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

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

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Abuse Services Alliance Honors Blackwell

Speaker Pro Tempore Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, has been singled out for his role in passing drug counseling legislation during the 2008 legislative session and given the "Legislator of the Year" award by the Oklahoma Substance Abuse Services Alliance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Legislation Would Harness Oklahoma Wind Power

The Oklahoma wind that state residents complain about could reduce electricity bills and provide eco-friendly energy alternatives at the same time thanks to the passage of House Bill 2813.

The bill, authored by Rep. Weldon Watson and requested by Rep. Gus Blackwell, will allow an electric utility company to recover the costs of building high voltage transmission lines to carry electricity produced by wind farms in Western Oklahoma.

The measure stemmed from discussions led by the Oklahoma Electric Transmission Task Force chaired by Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud.

The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a multi-state regulator of electric transmission including Oklahoma, also participated in those task force meetings.

"Oklahoma's demand for electricity continues to grow and there is little opportunity for new construction of coal or nuclear power generation in the near future," said Blackwell, R-Goodwell. "The SPP has indicated that Oklahoma has the potential to be a major supplier of wind energy based on wind and transmission studies that project demand out through 2050. Failing to take advantage of this opportunity is not simply shooting yourself in the foot; it's shooting yourself in the head. This is a win-win-win situation for the consumer, for the environment and for the economy."

"This bill is a way to jump start the growth potential of wind power in the state. Currently, we have 14,000 megawatts of electricity being produced by Oklahoma power generators. We have 4,000 more megawatts from wind either already built or in the planning stages in Western Oklahoma. The potential is 20,000 megawatts for using wind power," said Watson, R-Tulsa.

Several companies have indicated an interest in building wind farms in the area, Watson indicated, and once they start the SPP will spread the cost of transmission to other users of that transmission reducing costs to Oklahoma ratepayers. He also said there is also great potential for carbon credits that will reduce fuel costs for ratepayers.

"Our state song mentions that 'the wind comes sweeping down the plain' in Oklahoma. That wind that has been immortalized in song and lore will become famous now for its energy potential," said Watson.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will have ultimate authority for any activity electric utilities may take as a result of the legislation.

House Bill 2813 passed the full House this week 88-0 and now goes to the Senate for a hearing.

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GOP Caucus Could Be Contentious, Tension-Filled As Speaker-Designate Elected, Blackwell Discussed

Monday's House Republican Caucus, at which a new speaker-designate will be elected, could be a contentious, tension-filled meeting, several insiders say today.

At issue will be the election of a new speaker-designate to replace Lance Cargill. It is believed Rep. Chris Benge is the favorite going in, with Rep. Susan Winchester in second place. Some believe that as of Sunday afternoon, Benge has a one- or two-vote lead, but that could change. If Benge doesn't win on a first ballot, several believe, Winchester could benefit. Reps. Dale DeWitt and John Wright also are candidates and given the fluidity of opinion as of Sunday afternoon, it appears either one also could be a contender given the right circumstances even though that seems unlikely.

But contributing most to the tension some feel today is whether Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, who withdrew as a speaker candidate almost certain to win when his tardy property tax payments were reported, should remain as the No. 2 Republican in the House. Only one House Republican, Paul Wesselhoft, has spoken publicly and he says Blackwell should not remain in that position. Others say privately they are not comfortable with him remaining and in the privacy of the Caucus, they will say so if necessary.

"We need a clean sweep," one GOP House member said Sunday. "The whole state is watching us and how we perform is going to be criticized and second-guessed til the cows come home." He added that Democrat hopes of electing Danny Morgan as speaker if enough Republicans unhappy with their own selection defect when the final vote comes on the House floor "are foolish...a pipe dream."

Said a second: "If we continue with flawed leadership...we'll pay a price come November." He added, "However, it's a tough deal, real tough."

A third, however, defends Blackwell: "He's done nothing illegal. He shouldn't have to pay an even greater price than he already has."

Asked if Blackwell should have withdrawn as a candidate for speaker, the member hesitated, then said, "Well...I don't think he had any choice given what Lance did (resign as speaker over late tax payments)."

The Caucus is scheduled first thing Monday. The entire House will vote on the new speaker in the afternoon.

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Online Poll: Who's Responsible For The Taxes-Paid-Late Scandal In The Oklahoma Legislature?

Rep. Don Armes, Faxon Republican, says it is the "liberal media" that's out to get Republicans. House Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell apparently agrees with him, even though Democrats have been revealed as late-payers as well.

What do you think? Go to the right and vote in The McCarville Report Online's new poll.

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Any Wonder Why Legislators Held In Low Esteem?

Rep. Gus Blackwell, Goodwell Republican, one of those who failed to file property tax returns on time: "If the qualification for office is that your property taxes are paid on time, then we're going to have sad leadership in the state."

Rep. Don Armes, Faxon Republican, one of those who failed to file personal income tax returns on time: "We are all under the microscope, and the media will stop at nothing to tear us apart." The "liberal media," he added, "hate everything we represent."

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Armes: 'They hate everything we represent'

By Nolan Clay, Staff Writer, The Oklahoman ~ A legislator blames "the liberal media” for the negative publicity about lawmakers' tax problems, writing to fellow House Republicans "they hate everything we represent.”

Republican Representative Claims 'Liberal' News Media 'hate the fact that we control the House'

Rep. Don Armes called the media the enemy and wrote "they absolutely hate the fact that we control the House.”

Armes, of Faxon, was one of five legislators who got warnings last month from the Tax Commission for failing to file state income tax returns.

The Oklahoman on Jan. 20 reported on the warnings.

Armes acknowledged in the letter he should have done a better job of tending to his personal business. He wrote the letter before House Speaker Lance Cargill stepped down from the leadership post. Armes declined comment Friday.

"We are all under the microscope, and the media will stop at nothing to tear us apart,” Armes wrote. "They want us and our leader. Plug in any name or face you want into that speaker's chair. The attacks are not going to stop.”

Armes urged House Republicans to "saddle up,” put aside their differences and fight to keep control of the House. He wrote Republicans had started to make changes in the state and should keep building.
"We have to put our egos aside and fight like crazy to make sure the bigger goal is realized,” Armes wrote. "We are all elected officials, rock stars, big dogs, whatever. Oh, and I almost forgot, we are all going to be Governor.”

Another legislator affected by the tax scandal also had complaints. Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, withdrew from the speaker's race Thursday because he was repeatedly delinquent in paying his property taxes.

Blackwell on Friday criticized the "Pharisees” in the House who claim there has to be a higher standard of conduct for elected officials.

He told K101-FM, a Woodward country radio station: "We have in the House, quite frankly, people who have marital problems, people who've had drinking problems, people who have drug problems, people who are openly homosexual, people who have all sorts of problems. And they represent the cross section of the voters who put them there. ... If the qualification for office is that your property taxes are paid on time, then we're going to have sad leadership in the state.”

Blackwell also said, "I have done nothing ethically wrong, morally wrong or legally wrong.”

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Splintered House Republicans Try To Regroup

House Republicans, shattered by the resignation of Lance Cargill as speaker and the withdrawal of Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell as the leading candidate to replace Cargill, are dealing today with factional infighting and a clear leader for speaker has yet to emerge.

"We're splintered like never before," said one exasperated senior House Republican. "I think (Chris) Benge probably has the lead (in the speaker's race) but there's some resistance to him."

Benge's name emerged after Blackwell withdrew. Others in the race are Dale DeWitt, Susan Winchester and John Wright.

This week's relevations that both Cargill and Blackwell were late in paying taxes came just as Republicans were planning their aggressive agenda for the 2008 Legislature.

A Republican caucus is scheduled to elect a speaker-designate on Monday morning and the entire House will then elect a speaker later in the day.

Democrats hope the splintering among Republicans will, by some miracle, result in the election of Minority Leader Danny Morgan as speaker.

"When hell freezes over," declared a Republican leader. "That's a pipe dream."

The GOP Caucus also may have to elect a new speaker pro tem. Blackwell is under pressure by some to resign that leadership post by those who believe a clean GOP leadership slate is needed.

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Wesselhoft Questions Blackwell's Future Role

Republican Rep. Paul Wesselhoft (pictured) told KFOR-TV Thursday night that the next question GOP legislators face is, "Should Gus Blackwell remain our speaker pro tem? I think not."

Wesselhoft joined other, although less public, GOP House members in questioning whether Blackwell, Goodwell Republican, should retain his leadership post after it was revealed he was late paying his Texas County property taxes for 13 years in a row.

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The Oklahoman: Blackwell Repeatedly Late On Taxes

From www.newsok.com, by Nolan Clay, Randy Ellis and Michael McNutt ~ A leading candidate to become the next state House speaker dropped out of the race Thursday because he repeatedly paid his property taxes late.

"I'm not blaming anyone but myself," Rep. Gus Blackwell said at the Capitol.

Blackwell, R-Goodwell, dropped out just hours after The Oklahoman asked him for an explanation for his late taxes.

He said he mistakenly thought he had until March 31 to pay property taxes on his home and three rental properties in Goodwell. He said except for one or two years he had met that deadline, usually paying around February.

He said he contacted the Texas County treasurer Thursday and was shocked to find out he was wrong. "The county got every dime they were entitled to," he said. "I have never been told that my taxes were late in any way, shape or form."

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BLACKWELL WITHDRAWS FROM SPEAKER RACE

House Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, Goodwell Republican, late this afternoon withdrew as a candidate for speaker to replace Lance Cargill after revealing he's been late in paying his Texas County property taxes in each of the past 13 years.

The stunning development came just hours after House GOP leader Greg Piatt claimed Blackwell had sufficient GOP votes to be named speaker-designate, and after stories here and in the Tulsa World about Blackwell's vote on an issue tied to controversial Dallas businessman Gene Phillips.

But it apparently was an inquiry made of Blackwell by investigative reporter Nolan Clay of The Oklahoman that prompted the decision to withdraw his name from consideration. The exact nature of the inquiry is expected to be known within hours, but Blackwell said he decided to remove himself for consideration for the House's top job after learning Thursday that he had been late in paying his property taxes in Texas County for the past 13 years. "I was shocked and surprised," Blackwell said. "I have never been told that my taxes were late in any way shape or form. I'm not blaming anyone but myself."

It was the revelation that he had been late in paying personal income taxes and business property taxes that prompted Cargill to resign as speaker. Those stories broke in The Oklahoman and the Tulsa World.

Insiders say they expect Rep. Chris Benge of Tulsa to now emerge as the choice of those who had supported Blackwell. Several members who had supported Blackwell, however, tell TMRO tonight they are moving their support to Susan Winchester.

Developing....

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Developing...Speaker's Race Upheaval

There is word at the Capitol late today that there may be a new development in the race for speaker of the Oklahoma House.

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AP: Piatt Says Blackwell Has Speaker-Designate Votes From More Than 30 House Republicans

The Oklahoma House's Republican floor leader says Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell has the support of more than half of the House's GOP majority in the race for speaker.

Floor Leader Greg Piatt of Ardmore told The Associated Press Thursday that Blackwell has secured pledges from more than 30 House Republicans in the race to replace former GOP Speaker Lance Cargill.

Blackwell needs the support of at least 29 of the House's 57 Republican members to become the party's speaker designate. The full 101-member House will select a new speaker on Monday.

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Piatt Donations An Issue In Speaker's Race?

Sources in the State House report today that campaign donations to House Majority Leader Greg Piatt (pictured) of Ardmore by those associated with controversial Dallas businessman Gene Phillips and his son, Bradford, are becoming an issue in the race for speaker.

Two GOP members of the House say that Piatt supports Rep. Gus Blackwell to replace Lance Cargill and they have taken note of today's report in the Tulsa World highlighting Blackwell's unusual move, last session, of using his leadership role to cast a vote on a pro-Phillips measure in a committee in which Blackwell technically is not even a member.

The measure sought by the Phillips interests was carried by Piatt, the House Majority Leader, the World reported last year: Phillips' son Bradford Phillips tried unsuccessfully last session to get an Oklahoma law changed that would have allowed the family's insurance companies to put up fewer assets when making real estate loans. State Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland strongly protested the change, which was approved in committee but did not make it into law. The amendment was carried by House Majority Leader Greg Piatt, R-Ardmore, who received a $5,000 contribution from Bradford Phillips in June, state Ethics Commission records show.

One member of the House says the donations to Piatt for his 2008 campaign by those connected to Phillips is at least $11,000. Ethics Commission records show the $5,000 donation from Bradford Phillips on June 6, 2007, plus donations of $5,000 from Enid attorney Stephen Jones, who represents Phillips' interests, on June 4, 2007; and $1,000 from lobbyist Bobby Stem, who lobbies for Phillips' interests, on May 31, 2007.

Following Insurance Commissioner Holland's protest against the Phillips measure, Republican Bill Case, with the support of those in the Phillips camp including Jones, tried to defeat Holland. He failed. He is now a lobbyist for Phillips in Stem's firm.

In addition, a mysterious committee based in Austin, Texas, tried to defeat Holland and spent almost half a million dollars in the unsuccessful effort.

The controversy over the Phillips family erupted again recently, when it was revealed that several GOP legislators, including then-Speaker Cargill and Blackwell, attended a fundraiser for Mike Huckabee at Gene Phillips' palatial home in Dallas. After the event was publicized and questions were asked, several legislators said they received, and returned, donations from Bradford Phillips. Some estimate the legislators recently returned at least $6,200 to Phillips.

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Blackwell Tries To Explain Vote For Phillips Bill

House Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, one of four House Republicans who seek the position of speaker following Lance Cargill's resignation, faces questions about a controversial vote he cast in a committee meeting last session.

The vote came on a measure sought by the interests of Gene Phillips, controversial Dallas businessman. Even though Blackwell is not a member of the committee that approved the measure, he attended the committee meeting as a House leader and voted for it.

Some GOP members find that troubling and one said, "Frankly, I haven't heard any explanation from Gus that I buy."

The controversial vote is highlighted in a Tulsa World article today by Capitol Correspondent Mick Hinton. Here's the relevant part of Hinton's article:

(House Minority Leader Danny) Morgan also said Democrats were “obviously disappointed” that Blackwell has not addressed a trip he made in December to the home of a controversial fundraiser.

Blackwell was among a group of Republican lawmakers who were criticized for accompanying Cargill to a fundraiser at the home of Gene Phillips, a controversial Texas businessman.

The fundraiser was being held for presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, and the Republican lawmakers said they attended because it was a chance to see a candidate who might be elected president.

A lobbyist (for Phillips) leased a bus in December and took the Republican lawmakers to the fundraiser.

Phillips, whose family has several insurance companies held in trust, has been connected to former Oklahoma Democratic Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher, who is now in prison. Fisher allegedly accepted a $25,000 gift and office furnishings from Phillips.

Phillips’ son Bradford Phillips worked with the Republican House leaders last session to win passage in committee of amendments to a bill that aided insurance companies.

Blackwell exercised his right as speaker pro tem to come into the committee meeting and vote for the amendments.

The amendments were strongly opposed by state Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland. Because of news stories, House leaders decided not to hear the bill on the House floor last session.

Responding Wednesday to a question from Morgan about the fundraising trip, Blackwell said, “In hindsight, with all the publicity, no, I wouldn’t have gotten on the bus.”

Others seeking the speaker's post are Dale DeWitt, Susan Winchester and John Wright.

Some members of the House committee that approved the measure have confirmed that they received campaign donations from Bradford Phillips late last year and returned them.

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Danny Morgan Says Cargill Controversy Could Help Boost Democrats In Fall Legislative Elections

The Associated Press' Tim Talley Reports ~ The Oklahoma House's top Democrat said Wednesday circumstances surrounding the resignation of Republican Speaker Lance Cargill could give Democrats a boost in this fall's elections and possibly return them to majority status.

"I think we have a very good opportunity to move forward," House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan of Prague told reporters, editors and broadcasters at The Associated Press' annual legislative forum.

"If I'm not named speaker next week, I'll be named speaker next January," said Morgan, the only Democrat among five House members who are actively seeking the speaker's job.

The House's acting speaker, Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, described Cargill's resignation as speaker as "a brave, courageous, selfless act" and said he does not believe the political divisiveness it has caused within the GOP caucus will have any effect on the upcoming elections.

"We're a long way from November," said Blackwell, who is also seeking the speaker's job. "I do not think it will hurt us. "Politics is local. It gets back to the person running," he said.

Other Republicans seeking the speaker's job are Reps. John Wright of Broken Arrow, Susan Winchester of Chickasha and Dale DeWitt of Braman.

The 101-member House plans to elect a new speaker shortly after the Legislature convenes on Feb. 4 to replace Cargill, who resigned on Monday following a series of embarrassing revelations.

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House Speaker Candidates Jockey As GOP Seeks Smooth Transition In Top Leadership Post

The race for speaker of the Oklahoma House may boil down to which of the candidates can make the most seamless and smooth transition, create confidence, and help ease concern about the resignation of Lance Cargill, Republican insiders believe.

An Analysis By Mike McCarville

As of this writing, it appears the two leaders for the speaker's post are Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell of Goodwell and Susan Winchester of Chickasha. They are said by some to be the front-runners, ahead of Dale DeWitt of Braman and John Wright of Broken Arrow.

It now appears, one insider said, that there are two solid camps. "One group will push for Susan and one for Gus," the insider said. "Dale DeWitt may be a player as well but will likely support one of the other two. John Wright has made it known he is in the race but, nice guy though he is, he won't have significant support."

The insider added that, "The outsiders will want a substantial change of direction and the insiders will want the status quo, which includes putting Gus in the seat. Gus is a good guy, respected by many, but may be elected principally as the smooth transition figure."

One former House member predicts, "Gus will win." And he added, noting that Winchester was a previous candidate for speaker: "Susan is still extremely sour/bitter about losing last time and I fear if elected she would be very vindictive. Gus would be a much better speaker and will take care of rural western Oklahoma. Besides, I'm pretty confident he has the votes already lined up."

One respected Capitol observer said Winchester may have ground to make up with other GOP members after the result of her previous race for the seat: "Susan has a lot of making up to do due to her having disenfranchised herself from the caucus."

A House staffer privy to discussion among members said he believes the race is "really close" between Blackwell and Winchester, but he doesn't rule out DeWitt's strength. "You get into these things, you just never know," he said. "And we've still got days to go until the vote will be taken, so it can change."

Another insider believes Blackwell will be the eventual choice, but notes that Winchester presents "a more polished appearance" than Blackwell, a factor also mentioned by another, who said Blackwell sometimes looks like "he can't find a suit to fit him."

They also note that Blackwell is from a rural area, the Panhandle, and Winchester is from a more urban area, Chickasha, and the perception might be that she has a better grip on some issues as a result.

A Winchester strength might be the perception that she would be a better Republican fundraiser than Blackwell. "Susan can (raise money)," one insider said. "I am not sure about Gus in that role."

Both, this insider believes, would avoid "serious trouble" and both would bring "respect and integrity" to the post.

Winchester served as speaker pro tem under former House Speaker Todd Hiett, the same position that Blackwell now holds. Winchester said she is seeking fellow Republicans' support "and I would ask the Democratic members as well to expedite the leadership transition so we may begin the session united and ready to do the people's business."

Rep. Danny Morgan, the minority leader of House Democrats, said Winchester is "the only candidate that we are aware of who has extended her hand across the aisle." Morgan, D-Prague, said, however, that DeWitt is "very respected" among Democrats. DeWitt, R-Braman, represents four rural counties.

"Don't be surprised if you see Gus as speaker and Susan, or maybe DeWitt, as pro tem with another election after session or in the fall," he added. "I think it is most likely we will see a compromise rather than a bloodshed event if cooler heads prevail."

A House member who said he is undecided about which candidate he'll support said he respects both Blackwell and Winchester and likes Winchester's "touch" on most issues.

"She's handled herself very well and is doggone smart." He said Blackwell has "some baggage" but has support the member believes is equal to, or better than, Winchester's support.

"Susan is smart, polished, a sharp business individual with investments and looks the part," one of the insiders said. "She would put the better face on the role. It may be having Gus in charge and Susan as the public speaker and business contact would work to both their strengths."

Winchester's receiving support from some outside the Legislature. Blogger Jean Warner writes on her Oklahoma Women's Network Blog, "Call your State Representative and tell him or her that Winchester would be a GREAT Speaker."

Mike McCarville has covered Oklahoma politics and government since he became State Capitol Correspondent for The Tulsa Tribune in 1966. Since, he has been a governor's press secretary, investigative reporter, television station news executive, radio station program director and talk show host, and political consultant. In 1980, he founded The McCarville Report and it is the nation's longest-running state political publication. In its online version, it has been called "The best political blog" by Dr. Keith Gaddie, pollster and pundit and "Oklahoma's venerable McCarville Report" by The Arkansas Times. McCarville is also a real estate investor and commentator for the National Rifle Association on NRANews.com and Sirius Satellite Radio.

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Wright Also Seeks House Speaker's Post

Rep. John Wright of Broken Arrow says he, too, will seek the post as speaker of the State House. He joins Reps. Susan Winchester of Chickasha and Gus Blackwell of Goodwell in the race. Rep. Dale DeWitt of Braman also is said to be in the race.

Wright said, "I have a little different philosophy. I don't see individual members having to to give a stamp of approval of the speaker's policies. A speaker should advance what is the consensus policy of the caucuses. Somebody has to be the cat herder," and he believes he can fill that role.

The winner will replace Lance Cargill of Harrah, who resigned as speaker earlier this week.

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Winchester Seeks Speaker's Seat

State Representative Susan Winchester (R-Chickasha) today said she is a candidate for Speaker to replace Rep. Lance Cargill, who resigned Monday.

"With only days remaining until the beginning of the 2008 legislative session, it is vital that we settle the leadership question soon," Winchester said. "I will ask the Republican caucus for their support, and I would ask the Democratic members as well to expedite the leadership transition so we may begin the session united and ready to do the people’s business."

Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell announced earlier he, too, will seek the post.

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