Weight Of Behenna Case On General's Shoulders

The commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, Brigadier General Stephen Townsend (in black) of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, now has the weight of the clemency case for Lt. Michael Behenna of Edmond on his shoulders.

Behenna is now serving a 25-year sentence after being convicted by a military tribunal of killing a known Al Qaida operative in Iraq. His case became a nationwide cause when it was revealed that military prosecutors knowingly withheld evidence favorable to him until the trial was over. That evidence came from the prosecution's own forensics expert, who said Behenna's explanation of how Ali Mansur died fit the evidence. The prosecution did not call the expert to testify and sent him home. He revealed his findings to Behenna's defense attorneys after the trial was over. An appeal to the tribunal based on the withholding of exculpatory evidence was dismissed.

Now, an appeal for clemency has been prepared by his attorneys and presented to Townsend, who has the option of ordering a new trial, dismissing the case entirely, or modifying Behenna's sentence. The tribunal, after hearing the appeal, did recommend a reduction in the sentence.

Recently, dozens of well-known Oklahomans, including University of Oklahoma President David Boren, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater and a number of former federal prosecutors, wrote the Secretary of the Army asking him to order a new trial.

Senator Jim Inhofe and Congresswoman Mary Fallin have expressed their concern about the (mis)handling of the case to military officials.

Others have declared it a clear case of prosecutorial misconduct.

Meanwhile, a petition calling for action has drawn more than 2,600 signatures and can be signed at http://www.defendmichael.com/.

Behenna, the son of federal prosecutor Vicki Behenna and retired OSBI agent Scott Behenna, had been recognized for his combat leadership before he was charged in the death of Mansur.

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It's All Sweet For David Boren, Burns Hargis

The presidents of Oklahoma's two largest universities are doing just fine financially.

University of Oklahoma President David Boren collects $550,544 a year and Oklahoma State's Burns Hargis makes $443,465, according to a survey released Monday.

The Chronicle of Higher Education's national survey said the median salary for public university presidents is $427,400, a 7.6 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.

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Nunn Joins Obama; Is David Boren Next?

President-elect Obama has hired former Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Sam Nunn to help shepherd his Pentagon transition, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Nunn, a former Georgia senator and veteran Democratic defense adviser, was once rumored as a potential running mate for Obama. Transition spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said Nunn will perform "an informal senior adviser role throughout the defense transition process."

Nunn and University of Oklahoma President David Boren endorsed Obama in a joint statement during the campaign. Boren has said he wants no fulltime role in an Obama Administration, but left the door open to a volunteer advisory role. Given his closeness to Nunn, it would be no surprise if Boren accepts such a role on military or intelligence matters.

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David Boren Shuts Door On Obama Post

University of Oklahoma President David Boren said today he's not interested in leaving Oklahoma to serve in a Barack Obama administration.

"I made a decision a long time ago to come home," Boren said at a press conference of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Boren said he had congratulated President-elect Obama earlier this week via text message.

He would be willing to offer advice to Obama so long as he was able to stay president of OU and continue living in Oklahoma, he said.

"I definitely am not looking for a full-time position that would take me out of the state of Oklahoma," Boren said.

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Are Obama Posts Ahead For Boren, Henry?

Will President-elect Barack Obama reward University of Oklahoma President David Boren and Governor Brad Henry for their out-of-step-with-Oklahoma endorsements of him with offers of positions in his administration?

Henry and his wife were among the thousands who joined Obama's victory celebration in Chicago last night, at Obama's invitation.

Now in the second year of his second term, Henry leaves office following the 2010 election. Whether he might take an Obama Administration position and leave office early is complete speculation at this point, but as one Democrat insider said late today, "When, and if, The Man calls with an offer, will Brad say 'No thanks'? I doubt it."

It's doubtful Boren will leave the OU presidency (which he has described as his dream job) for a fulltime Washington gig. But he could become a "volunteer" adviser on national security, for example, and remain where he is.

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Bob Kamm Dead At 89

Dr. Robert B. Kamm, whose career included a nearly 11-year run as president of Oklahoma State University and a bid for the U.S. Senate in 1978, died Friday, university officials said. Kamm, 89, died in Okmulgee, but a cause of death wasn't released.

Kamm served as OSU president from July 1, 1966, to Jan. 31, 1977, but was teacher, counselor and administrator at the school for more than 45 years.

Kamm, a Republican, resigned at the urging of then-Senator Dewey F. Bartlett to launch what would be an unsuccessful run for the Senate in which he would be pitted against the Democratic nominee, then-Governor David Boren. Bartlett had been a candidate for reelection, but was forced to withdraw to continue treatments for lung cancer.

It was under Kamm's leadership that OSU became known as a national leader in telecommunications and international outreach, officials said.

"The Oklahoma State University community is saddened to learn of the passing of one of our university's most beloved presidents," said OSU President Burns Hargis. "Dr. Kamm made a lasting difference in the lives of students, and had a real impact on the Stillwater community, our state and our world. He became president during my undergraduate days at OSU and truly inspired me to seek opportunities in public service. Dr. Kamm will be remembered for his warmness, his friendliness and his philosophy of putting people first."

Kamm was born on Jan. 22, 1919, at West Union, Iowa. He received his bachelor's degree in English and theater arts in 1940 from the University of Northern Iowa. He completed his master's degree in 1946 and his Ph.D. in 1948, both in counseling psychology and higher education from the University of Minnesota.

His service in the Navy in World War II initially brought him to the campus of Oklahoma A&M College. Kamm spent three months in Stillwater as part of a yearlong radar study. After the war and college, he was named dean of students at Drake University in Iowa and also served as student personnel dean and freshman dean at Texas A&M University.

He came back to Oklahoma State University in 1958 to be dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and was promoted to vice president for academic affairs in 1965.

When OSU began preparations for its 1990 Centennial Celebration, Kamm was named the director of the Centennial Histories Project, which produced 26 books. He wrote 72 journal articles and five books, including "The Best of Mind and Spirit," published in 2002.

In 1988, he was presented with OSU's highest award, the Henry G. Bennett Distinguished Service Award for outstanding citizenship and leadership, at the university's 93rd commencement ceremony.

He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1972; the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame in 1987; the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 1994 and the College of Education Hall of Fame in 2000.

Kamm was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Maxine. They were the parents of two children, Steve Kamm of Okmulgee and Susan White of Boulder, Colo.

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Henry, Boren Urge Obama Visit

Governor Brad Henry says he and University of Oklahoma President David Boren have been talking to Barack Obama's campaign about bringing the Democratic presidential nominee to Oklahoma.

Such a visit seems unlikely, given Obama's dismal showing in state polls and the fact Oklahoma has but seven electoral votes.

Oklahoma has not given a Democratic presidential contender the nod since 1964 when President Lydon Johnson of Texas was the party's nominee.

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Obama To Visit Oklahoma?

There's word today that Governor Brad Henry and University of Oklahoma President David Boren are urging Barack Obama to visit the state.

Henry is a Democratic National Convention superdelegate who endorsed Obama. Boren endorsed Obama as well and serves on a national Obama advisory committee.

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Bob Morgan Dead At 73

Robert M. "Bob" Morgan, former Oklahoma National Guard adjutant general and chief of staff for former Governor David Boren, died Wednesday at 73.

A funeral service for Morgan will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at the Church of Christ in Wekwoka under the direction of Stout-Phillips Funeral Home of Wewoka.

Burial with military honors will take place at Oakwood Cemetery south of Wewoka.

Morgan was named adjutant general in 1978 by then-Governor Boren and also served under Governor George Nigh, holding the post until 1987. Morgan also was chief of staff for Boren, now president of the University of Oklahoma.

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Obama Taps David Boren, Sam Nunn

Barack Obama today named University of Oklahoma President David Boren and former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn to a senior advisory committee on national security.

Boren and Nunn jointly announced their support of Obama during the Democratic presidential primary.

Boren and Nunn are members of what Obama (pictured arriving at the Democratic National Committee headquarters for the group's first meeting) calls his Senior Working Group on National Security that will advise him on foreign policy. The group's first meeting is today in Washington.

Other members are former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Warren Christopher and former Defense Secretary William Perry, and former Congressmen Lee Hamilton of Indiana and Tim Roemer of Indiana.

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Brad Henry: Political Genius...Or Goofball?

With an approval rating that has hovered at about 75 percent for most of his tenure as governor, and the widespread perception he's a smart politician, Brad Henry is not known as a man who makes mistakes.

An Analysis ~ UPDATED AND EXPANDED

But now, two recent actions by the governor have friend and foe alike questioning his political judgment:

~ His veto of an anti-abortion bill he almost certainly knew would be overridden by the Legislature, and

~ His endorsement of Barack Obama, who managed just 31 percent of the Democratic presidential primary vote here.

One Republican political observer believes the two actions show Democratic National Convention superdelegate Henry has concluded his future lies on the national stage rather than the Oklahoma stage because both actions link Henry to the most liberal side of his party while the perception has been that he's a common-sense, moderate-conservative and it's that perception, primarily, that has fueled his popularity.

A Democrat legislator, guaranteed he wouldn't be quoted by name, said the Obama endorsement shows Henry "really is just a goofball politically. If Obama is our nominee, our candidates for the House and Senate start off with one foot in a hole and the other in quicksand...Clinton is bad enough, Obama is worse. Certainly, he must have thought of this and just disregarded it."

Henry's endorsement of Obama stunned many and caught them off guard, particularly Democrats on the inside. A Capitol Democrat in a position to know says the initial reaction was disbelief, then concern. He said some were concerned after OU President David Boren endorsed Obama, but "he's not the sitting governor and the titular head of his party" while Henry is.

This Democrat took note of a segment on KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City about the endorsement and noted the "vast majority" of those who sent in email comments were critical of it. He said some of those commenting "probably were Republicans, but this matches what I'm hearing overall."

He said he believes Henry's endorsement of Obama makes it more difficult for Democrats who are seeking legislative seats. "Most of them can tolerate Clinton...," he said, without ending the sentence. Asked if Obama's race is a factor, he acknowledged it may be in some areas. "But it's the issues mostly. Clinton's liberal, but he's just off the scale and the Republicans will beat us to death. Clinton's bad, Obama is much worse for us politically."

House Democrats plan a fundraiser Tuesday night in Oklahoma City and Henry is scheduled to attend, thus providing the first opportunity many will have to express their sentiments to Henry about his endorsment. Whether they'll do so remains to be seen.

Most Republican operatives are salivating at the thought of Obama at the top of the ticket and they're delighted Henry endorsed him. "It's Henry showing his true colors," said one. Some of them believe the Obama endorsement diminishes Henry as an advocate for legislative candidates; he had been expected to be a potent force for those Democrats he supports. "How would you like to be a Democrat in Little Dixie, or down south or out east somewhere, trying to get help from your governor and he's endorsed this way out liberal guy?" one Republican asked.

"Let's see," said another. "We've got Obama at the top and then (Andrew) Rice (candidate for the U. S. Senate) and boy, I wouldn't want to be a Democrat running for the Legislature in that mix."

Oklahoma City radio station KTOK's Capitol reporter, Peter J. Rudy, reports there's nervousness among Democrat legislators over the endorsement and notes that Republican State Chairman Gary Jones, seeeing an opening to score points, has called on Democrats in the Legislature who are seeking reelection to declare who they support for president.

Posters at http://www.okdemocrat.com/, for the most part, derided Henry for his endorsement, with "Bill" beginning the discussion by writing, "I always thought he (Henry) was a liberal. This proves it." Others defended Henry, but one poster suggested Henry's endorsement of Obama indicates he's lost touch with Democrats across the state.

Another Democrat, a consultant to his party's candidates, argues that Henry's a genius and explains: "...endorsing Barack Obama is dangerous politically in a red or purple state, but it comes with huge cash advantages. The Clintons have never been ones to spread their fundraising success around, but Obama has. Win or lose, supporting him is a wise investment. He will still be a star in the party and of the liberal netroots, and he isn't going anywhere. If he is the president, a senator or runs for governor of Illinois, he'll still be able to raise money for future candidates. In a state like ours the kind of money he could raise is unmatched by any mechanism the GOP currently has. Would a future candidate Henry get attacked for endorsing Obama and even taking liberal money? Sure, but if it raises him millions more than his opponents, who will do the telling? I'm not saying I would have done the same, but there is yet another argument for the 'genius' category."

A veteran Democrat observer at the Capitol offers these thoughts: "Henry is still a force to be reckoned with in any corner of the state. I’d disagree with the legislator – Henry’s much more engaged in legislative races than he was last cycle. One could make the argument that the race is over, we aren’t accomplishing anything with the infighting and Henry is just trying to help turn the page. I’d also argue that his abortion vote is consistent with his record given there was no exception for rape and incest."

Henry's endorsement, to some, seems to echo the dilemma facing other Democratic superdelegates across the country: Express your personal preference, or declare for the candidate who carried your state? In Henry's case, he chose the first course and if all the undeclared superdelegates who remain chose the personal preference course and give the nomination to Clinton despite the national numbers that show Obama the leader, there could be chaos. As it stands now, Henry is in step with Obama's numbers nationally but not in Oklahoma.

Last week's Sooner Survey analysis of Obama's candidacy in Oklahoma has special resonance given Henry's endorsement and the concerns it has generated. Here's the relevant part of the analysis, by pollster Pat McFerron: "Given Obama’s performance, it is difficult to imagine that Oklahoma Democrats who have any tie to him will be successful. The best comparison here is likely with the other Clinton, former President Bill. In our Sooner Survey of April 1994, we released numbers showing President Clinton with a favorable rating of 41% and a negative of 52%. Obama is a net 11 points worse than that today. As historians will recall, Dave McCurdy (who had publicly endorsed Clinton) suffered a defeat in the U.S. Senate contest, while Republicans Frank Lucas, Tom Coburn and J.C. Watts won congressional seats in areas previously held by Democrats. In addition, most statewide offices went Republican, and the GOP picked up legislative seats. Given the Bill Clinton precedent, Democrats in Oklahoma could be headed for a rocky 2008 election cycle, reminiscent of 1994. The only solace for many Democrats may be that this is not an election year in which constitutional offices (except for Corporation Commissioner) are being contested."

Whatever the case, and whatever the implications of the historic comparison of Obama to Bill Clinton in 1994, Henry's veto of the anti-abortion bill and his endorsement of Obama show he clearly is marching to the beat of a drum many of his fellow Oklahoma Democrats don't hear.

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Dan Boren Doesn't Join Father's Obama Nod

David Boren's endorsement of Barack Obama on Friday drew this pointed comment from his son, 2nd District Congressman Dan Boren: "This in no way means that I will endorse Obama,” said Congressman Dan Boren, a superdelegate to this summer's Democratic National Convention. "I remain uncommitted to either candidate. As a conservative Democrat, it is my hope that both candidates will move their messages closer to the center to reflect what I believe are the values of an overwhelming majority of my constituents.”

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MSNBC: Boren, Nunn Endorse Obama, Join His National Security Policy Advisory Team

MSNBC is reporting that University of Oklahoma President David Boren, former governor and U. S. Senator, and former Georgia U. S. Senator Sam Nunn today endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president.

The Obama For President website later posted this announcement: Chicago, IL – Today, former Senators Sam Nunn and David L. Boren endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his judgment and vision to be Commander in Chief and his ability to strengthen our national security.

Nunn and Boren have accepted Senator Obama’s invitation to serve as advisers to his National Security Foreign Policy Team.

Senator Nunn served for 25 years (1972-1997) in the United States Senate and was Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee from 1987 through 1995.

Senator Boren served in the United States Senate from 1979 to 1994 and is the longest-serving Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Between them, the two senators bring nearly 60 years of service and experience in elective office.

Former Senator Sam Nunn said, “America remains the strongest nation in the world, but we can only be successful in tackling our toughest problems if we gain cooperation at home and abroad. Our next president – working across party and economic lines – must restore and strengthen our national purpose, our credibility, our competence and our spirit. “We need a president who has the temperament of a leader – a sharp, incisive, strategic mind, a rare capacity for self criticism, and a willingness to hear contrary points of view.

“Based on my conversations with Senator Obama, reading his book and his speeches and seeing the kind of campaign he has run, I believe that he is our best choice to lead our nation. Senator Obama, as evidenced by his words and his deeds, recognizes that:
· We have developed a habit of avoiding the tough decisions and seemingly lost our ability to build consensus to tackle head-on our biggest challenges.
· Demonizing the opposition, oversimplifying the issues, and dumbing down the political debate prevent our country from coming together to make tough decisions and tackle our biggest challenges.
· Solving America’s problems will require difficult choices and sacrifices and leaders capable of considering new ideas from both political parties.
· On foreign policy and security policy, we must recognize that we are not limited to a choice between belligerency and isolation and that we must listen to lead successfully on the key issues facing America and the world.
· Our next president must also recognize that the battle against violent terrorists, while requiring a prudent use of military power, is also a long-term contest of psychology and ideas.

“I believe that Senator Obama has a rare ability to restore America’s credibility and moral authority and to get others to join us in tackling serious global problems that will determine our own well being and security. I believe that he will bring to the White House, high principles, clear vision and sound judgment. I believe that he will inspire people to put aside extreme partisanship for the common good. I believe that he will awaken the energy and idealism of people who have never been active in public affairs, particularly our young people. I believe that he will also attract skilled, experienced and energetic people to government and will have the sound judgment to put together an outstanding governing team, bringing people together across old boundaries.

“I believe that Barack Obama is the right choice for our nation. My own role in this campaign will be as an advisor – particularly in the field of national security and foreign policy.”

Former Senator David L. Boren said, “I am joining Senator Barack Obama’s advisory team on foreign policy and national security because I believe it is my duty as a citizen to do all I can to help our country at this critical moment. Our strength is declining. Eighty-one percent of Americans believe we are headed in the wrong direction. We must act quickly to meet and overcome the challenges we face.

“Our most urgent task is to end the divisions in our country, to stop the political bickering, and to unite our talents and efforts. Americans of all persuasions are pleading with our political leaders to bring us together. I believe Senator Obama is sincerely committed to that effort. He has made a non-partisan approach to all issues a top priority.

“Senator Obama is also a person of sound and good judgment. He had the good judgment more than five years ago to warn against our involvement in this tragic and costly war. He also understands the need to repair our partnerships with other nations and to more effectively use diplomacy to serve our national interests. It is my hope that in sharing what I have learned during my time in public service, I will be helping my country.”

Senator Barack Obama said, “I am honored to have the support and counsel of two of our nation’s leading voices on national security, and two of our most respected advocates for national unity. Few public servants have done more than Sam Nunn to keep America safe, and I look forward to drawing on his counsel as we work to combat nuclear proliferation and other threats to America’s national security. David Boren is one of our nation’s foremost experts on intelligence, and he has been a powerful and passionate advocate for bipartisanship in Washington. Both of these men will be important sources of advice and counsel for our campaign in the months ahead.”

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Boren: Tuition Hike Of 10% Possible

Tuition at the University of Oklahoma could increase by nearly 10 percent for the next school year if the Legislature doesn't budget more money for higher education, University of Oklahoma President David Boren said today. Boren said he hopes any tuition hike will be lower "but if it's not in double digits, it's going to be close to it."

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Henry, Former Governors Endorse Tax Extension

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

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

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

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

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Boren Panel Wants 'Straight Talk'

A bipartisan panel today told presidential candidates to be more specific on their goals and encouraged the American people to demand more straight talk from contenders.

An overflow crowd of more than 1,000 attended the one-hour session on the University of Oklahoma campus put together by OU President David Boren and former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga.

Meanwhile, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has been mentioned as a possible independent presidential candidate, said, "I am not a candidate."

Read all of Michael McNutt's report at www.newsok.com.

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OU Meeting Draws Huge Media Pool

Today's gathering of "centrist" present and past political figures at the University of Oklahoma in Norman may be one of the most-reported events of this presidential election year.

About 175 reporters and photographers, including those from every major New York City media outlet, plan to attend, said Catherine Bishop, OU's vice president of communications.

The New York interest, of course, occurs because its mayor, Independent Michael Bloomberg, is a participant and possible third-party candidate for president.

The meeting is being hosted by OU President David Boren and Sam Nunn, Democrat and former U. S. Senator from Georgia. It ends at 1 p.m. today with a scheduled news conference.

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Boren Meeting Moved, Time Expanded

Monday's meeting of University of Oklahoma President David Boren's consortium on presidential politics has been moved to a larger facility and an hour has been added to the event's length.

The meeting now will be held in Catlett Music Center on the OU campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Boren and former Georgia U. S. Senator Sam Nunn, Democrats, arranged the meeting. Much attention has focused on the attendance of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (shown with Boren), an Independent, and his possible use of the meeting to launch a campaign for president.

Boren says the meeting seeks to challenge presidential candidates to focus on serious issues and end what he says has been divisive partisan polarization.

Scheduled to attend, in addition to Boren, Nunn and Bloomberg, are former U. S. Senator Charles Robb of Virginia, former Republican Party Chairman Bill Brock of Tennessee, former Congressman Jim Leach of Iowa and former U, S. Senator and presidential candidate Gary Hart of Colorado.

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Boren Pushes 'Bipartisan Approach' In Campaign

University of Oklahoma President David Boren (left, with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg) said Sunday he will co-host a meeting next week with other prominent Americans to try and refocus the 2008 presidential campaign on restoring the nation’s standing in the world and end the partisan bickering at home.

Boren emphasized his support for the nation’s two-party system but left the door open to supporting an independent candidate if the current presidential hopefuls fail to embrace a more bipartisan approach.

He said his co-host for the OU event will be Sam Nunn of Georgia, like Boren, a former Democratic U.S. senator.

“Our political system is, at the least, badly bent and many are concluding that it is broken at a time where America must lead boldly at home and abroad,” the two men stated in a Dec. 18 letter to expected participants.

Read the Tulsa World's story at www.tulsaworld.com.

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OU, OSU Presidents Draw Top Salaries

A new survey, it is reported, shows that pay packages for the presidents at Oklahoma's top public universities surpassed $400,000 a year and are comparable with top educators across the country. University of Oklahoma president David Boren received $412,017 in total compensation last year, while former Oklahoma State University president David Schmidly made $482,870.

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