team when session begins in February.

“I am committed to offering a fair and steady presence on the floor of the House, and I know these assistant floor leaders will help make that happen,” he said.

The Majority Whip and deputy whips serve as sounding boards for the Republican caucus for any issues members may have on upcoming legislation.

“Our doors are always open for members who have questions or concerns,” said Jackson. The floor positions include Majority Floor Leader: Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore; First Assistant Majority Floor Leader: Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa. Assistant Majority Floor Leaders: Rep. Lisa Billy, R-Purcell; Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee; Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan; Rep. Charles Key, R-Oklahoma City; Rep. Todd Thomsen, R-Ada. Rep. Harold Wright, R-Weatherford; Majority Whip: Rep. Mike Jackson, R-Enid; Deputy Majority Whips: Rep. Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond; Rep. Fred Jordan, R-Jenks; Rep. Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville; Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City; Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Tuttle; Rep. Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher; Rep. Colby Schwartz, R-Yukon; Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City; Rep. Weldon Watson, R-Tulsa.

Edmondson Confirms Governor Interest

Attorney General Drew Edmondson, in an expected announcement, says he will not seek re-election in 2010, but instead is considering running for governor.

The 62-year-old Democrat said Wednesday he won't make a formal announcement on a gubernatorial bid until the latter part of next year.

Edmondson's decision had been expected for some time. His name has been at the top of the list of those known to be considering the governor's race. Others include Lt. Governor Jari Askins, a Democrat, and Republicans Congressman Tom Cole and Congresswoman Mary Fallin.

Obama Faces 'Trial By Fire' In Scandal

By David A. Patten/Newsmax ~ Once he assumes office, President-elect Barack Obama will face a severe “trial by fire” over whether to fire U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald and other U.S. attorneys, following Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest Tuesday for allegedly offering to sell Obama’s vacated Senate seat to the highest bidder. Ordinarily, legal and political experts say, an incoming president has broad authority to change both the Cabinet and the U.S. attorneys who serve at his request. But with unanswered questions swirling over the degree of interaction Obama's team has had with Blagojevich, and the alarming level of Illinois corruption exposed by the probe, any move to fire Fitzgerald would be highly controversial as a possible conflict of interest.

“There are enough connections between the worlds of Blagojevich and Obama that the whole thing has the potential to grow beyond a colorful Chicago tale of corruption to entangle members of the presidential transition team, to test Obama’s carefully cultivated reformist image, and to distract the president-elect just as he is preparing to take office,” Time.com reported Wednesday.

Many of the concerns revolve around a statement Obama made Tuesday afternoon, which ultimately raised more questions than it answered.

"I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so we were not -- I was not aware of what was happening," Obama said, leaving open the possibility that his staff did have contact with Blagojevich. "And as I said, it's a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that, I don't think it's appropriate to comment."

Obama’s statement evoked concern among the mainstream media that it was too tepid to quell the rising hubbub. “I think it was a very passive statement by Obama yesterday. I don’t think it was enough,” NBC political director Chuck Todd told MSNBC viewers on Wednesday morning.

[It was on MSNBC on Wednesday that Oklahoma City and Washington pollster and political commentator Chris Wilson first warned it would be a mistake for Obama to replace Fitzgerald, saying the smart move would be to leave the prosecutor in place.]

Read more at www.newsmax.com.

Advocacy Group Honors Jay Paul Gumm

TARC, a Tulsa-based organization advocating for the rights of citizens with developmental disabilities, has chosen Senator Jay Paul Gumm as its “Elected Official of the Year.”

Gumm received the award during TARC’s annual awards dinner at Tulsa’s Southwood Baptist Church.

The Durant lawmaker was honored for his efforts to require insurance companies to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The measure, known as “Nick’s Law,” has been reintroduced for the 2009 legislative session as Senate Bill 1.

Lucas Named As GOP Ag Committee Leader

Congressman Frank Lucas was named today as the Republican Leader of the House Committee on Agriculture. He succeeds Virginia Rep. Bob Goodlatte, who was required to step down by Republican Conference rules after three terms as his party’s leader on the Agriculture Committee, serving two as Chairman.

“As a life-long farmer in the great state of Oklahoma, it is a great honor for me to be selected to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture,” Lucas stated. “I look forward to my new role and will strive to work together with Chairman Petersen and the entire committee to resolve the challenges facing America’s ranchers and farmers.”

As the Ranking Member on the Agriculture Committee, Lucas will serve as a policy leader for all areas of the committee’s jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of the House Agriculture Committee includes oversight of USDA and its various agencies and programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program, Disaster Assistance, Rural Development, Livestock Compensation, and Crop Insurance and Food Safety. In addition, the committee has jurisdiction over the Food and Drug Administration and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission.

Cole: Pardon Border Patrol Agents

Congressman Tom Cole has sent a letter to President Bush asking him to commute the sentences and issue pardons for Border Patrol agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos.

In October 2006, Ramos and Compean were each sentenced to more than a decade in prison after shooting an illegal immigrant who was believed to have been armed while transporting hundreds of pounds of marijuana into the country.

"The justice system has failed border agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos," Congressman Tom Cole said. "When a narcotics-smuggling criminal, who has illegally crossed our borders on multiple occasions, receives more just treatment in our judicial system than officers of the law - a gross injustice has occurred. Officers Compean and Ramos were rightfully carrying out their duties to protect our nation from a drug smuggler illegally attempting to enter the United States. They should be commended for their actions, not put in jail.

"While these border agents may have violated certain rules of procedure, I believe they have received excessive and unwarranted sentences. After all, these men were respected members of their communities, with unblemished records, who were acting to protect our borders from those wish our country harm. The harsh and excessive sentence they received was uncalled for - these men deserve a full pardon."

Wilson Says Obama Should Retain Fitzgerald

Chris Wilson says President-elect Obama will make a mistake if he replaces Chicago federal prosecutor David Fitzgerald before the investiation into Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is concluded.

Wilson, Oklahoma City and Washington-based pollster and political commentator, said on MSNBC this afternoon that Obama should not replace Fitzgerald when he names new federal officials after taking office in January.

Wilson heads Wilson Research Strategies.

Jesse Jackson Jr. 'Senate Candidate No. 5'

From ABC News ~ Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., is the anonymous "Senate Candidate No. 5" whose emissaries Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich reportedly offered up to $1 million to name him to the U.S. Senate, federal law enforcement sources tell ABC News.

The politician says he is not a target of the Blagojevich investigation.

According to the FBI affidavit in the case, Blagojevich "stated he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided Rod Blagojevich" with something "tangible up front."

Jackson said this morning he was contacted Tuesday by federal prosecutors in Chicago whom he said "asked me to come in and share with them my insights and thoughts about the selection process."

Jackson said, "I don't know" when asked whether he was Candidate No. 5, but said he was told "I am not a target of this investigation."

Benge Names Committee Vice Chairmen

House Speaker Chris Benge expanded his group of committee leaders by announcing his vice chairmen today. Six Democrats are included.

The vice-chairmen will work side-by-side with the House committee chairmen, who were announced last week.

“I am confident our committee vice chairmen, from both parties, will use their expertise in varying issue areas to pass needed legislation to continue to move our state forward,” said Benge, R-Tulsa

Republicans hold the majority in the House 61-40 members. Committee membership will be named at a later date. The 52nd Legislature is set to convene Feb. 2, 2009. The House Committee Vice Chairs for the 2009 session are: ● Administrative Rules & Agency Oversight: Vice Chairman Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee; ● Agriculture & Rural Development: Vice Chairman Rep. John Enns, R-Enid; ● Common Education: Vice Chairman Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City; ● Economic Development and Financial Services: Vice Chairman Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City; ● Energy & Utility Regulation: Vice Chairman Rep. Weldon Watson, R-Tulsa; ● General Government: Vice Chairman Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan; ● Government Modernization: Vice Chairman Rep. David Derby, R-Owasso; ● Higher Education & Career Tech: Vice Chairman Rep. Bill Nations, D-Norman; ● Human Services: Vice Chairman Rep. Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner; ● International Relations & Tourism: Vice Chairman Rep. Purcy Walker, D-Elk City; ● Judiciary: Vice Chairman Rep. Fred Jordan, R-Jenks; ● Public Health & Social Services: Vice Chairman Rep. David Derby, R-Owasso; ● Public Safety & Homeland Security: Vice Chairman Rep. Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville; ● Rules: Vice Chairman Rep. Mike Jackson, R-Enid; ● Transportation: Vice Chairman Rep. Charlie Joyner, R-Midwest City; ● Veterans and Military Affairs: Vice Chairman Rep. John Carey, D-Durant; ● Wildlife: Vice Chairman Rep. R.C. Pruett, D-Antlers. Appropriations and Budget Committee and Subcommittee Vice Chairmen include: Appropriations & Budget Committee: Vice Chairman Rep. Scott Martin, R-Norman; ● A&B Subcommittees vice chairmen inlude: ○ Appropriations Subcommittee Education: Vice Chairman Rep. Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville; ○ Appropriations Subcommittee General Government & Transportation: Vice Chairman Rep. Colby Schwartz, R-Yukon; ○ Appropriations Subcommittee Health: Vice Chairman Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Moore; ○ Appropriations Subcommittee Human Services: Vice Chairman Rep. Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond; ○ Appropriations Subcommittee Judiciary & Public Safety: Vice Chairman Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa; ○ Appropriations Subcommittee Natural Resources & Regulatory: Vice Chairman Rep. Skye McNiel, R-Bristow; ○ Appropriations Subcommittee Revenue & Taxation: Vice Chairman Rep. Neil Brannon, D-Arkoma.

Reynolds Cites Illinois Scandal, Wants To Remove Governor's Appointment Authority

State Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, wants to remove the governor's authority to fill vacant statewide offices.

Reynolds said that in light of allegations that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich tried to “sell” an appointment to the now-vacant U.S. Senate seat in that state, he will file legislation that would allow Oklahoma voters, not the governor, to choose the person who fills any vacated statewide office.

If any major office is vacated before the end of the officeholder’s current term that position would remain unfilled until the next general election under the proposal. Currently, the governor is allowed to appoint a successor.

“The Illinois scandal makes clear that the appointment power can easily be abused and we’ve had more than our share of corruption in Oklahoma already,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “My proposal will simply remove that temptation and ensure the people of Oklahoma get to choose the people they want in office.”

Reynolds noted that Governor Henry actually endorsed a similar course of action when former State Auditor Jeff McMahan was under federal investigation. During that controversy, Henry urged McMahan to step aside during the investigation. McMahan later resigned from office after being convicted.

Reynolds also noted that vacancies in the state Legislature are filled through the election process and not by gubernatorial appointment.

In recent years, two major statewide officeholders have resigned due to legal troubles: McMahan and former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Other vacancies have occurred in the offices of State Treasurer and Corporation Commissioner.

The Gadfly Says Not So Fast

President-elect Obama's detractors have been quick to try to link him to Illinois Governor Rod Blogojevich's just-unveiled corruption allegations. Surely, the Obama critics claim, Obama must be involved.

Not so fast.

There is no indication, in the public documents filed thus far, or in the prosecutor's comments, that Obama is involved in any way. In fact, the prosecutor went out of his way, several times, to say that.

And there is taped evidence Obama's team wouldn't play Blogojevich's game: The FBI says it taped Blagojevich complaining that Obama advisers were telling him that he had to “suck it up . . . and give this mother----er [the President-elect]] his senator. F--- him. For nothing? F--- him.”

There are joint associations involving the governor and the president-elect that will be fully vetted by federal investigators (and the news media) in the weeks to come.

But guilt by association without facts is irresponsible.

The immediate problem for the president-elect is perception...the perception that he is a product of the worst side of politics, a pay-for-play system that has pervaded, and corrupted, Chicago and Illinois politics for as long as anyone can remember.

Whether Obama will be tainted by the the sure-to-grow scandal remains to be seen. Meanwhile, journalists and bloggers alike might be circumspect in keeping their fingers off their keyboards when it comes to pointing fingers at Obama. ~ Mike McCarville

U. S. Senate Confirms Generals Wyatt, Reno

The U. S. Senate last night confirmed two Oklahoma generals to new national posts, Senator Jim Inhofe reports.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Harry M. “Bud” Wyatt III, currently serving as the Adjutant General of Oklahoma, was confirmed last evening to his appointment as the Director of the Air National Guard.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Loren M. Reno, serving as commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Air Force Material Command at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, was confirmed to his appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Installations and Mission Support.

Both officers will be promoted to the grade of Lieutenant General in their new roles.

Lottery Commission Wants Prize Increase

From www.tulsaworld.com ~ Members of the board that oversees the Oklahoma lottery will press lawmakers again to increase lottery prize money as a way of generating more cash for education. At a meeting Tuesday, officials warned that lottery proceeds will drop off in future years if prize money is not increased.

They said lottery sales in Oklahoma also will suffer in the near future because of the economic climate and competition from a new Arkansas lottery, which likely will not have restrictions on prizes that are in Oklahoma law.

Jim Scoggins, executive director of the lottery, said the future of the games providing needed funding for education is at stake. Scoggins said if prizes are not enough to keep people playing, revenue will drop off year after year. "Every year it goes on, it is just going to get worse," he said.

He said case studies show increasing the amount of money going to lottery prizes has increased sales and revenue in other states. Lottery officials tried in vain to get the change a year ago. The proposal was bottled up after opposition from Republican leaders.

November Tax Collections Top Estimate

From The Treasurer's Office ~ If not for revenue collected by the Clean Slate tax amnesty program, November tax collections would have dropped below the monthly estimate, State Treasurer Scott Meacham said today.

However, thanks to $19.5 million the tax amnesty program brought to the General Revenue Fund in November, total collections topped the prior year and the estimate, Meacham said.

Preliminary reports show General Revenue Fund collections totaled $455.4 million for the month of November. That amount is $51.8 million or 12.8 percent above the same month of the prior year; and, $8.2 million or 1.8 percent above the estimate for the same period.

A breakout of taxes collected through the Clean Slate '08 program shows it boosted revenue for the month with $16.1 million in personal income taxes, $1.6 million in corporate income taxes, $1.6 million in sales taxes and $236,000 in other revenue. The tax amnesty program ended on November 14.

"The receipt of this additional revenue in November was very timely," Meacham said.

Meacham said Clean Slate provided more than $51 million to the General Revenue Fund during the months of September, October and November.

"This extra money will help provide an additional cushion if revenue collections drop during the coming months as effects of the nationwide recession are felt more here in Oklahoma," he said.

Meacham said sales tax collections remain strong. "Spending on taxable items in Oklahoma is up more than 14 percent from last November and more than four percent above what was estimated," he said. "These numbers don't include Black Friday sales tax receipts. It appears the state is in good shape heading into the holiday shopping season."

Meacham said Gross Production collections, which exceeded the prior year and estimate, continue to be helped by the addition of oil revenue to the General Revenue Fund. While natural gas collections always are contributed to the fund, oil revenue typically doesn't begin flowing to the fund until much later in the fiscal year. This year, due to strong oil prices early in the fiscal year, oil revenue started coming to the General Revenue Fund in October.

Net Income Tax - The combination of individual and corporate income taxes totaled $175.2 million for the month. That is $21.4 million or 13.9 percent above collections of one year ago and $3.3 million or 1.9 percent above the estimate.

Personal income tax collections for the month totaled $166.7 million, which is $12.8 million or 8.3 percent above the prior year and $4 million or 2.5 percent above the estimate.

Corporate income tax collections totaled $8.6 million for the month, which is $0.7 million or 7.2 percent below the estimate. In November of last year, corporate income tax refunds for the month were greater than collections and were shown as zero. Variances in corporate collections are common on a month-to-month basis.

Sales Tax - The state sales tax produced $149.7 million for the month of November, which is $18.6 million or 14.2 percent above the prior year and $6.1 million or 4.2 percent above the estimate.

Gross Production Tax - This tax on oil and natural gas yielded $63.3 million during the month, which is $16.8 million or 36.1 percent above the prior year and $11.4 million or 22 percent above the estimate.

Motor Vehicle Tax - Motor vehicle tax receipts, which come primarily from vehicle sales and licenses, produced $11.2 million in the month. That is $9.6 million or 46.3 percent below the prior year and $8.2 million or 42.4 percent below the estimate.

Treasurer's Investment Earnings - In November, the treasurer's investment earnings totaled $14.4 million. This is $2.1 million or 12.8 percent below the same month one year ago and reflects the current low-interest rate environment.

Other Revenue - This source, which includes investment earnings along with use taxes, insurance premium taxes, alcoholic beverage taxes and others, produced $56 million during November. This is $4.6 million or 8.9 percent above the prior year but $4.4 million or 7.3 percent below the estimate.

Year-to-Date - For the first five months of the fiscal year, collections total $2.501 billion. That is $187.1 million or 8.1 percent above the same period of the prior year and $133.8 million or 5.7 percent above the estimate.

Judge Dismisses Holland-Frates Lawsuit

Oklahoma County District Judge Vickie Robertson has ruled in favor of the defendants in a lawsuit filed two years ago by Insurance Commission Kim Holland and dismissed Holland's lawsuit against them.

Holland filed the multi-count lawsuit against prominent Oklahoma City business executive Rodman A. Frates, his company C. L. Frates and Company, and three others. The lawsuit, filed August 2, 2006 in Oklahoma County District Court, accused Frates of fraud, breach of contract, negligence, civil conspiracy, breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment.

The judge found the statute of limitations had expired in the lawsuit's contention that the defendants were guilty of professional negligence, civil conspiracy and allowing Hospital Casualty Company, of which Holland was the conservator, to sink into "deepening insolvency."

The Gadfly On Obama's Case

President-elect Obama wants us to take him at his word that he's a supporter of the 2nd Amendment. He said that during a weekend television appearance when questioned about the huge rise in gun sales since his election.

Obama says he believes in what he calls common-sense gun safety laws.

Let's see...his idea of those gun safety laws includes, based on his voting record in Illinois and Washington, bans on guns themselves, ammunition, gun shows, self defense in the home...and he supported an increase of 500 percent in the federal excise tax on every firearm sold. He supported legislation that would punish the firearms manufacturing industry.

All of this from a man who now says that lawful gun owners have nothing to fear.

What the president-elect apparently does not understand, or choses to ignore, is that ANY gun control measure is an attack on the 2nd Amendment.

What the president-elect ignores is that his association with the nation's top gun-grabbers like George Soros and others of his ilk tells us far more about him than do his words.

What the president-elect fails to grasp is that we consider this a fight over the future of this nation. The 2nd Amendment makes possible the freedom we share.

Barack Obama wants us to take him at his word. We'll see how much his words are worth in the months to come. ~ Mike McCarville

Feds Arrest Illinois Governor, Chief Of Staff

From CBS2/Chicago ~ Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption charges alleging that they and others are engaging in ongoing criminal activity: conspiring to obtain personal financial benefits for Blagojevich by leveraging his sole authority to appoint a United States Senator; threatening to withhold substantial state assistance to the Tribune Company in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members sharply critical of Blagojevich; and to obtain campaign contributions in exchange for official actions – both historically and now in a push before a new state ethics law takes effect January 1, 2009.

Jim Roth Recuses Self From Future Votes Involving 10 Oil, Gas Firms; Hint At Next Job?

By Jerry Bohnen/NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth, in the final month of his term in office, has notified the commission he will not participate in votes regarding matters affecting 10 oil and gas firms that contributed heavily to his failed campaign.

Roth notified the Commission's Office of General Counsel on December 3rd of his intent. His notification was two sentences: "As the end of my service at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is approaching, I will soon begin a search for the next chapter in my professional life. To that end, I feel it important and appropriate to recuse myself from matters pertaining to those companies/organizations for which I may make contact in the coming days/weeks/months."

Roth cited 10 oil and gas companies: Chermac Energy, RES America, Inc., Coninental Resources Inc., Kaiser-Francis Oil & Gas Company, Chesapeake Energy, XTO Energy Inc., Sandridge Energy Inc., Crawley Petroleum, Samson Resources Company and The GHK Company.

Most were companies whose officers were major contributors to Roth's campaign. Whether the recusal meant he was avoiding a vote because of their contributions or if he was job-seeking with the firms wasn't clear. A spokesman said it is because he may seek employment that could involve the companies.

Roth was traveling and not available for comment.

[There has been speculation Roth may be in line to head the Clean Skies Foundation in Washington, an entity created by Chesapeake's Aubrey McClendon, Roth's campaign-co-chairman.]

Obama, NRA Spar Over Jump In Gun Sales

From The Chicago Sun-Times ~ As gun sales shoot up around the country, President-elect Barack Obama said Sunday that gun-owning Americans do not need to rush out and stock up before he is sworn in next month.

"I believe in common-sense gun safety laws, and I believe in the second amendment," Obama said at a news conference. "Lawful gun owners have nothing to fear. I said that throughout the campaign. I haven't indicated anything different during the transition. I think people can take me at my word."

But National Rifle Association spokesman Andrew Arulanandam said it's not Obama's words — but his legislative track record — that has gun-buyers flocking to the stores.

"Prior to his campaign for president, his record as a state legislator and as a U.S. Senator shows he voted for the most stringent forms of gun control, the most Draconian legislation, gun bans, ammunition bans and even an increase in federal excise taxes up to 500 percent for every gun and firearm sold," Arulanandam said.

Supreme Court Rejects Obama Case

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has turned down an emergency appeal from a New Jersey man who says President-elect Barack Obama is ineligible to be president because he was a British subject at birth.

The court did not comment on its order Monday rejecting the call by Leo Donofrio of East Brunswick, N.J., to intervene in the presidential election. Donofrio says that since Obama had dual nationality at birth — his mother was American and his Kenyan father at the time was a British subject — he cannot possibly be a "natural born citizen," one of the requirements the Constitution lists for eligibility to be president.

Today's story has received widespread media coverage. Previously, the few detailed stories appeared on blogs, with conservatives using the story, liberals criticizing the conservatives for publicizing it. In Oklahoma, for example, the liberal Alternative Tulsa has posted three stories, outdistancing any conservative blog in the number of stories on the issue.

Vietnamese Republican Wins NO Seat

By Keith Gaddie ~ If you want to see a sign that things are turning in the South, look to Louisiana.

The New Orleans-based 2d congressional district turned out long-time incumbent Democrat Bill Jefferson and replaced him with the first Vietnamese congressman in the US, Ahn “Joseph” Cao.

Cao is a 41-year-old Republican attorney who emigrated to the US as a boat person in 1975 (his father was in a North Vietnamese prison).

He went to college, and law school, and practices immigration law.

He beat Bill Jefferson in a low-turnout general election (delayed because of hurricanes this summer) to become the first Republican to represent New Orleans in congress since Reconstruction.

Why did Cao win? First, the collapse of the central city political machines (the progressive Democrats, SOUL, BOLD, and LIFE) under the weight of corruption charges, and an unwillingness of black voters to come vote for a terribly tainted brand.

Jefferson had substantial patronage, but he had done so little to bring relief support to New Orleans.

Another Democrat will rise to challenge in this majority-black district, but for the short-term Louisiana has given America another first.

Contributor Keith Gaddie is a nationally-recognized pollster, pundit and author who is a professor of political science at the University of Oklahoma.

World: Ethics Panel Probes Duncan's Home Sale

By Mick Hinton/Tulsa World Capitol Bureau ~ An investigator for the Oklahoma Ethics Commission has contacted a former neighbor of state Rep. Rex Duncan seeking information about the sale of the lawmaker's home for a lucrative price to a Sand Springs landfill company.

Realtor Tom Hardgrave told the Tulsa World that he has been contacted by Darey Roberts, the commission's investigator, and was asked to provide information about the land sale.

Hardgrave, who lived in the neighborhood and had sold several houses there, was Duncan's most vocal critic after learning how much money the lawmaker received from the sale of his former home.

He believes that Duncan, R-Sand Springs, received special treatment from the landfill company after he had threatened to oppose an expansion.

Responding to the investigator's Nov. 5 request, Hardgrave said in a letter to the Ethics Commission that Duncan received "in excess of $70,000 more than the home was valued at the time of the sale."

Duncan never put his home on the market but sold it directly to American Environmental Landfill.

Read the entire story at www.tulsaworld.com.

Will This Be A New OU Heisman Statue?

How Sweet It Is: OU 62, Mizzou 21

Murphey: Repeal State Income Tax

By Rep. Jason Murphey, R-District 31 ~ Recent comments by former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and the transition of leadership in the Oklahoma Senate have once again brought focus to an important change that needs to occur sooner rather than later.

In a radio interview conducted last month, Keating stated he'd like to see the new Legislature repeal the state income tax.

Keating explained that while he was governor, he heard constantly from business people and others that the repeal of the income tax would stimulate business growth in Oklahoma.

In 2004 and 2005 during an economic upturn, legislative changes in the House of Representatives made it possible for some tax reforms to occur and as a result, the first steps were taken towards eliminating this punitive tax.

Other states also appear to be enacting tax reforms, as a recently released report from the Tax Foundation shows that Oklahoma's tax burden has moved up to being the 19th highest in the nation.

I believe there will be two distinctly different trains of thoughts to emerge in the Legislature on the subject of tax reform.

The first approach is represented by those who know that Oklahoma must eliminate taxes in order to be competitive for new business. This is fair for all parties involved because the tax code would keep taxes low for everyone, thereby keeping the incentive for growth.

The other viewpoint is represented by those who believe that in order for Oklahoma to grow, it must keep taxes at current levels and create a number of incentives and tax loopholes to compete in an ever-growing war between the states over who can offer the best giveaways to prospective new employers.

The second approach is rife with potential for corruption and abuse.

The people who have the power to hire lobbyists and finance politicians' campaigns will use this system to make sure they receive incentives at the taxpayers' expense, while small businessmen and average people will not be able to afford to make this same"investment."

Worse yet, this approach will be subject to the same abuse that has been exposed in the past, when several Oklahoma legislators were prosecuted for using similar programs to funnel money for personal benefit.

This approach also keeps an elite class of legislators, bureaucrative central planners and their friends in a very powerful position since they have the power to determine who succeeds and who fails, instead of success being dependant upon the hard work of individuals.

If taxes are simply reduced across the board, the power of the elite is much more limited.

During the next two years, I am committed to working hard to expose the inefficiencies in state government so that spending cuts and comprehensive tax reform can occur sooner rather than later.

Let's Hope This Is A Familiar Scene Tonight

CCRKBA Hails Interior Department Ruling

Today’s announcement that the Interior Department has amended its rules and will henceforth allow licensed concealed carry of firearms in national parks was hailed as a victory for the Second Amendment by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

“No longer will American citizens be required to leave their right of self-defense at the gates of a national park,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb.

“This common-sense change in regulations reflects not only changes in the laws of 48 states, but more importantly the Supreme Court’s ruling in June that upheld the individual right to keep and bear arms that is protected by the Second Amendment.”

Under the rule change, individuals may carry concealed handguns in national parks and wildlife refuges only if they are licensed to carry under the laws of the state in which the park or refuge is located. This new rule does not allow the illegal carrying of any firearm, nor will it allow hunting, target practice or poaching.

McCain Tops Oklahoma Donation List

From www.tulsaworld.com ~ Oklahomans contributed more than $6.3 million to 2008 presidential campaigns, according to final Federal Election Commission filings released Friday.

The total triples the previous record, set in the 2004 campaign.

In all, 18 candidates received Oklahoma contributions, ranging from $25 to Republican long shot John Cox to GOP nominee John McCain’s $2.1 million.

President-elect Barack Obama is second on the list at $1.7 million.

Republicans outraised Democrats $3.3 million to $3 million.

A Picture Over Austin Is Worth...

Benge Cuts Committees, Names Chairmen

House Speaker Chris Benge announced today a streamlining of the House Committee structure and named committee chairmen.

Last session, the House operated with 10 standing committees and 26 subcommittees. Benge, in an effort to further streamline the committee structure, saud today that there will be 18 full standing committees in the House and seven budget subcommittees when the 52nd Legislature returns in February.

“This committee structure will allow for a better allocation of staff and member time and resources,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “The changes will help both members and the public better understand where a bill stands at any given time.”

Speaker Benge also named his committee chairmen today. They are:

● Administrative Rules & Agency Oversight: Chairman Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow ● Agriculture & Rural Development: Chairman Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon ● Common Education: Chairman Rep. Ann Coody, R-Lawton ● Economic Development and Financial Services: Chairman Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa ● Energy & Utility Regulation: Chairman Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City ● General Government: Chairman Rep. Lisa Billy, R-Purcell ● Government Modernization: Chairman Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie ● Higher Education & Career Tech: Chairman Rep. Todd Thomsen, R-Ada ● Human Services: Chairman Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa ● International Relations & Tourism: Chairman Rep. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh ● Judiciary: Chairman Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs ● Public Health & Social Services: Chairman Rep. John Trebilcock, R-Broken Arrow ● Public Safety & Homeland Security: Chairman Rep. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa ● Rules: Chairman Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell ● Transportation: Chairman Rep. T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton ● Veterans and Military Affairs: Chairman Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City ● Wildlife: Chairman Rep. Phil Richardson, R-Minco

Appropriations & Budget Committee: Chairman Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond ○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Education: Chairman Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing ○ Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government & Transportation: Chairman Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City ○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Health: Chairman Dr. Doug Cox, R-Grove ○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services: Chairman Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa ○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary & Public Safety: Chairman Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore ○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources & Regulatory: Chairman Rep. Dale DeWitt, R-Braman ○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Revenue & Taxation: Chairman Rep. Jeff Hickman, R-Dacoma.

Republicans hold the majority in the House 61-40 members. Committee membership and vice-chairmen will be named at a later date. The 52nd Legislature is set to convene Feb. 2nd.

Terrill Named To Head Top House Panel

House Speaker Chris Benge today named state Rep. Randy Terrill chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Judiciary & Public Safety.

In that position, Terrill will help craft the state’s $7 billion budget in the 2009 session of the Legislature. Terrill previously served as chairman of the House Revenue and Taxation committee, where he sought tax reductions.

“Rep. Randy Terrill has many talents and with his legal background I believe his appointment to chair the Judiciary and Public Safety budget subcommittee is well-suited to his skills and interests,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “Rep. Terrill could have stayed as Chairman of the Revenue and Taxation Subcommittee. When offered, he made the decision to step up to serve the caucus in this capacity. I have full and complete confidence in his knowledge of the process and ability to perform in this new role and I look forward to working closely with him.”

“I am proud of my tenure as chair of Revenue and Taxation, which included the passage of major tax cuts for working families, but with the national economy in a downturn I believe our focus must now move to greater control of spending,” Terrill said. “As chair of the Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Judiciary & Public Safety, I will have oversight of 16 agencies with a combined budget of approximately $800 million and be in a position to ensure those tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. This is a great honor and I am excited by the opportunity.”

During Terrill’s time as chair of the Revenue and Taxation Subcommittee, he helped move legislation that cut the state’s income tax rate from 6.65 percent to 5.5 percent today, with another reduction scheduled to lower the rate to 5.25 percent.

Terrill also helped increase the standard deduction (which dramatically lowered the tax burden for many low-income families), phase out the death tax, reduce the franchise tax burden of small businesses, and enact a host of targeted tax breaks for veterans and senior citizens.

“I believe the tax policies championed by House Republicans are helping working families in Oklahoma survive the national economic downturn,” Terrill said. “Our policies have ensured that Oklahomans have more take-home pay and entrepreneurs have more incentive to create jobs in our state. Now it’s time to protect those gains by encouraging state agencies to do more with less whenever possible.”

Brogdon Repeats On G. Gordon Liddy Show

Senator Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, will appear on G. Gordon Liddy's syndicated radio show this Friday at 9:30 a.m. Brogdon has been a frequest guest on Liddy's show, discussing issues of national security and the 2nd Amendment. The show can be heard at www.liddyshow.com.

Coffee Names Senate Committee Vice Chairmen

Senate President Pro Tem Designate Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, has named the Senate’s new committee vice chairmen.

Under the new committee structure, which was reduced last week from 22 full committees and standing subcommittees to 20, fifteen Republican Senators and five Democrats will assume leadership roles in their respective committees in the 2009-10 legislative session.

“I’m very excited by the energy and expertise represented in this bipartisan list of committee and subcommittee vice-chairs,” said Coffee. “Our state will benefit greatly by the very capable leadership these members of both parties will bring to their new roles over the next two years.”

The State Senate’s committees and committee vice-chairs for the 2009-10 session are: Agriculture Committee: Sen. Mike Schulz, R-Altus; Appropriations Committee: Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City; Business and Labor Committee: Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa; Education Committee: Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond; Energy and Environment Committee: Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso; Finance Committee: Sen. Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa; General Government Committee: Sen. Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee; Health and Human Resources Committee: Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore; Judiciary Committee: Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada; Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee: Sen. Steve Russell, R-Oklahoma City; Retirement and Insurance Committee: Sen. Cliff Aldridge, R-Midwest City; Rules Committee: Sen. Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee; Tourism and Wildlife Committee: Sen. Jerry Ellis, D-Valliant; Transportation Committee: Sen. Bryce Marlatt, R-Woodward; Veterans and Military Affairs Committee: Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton; Appropriations Subcommittee on Education: Sen. John Ford, R-Bartlesville; Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government: Sen. Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa; Appropriations Subcommittee on Health & Human Services: Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid; Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources: Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha; Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety: Sen. Jim Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.

Gun Sales Jump With Obama Election

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Gun sellers say the election of Barack Obama is helping them avoid the recession. Sales of new guns are booming - up an estimated 50 percent in the suburbs.

In Wednesday's Truth in Politics, CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports the gun lobby spent big trying to defeat Obama this year, outraged by his promise to reinstate a ban on military-style assault weapons. On talk radio, he was denounced as a "gun grabber." Now, as Obama heads to the White House, millions are rushing to reload.

Business has rarely been better for certified arms instructor Jan Gofron.

He's teaching a flood of new students about semi-automatic handguns as well as tactical shot guns some call "street sweepers."

The most powerful weapons are disappearing fastest from local gun shops. At Elmwood Park's Illinois Gun Works, sales started soaring as it became apparent Barack Obama would win the White House.

"Once people started to realize that the Democrats had a better chance, or seemed to have a better chance, they started getting nervous about certain gun regulations," said Illinois Gun Works' Owner Dan Mastrianni.

Recent gun sales are up nationally 42 percent. In Illinois, they are up 38 percent; and in Chicago's suburbs 50 percent.

High Court To hear Obama Citizenship Case

From The Chicago Tribune ~ The U.S. Supreme Court will consider Friday whether to take up a lawsuit challenging President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. citizenship, a continuation of a New Jersey case embraced by some opponents of Obama's election.

The meeting of justices will coincide with a vigil by the filer's supporters in Washington on the steps of the nation's highest court.

The suit originally sought to stay the election, and was filed on behalf of Leo Donofrio against New Jersey Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells.

Legal experts say the appeal has little chance of succeeding, despite appearing on the court's schedule. Legal records show it is only the tip of an iceberg of nationwide efforts seeking to derail Obama's election over accusations that he either wasn't born a U.S. citizen or that he later renounced his citizenship in Indonesia.

The Obama campaign has maintained that he was born in Hawaii, has an authentic birth certificate, and is a "natural-born" U.S. citizen. Hawaiian officials agree.

Aspen Institute Selects Sean Burrage

Senator Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, has been selected as one of 24 elected public officials named to the Aspen Institute’s Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership 2008 Class of Fellows.

Each of the members of the class was selected based on their reputation for intellect, thoughtfulness, and a bipartisan approach to governing. The class is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats and represents Fellows from 22 states, serving both local and state levels of government. Burrage is the only elected official from Oklahoma chosen for the 2008 class.

The previous Oklahoma Rodel Fellow was Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Glenn Coffee, who was appointed in 2007. Other outstanding Oklahomans who have participated in the program include Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud, appointed in 2006, and U.S. Congressman Dan Boren who was named a Rodel Fellow in 2005.

The Aspen Institute’s Rodel Fellowships in Public Leadership program was established in 2005 with the goal of enhancing American democracy by convening the nation’s most promising young political leaders in a casual, bipartisan setting to explore the underlying values and principles of democracy, the relationship between individuals and their community, and the responsibilities of public leadership.

The Class of 2008 will begin its dialogue when members meet for the first time in January. The new class will meet two more times over the course of their 24-month Fellowship.

Rasmussen: Obama Gets 'Rave Reviews'

From Rasmussen Reports ~ Barack Obama is getting rave reviews for his performance as President-elect. Forty-two percent (42%) of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way he is handling that role while just 15% Strongly Disapprove.

Chambliss Credits Palin For Help In Landslide Win

Republican U. S. Senator Saxby Chambliss of Georgia today credited Alaska Governor Sarah Palin with helping him win a landslide victory over Democrat Jim Martin in Tuesday's election.

“You want to peak on the last day," Chambliss said on Fox News, "and we had John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Governor [Mitt] Romney and Rudy Giuliani. But Sarah Palin came in on the last day and man, she was dynamite. We packed the houses everywhere we went.”

An interviewer asked, “You saw all the heavyweights in the Republican Party show up . . . tell me about Sarah Palin. Will her popularity last?”

“I cannot see it diminishing," the senator answered. “I can’t overstate the impact she had down here. All these folks did a great job, they all allowed us to add momentum, but when she walks in a room, folks just explode. She’s a dynamic lady, a great administrator, and I think she’s got a great future in the Republican Party.”

In a subsequent interview with a Politico reporter, Chambliss added, “We had John McCain and Mike Huckabee and Gov. Romney and Rudy Giuliani, but Sarah Palin came in on the last day, did a fly-around and, man, she was dynamite,” he said. “We packed the houses everywhere we went. And it really did allow us to peak and get our base fired up.”

Murphy Names Williams, Rodely To Staff

Corporation Commissioner-elect Dana Murphy today named attorney Teryl Williams and veteran journalist Billie Rodely (pictured) as her top assistants.

Williams currently works at the Commission as a senior staff attorney handling public utility cases. Her prior experience includes administrative labor and employment law, civil litigation and criminal law.

Rodely, who has been Congresswoman Mary Fallin's communications director, is a former KTOK news anchor and former "State Line" program executive at the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority. She's a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

"Both of these dedicated, qualified individuals have experience with the Commission, are familiar with the issues and are prepared to hit the ground running," Murphy said.

With Palin's Help, Chambliss Wins Georgia Race

Riding a wave of enthusiasm generated in part by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's election eve appearances on his behalf, Georgia Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss handed the GOP a firewall against Democrats eager to flex their newfound political muscle in Washington, winning a bruising runoff battle.

With 92 percent of the precincts reporting, Chambliss had what amounted to a landslide victory, 58-42 percent, over Democrat Jim Martin.

Bill Clinton and Al Gore, and other prominent Democrats, had campaigned for Chambliss' Democratic opponent. President-elect Barack Obama did not appear personally, but did record a telephone message the campaign used.

The Gadfly On The Wall

Earthquake: It was just another minor earthquake last night...not Alternative Tulsa finding (quick, which shell is the bean under?) another local conservative conspiracy against Barack Obama.

Good Luck: Senator Kenneth Corn wants to again address the school dropout rate in the state. A worthy goal.

Steady As She Goes: President-elect Obama thus far has avoided any major pitfalls (or pratfalls) in his personnel selections. Even Hillary Clinton's selection as secretary of state has drawn praise from some conservative Republicans. How well she'll perform is another story, and expect complications/controversy from former President Bill. Eric Holder's selection as attorney general will result in (more) controversy down the road.

Speech Therapy: Is it too much to expect that local television station news anchors can speak the language? Most recent: "Betlam" for "Bedlam." Over and over.

Gregorian Chant: NBC has named David Gregory as the new moderator of "Meet The Press" as the permanent replacement for the late Tim Russert.

Good Will: President-elect Obama's approval rating since his election indicates a substantial majority of Americans want him to succeed and wish him well as he becomes our 44th president. Count me among them...thus far. I don't agree with his cabinet selections, but they are his to make and the months ahead will take their measure of his appointments.

Gaddie On The Ballot: Not Dr. Keith, the politico...but his wife, Kim, candidate for the Norman Board of Education.

Big 12 Coaches Honor Bradford, Stoops, Bryant

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has been named the Big 12's offensive player of the year and Bob Stoops has been named the league's coach of the year along with Texas Tech's Mike Leach, in a vote of league coaches.

Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant was named the league's special teams player of the year.

Corn Addresses School Truancy Issue

Senator Kenneth Corn says he will propose a bill that would prohibit students under the age of 18 from dropping out of school.

The bill, he said, would also implement a Statewide Truancy Court Program, providing every district attorney in the state with a truancy officer. The proposal is supported by the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Council, Corn noted.

Corn said reducing Oklahoma’s dropout rate is critical to ensuring future economic growth in the state.

“We have to do everything in our power to ensure that students stay in school until they graduate,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “Education can open countless doors to students, and it’s critical in our efforts to build an educated workforce and attract industry. We simply can’t continue to write these students off – it’s time for us to take action.”

Pointing to recent statistics showing that approximately 29 percent of Oklahoma students failed to graduate, Corn said the figure has a direct correlation with per capita income. Studies have shown that the lifetime earning difference between a high school graduate and a dropout is an estimated $260,000.

Investing in a properly educated citizenry, Corn said, is the best way to foster economic growth in Oklahoma.

“The emotional, cultural and economic costs associated with this crisis are immeasurable,” Corn said. “The cost to our state measures into the billions. We can, and must do better.”

Additionally, the measure will include provisions that will provide at-risk students with alternatives to basic academic instruction, allowing them to learn marketable job skills. The secondary options would provide students with a safety net in the event that they do not earn their high school diploma.

A similar proposal was authored by Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson in the 2008 legislative session. Corn, who co-authored the legislation, credited Wilcoxson for her efforts to improve Oklahoma’s public schools.

“Senator Wilcoxson carried the torch on this issue for years, and did so admirably,” Corn said. “It’s my hope that we can bridge partisan divides and approve this common sense proposal.”

Three Democrat Staffers Remain On Payroll

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes says he's raised enough money to keep three staff members on the payroll through the end of December.

The three staffers have been paid through the Democratic National Committee's "50 State" program this year, but it has ended and to retain the three, the state party must raise money for the payroll, he said.

Tulsa World Tweaks 'Real time' Website

The Tulsa World, like The Oklahoman, has tweaked its website with the addition of new features and a redesigned look.

The new site includes video links and more graphics tied to stories. Stories also include lead-ins to reader comments on the stories.

The redesign includes a wide array of story cagtegories spread across the second half of the home page along with an altered masthead.

Web Editor Jason Collington writes the changes are designed to emphasize "real time" reporting where readers can find news now rather than tomorrow morning.

He writes today: "We are happy to share with our customers a redesigned tulsaworld.com. We have listened to your feedback and made changes to improve everything from loading speed to added features. This is only the beginning of improvements that will debut throughout the coming year."

It's Official: Hillary Named Top Diplomat