Henry Silent On Traffic Camera Controversy

It's his plan, it's in his budget, but Governor Henry has been remarkably silent thus far about the system of highway traffic "spy" cameras he wants to nab vehicle insurance scofflaws and raise a claimed $50 million in new revenue.

While the controversy over the system has bubbled for weeks now, with privacy concerns and questions about how the idea for the system was developed, where the $50 million in revenue figure came from, and how his campaign fundraiser Barry Switzer became involved in it, Henry has been silent.

The system was proposed by Henry in his budget, which was agreed to by Republican leaders in the House and Senate, without comment or explanation from any of them. And despite questions, House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee have remained silent.

The lack of comment, by Henry in particular, appears to be generating unrest among some legislators. Democrat Mike Shelton brought the plan to the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union, which has filed an Open Records request with the Department of Public Safety. Shelton cites privacy concerns about information gathered through the system.

Several Republicans question the authority for instituting the plan and note they can find no law specifically authorizing it.

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$50 Million Revenue Estimate A Mystery As Those Involved Contradict Each Other, Point Fingers

There is a mystery that still hangs over Governor Henry's plan to raise $50 million in new revenue from a statewide system of highway traffic "spy" cameras to catch insurance scofflaws and the mystery is this: Why does no one seem to know for certain where that income estimate came from?

It's an important question because if the estimate is not accurate, there's a hole in the revenue side of the budget that will have to be filled some other way. In addition, the perception appears to be growing that despite years of planning, the system was placed for bids with far too many unanswered questions.

There also appears to be information about the system itself that contradicts other information. For example, the governor's budget suggests 220 of the cameras. Yet a DPS document outlining specifications mentions only "12 to 20" cameras. Questions from vendors, and DPS responses, indicate confusion in other areas of the plan as well ranging from how the system will be administered to where fines would be paid.

The McCarville Report Online has asked everyone in a position to know where the estimate came from after noticing that the Department of Public Safety, charged with putting information together for bidders and in overall charge of the plan, responded "Unknown" to questions from several bidders about the source of the estimate, and how it was derived.

The Governor's Office Says The Treasurer Helped Put The Estimate Together; The Treasurer's Office Says The Governor, Senate President Pro Tem and House Speaker Put It Together; The House Speaker Says It Came From The Governor; An Expert Says The Estimate Is 'Probably Worthless'

TMRO first asked Governor Henry's spokesman, Paul Sund, where the estimate came from. He replied, "I think OSF budget division and Scott's (Meacham) staff put that together after looking at what some other states were doing."

But Treasurer Scott Meacham, via Deputy Treasurer Tim Allen, said, "the revenue estimate was based on responses to a DPS RFP (Request For Proposal) and was reduced (from an original estimate of $95 million) by agreement between the Governor, Pro Tem and Speaker...."

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, on vacation in Arkansas, apparently could not be reached by his staff.

House Speaker Chris Benge, spokeswoman Jennifer Monies said, "just indicated that number came from the governor. Other than that, he is unaware of the source."

Former Rep. Wayne Pettigrew, a national officer of InsureNet, one firm interested in the state contract that also retains Barry Switzer as a consultant, followed closely the development of information about the new system.

He tells TMRO, "As far as I know, it is 6 months anticipated revenue from a vehicle insurance verification system that has a national database. I believe it assumes a 24% uninsured rate on 70% of the vehicles (from Oklahoma) and a 70% collection rate on the fines levied. I do not know what the anticipated uninsured rate is for the out-of-state vehicles. I think the RFP from DCS (Department of Central Services) went to a single state type system for the database (not the InsureNet one) and so this number ($50 million) is probably worthless now."

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Leaders Mourn Bellmon, Praise His Record

Governor Henry today ordered that all flags on state property be flown at half staff in honor of former governor and U.S. Senator Henry Bellmon, who died this morning at the age of 88.

“Oklahoma today mourns the passing of a legend,” Henry said.

“Henry Bellmon was not only a proud Oklahoman, but in many ways embodied Oklahoma -- tough-minded, hard-working, honest, patriotic and a true son of the land. He was a man who preferred deeds to words. Most important, Henry Bellmon was a superb leader and public servant who always sought to better this state he so dearly loved. From the State Capitol to the chamber of the United States Senate, Henry Bellmon served his constituents with quiet dignity and an even hand.”

Henry added that he was privileged to have known Bellmon.

“For me, he was a personal hero and an inspiration,” he said. “Gov. Bellmon demonstrated that politics did not have to succumb to the rancor and showmanship that can so often mar the process. He was a consensus builder whose convictions transcended partisanship and ideology. I am grateful to have been friends with this extraordinary man, and I am better for having known him. All Oklahomans, in fact, are better for having benefited from his strong and steady leadership. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee: “Henry Bellmon is a giant in Oklahoma history. He served his country, his state, and his family with great honor and always with humility. He leaves a legacy of service to which any public official would and should aspire. Politically, Henry Bellmon put the Republican Party on the map in Oklahoma, and set the path for its growth over the subsequent decades. But he transcended partisan politics, and I join Republicans and Democrats alike in honoring his memory today.”

Congressman Tom Cole: "Henry Bellmon was a great American, a great Oklahoman and a great Republican. He first served his country in combat as a marine in the South Pacific during the Second World War. When he returned home he was elected to the State House of Representatives and later became Republican State Chairman. Next he served as the first Republican governor of our state. He served two terms in the U.S. Senate and was then reelected as governor. Over the years, Henry Bellmon served the people of Oklahoma in every conceivable fashion in terms of public service, private commitment and personal example. He laid the foundation for the modern two-party system in Oklahoma and is rightfully called the 'father of the Oklahoma Republican Party.' I had the pleasure and privilege of serving as State Republican Chairman when he was elected for the second time as governor. Later, I served in the State Senate during his administration. Henry Bellmon led on every issue with courage, commitment, integrity and an unwavering sense of optimism about Oklahoma and its future. Like tens of thousands of other Oklahomans, I honor and appreciate his life, mourn his loss and offer my heartfelt sympathy to his family. Henry Bellmon was an Oklahoma political pioneer - we won't see his like again."

Congresswoman Mary Fallin: “Henry Bellmon was an inspiration to three generations of Oklahoma leaders. He was the father of two-party government in our state and a man who never wavered from his principles and from the cause of good government. From his service as a Marine in World War II, through two terms as Governor and two more as United States Senator, Henry Bellmon was a shining example to all of us that politics and public service can and should attract the best among us. Oklahoma has never produced a finer man or a more devoted public servant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Kenneth Corn: "Governor Henry Bellmon was the first statewide elected official I ever met when I was 10 years old. Meeting this great leader had a tremendous impact on me then, and still does to this day. He was a true champion of improving education in Oklahoma. The landmark legislation he championed, House Bill 1017, pulled education out of the gutter in Oklahoma and provided it with a standard-driven system that emphasized student achievement unlike anything that had ever been done before. Bellmon was an Oklahoman first, and his service set a high bar for anyone who aspires to be a public servant. We should all remember the statesmanlike leadership Bellmon displayed throughout his life, especially during this polarized political environment in which we now so often find ourselves. Bellmon loved Oklahoma; his love and passion for this state was infectious. Many generation of Oklahomans, and those yet born, are simply better off because of that love and passion. I will miss Governor Bellmon, and am committed to work tirelessly with those on both sides of the aisle to realize the vision he had for our state and its people."

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Trial Lawyer's Email Proves Tort Reform Effective, State House And Senate Republican Leaders Say

An Oklahoma City law firm's email to plaintiffs urging them to file lawsuits before tort reform becomes law in November is proof that trial attorneys fear that the change will be effective in limiting frivolous lawsuits, House and Senate leaders said today.

The email, sent from an attorney with the Merritt & Associates law firm last week, says “Danger! Tort reform legislation effective November 1. File your lawsuits now!”

House Speaker Chris Benge said the email proves the new law is a significant step toward cutting down on frivolous lawsuits while clearing the way for legitimate claims.

“This email, while very concerning, should serve as an example of why we passed tort reform,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “We believe the law passed last session will have the effect of attracting businesses and creating jobs in our state.”

For over a decade, House and Senate Republicans have sought reforms to Oklahoma’s justice system, where frivolous lawsuits have increased health care costs, driven talented doctors out of our state because of high malpractice insurance rates and told companies to look to more business-friendly states when considering relocation or jobs creation.

“My top priority when first elected to the State Senate eleven years ago was to enact real and meaningful lawsuit reform in Oklahoma,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The activists in the Trial Bar fought this reform tooth and nail, and some of them still can’t accept the new reality.

“Throughout the process of passing lawsuit reform, this particular law firm was Oklahoma’s Chicken Little, and now they are proclaiming that the sky will fall in November,” Coffee continued. “In fact, the skies will open, and Oklahoma will open for business when HB 1603 goes into effect.”

Rep. Dan Sullivan, House author of this year’s lawsuit reform legislation, House Bill 1603, said the email also falsely claims joint and several liability is abolished by the bill. The legislation limits joint and several liability to instances where a tortfeasor is more than 50 percent liable.

“The attorney who sent this email expressed deep opposition to change and tried to rally his colleagues to try to stop reform. Now that he was unsuccessful in defending the status quo, he is trying to encourage people to file lawsuits prior to the law taking effect whether they have merit or not,” said Sullivan, R-Tulsa. “This email is nothing but an opportunistic attempt to get lawsuits on the books, regardless of their merit, by lawyers who will go to any lengths to prey on vulnerable Oklahomans.”

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ORA Honors Coffee, Ellis, Chesnut

The Oklahoma Rifle Association has presented annual awards to two legislators and a national magazine editor.

Honored at the ORA's Annual Banquet Saturday night were Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee (right), Senator Jerry Ellis (left), and Mark Chesnut (below), editor of the National Rifle Association's official journal, America's First Freedom.

Coffee and Ellis were honored for their support of the 2nd Amendment and the right to keep and bear arms.

Chesnut, who grew up in Tuttle and attended OSU, was presented the annual Mike McCarville Media Award for his efforts on behalf of the 2nd Amendment. He lives in Jenks with his wife and four children. He previously edited Gun Digest, Bassin' and Crappie World magazines.

Guest speaker at the banquet was Senator Tom Coburn, who said the 2nd Amendment is the one that guarantees all the others.

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Holt Reports $55,665 Raised In SD30 Race

Republican State Senate candidate David Holt reports today he's raised $55,665 in his bid to replace Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee in Senate District 30.

Holt reports he has just under $50,000 in cash on hand. The donations came from 167 donors. The total does not include donations made after June 30.

Holt is seeking the open seat currently held by Coffee, who is term-limited in 2010. The district covers parts of Northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany, Warr Acres, and the Village.

Holt serves as a member of the Oklahoma County Republican Party Executive Committee, on the boards of the Northwest Chamber and the Putnam City Schools Foundation, and is active in numerous other community organizations. He currently serves as chief of staff to Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett (with whom he is pictured), previously served in the White House of President George W. Bush, under U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Lt. Governor Mary Fallin, and several members of Congress from Oklahoma.

Holt officially launched his candidacy June 2. More information on Holt’s Senate campaign can be found at www.VoteDavidHolt.com.

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Committees Named For 34 Interim Studies

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee announced today the approval of thirty-four interim studies and their committee assignments. The studies will be conducted between now and the beginning of the next legislative session in February, 2010.

Nineteen Senators requested interim studies in a variety of areas of concern to them and their constituents. Some studies are a result of legislation filed in 2009 for which further study was required or requested before moving the legislation forward.

“The interim studies requested and approved represent a broad range of interests and concerns to the members of the Senate and to the citizens of Oklahoma,” Coffee said. “We look forward to a very productive interim period and the findings of these studies.”

Coffee assigned interim studies to eight committees and two Appropriations subcommittees. The Energy, Retirement & Insurance, and Health & Human Services Committee, along with the Appropriations-Health and Human Services Subcommittee will be most active in the interim.

A complete list of requested studies and their assignments can be found on the Senate website at www.oksenate.gov.

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David Holt Seeks Coffee's SD30 Seat

David Holt, chief of staff to Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and a longtime conservative Republican activist in northwest Oklahoma City, has announced his candidacy for the Senate District 30 seat now held by term-limited Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee.

The district includes portions of Northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany, Warr Acres and The Village.

Holt announced via an online video filmed in front of Wiley Post Elementary School in the 30th District, where Holt attended and where his mother was PTA President. The video can be viewed at http://www.votedavidholt.com/.

Holt was raised in Northwest Oklahoma City, attending Putnam City Schools from kindergarten through graduation.

Holt served in the Bush White House, worked for U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, for Lt. Governor Mary Fallin, and several members of Congress from Oklahoma.

Holt and his wife Rachel have been married for six years. They met at George Washington University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Rachel is a prosecutor in Oklahoma County, and they attend St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral.

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Senate Passes HB1170, Ends Session

The State Senate has passed a bill that created a deadlock last week and prompted a delay in the end of the session. The bill now heads to Governor Henry's desk.

The bill would create a chief information officer to oversee technology purchasing for the state.

The Senate planned to end its session last Friday, but after the bill's failure, Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, brought the upper chamber back into session on Tuesday for another vote.

Democrats say that House Bill 1170 consolidates too much power in the hands of one person.

Republicans said it would save the state money by making purchasing more uniform.

Senator Harry Coates, R-Seminole, joined Democrats in voting against the measure. The vote was 25-23.

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Senate Votes To Change Tag Agent System

The State Senate has given bipartisan approval to President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee's Senate Bill 888 that would end the Senate's present tag agency patronage system.

Coffee’s bill would prohibit lawmakers from recommending tag agents to the Tax Commission.

Historically, senators have suggested those individuals they thought should be named as tag agents. Under Coffee’s legislation, the Commission will directly appoint the agents.

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Lawsuit Reform Package Agreement Seen

House and Senate Republican leaders claim today agreement has been reached on what they say is a landmark comprehensive lawsuit reform package.

"I believe we can now say Oklahoma is open for business," said Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

The agreement follows long discussions that did not include Governor Brad Henry; those involved said he has been kept posted on the details of the negotiations.

In a statement, Henry called the bill "perhaps the most comprehensive tort bill in state history" and said it is similar to the compromise proposal he made in 2007 but was unable to reach a consensus for. "I will be reviewing the measure in greater detail in the days to come, but based on my initial reading of it, I believe this is a strong piece of reform legislation," he said.

Among the bill's changes are a redefining of what constitutes a frivolous lawsuit and strengthening of summary judgment rules to make it easier for a judge to dismiss a lawsuit that has no merit before it goes to trial.

The bill also makes changes to joint and several liability guidelines in which an injured person can recover all his damages from any defendant regardless of their individual share of the liability.

It reinstates a certificate of merit requirement for injured people who want to file professional malpractice lawsuits but broadens it beyond a similar rule that was ruled unconstitutional by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2006. That measure dealt exclusively with medical malpractice lawsuits and the high court said it was an unconstitutional special law.

It also ruled the requirement that a medical malpractice claimant obtain a professional's opinion at a cost of up to $5,000 was an unconstitutional monetary barrier to the courts.

The latest proposal requires certificates in any lawsuit alleging professional negligence by physicians, attorneys, accountants and others, a requirement vetoed by Henry last year. Those who cannot afford the cost of a certificate can obtain one for free under existing pauper guidelines, officials said.

The measure would cap non-economic damages, also known as pain and suffering, at $400,000 but allow a judge or jury to waive the cap in cases of gross negligence or catastrophic injury. Supporters had originally wanted a cap of $300,000 with no waiver guidelines.

The bill requires the state to explore the purchase of a $20 million insurance policy by May 1, 2011, to create an indemnity fund for non-economic damages in excess of $400,000.

It also makes a variety of changes to class-action lawsuit guidelines but does not include a proposal opposed by mineral owners that would require them to "opt-in" to class-action lawsuits to become eligible to recoup unpaid royalties. Under existing law, class members are automatically included in a class-action lawsuit unless they notify the court they want to "opt out."

Some details from www.tulsaworld.com.

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Jolley Rips 'Character Assassination Plot'

After witnessing an independent videographer in the Senate TV gallery tracking the movements of Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee yesterday, Assistant Senate Majority Floor Leader Clark Jolley expressed disappointment that the "character assassination plot" against the Pro Tempore apparently isn’t over.

The videographer was staking out the Pro Tem, capturing footage of the Senate Leader’s empty desk as he was working away from the Senate floor on Tuesday.

"Anyone who holds even the most minimal knowledge of the operations of the Legislature understands that the President Pro Tem, the Speaker of the House, and others in key leadership positions have multiple meetings every day, even during session," Jolley added.

"This has been standard practice from Day One, for both Democrat and Republican leaders in both Houses. They simply have too many responsibilities to be tethered to their desk on the floor all day every day.

"The Pro Tem is involved in critical negotiations on major initiatives, as well as meeting with a multitude of people with interest before the state, and that has been the case with every Pro Tem in state history," he continued.

"I fully expect the shadowy group paying this political hit man is planning on using video of an empty desk in a new round of television commercials, certain to be as dishonest and inflammatory as the first rounds were," he said.

"They can’t win at the ballot box or in the legislative process, so they’ve resorted to an expensive campaign of character assassination and the politics of personal destruction. It’s time for someone to call them into account and put an end to their deception," Jolley continued.

"If the opposition’s calls for transparency are sincere, they should disclose who is paying this individual to shoot misleading video for their partisan purposes," Jolley asked. "At least we now know what the next political hit will be against Pro Tem Coffee.

"If these partisan political hacks choose to use this disingenuous video to continue their crusade against Senator Coffee, their tactics will have stooped below the disgusting level they have already achieved," Jolley concluded.

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Experts: Reforms Could Limit Data Theft

State lawmakers and technology security experts today said reforms advancing in the Legislature will increase protection of citizens’ private data and reduce its theft from government computers.

“Because Oklahoma government continues to use an outdated information technology system that is spread across dozens of agencies, it is impossible to hold one person responsible for the data losses,” said Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie.

“The enactment of House Bill 1704 or Senate Bill 980 could not only save millions of dollars in leveraged IT purchases, but would put someone in charge of securing important data.”

In recent months, several state computers containing citizens’ private information were either lost or stolen, including a flash drive from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and laptops from the Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency.

Two bills introduced this session would streamline information technology services and increase data security in state government: House Bill 1704, by Rep. David Derby, and Senate Bill 980, by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee and Murphey. Both measures would create a Chief Information Officer for state government, who would direct technology purchases and security policies for all state agencies.

Oklahoma is only one of four states in the country without a centralized technology officer.

Dan Yost, chief technology officer for Stillwater-based computer security firm MyLaptopGPS, said the legislation is a step in the right direction.

“When agency policies are not consistent, it generates more loose ends throughout the system – and it only takes one loose end to breach 1 million Oklahomans’ private information, as we have already seen,” Yost said. “Giving one person oversight of the system is a good way to increase accountability and better secure data throughout all of state government. If nobody’s in charge, you’ve really got a problem.”

According to a recent report by the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a stolen laptop is roughly $50,000 per computer. Other studies suggest the cost may be greater – a 2002 CSI/FBI Computer Crime and Security Survey put the cost at $89,000 per laptop and the 2003 ACCSS said the average value of data on a laptop is $250,000.

“Even the $50,000 ‘best case’ scenario is very bad,” Yost said. “Oklahoma government had to spend $200,000 in mailing costs just for notification letters after the theft of only two laptops. More costs for those incidents will likely be forthcoming.”

Yost noted that another laptop is stolen every 12 seconds, at least 2.6 million per year. A 2006 survey by The Ponemon Institute showed that 80 percent of government agencies surveyed reported losing data via laptop theft in last 12 months.

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Anti-Coffee Ad Donors Are Mysterious No-names

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee's critics spent about $80,000 on ads attacking the state Senate leader and used a Texas advertising firm favored by Oklahoma Democrats to create them, records show.

The critics, operating as "Citizens For Transparency," is "a secretive organization whose only identified members are a 24-year-old substitute teacher and a two 21-year-old University of Oklahoma students," The Oklahoman's Nolan Clay reports today.

Read all of Clay's article at http://www.newsok.com/anti-glenn-coffee-ad-details-murky/article/3364375?custom_click=pod_headline_ae.

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Dueling Groups Oppose, Support Glenn Coffee

ActionPlanOK has begun airing television spots in Oklahoma City suggesting trial lawyers are behind an advertising campaign launched by Citizens For Transparency that questions Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee’s finances.

“It’s no surprise now that courageous leaders who stand up for lawsuit reform, like Sen. Glenn Coffee, are being personally attacked,” the spots say.

Patrick Lively, executive director of Citizens for Transparency, the group that paid for the anti-Coffee ads, said they have nothing to do with lawsuit reform.

“I have no comment on tort reform,” Lively said. “That’s not my issue.”

The Citizens for Transparency ads, which appeared in the Tulsa World and on Oklahoma City television, called for Coffee to disclose details of his campaign expenditures and a loan he used to pay back taxes. Citizens for Transparency has not revealed its financial supporters.

ActionPlanOK was formed about five years ago. Its directors include former Rep. Robert Worthen, R-Oklahoma City, Tulsa County Director of Development and Governmental Affairs Terry Simonson and Tulsa businessman Mike Arrington. Worthen’s son Trebor Worthen, also a former state representative, works for AH Strategies, which is a campaign consultant for many Republican legislators.

Coffee, however, is not an AH Strategies client, Worthen said.

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Coffee Defends Morgan's Mexico Trip

The Tulsa World's Barbara Hoberock reports that Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee says a recent trip that top aide Fred Morgan took with a private prison lobbyist was not improper.

Morgan, Coffee's senior policy adviser and a former Republican House member, traveled to Mexico in December with Brett Robinson, a lobbyist for GEO, a private prison company that has a facility in Lawton.

Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, said that there is no validity to suggestions of wrongdoing surrounding the trip, adding that Morgan paid his own way: "They had a prior relationship before they were a lobbyist and a government official," Coffee said in an interview with the World. "I think people have personal relationships and they have lives outside of the Capitol building."

Robinson said the trip to Punta Mita, Mexico, involved Morgan and his wife, Page; Robinson and his wife, Karma, and another lobbyist and her husband.

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Rape Victim Treatment Bill Goes To Henry

After receiving unanimous approval from both the Senate and House, Senate Bill 894 by President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee is on Governor Henry's desk for action.

Senate Bill 894 allows a rape victim to have access to medical care immediately without having to file legal charges against her attacker. Rape victims are often too traumatized to seek medical assistance when they know their case will be immediately reported to law enforcement. It is currently required that a nurse or other medical professional contact local law enforcement at the time a victim seeks medical attention.

If SB 894 is signed into law, a victim can seek help, and pursue legal recourse at a less stressful time in the following hours or days.

“Victims of sexual attacks often delay seeking critical medical treatment due to the fear of dealing with legal consequences,” said Coffee.

“The reforms in Senate Bill 894 supply security and peace of mind to the victims of these cruel, violent acts, giving them the time they need to seek legal action under less pressure,” Coffee added. “Oklahoma is also brought into compliance with the federal Violence Against Women Act through Senate Bill 894.”

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Henry Veotes Voter ID Bill; House Takes Action

Governor Henry today vetoed the voter ID bill backed by Republicans.

Following announcement of the veto, the House passed Senate Bill 692, which will send the voter ID requirement to a vote of the people.

Senate Bill 4, vetoed by Henry, would have mandated registered voters to present additional identification in order to cast a ballot on election day.

“The right to vote is one of our most precious freedoms, guaranteed to all eligible U.S. citizens regardless of their race, gender, religion, income level or social status, and policymakers must be especially careful when tinkering with this fundamental right,” said Henry in his veto message.

“Senate Bill 4 would have established an unnecessary impediment to exercising this most basic freedom in conflict with Article III, Sec. 5 of the Oklahoma Constitution which states, ‘All elections shall be free and equal. No power, civil or military, shall ever interfere to prevent the free exercise of the right of suffrage…’ A small but still important minority of registered voters, many of whom are senior citizens or the working poor, do not have easy access to an official form of identification and, therefore, could be discouraged from participating in the electoral process by the restrictions contained in SB 4.”

Currently, voters’ names must be listed on their local precinct’s registry and voters must identify themselves verbally and with a signature. No other form of verification is required.

The League of Women Voters, AARP and other advocacy organizations oppose voter identification laws, citing projections that as many as 21 million registered voters, including 78,000 in Oklahoma, do not have appropriate identifying credentials and could be negatively impacted by such legislation.

“Oklahoma already has a model state election system, one that has earned national praise for its accuracy and efficiency and has operated without the taint of voter fraud. It is not in the best interest of the election system or Oklahoma citizens for the Legislature to enact new requirements for registered voters and additional and potentially confusing verification duties for election workers that could cause undue delays and longer waiting lines at the polls, potentially discouraging even more citizens from voting,” said Henry.

“At a time when it is difficult to attract more than half of the registered voters to the polls at any given election, I believe we should be attempting to make voting easier and more convenient for registered voters, not more difficult and confusing.”

SB 4 also contained a separate provision expanding early voting days, an initiative advocated by the governor. Gov. Henry urged lawmakers to submit the early voting proposal to him in separate legislation that does not contain voter identification mandates.

“As I said in my State of the State address, I support making voting easier and more convenient by expanding the early voting period. If lawmakers would deliver that proposal to me in a separate piece of legislation free of voter ID mandates, I would sign it into law,” said the governor.

“I’m very disappointed, but not surprised by the governor’s veto of this very reasonable reform," said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee.

“We believe this is a very positive reform for all voters of the state of Oklahoma. We met the governor half way on early voting, and had hoped the governor would view this legislation favorably.

“When the House passes SB 692, this issue will go to a vote of the people, where I anticipate wide support, and we’ll see Voter ID as a stand alone measure on the ballot. One way or another, we will see to it that our election process remains clean and fair, and that no legitimate votes are nullified by activist groups who seek to tip an election in their favor.”

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World: Coffee Late With Ethics Reports

The Tulsa World reports today that Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee has been late in filing some reports with the Ethics Commission.

Read the story at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=12&articleid=20090408_16_A11_OKLAHO718322.

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Democrats Attack Coffee Over Travel Expense

Democrats attacked Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, on a new front Monday, calling into question $58,000 he claimed as campaign-related travel expense during 2008.

"We're trying to get receipts on all of that," Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes said.

"Even if it's not illegal, he could be doing anything with that money."

Coffee spokesman Randy Swanson wrote in an e-mail that the three-term senator, who has been under fire for a $30,000 loan taken out to pay off a tax lien, would have no comment on Holmes' charges.

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