Lamb To Announce Lt. Governor Bid Today

Edmond Senator Todd Lamb will announce today he seeks the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor next year. He joins GOP Rep. Colby Schwartz of Yukon and Rep. John Wright of Broken Arrow in the race.

The only announced Democrat is Senator Kenneth Corn of Poteau.

Lamb, an attorney, is the Senate Majority Floor leader.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor.

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Wright Says He'll Seek No. 2 State Office

Rep. John Wright, Broken Arrow Republican, announced today he'll seek the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor next year.

He's the third announced candidate for the office to be vacated by Lt. Governor Jari Askins, announced candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor; Senator Kenneth Corn, Poteau Democrat, announced earlier. Yukon Republican Rep. Colby Schwartz said in March he "may" seek the GOP nomination and he's considered a candidate.

Wright is term-limited in the Legislature and cannot seek reelection.

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Carey Says Lt. Governor Race Likely

Rep. John Carey of Durant says there is a "99.9 percent chance" he'll run for lieutenant governor in 2010.

The 38-year-old Democrat told The Durant Daily Democrat Tuesday he expects to make a formal announcement in June.

One other Democrat already has announced plans to seek the post — Senator Kenneth Corn of Poteau officially launched his campaign in January.

Current Oklahoma Lt. Governor Jari Askins, also a Democrat, has said she will run for governor in 2010.

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Corn Plans To Ban Agency Lobbyists

Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, today won approval for a proposal to ban state agencies from hiring lobbyists.

Corn’s proposal was an amendment to Senate Bill 454 by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle, to prohibit the use of state funds for lobbying. The measure, as amended, was approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee.

“I want to commend Senator Sykes for filing his bill, and for allowing my amendment to be included. Public funds are supposed to be used by state agencies to provide specific services and programs—not to hire lobbyists,” Corn said.

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Teacher Pay Package Passes Subcommittee

With its future uncertain, a teacher pay raise package passed by a Senate subcommittee today could cost the state $829 million over the next three years.

Senator Kenneth Corn, Poteau Democrat, is proposing the bill, which would give teachers a $3,000 pay raise per year for three years.

Also included in Senate Bill 291 is a $1,500 raise each year for three years for support staff. The bill also includes language that would allow a teacher's dependent to be covered at no cost on the educator's health insurance.

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Corn Announces For Lieutenant Governor

State Senator Kenneth Corn, as reported here previously, announced today he will seek the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 2010.

Corn, D-Howe, made the announcement at stops in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and his hometown.

Read our January 6th story at http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2009/01/corn-will-seek-lieutenant-governors.html.

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Corn Will Seek Lieutenant Governor's Seat

State Senator Kenneth Corn, who reportedly has been working quietly for months behind the scenes in preparation, will announce his candidacy for lieutenant governor within a few days, Democratic insiders confirm.

The Democrat from Poteau is expected to transfer about $100,000 from his Senate campaign account to kick-start his campaign, sources indicate.

Known for his hard-charging campaign style, Corn apparently has built a long list of pledged supporters and contributors statewide.

Corn, viewed as a political moderate, most likely will enter the race as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination even though Rep. John Carey of Durant also is said to be considering the race. Carey is not well known and has only $2,000 in his House campaign account.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins, a Duncan Democrat, is vacating the post to run for governor she indicated in a letter to her supporters last week.

Corn was elected to the Senate in 2002 at the age of 25, making him the second youngest state senator in history.

Prior to his election to the senate, Corn served two terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He was elected to the House at the age of 22 which made him one of the youngest Oklahomans to serve in state’s history.

Corn has served on the leadership teams in both chambers of the legislature. In the House, Corn served as the Democratic Caucus Secretary and he currently serves as the Democratic Caucus Chairman in the State Senate. Corn was appointed as the first freshman lawmaker in 30 to the vice-chair of a major committee in 1998, which was Revenue and Taxation. He later served as the chair of the Tourism and Recreation Committee in his last term in the House. Corn was tapped as the Chair of the Retirement and Group Health Committee in his first two years in the Senate overseeing billions of dollars in assets. He also serves as one of the state’s Pension Commissioners that has jurisdiction over all of the state’s retirement systems.

Corn pushed through landmark legislation that provides health insurance benefits to Oklahoma educators, as well as the legislation bringing teachers’ salaries to the regional average. He was the author of the largest investment in the maintenance of Oklahoma’s roads and highways in state’s history in 2005. Corn has also been a strong advocate for increased funding for public safety which has earned him praise from law enforcement officials all across Oklahoma.

Corn was born in Poteau. He graduated from Howe High School in 1996 and the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 2005. He was a member of the OU President’s Leadership Class, a Ruth Norman and United State Senate Youth Scholar.

Corn is the only person to serve two terms as the State President of Future Business Leaders of America and one term as National President. He served on the National School-to-Work Advisory Council for the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor, as well as the National March of Dimes Youth Council.

Corn is a member of the American Council of Young Political Leaders where he has traveled to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and as one of only four U.S. political leaders to the Conference on Democracy in the Balkans. He also traveled to the People’s Republic of China in 1998 as a part of the OU Journey to China Exchange Program.

Corn is a deacon in the First Christian Church of Heavener. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and is a Shriner. He also serves on the Executive Council of the Indian Nations Council of the Boy Scouts of America and he is an Eagle Scout. He serves on the Board of the local chapter of the Red Cross. He is also a member of the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Legislative Sportsmen Caucus, Leflore County Cattlemen Association, Farm Bureau and Oklahoma Farmers Union. He is a member of the Heavener, Poteau, Spiro, Sallisaw, and Roland Chambers of Commerce.

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Corn: Eliminate Election Board Patronage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Corn Addresses School Truancy Issue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Senate Democrats Name Laster As Leader

Senate Democrats have named Charlie Laster as their new leader.

“Our members voted unanimously to install Charlie Laster as Democratic Senate Leader for the 52nd Legislature of Oklahoma,” said Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau. “We all know Senator Laster as a man of courage, character and wisdom who will provide a voice of experience and solid leadership for our caucus.”

Laster, D-Shawnee, has served as Democratic Floor Leader of the State Senate for the past two years. He was first elected to the State Senate in 2003 to complete the remainder of Gov. Brad Henry’s term. He was reelected to the Senate District 17 seat in 2004 and again in 2008.

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State Senate Honors Mildren's Memory

The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a resolution honoring the life of former Lieutenant Governor and University of Oklahoma football star Jack Mildren.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins, President of the Senate, presided over the chamber as the resolution was read and approved unanimously. Mildren, age 58, was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and died on Thursday.

Senator Kenneth Corn, principal author of Senate Resolution 105, said he was extremely saddened by Mildren’s passing. He recalled Mildren as a man who loved life and always had a smile on his face.

“Even though he’ll always be remembered as the famous football star, he was an extremely successful businessman, creating jobs for countless Oklahomans,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “As Lt. Governor, he showed us that integrity is more important than partisan politics, and he worked tirelessly to promote the state he loved.”

Known as the Godfather of the Wishbone, Mildren also achieved later success in the oil businesses as co-founder and President of Regency Exploration, Inc., and as an independent oil operator. He also hosted a daily sports radio talk show on two local radio stations, as well as two television sports programs.

Senator Jeff Rabon served as then Lt. Gov. Mildren’s senior administrative assistant in the early 1990’s. Rabon recalled Mildren as the most selfless man he’d ever met.

“He was tough and smart on the football field, in politics and business. I admire his character and his tenacity, and I’m very sad that we’ve lost him at such a young age,” said Rabon, D-Hugo. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Mildren family.”

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Corn Claims Clean Campaign Act Success

Senator Kenneth Corn today claimed success in winning the Senate’s approval for two amendments intended to curtail the influence of special interests in Oklahoma’s electoral process and restore integrity to the system.

The amendments were made to House Bill 2196, which creates the Oklahoma Clean Campaigns Act of 2008. The first of Corn’s two amendments would ensure that contributions accepted by a candidate for a specific state or local office not be used in a campaign for a different office.

“It should be our goal to make the campaign process as fair, honest and transparent as possible,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “Ensuring that campaign contributions are used for their stated purpose is an important part of that effort. It’s a step toward a better and more equitable campaign process.”

Corn’s second amendment would prohibit candidates for legislative or statewide office, candidate committees and political action committees from soliciting or accepting campaign contributions from January 1, through June 30, of any year.

By limiting the acceptance of contributions during the legislative session, Corn said legislators can send a message that their votes are not for sale.

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Wilcoxson: Adair Nomination Violated Law

Senate Education Co-Chair Kathleen Wilcoxson said she did not support the nomination of former House Speaker Larry Adair to the State Board of Education because that nomination was in violation of state law.

The nomination failed on a tie vote of 7-7 to win the full support of the Senate Education Committee.

Wilcoxson said the committee’s decision not to confirm the nomination was not about personality or politics, but was about public policy and the rule of law.

“I have tremendous respect for Speaker Adair and his contributions to our state,” said Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City. “However the law is very clear and it was affirmed in a 1998 Attorney General’s opinion. If the Governor withdraws a nomination, he cannot turn around and re-nominate that individual for the same post. That is exactly what happened in this case, and I am bound by my oath of office to uphold the law."

Wilcoxson said her vote was also based on public policy and the need for additional reforms in public education, adding Adair had failed to support important reforms in the past.

“I believe strongly that we need greater accountability, more transparency and significant reform in order to lower our drop-out rates and improve student achievement levels,” Wilcoxson said. “I would have serious concerns about any nominee with strong ties to the status quo in public education. It comes down to whether we want to stand still, or move our state forward.”

Wilcoxson said she believes Adair is only the second person nominated by Governor Henry since his 2002 election to be defeated in any committee. She also stated that for more than a year she has encouraged the governor to work with the Senate to find a consensus nominee capable of winning the bipartisan support of the majority of members of the Senate Education Committee.

Meanwhile, Senator Kenneth Corn blasted the failure of the committee to approve Adair's nomination: “This is a slap in the face to a man who has devoted his entire life to helping Oklahoma. He’s a former educator who dedicated himself to building a better future for our young people, and he brought that dedication with him to the State Legislature,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “Instead of taking advantage of his experience and life-long desire to help Oklahoma’s children, Republicans serving on that committee decided to play partisan politics.”

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Senate Approves ROADS Appropriation Increase

The Senate today approved legislation that would increase appropriations to the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety (ROADS) Fund.

Senate Bill 1141 by Senator Kenneth Corn would increase appropriations to the fund from $70 million to $120 million beginning June 30, 2009.

All monies dedicated to the ROADS Fund, established in 2005, are used for the construction and maintenance of state roads and bridges. The bill would remove a three-percent growth trigger that has previously prevented annual appropriations increases to the fund.

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Corn Wants Budget Stabilization Bill Heard

State Senator Kenneth Corn said dramatically declining budget projections are proof that the legislature needs to consider his budget stabilization legislation in the 2008 session.

“This time last year we were looking at $277 million in projected revenue growth. Now we’re looking at a projected growth of $32 million, and that number could well decrease by the time the final budget certification is announced next month,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “It’s a recipe for disaster to base reoccurring expenditures on something that fluctuates as much as energy prices. That’s what we did during the oil boom, and we know how that ended. We can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of the 1980’s.”

Senate Joint Resolution 5 calls for a Constitutional Amendment to be considered by state voters which would require certification of the 10-year average of gross production tax revenue and would limit appropriations of revenues over that amount to one-time expenditures. The legislation was filed in 2007, but was not heard by the Legislature.

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Corn: Divert Some Casino Proceeds To Universities

Senator Kenneth Corn today filed legislation that could lead to changes in the way the state of Oklahoma provides matching funds for endowed chairs at colleges and universities by diverting 12 percent of casino gaming funds.

Corn's statement said that since 2004, the state has issued revenue bonds to provide matching funds for endowed chairs. His Senate Bill 1142 would establish a permanent funding source for endowed chairs by diverting a portion of casino gaming revenues to the Oklahoma State Regents’ Endowment Trust Fund.

Corn said the establishment of a permanent funding source is sound fiscal policy that would represent a strong commitment to improving higher education in Oklahoma.

“In our effort to establish Oklahoma as a research hub in the Midwest, providing a permanent funding source for endowed faculty must be a priority,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “A permanent funding source will help draw better researchers and educators to our colleges and universities, while getting the Legislature out of the business of issuing bonds to provide matching funds.”

Corn’s plan would apportion 12 percent of revenues from casino gaming to establish a permanent funding source. Corn estimated that between $9 and $11 million annually would be needed to cover the cost of matching funds.

“Endowed chairs not only conduct research that can benefit our state and nation, but they also help draw the best and brightest students into our universities,” Corn said. “Establishing a permanent funding source to provide funds for endowed chairs represents an investment in the future of Oklahoma. Our university presidents and private donors have done an admirable job of securing funding, and it’s time for the Legislature to hold up our end of the bargain.”

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Corn Proposes Free College, Career Tech Tuition

State Senator Kenneth Corn of Poteau said today Oklahoma's economy would improve if free tuition is provided to students at community colleges and career techs. The Democrat said the move would greatly increase the number of college graduates in the state.

His proposal was immediately endorsed by the heads of several two-year colleges who said it would increase the earning potential of Oklahomans and boost the state's economy.

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Wyman: Rice, Corn (No Puns Intended) Eye Inhofe

By Hastings Wyman In The Southern Political Report ~ Two Democratic state senators are considering running against US Sen. Jim Inhofe (R), 72, in 2008. State Sen. Andrew Rice (left), 34, is traveling the state before making his decision, but has already said that he has encountered “an outpouring of support” for a race against Inhofe. Another potential candidate is state Sen. Ken Corn (right), 30, who is in his second and final term in the senate. Read Wyman's complete article here.

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Blackwell, Corn Criticize Henry's DOC Audit Veto

House Speaker Pro-Tempore Gus Blackwell (left) and Senator Kenneth Corn (below right) said today they are disappointed in Governor Brad Henry's veto of an audit to provide accountability and financial order in state prisons.

The independent outside audit of the Department of Corrections was a key portion of a bipartisan budget agreement passed overwhelmingly by both the Senate and the House. "This was not an accounting audit but a performance audit to find ways to better use taxpayer dollars, to maximize savings, increase efficiencies and create more accountability in this state's prison system," said Blackwell, R-Goodwell. "We all came together to find a solution to the crumbling financial status of our prisons that would ensure positive results."

"This audit has strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. It's a solid effort to reform a broken system that should have been fixed years ago," said Corn, D-Poteau. "In this particular audit, we want to examine population capacity management, staffing requirements, administrative controls and more so we can ensure that Corrections is doing everything it should to keep costs down and operate as efficiently as possible."

Blackwell said this is the second time in two years that Henry has vetoed legislation dealing with performance audits for government agencies. The DOC audit has been supported by legislative leaders in both parties, and would cost $1 million. This is a mere fraction of the DOC's massive half-a-billion-dollar budget. The savings would then be reinvested into the agency to help in critical areas.

The performance audit would not only examine costs, but operations and agency policies as well. "We need to review our prisons' population-capacity management, staffing requirements, administrative controls and other areas. This will enable informed long tern planning for DOC by both legislators and DOC itself," said Blackwell. "The governor has thrown a barricade across a road that will lead to success for Oklahoma's prison system."

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