Garrett's Decision Sets Off Political Scramble

By Barbara Hoberock/Capitol Bureau, Tulsa World ~ State Superintendent Sandy Garrett's decision not to seek a sixth term is likely to bring considerable interest in the 2010 race for the post.

The race had already attracted two candidates, but speculation about who will run has kicked into high gear after Garrett, a Democrat, said last week that she wants to pursue other opportunities.

Enid Public Schools Superintendent Shawn Hime, a Republican, is considering a race. Hime, former assistant state superintendent for financial services, said he is gathering input from school officials, business leaders and lawmakers before making a decision.

State Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada, said friends and colleagues have encouraged her to consider running. "So, I am weighing the possibilities and trying to determine how I can best serve my constituents and this state," Paddack said.

The day after Garrett's announcement, former State Democratic Party Chairwoman Lisa Pryor, who now is an assistant superintendent at the State Department of Education, said it was too soon to discuss the race.

Those who say they are not running include first lady Kim Henry; state Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond; Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard; and Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore.

Read the entire story at www.newsok.com.

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Lisa Pryor Joins Department Of Education

Former Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor today joined the State of Oklahoma Department of Education as an assistant state superintendent. She previously worked as a consultant to the department and is a former school teacher.

Word of Pryor's employment by Superintendent Sandy Garrett at $75,000 per yer comes at the same time Pryor's husband, Dick, left Lt. Governor Jari Askins as her chief of staff to return to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, where he worked for 16 years before joining Askins last January.

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Who Will Be Askins' New Chief Of Staff?

That's the question as Dick Pryor leaves Lt. Governor Jari Askins' office after a few months to return to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority today. Pryor, husband of former Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor, told Oklahoma City radio station KTOK that he simply missed journalism; for years, Pryor was a news anchor and special programming host at OETA.

The OETA's Bill Thrash issued this statement: "We are pleased to announce that Dick Pryor will be returning to OETA Monday, June 11, 2007 in a new capacity. He will serve as Deputy Director, New Media Planning, to help implement OETA’s strategic plan. Dick served during this past legislative session as chief of staff to Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins. He had been with OETA for 16 years in the news department before moving to the State Capitol in January 2007. Dick will be coordinating several ongoing and new initiatives with special emphasis on the multi-channel environment. He will work with all departments to maximize OETA’s impact across the state."

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Democratic Party Broke, Holmes Says

State Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes says the party has less than $2,000 on hand to meet next month's operating bill of $30,000 and he's depending on donors to keep operating.

Holmes' remarks came after The McCarville Report Online disclosed on Tuesday that he had asked for staff resignations shortly after taking office and faced reluctance from some party donors to help fund his new administration. Holmes was elected chairman at the party convention on May 19th, defeating Norman attorney Ben Odom, the vice chairman.

Holmes said the party still faces a debt of about $75,000, the remainder of almost half a million dollars in debt left over from the 2004 elections. Former Party Chair Lisa Pryor is credited with reducing the debt and maintaining the party's operation for two years.

Holmes said that now, because of the lack of paid staff, "...I need help...." He said he may have to assume some of the duties of the party's executive director to keep expenses down. Pryor was both chair and executive director and paid $60,000 per year. Holmes planned only to serve as chairman and hire an executive director.

Odom said that, had he been elected chairman, he would not have asked for the staff members to resign, describing them as "all terrific folks...."

Among those asked to resign were staff members being paid by the Democratic National Committee in an arrangement designed to help Pryor maintain party operations while retiring the past debt.

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Turmoil Strikes Oklahoma Democratic Party; Sources Say Staffers Leave, Donors Hesitant

The Oklahoma Democratic Party appears to be in turmoil today, with the forced resignations of three staff members and some potential major donors said to be reluctant to help fund the administration of new Chairman Ivan Holmes.

Word of the turmoil comes a few weeks after Holmes won the chairmanship in a surprise over Norman attorney Ben Odom, the outgoing vice chairman, in what one party source described as a victory for the "radical fringe element" of the party.

One of Holmes' first acts as chairman apparently was to ask for the resignations of three party workers who have been paid by the Democratic National Committee, part of Chairman Howard Dean's effort to help the party recover from the 2004 election cycle, which ended with the party in debt by about half a million dollars.

Holmes, The McCarville Report Online was told, campaigned on a pledge to fire the entire party headquarters staff. He apparently did not know that three of the four staff members were on the DNC payroll and that he could not "fire" them because they were DNC employees. They are Courtney Ruark, Teresa Hill and Jason McCarthy. Nonetheless, two days after being elected, Holmes “requested” their resignations. A source said the three were preparing to resign anyway, and they did.

Dean, one source asserts, told Pryor and Odom that the DNC now may abandon Oklahoma and not pay for any new employees because the party’s "radical fringe element" has taken control.

The only staff the Party apparently now has operating the headquarters is Holmes; outgoing Chair Lisa Pryor, whose tenure as the paid executive director will end by June 10th; and a receptionist.

Jeremy Hendricks, a Democratic political consultant, is expected to be named executive director by Holmes but even that possible move has concerned some because they've been told Hendricks will be allowed to continue to operate his campaign consulting business, creating possible conflicts of interest.

Some who are familiar with the party's inner workings say the turmoil began during the convention when many of the delegates spent time criticizing moderate Democratic Congressman Dan Boren for being too conservative and arguing with his defenders. They note that resolutions adopted by the delegates included three supporting gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender issues, and others opposing tort reform and the teaching of creationism in public schools, and favoring the impeachment of President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, abortion, and withdrawal from Iraq.

Holmes reportedly spent much of his time at the convention pushing the resolutions; Odom reportedly spent most of his time discussing the nuts and bolts operation of the party including the need for continued fundraising and organizational efforts.

Holmes managed the successful campaign of Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields, who upset incumbent Republican Brenda Reneau last year. Holmes is a member of Fields' staff and reportedly is giving that job up to become party chairman, a non-paid position. Outgoing Chair Lisa Pryor also held the title of executive director and has been paid the position's annual salary of about $60,000.

Many of those who supported Holmes post their thoughts on the active Democrat blog, demookie.com. Some of those who post there regularly are hosting a party fundraising event on June 23rd, a hotdog cookout, and hope to raise a thousand dollars.

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Democrats Elect Ivan Holmes Chairman

Oklahoma Democrats today elected Dr. Ivan Holmes as the party's new state chairman. Kitti Asberry was elected vice chair, defeating Rep. Anastasia Pittman. Holmes defeated Norman attorney Ben Odom, who has been vice chairman under outgoing Chair Lisa Pryor. Odom and Pittman ran as a team.

Holmes, a retired journalism professor from Northeastern State University and a former Oklahoma State University Regent, said he wants to build a grassroots effort similar to the campaign he ran successfully for Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields.

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Democrats Name Three To Activist Hall Of Fame

The Oklahoma Democratic Party has announced that Inez Hall, Okfuskee County; the late Keith Smith, Oklahoma County; and Gladys Walters, Sequoyah County, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Democratic Party Activist Hall of Fame on May 19th in Oklahoma City at the party's state convention.

The ODP Activist Hall of Fame, created in 2002, recognizes individuals for their commitment and hard work electing Democrats and improving the Oklahoma Democratic Party: "These inductees embody our party and the willingness we have to help people and make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family. The combined commitment of the inductees represents many years of leadership, responsibility and action in our state," said ODP Chairman Lisa Pryor.

Pryor said inductees were chosen from a statewide nomination process which fielded dozens of worthy nominations. "These three inductees were chosen after the selection committee painstakingly reviewed numerous nominations," said Pryor. "The Oklahoma Democratic Party has such a strong history, this will be a competitive process for decades."

The 2007 Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored at a dinner at the ODP convention in Oklahoma City at 7 p.m. in the Cox Convention Center. In addition to the induction ceremonies, the honored activists will also be memorialized on a permanent plaque in the party's headquarters located on Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City.

This year's inductees are: Inez Hall is an Okfuskee County Democrat with a long history of being active in local, district, and state Democratic Party politics. Her experience as the Second District Secretary and accomplishments have validated her position in the Activist Hall of Fame.

The late Keith Smith, who passed away in 2006, was an activist on behalf of women, children, the environment, and the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Smith was a Yellow Dog Democrat who lobbied for the Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood. He was an advocate for civil rights.

Gladys Walters is an active member of the Sequoyah County Women's Democrat Club with over 50 years of service. Also known as Ms. Democrat, Walters has set an example for Democrats in her county by being dedicated and willing to work for the party. She has served as the Sequoyah County Chair, Co-Chair, and Secretary.

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Lisa Pryor Blasts Terrill Over OHLAP Funding

From the Oklahoma Democratic Party's blog, by Lisa Pryor ~ Randy Terrill, R-Moore, who once falsely claimed on his website that he "paved the way" for the National Weather Center in Norman, has proven again that he doesn't let facts and reality get in the way of his "pomp and circumstance" and political grandstanding.

In a press release from Terrill yesterday, the over-eager state representative crows that a new version of the law related to OHLAP funding would prohibit students and their families who "win the lottery" from participating in OHLAP. "If a student's family wins the lottery, they don't need state assistance and won't get it under this bill," Terrill said. This, even if the student and the student's family meet all the other criteria for participation. (What if a student is one of four children in the same family enrolled in a state university and the family's combined income is $101,000? That won't go very far with a family of five or six. Perhaps there should be a sliding scale provision for the number of students from a family attending college and utilizing OHLAP.)

I've often applauded Oklahoma's Promise, OHLAP, and see it as a very good investment in creating more college graduates for Oklahoma -- going well beyond "state assistance."

I applaud the House for its overwhelming approval of SB 820, yesterday to fund OHLAP first and to strengthen the student accountability to the program. And further I agree with Rep. Jerry McPeak, who said yesterday that Terrill's actions "tell the average Oklahoman that we don't want them to go to college."

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Burrage Sees The Light, Says He'll Abstain

Claremore Senator Sean Burrage says he will abstain from future votes on a bill that declares that animal waste is not hazardous, the Tulsa World reports today.

Burrage, D-Claremore, got crossways last week with Attorney General Drew Edmondson, who's also a Democrat, after Burrage cast a vote for Senate Bill 703, which passed a Senate panel by a 7-1 vote. (Burrage also drew criticism from State Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor.)

Burrage's law firm represents Tyson Foods Inc., one of the poultry companies that Edmondson has sued, alleging that excess chicken litter spread as fertilizer is polluting eastern Oklahoma watersheds.

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Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor's Fundraising Appeal Raises Questions About In-kind Donations

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor has asked party supporters to donate $10,000 immediately to reduce a party debt of almost $100,000 via an "agreement with a vendor to accept half of its original bill." The disclosure raises questions about in-kind contributions that apparently can only be answered by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission or the Federal Election Commission.

Two state officials asked about the circumstances said they would have to know more about the settlement agreement and what entity is involved. One noted the donation limitation and prohibition against corporate donations at the state level. The debt, however, is tied to a federal campaign and thus, FEC regulations apparently would determine how the debt settlement is handled.

Pryor's message to party faithful: "In the next two days we have an historic chance to reduce the debt of the Oklahoma Democratic Party by almost $100,000. We have reached an agreement with a vendor to accept half of its original bill. So every dollar you donate to the ODP counts double in the next two days. Since becoming Chairman in 2005, I have worked diligently to pay off the debt inherited from the previous administration and the 2004 election cycle. With your help, we have chopped and chopped over the last two years and now can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. If we can raise $10,000 in the next two days, we will put to bed all debt save for the last $50,000. That is a remarkable feat and it is because of dedicated Democrats like you that we were able to be fiscally responsible and pay down that half a million dollar debt. Help the ODP by donating today. I've worked hard and the work is not yet finished. I ask you to give what you can. Every penny you contribute will help Oklahoma Democrats. This is an exciting time to be a member of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. As Democrats, we had great nationwide success in 2006, and it is only the beginning of what we can accomplish here in Oklahoma. From our goals regaining control of both the State House and State Senate to reclaiming a seat in the U.S. Senate, we have much to do in the next few months. We need your participation and energy at the local levels to achieve our goals. Together, we must continue our push forward. Thank-you for your support, Lisa Pryor, Chairman"

The party ended the 2004 election cycle with a debt of about $500,000, most of it tied to Brad Carson's unsuccessful campaign for the U. S. Senate. The party's finance reports showed debts owed to several corporations; one of the largest bills was for cellular telephone usage.

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Lisa Pryor Opts Out Of Reelection Bid

State Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor says she won't seek reelection.

Pryor was elected two years ago and faced the party's 2004 election debt of $540,000. That has been whittled down to about $160,000, records show.

Pryor revealed her decision to the party's central committee.

Her vice chairman, Norman attorney Ben Odom, announced several weeks ago that he will seek the chairmanship and thus far, he's the only known candidate for the job. Pryor is paid $60,000 per year in her dual role as the party's executive director.

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Ben Odom Seeks Democratic Party Chair

Ben Odom, Norman attorney, former congressional candidate and now vice chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, is set to announce he will seek to become chairman when the party meets this spring.

Lisa Pryor is now party chair; there's been no word on her plans. She was elected two years ago after making an unsuccessful bid for the State Senate.

Odom, who has emerged as a key spokesman for the party in the past two years, is a longtime party activist and former radio talk show host in Norman.

Odom sought the Democratic nomination for Congress in 2002 and forced Darryl Roberts of Ardmore into a runoff; Odom, however, withdrew from the race and helped Roberts. Roberts was defeated by Congressman Tom Cole. Odom was state director for Florida Senator Bob Graham's 2004 presidential effort and has been active in numerous Democratic campaigns. He's also held numerous party leadership positions.

"The elections last fall proved that it takes more than money and slick ads to win,” said Odom in his official announcement. “You must have people who believe in your message and will work tirelessly for you. We were united around our candidates and we won up and down the ballot.”

Odom plans to campaign extensively to hear what direction Democrats across Oklahoma believe the party should take for victory in 2008.

“This won’t be a ‘top down’ operation,” said Odom. “I want to energize Democrats statewide who feel that they may have been shut out of the process in the past.” Odom continued, “I believe in the power of putting people in charge. Good leaders don’t lecture, they listen. Together, we will develop the battle plan for victory in the next election.”

Odom, a native of McAlester and an attorney in Norman since his graduation from the University of Oklahoma law school which he attended on a Truman scholarship, has the most extensive resume of anyone who has recently sought the Chairmanship, his announcement said. In addition to serving as Vice Chair, he has been a Congressional District Chair and Co-chair, County Chair, Precinct Chair, State President of the Young Democrats and a club President within the Democratic Party. He has served on the State Central Committee in every decade since the 1970’s.Odom has also been a federal and state candidate for public office and was the 1998 Democratic nominee against then Congressman J.C. Watts. In the 2002 Fourth District congressional primary, he received enough votes to win a second place spot in a run-off election with former State Senator Darryl Roberts. Putting the interests of the Democratic Party ahead of his own, he bowed out of the race and endorsed Roberts, the first Democrat to do so in a federal race in more than 50 years.

“My entire career has been one of devotion and loyalty to the Oklahoma Democratic Party,” said Odom. “Whether it was helping Speaker Carl Albert or President Bill Clinton, I have always and will always do what is best for the Party, and the future of our state and country.”

Odom’s political experience in campaigns is extensive; he served as campaign manager for a U.S. Senate race, legal counsel for President Bill Clinton’s campaign and as Vice Chair of Howard Dean’s presidential Oklahoma campaign. For three years he was the host of “The Ben Odom Program”, a political radio talk show and his own Norman television show “Progress” for 7 years.

Odom is a regular guest speaking up for Democrats on many other television and radio programs and is well known in political circles for his debating skills. Noting the effectiveness of the internet, Odom said he is building a website where Democrats can come together and have a “conversation” about the future of the party. He plans to unveil the site in the next week.

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Democrats Huddle In Washington

Oklahoma's Democratic Party leadership huddled in Washington this week during the party's 2007 Winter Conference. Participating, in addition to Party Chair Lisa Pryor and others, were Kalyn Free of INDN's List and Party Vice Chair Ben Odom, shown here with Illinois Senator and likely presidential candidate Barack Obama. Also attending was former State Chairman Jay Parmley, now a Democratic National Committee representative in Mississippi.

Image courtesy the Oklahoma Democratic Party's website, www.okbluenotes.blogspot.com.

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