The McCarville Report Online

NEW SITE

2012-01-01T10:04:00.005-06:00

The McCarville Report has moved; the new address is www.mccarvillereport.com.

New TMR Site Coming January 1st

2011-12-30T17:30:00.002-06:00

The McCarville Report's new Internet site, designed to be more user-friendly, debuts on January 1st at www.mccarvillereport.com.

Mike McCarville said he understands the new site "may take a bit of getting-used-to; on this site, readers have had to scroll down, down, down, to read the stories. The new site spreads stories across the page and categorizes them. For example, if you just want to read stories about Social Mores, you'd just scroll down to that category and click on the headline; all of our stories in that category will appear. If you're interested in state finance and the tax structure, no need to scroll much at all; the category State Spending is just below the animated photos.

"You will find some stories appear under General news at top right, and also under specific categories down the page; they are the same stories, categorized as they are for archive purposes once they are topped by other stories.

"And speaking of archives: At the bottom of the page, you'll find an Archive Search section.

"If you want to see a list of all current stories, just scroll a wee bit and look on the left; you'll see Top Of Our News.

"Note also the reinstatement of a Comments section under each story. So long as the comments do not use indelicate language, make an unfounded allegation or cast a personal aspersion, they will be used; if they stray, they won't be."

Drug Cartels Target Young People

2011-12-30T17:28:00.001-06:00

Mexican drug cartels, in a disturbing new trend, are luring young people from Southern California to smuggle drugs across the border and carry out other illicit work for the criminal enterprises, according to law enforcement officials and youth activists.

The result: More than 5,000 young people, most of them Latinos, have been held in San Diego County jails over the last two years, according to KPBS San Diego.

Many of the young people were involved in street gangs, making them easier to recruit, and the crimes that landed them behind bars included assaults, robbery, drug trafficking or consumption. Their proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border made it easier for them to fall prey to the advances of the Mexican drug cartels.

Many times, children as young as 11 years old, who are referred to as the "The expendables," according to The National Post, are recruited to smuggle drugs across the border because it is believed they'll attract less law enforcement attention than adults.

Children can earn up to $400 per trip smuggling drugs across the border, according to Pedro Ríos, an activist with the San Diego office of the American Friends Service Committee. He added that young people also are recruited by human traffickers to escort undocumented immigrants from the border to safe houses.

A report by the The Children's Rights Network in Mexico estimates that 30,000 Mexicans under the age of 18 are in the employ of Mexico's numerous drug cartels.

Magic: Thunder Wins No. 4

2011-12-29T21:49:00.000-06:00

Thunder downs Dallas on Kevin Durant's buzzer-beater 3-point shot.

Romney? Paul? Santorum? Iowa Caucus Results Likely To Propel Someone To GOP Nomination

2011-12-29T06:26:00.001-06:00

Twenty-five percent of people questioned say if the Iowa caucuses were held today, they'd most likely back Mitt Romney, with 22% saying they'd support Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. Romney's three point margin is within the poll's sampling error.

The poll's Wednesday release comes six days before Iowa's January 3 caucuses, which kickoff the presidential primary and caucus calendar. The Iowa caucuses are followed one week later by the New Hampshire primary.

A new CNN/Time/ORC poll of likely primary voters in New Hampshire indicates that Romney, the former governor of neighboring Massachusetts, remains the front-runner, far ahead of his rivals for the GOP nomination.

In Iowa, both Romney and Paul are each up five points among likely caucus goers from a CNN/Time/ORC poll conducted at the start of December. The new survey indicates that Santorum, the former senator from Pennsylvania, is at 16% support, up 11 points from the beginning of the month, with Gingrich at 14%, down from 33% in the previous poll. Since Gingrich's rise late last month and early this month in both national and early voting state surveys, he's come under attack by many of the rival campaigns.

According to the survey, 11% are backing Texas Gov. Rick Perry, 9% are supporting Rep Michele Bachmann, and 1% are backing former Utah Gov. and former ambassador to China Jon Huntsman, who's spending nearly all his time campaigning in New Hampshire.

TMR Redesign Debuts On January 1st

2011-12-28T04:13:00.001-06:00

On January 1st, the "new" design of The McCarville Report makes its debut.

The new design allows more news, categorized by interest, and allows much easier reading. The site eliminates the need to constantly scroll to read stories. It does require some scrolling, but not near as much,

We've dropped the "Online" portion of the title; almost six years ago, we used it to let readers know we had made the switch from print to electronic. By now, that's obvious.

The new site is light years ahead of this version in the use of graphics.

Like many readers, I am sure, I'm not a big fan of changing what I'm used to, so we've tried to make the new site as reader-friendly as possible. I hope you find it worthy of continued reading. - Mike McCarville

Oklahoma's Top Political Stories Of 2011

2011-12-28T03:20:00.000-06:00

On January 1st, we'll present Oklahoma's top stories of 2011 from some of Oklahoma's premier consultants and pundits.

Some of the suggestions may surprise you and others will be obvious. Regardless, the lists make for interesting reading.

Congress' Approval At Dismal 11 Percent

2011-12-27T02:05:00.001-06:00

The Oklahoman's Chris Casteel reports from Washington that, “Every minute we debate, our poll numbers drop,” U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver told his colleagues on the House floor during the recent debate over the payroll tax.

“It's probably at a point now where they can't drop any further.”

They still can drop a little further. But not much.

A Gallup poll released on Dec. 19 shows Congress' approval rate at 11 percent, the lowest rating since Gallup began asking the question in 1974. For 2011, Congress' approval averaged 17 percent, the lowest annual rating in Gallup history.

“This month's record-low congressional job approval rating is one of a number of measures of Congress that have reached historical low points this year,” Frank Newport, of Gallup, said in a release accompanying the latest poll.

“This suggests that 2011 will be remembered as the year in which the American public lost much of any remaining faith in the men and women they elect and send off to Washington to represent them.”
Cleaver, a Missouri Democrat, gained fleeting fame in July for coining the term “Satan sandwich” to describe a budget-cutting deal. That deal was reached after a partisan stand off over the debt ceiling that took the country to the brink of default in the summer.

Before that crisis, there was the near government shutdown in April. Between the big battles, there were multiple skirmishes, not to mention the failure of the so-called “supercommittee” to meet its goal of developing $1.5 trillion in budget cuts.

Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, said the public disgust with Congress “is a reflection of where Congress is as an institution, and it's a reflection of how dysfunctional it is.

“People want us to come to some kind of agreement and compromise.

“Unfortunately, I think it's going to get worse before it gets better, and we're in for years of the same. Something will have to happen to shake up the system.”

Read more: http://newsok.com/congress-is-at-low-point-in-public-approval-polls-show/article/3635217#ixzz1higv0hRc.

Coming Soon...

2011-12-27T01:48:00.000-06:00

...The McCarville Report's new look, our first visual upgrade since 2006. More news, easier to use.

Ron Paul: 'Descent into totalitarianism'

2011-12-27T01:31:00.000-06:00

GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul warned that the National Defense Authorization Act, which was passed by Congress this month, will accelerate the country’s “slip into tyranny” and virtually assures “our descent into totalitarianism.”

“The founders wanted to set a high bar for the government to overcome in order to deprive an individual of life or liberty,” Paul, the libertarian congressman, said Monday in a weekly phone message to supporters. “To lower that bar is to endanger everyone. When the bar is low enough to include political enemies, our descent into totalitarianism is virtually assured. The Patriot Act, as bad as its violations against the Fourth Amendment was, was just one step down the slippery slope. The recently passed National Defense Authorization Act continues that slip into tyranny, and in fact, accelerates it significantly.”

Noted Quote: 'We'll clean up the tax code'

2011-12-26T04:20:00.000-06:00

Steele

“What’s happened over the course of time is that Legislature has implemented various tax incentives and tax credits and things of that nature, many of which were set to expire at a date certain.

“I think it was Ronald Reagan who said that the closest thing to eternal life is a government program. I think he was probably onto something there, because none of these tax credits have gone away.

“We suspect many of them have lived their life, expired their usefulness, they’ve served their purpose, or they may even have been misused or abused.

“Chairman [David] Dank and his committee have diligently worked to establish some objective criteria based on our state’s Constitution, that each and every tax credit will have to meet, in order to stay on the books.

“Certainly, we want Oklahoma to be competitive with … other states, but also want to be extremely responsible with the resources, the taxpayers’ money, that we have been entrusted with.

“So, we will take a close look at our state’s tax codes. I suspect we will begin to clean up and probably eliminate some of the tax credits either have lived their life and served their purpose, or which need to expire." ~ House Speaker Kris Steele, as quoted by Pat McGuigan/CapitolBeatOk.com.

Fallin: Gradually Reduce Income Tax

2011-12-26T04:00:00.003-06:00

Governor Fallin, completing her first year in office, wants to gradually reduce Oklahoman's personal income tax until it is eliminated, but she said she won't let that goal trump properly funding core state services.

Read more: http://newsok.com#ixzz1hdKHrL9Z.

Read more here...

Presidential Election Year Key Dates

2011-12-26T03:49:00.000-06:00

Jan. 3 —Iowa holds the first-in-the-nation caucuses
Jan. 10 — New Hampshire holds the first-in-the-nation primary
Jan. 21 — South Carolina holds its Republican presidential primary
Jan. 31 — Florida's holds its presidential primary
Feb. 4 — Nevada holds its Republican caucuses
Feb. 9-11 — Conservative Political Action Conference takes place in Washington
Feb. 22 — GOP presidential candidates debate in Arizona
Feb. 28 — Arizona and Michigan hold their presidential primaries
March 1 — The GOP presidential candidates debate in Georgia
March 6 — Super Tuesday: The first day that states not designated as early states by the national parties are allowed to hold their primary contests without penalty. Georgia, Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Ohio and Texas will hold primaries, and North Dakota, Colorado and Idaho will hold Republican caucuses

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T02:53:00.000-06:00

Lankford Wins Praises From Colleagues, Politico

2011-12-24T12:37:00.000-06:00

Congressman James Lankford's first year in Congress is ending with superlatives from his colleagues and the influential publication Politico.

Of Lankford, Politico wrote: "James Lankford - This Oklahoma freshman looks like an adolescent, sounds like Barry White, and has the unlikeliest of résumés for success in politics. But the former Christian camp counselor has proven to be a quiet, disciplined and effective voice for his colleagues, earning respect on the Budget Committee. He also holds a safe Republican seat in his state, meaning that if he can keep the conservatives in his district happy, the freshman lawmaker should have a long career in Washington."

James Lankford: 'Merry Christmas'

2011-12-24T07:27:00.000-06:00

“Let me just start by saying this to anyone who’s watching, Merry Christmas to you as we look forward to the year but it was a frustrating thing to me to get a message from the Franking Office here in the House that just said, here’s the things that you should say. … From our e-newsletter that’s going out, we have a lot of things that we send out every time, it’s the Christmas week, we’re going to mention Merry Christmas on it.” ~ Congressman James Lankford in The Daily Caller.
Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2011/12/23/congressmen-say-merry-christmas-rejecting-political-correctness-video/#ixzz1hST6xgeU

Fallin Announces Year-End Appointments

2011-12-23T15:47:00.001-06:00

Governor Mary Fallin today announced appointments to the State Board of Career and Technology Education, Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges, Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents of the Tulsa Community College.

State Board of Career and Technology Education

Marilyn Harrel of Weatherford is on the board of directors at the Bank of Western Oklahoma. She has taught at Putnam City and Leedey Schools. Harrel received a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University. She is being reappointed and will represent the third Congressional District. Senate confirmation is required for her appointment.

Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges

Lou Watkins of Stillwater is a former college professor and department chair. She currently serves on the board of regents for OSU A&M colleges. Watkins received a bachelor’s degree and a masters in secondary education from OSU. She is being reappointed and is representing Congressional District 3. Senate confirmation is required for her appointment.

Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees

Bill Peacher of Tulsa is a managing member at William Peacher, an investment banking and financial consulting firm. He received a bachelor’s from Oklahoma State University and masters in business administration from Harvard Business School. Peacher is replacing Richard Neptune.

Stew Meyers of Oklahoma City is the president of Meyers Life Agency. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. Meyers is replacing Galeard Roper.

Board of Regents of the Tulsa Community College

Dan Keating of Tulsa is the president of Summit Consolidated Group, a national brokerage and insurance company. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa and masters in business administration from OU. Keating currently serves on the board of directors for the Salvation Army, State Chamber of Commerce and Valley National Bank. He is replacing Robert Burton who resigned. Keating’s appointment requires Senate confirmation.

Icy Reception...

2011-12-23T03:43:00.000-06:00

Cortes To Seek HD88 Seat

2011-12-23T03:34:00.000-06:00

Steve Cortes, former general counsel to Governor Brad Henry, has announced he'll seek the House District 88 seat held by Representative Al McAffrey, who is running for the Senate seat previously held by Andrew Rice.

Cortes is an attorney with Riggs Abney Neal Turpen Orbison & Lewis.

Rudy Analyzes Surging Superintendent Salaries

2011-12-23T02:41:00.000-06:00

http://oklahomawatchdog.org.

All Hail Barack Obama!

2011-12-22T14:24:00.000-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qymIXlcO3JY.

Noted Quote: 'Why the hell did you come here?'

2011-12-22T04:12:00.001-06:00

“Only in this town can being right be wrong. It’s the only place in the world where if you do the right thing you’re wrong. Are you kidding me? … If you can’t start doing what’s right for the American people then why the hell did you come here?” ~ Congressman Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania, arguing against the Obama two-month tax proposal.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70761.html#ixzz1hFymzs2n

CapitolBeatOK: Chamber Leaders Oppose Some Proposed Tax Credit Reforms

2011-12-22T03:53:00.000-06:00

www.capitolbeatok.com.

Task Force Wants Transparency, Pre-Approval

2011-12-21T13:42:00.006-06:00

Members of the Task Force on State Tax Credits and Economic Incentives voted today to require greater tax-credit transparency and mandatory pre-approval for those seeking tax credits.

Those recommendations, along with several other reforms endorsed at previous meetings, will now be presented to the governor and legislative leaders.

“There is a general consensus here that says tax incentives that create real, lasting jobs are worthy, while those that fail that basic test are not,” said state Rep. David Dank, an Oklahoma City Republican who chairs the task force.

In calling for greater transparency, Dank noted that it had become clear that until recently “few members of the Legislature had even the dimmest concept of how many tax credits we had on the books, how much they cost or even where they were going. The taxpayers certainly didn’t either.”

He endorsed a system of reporting that will ensure that “everyone involved sees and knows exactly what is going on and what is at stake, down to a dollar-by-dollar accounting of where these credits and incentives are going and what they are achieving.”

In calling for a pre-approval process, Dank noted that the current system for obtaining many tax credits seems “to be almost automatic” with no future cross-checking for re-approval process for recipients.

“If I go down to buy a car this afternoon, it doesn’t matter that I bought one ten or twenty years ago,” Dank said. “I’m going to have to be pre-approved before I drive that care off the lot. The same rules should apply to tax incentives.”

The task force voted to include both recommendations in their final report.

The group has previously endorsed elimination of transferable tax credits and called for mandatory fiscal impact reports on all tax credits, caps on tax credits, annual audits of tax credit programs, routine analysis of each credit’s effectiveness at permanent job creation, and expiration dates for all tax credit programs with the option for legislative re-authorization.

The group also endorsed a prohibition on hearing tax-credit bills during the final hectic days of the legislative session.

Although elimination or restriction of many tax credits programs will likely draw strong opposition from the groups that have benefited from them, Dank urged lawmakers to consider the bigger picture.

“Starting right now, remind yourself every day that the only lobbyist that counts is the people who elected us,” Dank said. “They may not hang around in the halls here at the Capitol, but they are here in spirit.”

The Task Force on State Tax Credits and Economic Incentives’ final report will be submitted to legislative leaders and Gov. Mary Fallin by Dec. 31. The report will be used to craft legislation for the 2012 legislative session.

State Of Affairs: Fiscal 'Insanity'

2011-12-21T13:33:00.003-06:00

By Jonathan Small/Oklahoma Council Of Public Affairs

The weeping and gnashing of teeth continues regarding Oklahoma’s failure to spend money at “pre-recession levels.” Both national and state tax-user advocates are ready to gobble up any future growth in revenue.

If one includes replacement of one-time revenues, it is estimated that growth revenue in Oklahoma over the prior year will be $300 million to $600 million. State agencies have staked their claim to this revenue growth by requesting an increase of more than $1 billion in state appropriations and an increase in personnel of 928 full-time-equivalent employees (above and beyond the excess number we already have). If state agencies get their wish, the state will spend a record $7.5 billion in appropriations for FY-2013 (based on the budget requests that have been submitted to the Office of State Finance).

This is pure insanity. State agency requests exceed even the best estimates by almost $800 million.

Oklahoma citizens have worked hard and generated a better than-the-national-average economy, and the thanks they get are state agencies lining up to gobble up any future growth in revenue. Let’s hope lawmakers, unlike bureaucrats, remember that not a penny of revenue in state coffers was made possible without the hard work of taxpayers. Instead, any revenue growth should be viewed as an opportunity to phase out Oklahoma’s personal income tax.

When You Get Caught, Play The Card...

2011-12-21T13:02:00.000-06:00

Big Government 'Santa Claus'...

2011-12-21T09:24:00.000-06:00

AP: Paul In Contention In Iowa, New Hampshire

2011-12-21T03:27:00.002-06:00

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Suddenly, Ron Paul is in contention to win the Iowa caucuses and do well in the New Hampshire primary two weeks before the first votes are cast, reflecting the fluidity of the Republican presidential race as well as the inability of the party's social conservative, tea party and establishment wings to coalesce behind a favored candidate.

Yet, while the libertarian-leaning Texas congressman is earning support for his tight-fisted fiscal positions, he's so out of step with the GOP mainstream on foreign policy and some domestic issues that even his most loyal aides doubt he can use his momentum to win the Republican nomination.

"I'm very much in the Republican tradition," Paul insisted Tuesday as he campaigned in New Hampshire before heading back to Iowa on Wednesday. "Very much in the American tradition."

True or not, this much is certain: Paul is having a major impact on the campaign.

Read more on Newsmax.com: Paul Emerges as Outsider Alternative in GOP Race.

Supreme Court Nixes Parts Of Workers Comp Law

2011-12-21T03:17:00.000-06:00

From The Tulsa World ~ The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down two portions of a highly touted workers compensation reform measure passed last session.

Senate Bill 878 removed chiropractors as independent medical examiners in workers compensation cases. The new law, which became effective Aug. 26, limited independent medical examiners to medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy.

The suit alleged that chiropractors in the past had been allowed to serve as independent medical examiners and their reports were used to support claims for permanent partial disability.

Traditionally, independent medical examiners meant someone appointed by the court to examine a patient for future treatment or determine the degree of disability. The new law seemed to include them as advocates as well, giving evidence for one side or the other.

"We find the legislature, by the exclusion of not only chiropractors, but also podiatrists, dentists, and optometrists, have created a suspect special class," the opinion said. "We also find that there is neither a distinctive characteristic upon which this different treatment is reasonably founded nor one which furnishes a practical and real basis for discrimination between the groups within the classes."

The portion of the law that excludes all physicians other than medical doctors or doctors of osteopathy as independent medical examiners is unconstitutional, the opinion said.

The measure also attempted to change the standard of review to clear and convincing evidence from preponderance of the evidence, the opinion said.

The Supreme Court struck that portion of the law as well, saying it violated the separation of powers clause of the Oklahoma Constitution.

Obama's Magnificent...He Claims!

2011-12-21T03:09:00.001-06:00

Newt Gingrich isn’t the only one on the campaign trail who sees himself as a towering historical figure. President Barack Obama has just joined the club.

Obama’s comments in a recent “60 Minutes” interview that his legislative and foreign policy accomplishments top all but three former presidents has sparked fierce blowback among right-leaning blogs.

The president’s claim didn’t air in the show’s Dec. 11 television broadcast but was included in the full interview video that CBS posted on its website that day.

The “60 Minutes Overtime” video shows Obama telling correspondent Steve Kroft: “The issue here is not going be a list of accomplishments. As you said yourself, Steve, you know, I would put our legislative and foreign policy accomplishments in our first two years against any president — with the possible exceptions of Johnson, F.D.R., and Lincoln — just in terms of what we’ve gotten done in modern history. But, you know, but when it comes to the economy, we’ve got a lot more work to do.”

NewsBusters pounced on the comments with a story under the headline: “60 Minutes broadcast edits out laughable Obama claim as 4th best president.”

Fallin: Capitol Building Should Be Repaired

2011-12-21T02:56:00.001-06:00

Repairs to the crumbling state Capitol should be a high priority, even if it means paying for them with a bond issue, Gov. Mary Fallin told The Oklahoman's Michael McNutt.

Read more: http://newsok.com/repairing-oklahoma-capitol-should-be-priority-fallin-says/article/3633726#ixzz1h9pOL4L0.

Cole Says Senate Tax Holiday Plan 'Unworkable'

2011-12-20T15:06:00.000-06:00

Congressman Tom Cole released the following statement after the House voted to work with the Senate to extend the payroll tax holiday for one full year. On December 13, the House passed the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act, which would extend the payroll tax holiday for one year, reform and extend unemployment benefits, protect access to doctors for Medicare beneficiaries, and accelerate a decision on the Keystone pipeline. The Senate payroll tax plan would only extend the tax cut for two months.

"The Senate plan is simply unworkable and unfair to the American people. The nation's payroll processors overwhelmingly oppose a two-month extension because it is almost impossible to implement and creates unnecessary hardship and uncertainty.

"House Republicans are committed to extending the payroll tax holiday for a full year, and we passed a bill to do that. Now 160 million Americans may be hit with a tax increase in two weeks because Harry Reid and Senate Democrats chose politics over policy. The Senate should come back from vacation and join the House in passing a responsible, one-year plan."

Nanny Says...

2011-12-20T11:12:00.001-06:00

Lankford Says Two-Month Tax Policy Impractical

2011-12-20T10:48:00.002-06:00

Congressman James Lankfordappeared on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal this morning to discuss the Senate-passed bill to extend the payroll tax holiday for only two months. Congressman Lankford said there should be a year-long extension to bring stability to the economy and certainty for family budgets.

On the Impracticality of Two Month Tax Policy: “You cannot really do tax policy in a two-month term. That is not fair for the Senate to say, ‘This is going to be difficult, negotiations are going to be hard, but we will get it off our desk and just put it out to the American people and say ‘go figure out how to apply this.’’ Can anyone stand up and with a straight face say we should do tax policy 60 days at a time on the American people? There is nothing more destabilizing when no one knows what the tax rate is going to be. No one knows how to do their jobs. If you want to just throw money out of the door, take money from the Treasury and send it out the door, you can do that in two months. If you want to create stability in tax programs in America, you are not going to do that two months at a time.”

On Going to Conference Committee: “What we are doing today is sending over a conference report. The typical, normal way everyone who grew up in civics class to be able to track through a bill – the House passes a bill, the Senate passes a bill, the language is not the same; they go to conference and work it out, and it goes back to both bodies and is passed. That is the normal process for a bill. We passed a bill and sent it to the Senate, and they did not approve it. The Senate passed a bill and when it comes over to the House, we are not going to approve it today. We are going to ask for to go to conference.”

Tulsa Chamber Backpedals, Apologizes To Inhofe

2011-12-20T04:22:00.001-06:00

The Tulsa Metro Chamber plans to issue an apology Tuesday to U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe for what it called misinterpreting his remarks concerning a defense bill and a provision on gays in the military, according to a letter obtained by the Tulsa World on Monday night.

"In working with Senator Inhofe's staff, we now understand Senator Inhofe's remarks were made in an attempt to clarify a legislative matter associated with the repeal of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy,'' Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal stated in the letter, which was intended for release as a Tulsa World letter to the editor on Tuesday.

"He provided examples of constituent communication in an effort to refute speculative fears about certain sections of the repealed National Defense Authorization Act.''

Neal said the chamber misunderstood Inhofe's message during an appearance at a chamber event last week. That misunderstanding, he wrote, led to a misrepresentation of Inhofe's intentions.

"Senator Inhofe is a steadfast supporter and champion of business issues and we apologize for misinterpreting his remarks,'' he wrote. "We appreciate all that he has done for the Chamber, Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Nation."

Paul Shakes Up Iowa GOP Establishment

2011-12-20T04:14:00.002-06:00

Conservatives and Republican elites in Iowa are divided over who to support for the GOP nomination, but they almost uniformly express concern over the prospect that Ron Paul and his army of activist supporters may capture the state’s 2012 nominating contest — an outcome many fear would do irreparable harm to the future role of the first-in-the-nation caucuses.

In spin rooms, bar rooms and online forums, the what-to-do-about-Paul conversation has become pervasive as polls show him at or near the top here just weeks before the January 3rd vote.

Paul poses an existential threat to the state’s cherished kick-off status, say these Republicans, because he has little chance to win the GOP nomination and would offer the best evidence yet that the caucuses reward candidates who are unrepresentative of the broader party.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70674.html#ixzz1h4IWH0Uz.

Donor Will Match Oklahomans For Life Donations

2011-12-20T03:25:00.002-06:00

Oklahomans For Life will benefit this Christmas season from a generous donor; he's offered to match the sum raised by the group by the end of the month.

In an email, Chairman Tony Lauinger and Vice Chairman Kevin Calvey wrote, "At this sacred season of Christmas, we have many reasons to rejoice in wonderful pro-life news.

"With the coming legislative session before us, an extremely generous anonymous donor has just pledged to match (double) all contributions made to our pro-life work by the end of December!

"Oklahoma's legislature continues to lead other states in passing pro-life laws, and your constant encouragement is the reason why.

"Can you help us with our expenses by making a contribution of $250, $100, or $50 to Oklahomans For Life today? Your gift by December 31 will be doubled!

"You may contribute by secure credit-card, debit-card, or electronic-check transaction through PayPal on our website, www.OkForLife.org, or by check mailed to Oklahomans For Life, 3105 East Skelly Drive, Room 605, Tulsa, OK 74105. (Contributions are not tax-deductible because a major part of our mission is working to influence legislation.)

"We are most grateful for all you do to defend the unborn child and foster respect for the sanctity of innocent human life. We thank you sincerely for your support for our efforts on behalf of those at the margins of life.

"May He Who came to this earth as a Child in the womb bless you and your family this Christmas."

Tony Lauinger, State Chairman
Kevin Calvey, State Vice-Chairman

Big Brother...

2011-12-20T01:09:00.000-06:00

Lankford To Appear On Washington Journal

2011-12-19T23:12:00.002-06:00

Congressman James Lankford will appear on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal tomorrow morning to discuss the payroll tax holiday and the need to provide consistency for small businesses and American families.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Time: 6:45 AM CT
Channel: Cox Communications Channel 126

Wishful Thinking...Or An Obama Ploy?

2011-12-19T17:07:00.001-06:00

Tea Party Patriots Favor Gingrich?

2011-12-19T09:38:00.000-06:00

The Tea Party Patriots, who hosted a tele-forum with the candidates on Sunday, announces the results of a straw poll of activists:

Full Straw Poll results follow indicating which candidate activists would vote for: Newt Gingrich 31%, Michele Bachmann 28%, Mitt Romney 20%, Rick Santorum 16%, Ron Paul 3%, Rick Perry 2%, Jon Huntsman 0.3%

The poll also asked participants to rank how enthusiastic they'd be about each possible GOP nominee. Gingrich won by that score, too, with 58 percent saying they'd be "enthusiastic" or "very enthusiastic," followed by Bachmann (55 percent), Santorum (54 percent), Romney (50 percent), Perry (32 percent), Paul (6 percent) and Huntsman (5 percent). ~ From Politico

It's Called CHRISTmas For A Reason

2011-12-19T04:28:00.001-06:00

As many as 5,000 attended a rally in a small Texas community to show their support for a Nativity scene under attack by a Wisconsin-based atheist group, according to a minister who organized the event.

“We are humbled at the turnout of the crowd,” said Nathan Lorick, the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Malakoff and one of the organizers of Saturday’s rally in Athens.

“We believe that God led us to do this and so we knew he was up to something great,” he told Fox News & Commentary in an email message. “This message is resonating in the hearts of people all over the country. This was a real statement to the nation that Christians are tired of the persecution and suppression. We want all to know that we are ready to contend for the faith.” ~ From Fox News

Screen Saver...

2011-12-18T09:51:00.000-06:00

So Does Everyone Else...

2011-12-18T03:01:00.002-06:00

House Republicans Boil Over Tax Package

2011-12-18T02:14:00.001-06:00

House Republicans are in full revolt in the wake of Senate passage of a two-month payroll tax holiday package, casting serious doubt on the fate of a bill that already has President Barack Obama’s approval.

In a private conference call on Saturday afternoon, rank-and-file House Republicans complained bitterly about the contents of the deal, which would extend through February the president’s Social Security tax cut, unemployment insurance and Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors. The sweetener of a provision requiring the president to expedite consideration of the Keystone XL oil pipeline wasn’t enough to offset the bitterness of a deal that gives the president two more months to pillory Republicans on a tax cut that is one of his most popular policies.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70592.html#ixzz1gs6c8NXn,

The Oklahoman Endorses Mitt Romney

2011-12-18T01:53:00.000-06:00

The Oklahoman endorsement

Voices | Published: Sun, Dec 18, 2011 | 0

In 2008, we were among the voices of the Heartland that warned of the perils of a Barack Obama presidency. These were voices crying in the wilderness. County by county, until all 77 were included, Oklahomans rejected the rhetoric of hope and change peddled by Obama.

Read more: http://newsok.com#ixzz1gs29yZRS.

The Gadfly: Bouncing Along

2011-12-17T08:14:00.001-06:00

The Gadfly:

Bouncing

Along

By Mike McCarville

Chided as I have been by a few of you for not updating my health status recently, let me do so with as much economy of words as I can muster.

There's been no sign of ill effects from the dangerous staph infection that had me hospitalized for the third time following open heart surgery on July 6th. I have, however, continued to struggle with the side effects of all the medications, primarily the diuretics my cardiologist felt prudent following my struggles with edema and congestive heart failure.

The diuretics apparently resulted in dehydration. It began by dizziness on standing, then progressed to lack of balance on standing, sudden leg weakness (which I describe as "the heebie jeebies"), and a dry mouth.

This came to a head a week ago when, upon standing and walking after eating lunch in a restaurant, I passed out and used my face as my landing gear when I bounced off the tile floor. Since then, my general practitioner and my heart surgeon have taken me off one diuretic and cut my intake of a second. I've also had a ctscan just to make sure my hard head survived the fall intact. (It did, the black-and-blue gash on my forehead, cut over my right eye, bloody lip, bruised chin and nose not withstanding.)

I remain "grounded" until the loss of balance issue resolves itself.

LiberTea Rally For Ron Paul Excludes Gerhart?

2011-12-17T05:13:00.001-06:00

Today's scheduled "LiberTea Rally For Ron Paul" apparently does not include controverial Sooner Tea Party leader Al Gerhart, but it does include a representative of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee.

Gerhart, known for his intemperate outbursts, attacks on others and extreme positions, recently criticized OCPAC leader Charlie Meadows, indicating a rift in the ranks of the ultra-conservative movement.

The list of speakers for this afternoon's event does not include Gerhart.

The keynote speaker is Adam Kokesh, a veteran of the Iraq War. Other speakers include Rep. Charles Key (R-Oklahoma City), former Senator Randy Brogdon, OCPAC Vice President Richard Engle, and Young Americans for Liberty UCO Chapter Vice President Kyle Platt.

Attempts to reach rally planner Lukus Collins for comment on Gerhart's exclusion were unsuccessful.

Poll: Obama In Jeopardy Of Losing

2011-12-17T04:41:00.001-06:00

From Newsmax ~ Entering 2012, President Barack Obama's re-election prospects are essentially a 50-50 proposition, with a majority saying the president deserves to be voted out of office despite concerns about the Republican alternatives, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll.

Obama's overall poll numbers suggest he could be in jeopardy of losing re-election even as the public's outlook on the economy appears to be improving, the AP-GfK poll found. For the first time since spring, more said the economy got better in the past month than said it got worse. The president's approval rating on unemployment shifted upward — from 40 percent in October to 45 percent in the latest poll — as the jobless rate fell to 8.6 percent last month, its lowest level since March 2009.

But Obama's approval rating on his handling of the economy overall remains stagnant: 39 percent approve and 60 percent disapprove.

Heading into his re-election campaign, the president faces a conflicted public that does not support his steering of the economy, the most dominant issue for Americans, or his reforms to health care, one of his signature accomplishments, yet are grappling with whether to replace him with Republican contenders Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich.

The poll found an even divide on whether Americans expect Obama to be re-elected next year.

For the first time, the poll found that a majority of adults, 52 percent, said Obama should be voted out of office while 43 percent said he deserves another term. The numbers mark a reversal since last May, when 53 percent said Obama should be re-elected while 43 percent said he didn't deserve four more years.

Obama's overall job approval stands at a new low: 44 percent approve while 54 percent disapprove. The president's standing among independents is worse: 38 percent approve while 59 percent disapprove. Among Democrats, the president holds steady with an approval rating of 78 percent while only 12 percent of Republicans approve of the job he's doing.

Read more on Newsmax.com: AP Poll: More Than Half Say Obama Should Lose.

Tea Party Hasn't Endorsed GOP Candidate Yet

2011-12-17T04:27:00.003-06:00

The Tea Party is still pining for Sarah Palin.

The grassroots conservative movement has yet to throw its support behind a Republican presidential candidate because “we don’t have the female Ronald Reagan running — and that’s Sarah Palin,” said Amy Kremer, chairwoman of the Tea Party Express.

“We haven’t engaged in presidential politics yet because the movement hasn’t coalesced around anybody, so we’re just sitting back and waiting,” Kremer added.

Predicting that a good slice of the country’s conservatives will not make up their minds until they are standing in front of the ballot box, Kremer singled out the former Alaska governor as “the only person out there right now that can truly excite the base.”

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70572.html#ixzz1gmoACMXo.

Uncle Sam The Grinch?

2011-12-17T04:08:00.000-06:00

Mark Tapscott/Washington Examiner ~ Looks like the PC police have threatened members of the House of Representatives against wishing constituents a "Merry Christmas," if they want to do so in a mailing paid for with tax dollars.

Members who submit official mailings for review by the congressional franking commission that reviews all congressional mail to determine if it can be "franked," or paid for with tax dollars, are being told that no holiday greetings, including "Merry Christmas," can be sent in official mail.

"I called the commission to ask for clarification and was told no 'Merry Christmas.' Also told cannot say 'Happy New Year' but can say 'have a happy new year' – referencing the time period of a new year, but not the holiday," said a Hill staffer who requested anonymity.

Charlie Laster Says He's Finished

2011-12-16T11:04:00.001-06:00

Senator Charlie Laster announced that he has decided not to seek another term in the Senate.

Although the Shawnee Democrat would not have been term limited until 2016, Laster said it was time to refocus his attention on his family and his legal career.

Laster first came to the Senate in 2003 in a special election after Brad Henry was elected governor with two years remaining in his term. Laster was elected to his first full term in 2004 and again in 2008.

During his legislative service, Laster served on multiple committees and served in key leadership positions, including Senate Democratic Leader, Co-Floor Leader of the Senate and Judiciary chair.

Obama Administration Rejects Education Grant

2011-12-16T10:58:00.000-06:00

CapitolBeatOK has the story.

Board Of Education Approves $2.4 Billion Budget

2011-12-16T03:54:00.002-06:00

The State Board of Education on Thursday approved a budget of $2.4 billion for common education in fiscal year 2013. That's a $157.9 million increase over fiscal year 2012.

“We're getting back to FY 11 numbers. We were cut $100 million,” Superintendent Janet Barresi said. “To sum it up as Will Rogers said, ‘It takes you longer to climb out of a hole than it does to fall into one,' so we're going to start climbing back up.”

Included in the budget is about $16 million to reinstate $5,000 bonuses given every year to teachers who have achieved National Board Certification. The bonuses were suspended for fiscal year 2012 due to budget cuts.

Holly Gerard Joins Faught Campaign In 2nd

2011-12-16T03:35:00.002-06:00

Rep. George Faught, Republican candidate for Congress in the 2nd District, today announced the appointment of Holly Gerard as his campaign’s Strategic Projects Director.

Gerard recently stepped down as Vice-Chair of the 2nd District GOP in order to support Faught and other candidates directly in the primary.

Gerard is best known for managing the successful 2010 campaign of Josh Brecheen, the first Republican state senator ever to represent his portion of “Little Dixie." In recognition of her work, Gerard received the Oklahoma Republican Party ‘Rising Star’ Award in 2011.

Faught also announced the support of FirstBank CEO David Burrage, who will lead Faught’s comprehensive economic advisory council. This council will be tasked with identifying and prioritizing strategies to revitalize the entire 2nd District’s economy, based on free-market principles.

The Brightest Orange In America: Gundy Wins

2011-12-15T18:55:00.002-06:00

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy was named the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Thursday by the Football Writers Association of America.

Gundy coached the Cowboys to their first outright conference title in school history and first BCS bowl berth this season. OSU has tied a school record with 11 wins, a mark set last season, and can earn a program-best 12th victory with a bowl win.

World Headline: 3 chain selves to City Hall railing

2011-12-15T17:22:00.001-06:00

Ok. Leave 'em there, no tv cameras or newspaper photographers. See how long they stay.

Terrill: Talk/Text Ban Disrespects Citizens

2011-12-15T08:54:00.004-06:00

Federal efforts to force states to ban all forms of talking and texting while driving, regardless of circumstances, disrespects the ability of citizens to govern themselves, state Rep. Randy Terrill said today.

“The U.S. Constitution makes clear that the federal government has specifically enumerated and limited powers with all other issues relegated to state governments,” said Terrill, R-Moore. “If this talking and texting initiative stands, then is there anything out of bounds for the federal government.

Terrill’s comments came in response to reports that the National Transportation Safety Board is attempting to coerce all states into imposing total bans on texting, emailing or chatting while driving.

Board Of Education To Present Proposed Budget

2011-12-15T04:09:00.001-06:00

The State Board of Education meets today to present its new budget proposal and Oklahoma Watchdog's Peter J. Rudy offers these thoughts:

In 2007, the Board requested a budget increase of $395-million which would have made the Common Education budget alone nearly $3-billion.

In 2008, as presidential candidates debated about how to fix the economy, the State Board of Education wanted an even larger increase, this time $479-million more.

In 2009, despite the need for federal stimulus funds and talk of a revenue failure that beccame official the following month, the Board of Education still wanted an increase of $226-million.

Last year, even though everyone was talking about a budget shortfall of close to a billion dollars, the State Board of Education requested a budget increase of $381-million.

Coburn: No Presidential Run For Me

2011-12-15T03:42:00.001-06:00

Senator Tom Coburn says "Thanks, but no thanks" to those urging him to seek the Republican presidential nomination.

His remarks came in a Wednesday morning C-SPAN interview.

Coburn said he doesn't believe he possesses the "skill set" necessary to be president.

He said he had considered the possibility, but decided against it.

Gun Purchases Soared On 'Black Friday'

2011-12-15T03:26:00.001-06:00

FBI stats show the number of background checks done on Black Friday three years ago pales in comparison to the number done this year — a 32-percent jump. ~ CBS Sacramento

Live Together Now, Wed Later?

2011-12-15T03:22:00.000-06:00

The proportion of adults who are married has plunged to record lows as more people decide to live together now and wed later, reflecting decades of evolving attitudes about the role of marriage in society.

Just 51 percent of all adults who are 18 and older are married, placing them on the brink of becoming a minority, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of census statistics to be released Wednesday. That represents a steep drop from 57 percent who were married in 2000. ~ The Washington Post

Conflict Over Teacher Evaluation System

2011-12-15T03:11:00.000-06:00

www.capitolbeatok.com.

The Gadfly: Out With The Old, In With The New

2011-12-14T18:33:00.000-06:00

The Gadfly:

Out With The Old,

In With The New

By Mike McCarville

Five and a half years ago, when The McCarville Report Online went online, we adopted the format you still see today.

Now, we're just weeks away from a complete redesign of the site, a design that will require less scrolling to read stories and allow us to present the top political and governmental stories in more compelling fashion.

Assisting in the development of the new site is the "Drive Doctor," Internet marketing expert Mark Mayes, who operates near our headquarters. Mark was a listener to "Open Mic Live" when I was on the air and recently established contact and suggested ways we could make TMRO more friendly to readers. We examined a couple dozen possible templates and have selected the best one for our future look.

Mark also has given us a mobile link and is establishing the protocol that will allow more potential readers to find us.

It's my hope the new look and layout will make your reading experience easier.

ATF: Chore Boy Pot Scrubbers Are 'Firearms'!

2011-12-14T18:14:00.001-06:00

By David Codrea/Gun Rights Examiner ~ The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Firearms Technology Branch has deemed “Chore Boy copper cleaning pads, along with fiberglass insulation,” a firearm, subject to registration and a $200 transfer tax, an official letter obtained recently by Gun Rights Examiner reveals.

The response to an attorney inquiry by John R. Spencer, Chief, Firearms Technology Branch, offers one of the more creatively restrictive assessments since ATF declared a shoestring to be a machinegun (http://jpfo.org/images02/shoestring.jpg).

The rationale Spencer uses:

A silencer is a firearm per U.S. Code, subject to National Firearms Act registration and transfer tax requirements.

“[S]ound/gas absorbing materials manufactured from Chore Boy copper cleaning pads, along with fiberglass insulation, constitute a silencer…”

Therefore, it is illegal for an individual to replace deteriorated material within an already- registered suppressor without an approved ATF Form 1 (http://www.atf.gov/forms/download/atf-f-5320-1.pdf), ‘Application to Make and Register a Firearm,’” along with a “$200.00 making tax” and “a ‘no-marking’ variance…since there is no viable area in which to apply a serial number to the sound-absorbing material.”

And further, an otherwise-lawful owner of a registered silencer probably ought to find something else to clean pots and pans with, as possession of an unspecified quantity of Chore Boy cleaning pads could be considered a “stockpile.” The letter is presented in the slideshow accompanying this column. The name and address of the recipient attorney has been blacked out because his office was not the source providing the letter to Gun Rights Examiner.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: ATF classifies Chore Boy pot scrubber pads NFA firearms - National gun rights | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-national/atf-classifies-chore-boy-pot-scrubber-pads-nfa-firearms#ixzz1fzGOgieJ.

Hat Tip to Mark Mayes

Former Legislator Mandell Matheson Dies

2011-12-14T11:50:00.003-06:00

Former Rep. Mandell Matheson of Tulsa has died at age 73 of heart disease.

After leaving the House, Matheson became a lobbyist.Early in his career, he was a photographer at the Tulsa Tribune who often partnered with reporter Mike McCarville.

House Speaker Kris Steele noted Matheson's passing today.

Matheson, a Democrat, served three terms in the House, from 1973 to 1979, representing House District 72 in Tulsa County. He served on several committees and as Assistant Majority Floor Leader for the 35^th Legislature and First Assistant Majority Floor Leader for the 36^th Legislature.

Where Are They Now? Owen Shackelford

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Owen Shackelford, the former Democratic Caucus director for the Oklahoma Senate, has joined "Mad Dog Mail" in Fernandina, Florida as managing partner.

Shackelford, who managed Congressman Dan Boren's first congressional campaign in 2004, joined the firm earlier this year.

The firm specializes in helping Democrats who seek office.

From the firm's website:

"Owen joined Mad Dog Mail in February 2011 as Managing Partner. Prior to joining Mad Dog, Owen served as Political Director for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) for four years. During his tenure at the DLCC, Owen played a crucial role in developing and implementing the national strategy that helped the DLCC win hundreds of legislative seats in 2008 and to minimize losses in the tough political environment Democrats faced in 2010. Additionally, Owen worked hand-in-hand with individual caucuses, legislators, new candidates, and campaign managers to craft communications strategies that simply worked.

"Prior to joining the DLCC, Owen was Caucus Director for the Oklahoma Senate. Owen tripled the caucus’s budget in one cycle and kept Republicans from claiming an almost certain majority in the 2006 cycle when eight Democrats left office because of term limits.

"In addition to his extensive work at the state legislative level, Owen managed Congressman Dan Boren’s first campaign for Congress in 2004, helping elect Oklahoma’s only Democrat in Congress.

"Owen has been married to his wife, Amanda, for 16 years. They have three children. Liz is 19, Daxon is 11, and Judson is almost 2."

Election Board Gives Tulsa Candidate The Boot

2011-12-14T07:02:00.001-06:00

The State Election Board has given Jacqualyn Moss of Tulsa the boot.

The Board found that Moss, who registered for the House District 71 election as a Republican, hasn't lived in the district long enough. Also, she's actually is a registered Democrat.

GOP candidate Katie Henke and the Tulsa County Republican Party had protested her filing.

There are now five Republicans and two Democrats in the race for the seat.

The Gadfly: Family Matters

2011-12-14T05:57:00.009-06:00

The Gadfly:

Family

Matters

By Mike McCarville

Grandson Kevin Aliff has just celebrated his 21st birthday. Kevin, who just yesterday came to my belt buckle, is now a strapping 6-foot-plus man well on his way as a sheet metal expert at Tinker Air Force Base. Kevin's a trained gunsmith, an excellent shot and a former top airgun competitor who has competed all over the country. Daughter Shelli homeschooled Kevin, who moved on to the Francis Tuttle VoTech Center for his sheet metal training. Kevin has his eyes on Justine, a delightful young lady, and she has her eyes on Kevin.

Grandson Mike Stuck just graduated cume laude from Southern Nazarene University with a bachelor's degree in organizational management. He previously earned his associate's degree from Rose State College. We were proud to celebrate the occasion with Mike's wife and daughter, mother and father, sisters, brother and mother-in-law, and a close friend with his two children. A good cheering section.

Grandson Colby Stuck is making the transition from hands-on-everything home builder to supervisor. Colby's a Seabee veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and has a special friend in Brianna.

Granddaughters Courtney and Faye Anderson continue their work at Sienna, a care facility in Midwest City. Courtney works with dietary matters, Faye is a certified nursing assistant. Courtney's special friend is Anthony, Faye's special friend is Taylor.

Daughter Shelli continues her near-frenetic lifestyle; she's heavily involved in her church, knits "wheelchair shawls" and other items, and prowls resale stores regularly. She also helps husband Howard conduct concealed carry classes (he's a certified instructor). She and her sister have been an immense help as we've coped with Ann's mother's infirmities.

Daughter Cheryl continues as a top bookkeeper for an Oklahoma City firm that handles accounting matters for restaurant chains.

Sister Donna and husband Doug Dickerson are in their 62nd year of marriage and look forward to welcoming their entire clan over the Christmas holidays.

Sister Kaye and husband Dick Halter have been married almost as long as Donna and Doug. They are frequent visitors to Tunica, Mississippi.

Ann and I mark 50 years in February. Little did Ann know, back in 1962, that "For better or worse" would result in her being my nurse; 2011 has not been friendly, with open heart surgery in July leading to almost six months of problems, some of them related to side effects of all the medications...and we're still dealing with irksome side effects. The cost of my care thus far, including three hospitalizations, is somewhere north of $320,000. Incredible.

Paul Backers Plan 'LiberTea' Rally Saturday

2011-12-14T03:08:00.005-06:00

From The Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee ENews ~ Supporters of Presidentialcandidate Ron Paul are hosting a LIBERTEA Rally this Saturday,December 17th on the South steps of the State Capitol.

The eventbegins at 1:00 p.m. with the featured speaker being Iraq war veteran,Adam Kokesh. Also speaking will be Randy Brogdon, State RepresentativeCharles Key and Richard Engle.

As far as I know this is the onlyorganized presidential campaign in the state. For more information logon to www.RonPaulOK.com. I would suggest dressing warm, you may wantto watch the weather and bring an umbrella or rain gear as well as afolding chair.~ Charlie Meadows

Eagle Forum PAC Endorses Faught In 2nd District

2011-12-14T02:15:00.004-06:00

From The Eagle Forum PAC ~ Eagle Forum PAC, a conservative public policy organization founded by pro-family leader Phyllis Schlafly, is proud to endorse George Faught in the race to represent Oklahoma’s Second Congressional District.

“George is exactly the kind of leader we need in Washington,” said Schlafly. “He is a tireless defender of life, marriage, fiscal responsibility and national security.”

“As a state legislator, George had a 100% pro-life record.” Schlafly noted. “He also wrote and advocated for legislation to make English Oklahoma’s official language, a measure supported by 87% of Americans.”

“George also led the effort to decline federal money for Oklahoma to lay the groundwork for Obamacare,” Schlafly explained. “Obamacare must be overturned! If someone is willing to turn down money for his state as a state legislator, we know we can count on him to go the distance in Washington and vote for its complete repeal.”

“Now, more than ever, we need Members of Congress who don’t just vote well, but will roll up their sleeves and fight to protect life and marriage and to cut federal spending,” said Schlafly. “We know George Faught will represent and fight for our values. We look forward to working with him in Congress.”

Eagle Forum PAC supports candidates who are committed to a conservative philosophy of limited government, national sovereignty and traditional values.

Ron Paul Surges In Iowa, Challenges Gingrich

2011-12-13T17:11:00.001-06:00

From The Hill ~ Newt Gingrich’s onetime 9-point lead over the GOP field in Iowa is down to 1 point, and it’s Ron Paul who's breathing down his neck.

Gingrich is at 22 percent, according to a Public Policy Poll released on Tuesday. He’s followed by Paul at 21 percent, Mitt Romney at 16 percent, Michele Bachmann at 11 percent, Rick Perry at 9 percent, Rick Santorum at 8 percent, Jon Huntsman at 5 percent, and Gary Johnson at 1 percent.

Gingrich’s favorability with Tea Party supporters plummeted this week from 35 percent to 24 percent, bringing his overall favorability down from 62 percent favorable versus 31 percent unfavorable, to only 52 percent favorable versus 40 percent unfavorable.

Paul’s favorability numbers meanwhile, were almost the inverse of Gingrich’s. The Texas lawmaker is now at 61 percent favorable versus 31 percent unfavorable, compared to last week when he was at 52 percent favorable and 38 percent unfavorable.

Lankford Makes Secret Trip To Afghanistan

2011-12-13T14:44:00.003-06:00

Congressman James Lankford's office disclosed today that he traveled to Afghanistan last weekend on an undisclosed trip as part of a six-member Congressional Delegation to meet with American civilian and military leadership, Afghan government officials and foreign allies.

The delegation visited several regions of the country to discuss the situation on the ground, the challenges facing our service men and women, reconstruction efforts and the progress of the Afghan National Army and Afghan Police. Lankford departed Washington, D.C., on Thursday, December 8 and returned on Monday, December 12.

To ensure the safety and security of the military and all members of the delegation, information pertaining to the trip was kept private until the trip’s completion. Lankford praised the dedication of American forces serving in Afghanistan.

Burrage Names Ellis To Deputy Post

2011-12-13T12:40:00.003-06:00

Senate Democratic Leader Sean Burrage today named Senator Jerry Ellis to serve as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader. That position became vacant after Burrage was chosen to succeed Andrew Rice as Democratic Leader.

Ellis

“I want to welcome Senator Ellis to our leadership team. Jerry’s core values are Oklahoma’s values—he’s a strong advocate for the working people of this state, a staunch protector of Second Amendment rights, and understands the importance of Oklahoma’s natural resources,” said Burrage, D-Claremore. “Having been raised in Antlers, which is near Jerry’s hometown of Valliant in southeast Oklahoma, I am very familiar with the great job he has done as a Senator for his district. I know he’ll do a fantastic job as part of our leadership team.”

Prior to winning the Senate District 5 seat in 2008, Ellis, D-Valliant, served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Ellis is the Senate Tourism and Wildlife Committee’s vice chair, and also serves on Businesses and Commerce, Agriculture and Rural Development, Rules, and the Appropriation Subcommittee on Natural Resources.

“I’m looking forward to working with Senator Burrage and all my fellow Democrats as Assistant Democratic Leader of the Senate,” Ellis said. “I want to make sure our caucus is there to fight for the rights of all Oklahomans, not just the most powerful, as we undertake issues ranging from taxes to long-term water planning in the 2012 session.”

Burrage said Sen. Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee, Sen. John Sparks, D-Norman, and Sen. Charles Wyrick, D-Fairland, would continue to serve as assistant leaders in the coming session.

Proctor & Derby: We're All In This Together

2011-12-13T11:04:00.004-06:00

From The House Media Division ~ Two Green Country legislators are working across party lines to protect taxpayer dollars and Tulsa-area jobs.

Proctor

Reps. Eric Proctor (D-Tulsa) and David Derby (R-Owasso) began working together on the effort during the last legislative session and will try again next year to make the bill a law. The Oklahoma Jobs and Tax Dollar Accountability Act would prohibit taxpayer benefits from going to companies that ship jobs overseas or out of the state.

Derby

“Oklahoma taxpayers deserve to have more accountability over their tax dollars,” Derby said. “When a company breaks their word by taking state tax dollars and then moves jobs out of Oklahoma or overseas there should be consequences for that action.”

According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the state has given over 110 million taxpayer dollars to companies that are on the Department of Labor’s list for outsourcing American jobs“Companies that are sending American jobs overseas or out of state should not be rewarded with taxpayer dollars,” Proctor said. “Last year much of the Legislature voted to cut our funding for military veterans at the same time they gave tax dollars to companies who are not keeping their word. This practice is wrong, unconscionable and it should be brought to an end.”

Leading The Nation?

2011-12-13T03:28:00.000-06:00

www.ocpathink.org/articles/1612

Gingrich Continues Lead, But....

2011-12-13T03:07:00.003-06:00

From The Hill ~ Newt Gingrich has sustained his surprising rise in the polls for more than a month, and a slew of new state polling data has cemented the former House Speaker as the GOP’s leading candidate for the nomination.

Of the four early-voting states, polling shows Gingrich leading in three of them — Iowa, South Carolina and Florida — and gaining ground in New Hampshire.

But the polls also show that a majority of voters are undecided, meaning Gingrich could face the reality that has plagued so many other GOP contenders — what goes up could also come down.

In Iowa, which is first to vote, with its Jan. 3 caucuses, Gingrich leads with 22 percent, according to an American Research Group poll of likely caucus-goers released on Monday.

Mitt Romney and Ron Paul both came in at 17 percent, followed by Rick Perry at 13, Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum at 7 percent and Jon Huntsman at 5 percent.

Only two months ago, Gingrich was an afterthought in the Hawkeye State, at 8 percent.

Still, the race for Iowa is tight, and traditional wisdom says a candidate needs a strong ground game in order to turn out voters. Gingrich just opened a small campaign office in Iowa two weeks ago and has considerably softer support in the state than a candidate like Paul.

In addition, some say a surprise candidate like Perry, Bachmann or Santorum could outperform on caucus day if Iowa voters come out in favor of a candidate they view as a strong Christian conservative.

That voting bloc tends to dominate the caucuses, and propelled former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to victory in the 2008 contest.

Gingrich also leads in South Carolina and Florida, the third and fourth states to vote, according to a NBC News-Marist poll released Monday.

The former Speaker leads Romney 28 percent to 22 among South Carolina’s likely Republican primary voters, with all other candidates in the single digits.

In Florida, Gingrich has the largest lead among candidates in any state, battering Romney 39 percent to 26, according to the poll.

Gingrich is highly popular with the older voters who make up a large part of the Republican electorate in Florida. And perhaps surprisingly for a candidate who is so closely tied to Washington, Gingrich is buoyed by Tea Party support in South Carolina.

New Hampshire is the only one of the first four early-voting states where Gingrich doesn’t lead. Romney is widely viewed to have an advantage in the Granite State because of its proximity to Massachusetts. The former Massachusetts governor also owns a home in New Hampshire.

But here too Gingrich is closing the gap, within 10 points of Romney, according to a CNN-Time-ORC poll released last week. Gingrich campaigned in New Hampshire on Monday and debated rival Jon Huntsman in Hollis, N.H., on Monday evening.

Gingrich has also opened up a lead nationally, beating Romney 33 percent to 23, according to Gallup’s Daily Tracking poll. Gingrich has maintained a double-digit lead in the poll since Dec. 1.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the rest of the Republican field views Gingrich as the front-runner as well. The candidates went after the former Speaker hard at Saturday night’s debate in Des Moines, criticizing him for being a career politician and for his multiple marriages.

However, in a Republican nomination process that has seen Perry, Bachmann, Cain and Donald Trump all spend time at the top of the polls, a lot could change.

According to the CNN-Time-ORC poll, 55 percent of voters in Iowa and South Carolina said they were open to changing their minds, while 53 percent of Florida voters and 48 percent of New Hampshire voters said the same.

Pettigrew Draws Thompson Endosement In 2nd

2011-12-12T07:10:00.005-06:00

Wayne Pettigrew

Second District congressional candidate Wayne Pettigrew drew the endorsement of the 2010 Republican nominee Dr. Charles Thompson today.

“I believe that Wayne Pettigrew has the business and financial experience that we need right now in the United States Congress,” said Thompson. “If we don’t get a handle on the out of control spending and huge federal deficits, we stand to lose our Republic and Wayne has the best grasp of the reforms that are needed to balance our budget and reign in spending. He will stand up to the liberal big spenders in Congress and help get the country back on track,” Thompson said.

Thompson received 43% of the vote in the general election against Democrat Dan Boren in 2010 despite being outspent by $55,000 to $1.2 million. Many had considered that Thompson would face Boren in a possible re-match in 2012 but Boren announced on June 8th that he would not seek re-election. Thompson himself also decided not to run but instead will focus on his veterinary medical practice that he is expanding to the Grand Lake/Langley area. Thompson is retired from the U.S. Army Reserves and lives in Hulbert near Tahlequah.

“Wayne is the only candidate in the race that has proven conservative legislative experience and a proven business record of actually creating jobs right here in Oklahoma. He has the ability to have an immediate impact in Washington”, Thompson added.

Pettigrew now lives in McAlester; he served in the Legislature representing Edmond.

They Occupy Obama's Back Now...

2011-12-11T10:51:00.002-06:00

Ken Miller Sunday's Guest On The Verdict

2011-12-10T18:06:00.000-06:00

State Treasurer Ken Miller is Sunday's guest on The Verdict.

The show airs at 9 a.m. on Cox Channels 3 and 703. It is rebroadcast on Monday at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Barresi: Significant Education Changes Ahead

2011-12-10T10:49:00.001-06:00

As we approach the end of 2011, Oklahoma is on the cusp of significant and positive change for our education system.

We have arrived at a crossroads that presents both a challenge and promise.

The challenge: Recent studies indicate that Oklahoma’s students have fallen behind in the global competition for excellence (one study ranked Oklahoma among the worst 10 states in producing top-achieving math students) while remediation numbers for high school graduates entering college remain high.

The promise: this year, our state finally began a positive transformation with a commitment to rethink our approach to education, to restructure outdated and inefficient systems, and to enact real reforms.

I’ve spent much of the past year traveling all over the state visiting school sites -- sitting down with parents, educators and school administrators to hear about both anxieties and aspirations, their hopes as well as their headaches.

I’ve seen that educators, parents and community members alike are hungry for reform.

Out of my listening tour, I’ve developed an ambitious goal: By the year 2020, each student graduating from an Oklahoma high school must be college, career and citizen ready.

An important key to reaching this goal is Oklahoma’s application for a waiver from No Child Left Behind.

No Child Left Behind in itself has been a positive, bipartisan reform for our nation. But it’s clear that states need more flexibility under the law.

This is not a step back from reform and accountability, but an important step forward.

We believe a waiver, if granted, will allow us to better target children and subgroups of students who need the most help. Our application also details a variety of ways to help those schools that are struggling, including the option to intervene in the management of a low performing school, if necessary, so that kids are getting the education they deserve.

Switching from the complicated metrics of the Academic Performance Index and Adequate Yearly Progress to an A through F grading system also will help us better communicate the performance of schools to parents and community stakeholders.

With our waiver granted, Oklahoma will be empowered to stay on the reform path.

HD71: Sullivan Withdraws, Backs Henke

2011-12-10T04:48:00.002-06:00

Katie Henke

The House District 71 special election in Tulsa took a twist when one Republican, Janet Sullivan, withdrew to support school teacher Katie Henke. The move leaves six Republicans and two Democrats in the race.

Sullivan, the former wife of former Rep. Dan Sullivan, withdrew as a candidate after suggesting all the Republicans get together and support one candidate.

Gallup: Gingrich Widens Lead Over Romney

2011-12-10T04:36:00.000-06:00

Newt Gingrich widened his lead over Mitt Romney to 14 points in the first Gallup daily national poll to completely exclude ex-rival Herman Cain.

The poll, which took a five-day rolling average of registered Republicans between December 4th and December 8th, shows Gingrich in the lead at 37 percent, followed by Romney at 23 percent.

In the previous poll, which automatically assigned Cain’s votes to his supporters’ second choice, Gingrich took 34 percent compared to Romney’s 25 percent.

This seems to back up the findings of a number of polls taken while Cain was still in the race, which said Cain supporters preferred Gingrich as their second choice.

Cain suspended his campaign last Saturday, saying that allegations of sexual harassment and infidelity against him were hurting his family.

All of the other candidates remained relatively flat.

Ron Paul took 9 percent, Rick Perry 6 percent, Michele Bachmann 6 percent, Rick Santorum 2 percent, and Jon Hunstman 1 percent.
It’s the latest poll to show Gingrich either neck and neck or ahead of Romney for the Republican presidential nomination.

The Gingrich surge has sustained its momentum despite the other GOP candidates, most notably Paul, having turned their sights on the former House Speaker, as well as a number of Gingrich’s former colleagues who have come out to blast him in the press.

The Ballad Of Michael Behenna

2011-12-09T10:05:00.000-06:00

http://www.ourstage.com/profile/chadevantodd/songs

Justin Wilmeth Joins Mullin Campaign

2011-12-09T02:30:00.003-06:00

Justin Wilmeth has joined the 2nd District campaign of Republican Markwayne Mullin as campaign manager, Mullin announced.

Wilmeth is leaving his position at the grassroots conservative organization Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma where he served the past year as the deputy state director.

With experience in elections, media relations, public service and grassroots politics, Wilmeth will direct day-to-day campaign activities in eastern Oklahoma.

Griffin Wins Endorsements In SD20 Primary

2011-12-09T02:17:00.001-06:00

Two Republican leaders and Kingfisher County natives announced today their endorsement of A.J. Griffin for the GOP nomination for the Senate District 20 seat.

Longtime former Senator Mike Johnson, who represented Kingfisher for twelve years in the Senate, said he believes Griffin is the right fit for the district.

"A.J. Griffin is a leader, a longtime Republican, and a businesswoman who is dedicated to our conservative values,” said Johnson. “She is exactly the kind of senator we need to protect and defend our rural communities in Kingfisher County, and I am happy to be supporting her campaign."

Griffin is the executive director of Logan Community Services and runs a small business with her husband, Trey. She has never run for political office.

Griffin grew up working on her family’s cattle ranching operation in rural Adair County. A mother of two and former foster parent, she and her husband are deacons at First Christian Church in Guthrie.

Also announcing his support today is Senator Rob Johnson, R-Kingfisher.

"A.J. Griffin is a dynamic and professional new leader who shares our values and will fight to create jobs,” said Johnson, R-Kingfisher. “As a past chairman of her local chamber of commerce, she knows how to encourage job growth. She will be a strong conservative leader in the Senate, and I'm pleased to endorse her."

A.J. Griffin expressed her gratitude for the support, vowing to work hard to earn the support of Senate District 20 voters as well.

“I am so thankful for the support of former Senator Mike Johnson, and Senator Rob Johnson,” said Griffin. “They are both well respected leaders not only in Senate District 20, but throughout Oklahoma. They will be invaluable members of our team. I will work hard to win the support of each voter just as I did with each of them.”

Candidates For President Listed

2011-12-09T01:55:00.001-06:00

The State Election Board reports that these candidates have filed for spots on the Oklahoma presidential ballot:

PRESIDENT

Democrat
00001	M	Barack Obama, 50, 5046 S. Greenwood, Chicago, IL
00007	W	Bob Ely, 53, 420 E Woodland Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
00008	W	Randall Terry, 52, 101 Cantwell Ct., Purgitsville, WV 26852
00010	W	Jim Rogers, 76, 8623 E. Reno #5, Midwest City, OK 73110
00012	W	Darcy G. Richardson, 56, 7810 Fox Tail Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32219

Republican
00002	M	Ron Paul, 76, 220 Blackstock Lane, Lake Jackson, TX 77566
00003	M	Rick Perry, 61, 1010 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701
00004	M	Mitt Romney, 64, 3 South Cottage Rd., Belmont, MA 02478
00005	T	Newt Gingrich, 68, 7410 Windy Hill Court, McLean, VA 22102
00006	T	Rick Santorum, 53, PO Box 609, Great Falls, VA 22066
00009	W	Michele Bachmann, 55, 13505 4th Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082
00011	W	Jon Huntsman, 51, 99 West South Temple #704, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Jones: GRDA Problems During Easley Era

2011-12-09T01:40:00.001-06:00

Auditor & Inspector Gary Jones is out with a report on the Grand River Dam Authority under previous manager Kevin Easley that raises serious questions.

Read Pat McGuigan's comprehensive story at www.capitolbeatok.com or Peter J. Rudy's report at www.oklahomawatchdog.org.

Lankford Intros Taxpayers Right To Know Act

2011-12-08T15:57:00.002-06:00

Congressman James Lankford introduced H.R. 3609, the Taxpayers Right to Know Act, in the House today to provide the American people with a better understanding of how their tax dollars are spent.

Congressman Dan Boren is an original cosponsor of the legislation, and Senator Tom Coburn is the lead sponsor in the Senate.

A GAO report released in March 2011 found “overlap and fragmentation among government programs or activities can be harbingers of unnecessary duplication.” The Taxpayers Right to Know Act addresses this waste in government by requiring each federal agency to produce an annual report that identifies every program with a description of the program and its costs, expenditures for services, beneficiaries of services and number of staff. This information would be posted online, along with recommendations from each agency to improve their efficiency. By eliminating overlap, duplicative programs and services and fraudulent payments, GAO estimates billions of dollars could be saved annually.

Mike Reynolds Assails Steele; Calls For House Caucus Rules To Be Written By State GOP

2011-12-08T14:28:00.006-06:00

Mike Reynolds

Rep. Mike Reynolds, one of those House members opposed to Speaker Kris Steele, assails Steele in a statement to The McCarville Report Online and says he wants the Oklahoma Republican Party to write the rules for House Caucus meetings.

"It is unfortunate that Speaker Steele believes it is appropriate to make accusations against elected members of the House of Representatives" Reynolds said.

"He apparently doesn't understand that the vast majority of the members are trying to help pull him out of the mud that he denies falling into. Those same members realize they were elected to do a job for their constituents but he has been very difficult with Steele's leadership style.

"The recent caucus was just another example of the abuse of members time for the speakers convenience. Discussion was supposed to occur about the House agenda during the upcoming session. Instead the Speaker chose to present position papers on what were apparently his favorite subjects. While they may have been informative, that is not why most members chose to take the time to participate in this meeting. Had these position papers been presented on the House floor there is no doubt the Speaker would have asked his close associates to 'move the previous question' to cut off debate.

"There appears to be only one way to eliminate the arrogance that is displayed by this leadership team. The caucus rules of the House Republicans must be drafted by the Oklahoma Republican Party. This will allow for meetings open to the public and honest discussion, rather than intimidation and statements that might not be factual, but can't be discussed outside of caucus because of 'confidentiality rules.'

"I have contacted several county party chairmen that have agreed this must be done. I look forward to any Republican House member that thinks this is a bad idea debating the issue in a public forum at the next State Party Convention."

Blackwell: GOP Caucus Was A Sham, Steele Abused Power Of Speaker's Office

2011-12-08T07:46:00.004-06:00

Blackwell

Rep. Gus Blackwell says this week's caucus of House Republicans was a sham and Speaker Kris Steele abused his power.

Blackwell's allegations, in an email sent and obtained by The McCarville Report Online, are the latest in an on-going series of attacks from some House members dissatisfied with Steele's leadership.

Steele, in a statement to TMRO, said, “I’ve never been one to dive down in the mud, so I’m certainly not going to start now. What I will say is the vast majority of us know we’re sent here to do a job, so we’re focused on doing that job and doing it well. I’m proud we spent time on policy at our retreat and I’m confident Oklahomans will be glad we did, as well. Beyond that, internal Caucus issues are handled in the Caucus and personnel issues must be handled in accordance to law, so I cannot comment further.”

Here's Blackwell's email:

From: Gus Blackwell
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 3:26 PM
To: Republican Legislators
Subject: 2011 OHOR Republican Caucus Retreat

Dear Fellow Republican Legislator,

        I do not use the term "caucus member" because, after Tuesday's meeting, it is apparent our dysfunctional group is anything but a meeting of members of a political party tasked to decide policy. Obviously, our caucus retreat was not intended to be an opportunity for our caucus to discuss, debate, or decide policy. Instead, our caucus meetings have become carefully orchestrated and planned events, with little or no time for the actual discussion of caucus business.

        The 2011 Republican Caucus Retreat in Shawnee stands as an outstanding example of what I am writing in this email. After a first day of tours and dinner, no caucus business was transacted. The second day had time for a breakfast with a political presentation, a 30-minute museum tour and five and one-half hours of other presentations, before staff was asked to leave and we actually began "caucus business." Our discussions as a caucus lasted less than 45 minutes out of the over 15 hours of scheduled activity.

         Although I had requested to be put on the Caucus agenda over a month earlier, my topic, discussing Speaker Steele's removal of people from positions of authority, was relegated to the last item on the agenda. Realizing the lateness of the hour, I requested from Chairman Watson the topic be tabled until the next caucus meeting, so it could be fully vetted. He informed me, "No, the Speaker wants to address it now."

         What followed was the one of the most absolutely abominable displays of caucus politics I have witnessed in the legislature. After just 10 minutes, while I had the floor and was responding to the Speaker, a motion was entertained to adjourn and quickly half-voted on.

         As a senior member, who has been Acting Speaker, Speaker Pro-Tempore, Chair of three different committees, and who has served on every Republican leadership team except the present one, I would think I would be allowed to have more than two responses to speak on a topic I requested be discussed and which strikes to the very core of how we operate as a majority. However, I wasn't, neither was Rep. Trebilcock or any other members of the caucus.

           The explanations given for the replacing of Rep. Trebilcock are just not plausible. Rep Trebilcock was fired from the Leadership Team in July and not replaced as Energy Chair until November. NO HOUSE VOTES occurred in that interim (only the Speaker Designate election). I'm curious how Speaker Steele knew Rep. Trebilcock (allegedly) missed 30% of his votes. In the past, members could only access their own information on that subject. Besides, he missed more votes before he was appointed and the whole subject is extraneous to his job as Chairman. The fact others weren't fired as Chairs is also irrelevant, since they weren't threatened, as he was before the election.

              My question on the abuse of power, by the Speaker, extended well past the replacing of Rep. Trebilcock and into the myriads of other firings and resignations, which have occurred in the House. Another firing of a House employee happened yesterday, while this topic was being avoided. An employee with just two days to go until her 25th year of service to the House of Representatives was fired and escorted out, like a criminal. No longevity check
in her stocking this year.

              With power comes responsibility and accountability. While the Speaker may have the power to fire people at the House, he is still accountable to the Caucus for his actions.  On Tuesday, December 6, 2011, his response to the caucus was simply to cut-off the meeting and go home.

               His actions do not pass the infamous "smell test." In this bucket, Rep. Dank, (the one which you carried) there is not even an inch of honey.

Merry Christmas,

Representative Gus Blackwell, District 61

Bartlett Names Jarred Brejcha Chief Of Staff

2011-12-08T06:56:00.004-06:00

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett...will name 28-year-old Jarred Brejcha to be his new chief of staff, filling the vacancy left by Terry Simonson.

Brejcha (pronounced BRAY-ha) joined the Mayor's Office in September as the director of governmental affairs and enterprise development.

"I certainly didn't think I'd be getting a promotion three months later, but this is an opportunity and a challenge that I'm ready for," he said in an interview with the Tulsa World.

He'll be paid $125,000 per year.

Brejcha has been Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman's communications director after heading the Republican Senatorial Committee's efforts last year.

Gingrich Has Lead In Three Early-Vote States

2011-12-08T06:45:00.001-06:00

Newt Gingrich holds double-digit leads over the rest of the Republican presidential field in Iowa, South Carolina and Florida – three of the first four states that will vote in primaries or caucuses this January, according to a CNN-Time-ORC poll released on Wednesday.

In Iowa, Gingrich leads Mitt Romney 33 percent to 20 percent, in South Carolina he leads Romney 43 percent to 20 percent, and Gingrich performs best in Florida, where he leads Romney 48 percent to 25 percent.

Romney still leads the field in New Hampshire, where some say his time as governor of neighboring Massachusetts gives him a significant home-field advantage, although Gingrich is closing in there too. Romney leads Gingrich 35 percent to 26 percent in the Granite State.

Justice: Principal Given His Walking Papers

2011-12-08T06:38:00.000-06:00

GASTONIA, N.C. – The North Carolina school principal who suspended a nine-year-old boy for saying a female teacher was "cute" has been forced to retire over the decision.

Emanyea Lockett was given a three-day suspension from Gaston's Brookside Elementary School after he told another student his teacher was "cute" and a substitute teacher overheard the comment, the Gaston Gazette reported.

School officials investigated the incident and found that Emanyea had done nothing wrong. The school board then gave principal Jerry Bostic one hour to stand down or face termination.

Bostic spoke out after his 44-year career came to an abrupt end Tuesday, saying, "I didn't show a history of making problems like that. I've had the best of evaluations my entire career and because of some syndicated columnist in New York or California, I don't have a job."

Of school superintendent Reeves McGlohon -- who gave him the quit-or-be-fired ultimatum -- Bostic said, "He told me he had made the decision he was going to terminate me or drop me into an assistant principal position.

"I admit I made some errors in what I did, but to fire me or to demote me with 44 years in it, it just doesn't make sense. To me he was a very heartless man, and he did it because of politics."

Emanyea's mother, Chiquita Lockett, said, "This is something that everyone needed to see, just to see what's happening within our school systems."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/12/07/north-carolina-principal-forced-to-retire-after-suspending-nine-year-old-for/?test=latestnews#ixzz1fwiL3bYO.

FDR's Speech To The Nation On December 7, 1941

2011-12-07T19:46:00.013-06:00

Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in ~~world history~~ infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces with the unbounded determination of our people we will gain the inevitable triumph so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

'Fast And Furious' Was Gun Control Scheme

2011-12-07T19:28:00.002-06:00

From CBS News ~ Documents obtained by CBS News show that the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) discussed using their covert operation "Fast and Furious" to argue for controversial new rules about gun sales.

In Fast and Furious, ATF secretly encouraged gun dealers to sell to suspected traffickers for Mexican drug cartels to go after the "big fish." But ATF whistleblowers told CBS News and Congress it was a dangerous practice called "gunwalking," and it put thousands of weapons on the street. Many were used in violent crimes in Mexico. Two were found at the murder scene of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.

ATF officials didn't intend to publicly disclose their own role in letting Mexican cartels obtain the weapons, but emails show they discussed using the sales, including sales encouraged by ATF, to justify a new gun regulation called "Demand Letter 3". That would require some U.S. gun shops to report the sale of multiple rifles or "long guns." Demand Letter 3 was so named because it would be the third ATF program demanding gun dealers report tracing information.

Final Filings For Three Legislative Seats

2011-12-07T19:03:00.001-06:00

STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 20

Democrat
00008 T Magnus W.T. Scott Sr., 58, 313 Tolson St., Langston, OK 73050

Republican
00001 M Phil Berkenbile, 61, 24701 County Road 270, Morrison, OK 73061
00002 M Wayne Murphey, 55, 428 Brookside Dr., Guthrie, OK 73044
00007 M Ann AJ Griffin, 43, 4001 Highway 105, Guthrie, OK 73044
00009 T Chris Humphreys, 57, 2945 Walking Tall Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044

STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT 46

Democrat
00003 M Al McAffrey, 63, 720 NW 16, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Republican
00004 M Jason Reese, 33, 605 NW Eubanks, Oklahoma City, OK 73118

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 71

Democrat
00005 M Dan Arthrell, 65, 1626 E 36 Place, Tulsa, OK 74105-3222
00012 W Robert J. Walpole, 57, 1133 E. 36 St, Tulsa, OK 74105

Republican
00006 M Evelyn L. Rogers, 59, 6710 S. Quaker Ave., Tulsa, OK 74136
00010 T Lydia M. D'Ross, 48, 7742 S. Victor Ave., Tulsa, OK 74136
00011 W Katie Henke, 31, 2300 Riverside Drive Unit 5E, Tulsa, OK 74114
00013 W Gerald J. Lovoi, 51, 3905 S. Norfolk, Tulsa, OK 74105
00014 W Bonnie Huffines, 60, 256 E. 46 St., Tulsa, OK 74105
00015 W Janet K. Sullivan, 49, 1338 E. 43 Court, Tulsa, OK 74105
00016 W Jacqualyn Moss, 57, 4909 S. Utica Ave., D, Tulsa, OK 74105

Henke Files For HD71 Seat

2011-12-07T18:07:00.000-06:00

Republican Katie Henke today filed as a candidate in the House District 71 race.

She said, “As a 5th generation Oklahoman, I understand the importance of building the Oklahoma economy. My great great grandfather, L.H. Rooney chartered the first company in the State of Oklahoma. As a teacher for over seven years, I also know the value of a quality education. We must encourage the best for our children and set them on the path to success, which will help us build a stronger Oklahoma."
Henke is a teacher at Riverfield School in Tulsa. She is a 2006 graduate of the University of Alabama, and a 1999 graduate of Cascia Hall Preparatory School. She and her husband Frazier reside in Tulsa.

Harry Morgan, AKA Colonel Sherman Potter, Dies

2011-12-07T15:27:00.002-06:00

Harry Morgan, best known for playing Colonel Sherman T. Potter on the long-standing army dramedy 'M*A*S*H,' died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning, according to TheWrap. He was 96.

Morgan played the lovable Colonel Potter for eight years, until 'M*A*S*H's' final episode on February 28, 1983.

The series finale was the most watched television episode in US television history at the time, with a record-breaking 125 million viewers.

Rex Duncan: The 'Republican' I Can't Support

2011-12-07T12:46:00.002-06:00

Former Rep. Rex Duncan is out with an email on the Senate District 20 special election candidates, and he says there is one "Republican" he can't support, Phil Berkenbile.

His email:

Subject: Senate District 20 Special Election
Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 22:22:28 -0600

All,

It is imperative Republicans elect a true conservative in the February 14th primary. While I haven't met all the announced candidates I do know at least one.

The one I know is the one I cannot support. He was a long-time Democrat until last year. He endorsed Jari Askins for Governor last year (look it up on Google). He has been a long-time contributor to many Democrat candidates and incumbents. He contributed to my 2004 opponent in the general election.

He lead the opposition to the pro-2nd Amendment legislation allowing holders of concealed-carry permits to leave their pistols in their locked cars in the parking lot of Career Tech campuses (even though you can leave it in your locked car on every state university parking lot). Governor Fallin signed the bill this year after this "Republican" failed to kill it another year.

What we DON'T need is another flip-flopper who changed parties after his party lost the House, Senate and Governor's office. We need candidates with principle, men and women who know what they stand for and don't change colors with the political winds.

I ask you to do your political homework. Find out where each Republican candidate stands on our bedrock values. Find out how long they've held such beliefs. Ask them why they spent a lifetime being and supporting Democrat politicians and opposing conservative legislation, until it became politically expedient to change.

The Republican party doesn't need any more RINOs. We need men and women with the backbone and strength of character to stand up for what they believe, and do so over time and in the face of political adversity.

The man about whom I'm talking would make a predictable, liberal Democrat candidate. We can do better and will have nobody to blame but ourselves if we allow familiarity and name-recognition to trick us into hiring a fake conservative.