Marc Nuttle Today's Guest On The Verdict

Norman attorney R. Marc Nuttle is today's guest on The Verdict.

Nuttle, longtime Republican strategist and business consultant with extensive experience working in other countries, will discuss "The World In Debt" with co-hosts Kent Meyers and Mick Cornett.

The show airs at 9 a.m. on Cox Channels 3 and 703, It repeats on Monday at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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Cornett Joins Ackerman McQueen Advertising

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett is joining Ackerman McQueen Advertising Agency as an executive vice president in charge of special projects, it was announced today.

Cornett, who has operated his own video production company, said talks began about a year ago with Ed Martin of Ackerman McQueen.

"I’ve always known Ed and Angus (McQueen, chief executive officer),” Cornett said. "One time I mentioned to Ed, over a year ago, how interested I was in what they were doing and if they wanted to talk to me about doing something with them, I’d be interested in that.

"Ackerman McQueen is also deeply engrained into our community with a history spanning more than five decades. Ray Ackerman, Lee Allan Smith and Ed Martin are true community leaders and visionaries who have done so much to move our community forward through Ackerman McQueen,” Cornett said.

In his new position, Cornett will work with several of the agency’s clients to develop internal and external communication strategies and programs, Martin said. As part of his responsibilities, Cornett will provide consultation to clients on critical matters related to executive communications, corporate reputation management and community promotions.

Cornett said he will likely be working at Ackerman McQueen with companies involved in new emerging technologies, and less with established bigger companies.

Cornett said he also sought an opinion from the city’s legal staff to guide him on how to avoid any conflicts in his dual role as mayor and as an executive with Ackerman McQueen.

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Cornett Slams Door Shut On Congress Bid

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett today slammed the door shut on any talk about him running for the 5th District seat in Congress. Cornett said he is seeking reelection as mayor, period.

“Lisa and I are certainly aware that there are other political opportunities but we don’t intend to consider them,” said Cornett. “I expect the next four years in Oklahoma City to be pretty spectacular, and I want to be a part of it. Let me be as emphatic as necessary – I am not going to run for Governor, or Lt. Governor, or Congress. I am running for re-election as mayor. We are creating a world-class city and there is much more work to accomplish.”

The Mayor and City Council are currently considering placing a MAPS 3 initiative before the voters this December.

“I want the people of Oklahoma City to know that if MAPS 3 moves forward and is approved, I intend to make sure this initiative is carried out in 2010 and beyond with the same accountability and excellence we have grown accustomed to,” said Cornett. “I believe the next decade in Oklahoma City will be even more dynamic than the last.

Cornett seeks to become only the fourth mayor in Oklahoma City history to win a third term, joining mayors Allen Street (1947-1959), Patience Latting (1971-1983) and Ron Norick (1987-1998). Cornett was elected mayor in 2004 with 57 percent of the vote in a special election against three opponents, and re-elected in 2006 with 87 percent of the vote against two opponents.

Cornett is married to Lisa, and they have three grown sons – Michael, Casey and Tristan.

As mayor, Cornett has prioritized jobs and education. The greater metro has gained over 74,000 jobs since Cornett took office, and MAPS for Kids has continued to proceed on time and on budget.

Cornett also successfully led major initiatives to improve city streets, the state fairgrounds and inner-city schools. With the arrival of the NBA in 2008, Cornett also accomplished his goal of making Oklahoma City a big league city. He and the City will serve as host of the Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in June, 2010.

The election for mayor will be held March 2, 2010.

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The Verdict Examines Plight Of Newspapers

"The Plight of Newspapers Today" is the topic of discussion on The Verdict this Sunday at 9 a.m. on Cox Channel 7 in Oklahoma City and Cox Channel 3 in Tulsa.

Joining hosts Kent Meyers and Mick Cornett are Mary Mélon, publisher of The Journal Record and Ted Streuli, the newspaper's managing editor.

The Verdict repeats on Cox 7 in Oklahoma City and Cox 3 in Tulsa on Monday at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

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Fallin's Decision Stirs Candidate Speculation

The race to succeed Congresswoman Mary Fallin in the 5th District will be a contested one, likely to draw a huge field of Republican candidates.

With word on Friday that Fallin has all but publicly declared her intention to run for governor, the talk about contenders has erupted.

Known to be considering the race are Republicans Kevin Calvey, former House member who sought the nomination in the 2006 primary; Mick Cornett, mayor of Oklahoma City who lost the 2006 GOP runoff to Fallin; Dr. Johnny Roy, who ran last in the 2006 GOP primary; and Mike Thompson, Oklahoma City House member, a Realtor who was an assistant to former Congressman Ernest Istook.

Among Democrats, speculation focuses on State Senator Andrew Rice, defeated decisively in his 2008 U. S. Senate race against incumbent Jim Inhofe. Some say ousted Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth may also consider the race; Roth lost his seat to Republican Dana Murphy last year. Despite his declared gay lifestyle, Roth won election to the Oklahoma County Commission before being appointed to the Corporation Commission by Governor Henry.

Fallin declared her intention to run for governor in a conference call with supporters.

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Brett Hamm Dead At Age 41

Brett Hamm, a former assistant to Senator Don Nickles and Oklahoma City Mayors Kirk Humphreys and Mick Cornett, has died at age 41.

Hamm was president of Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc. until last September, when he resigned. Previously, he served as a regional director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Services are pending.

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Has Tom Coburn Had Enough?

He served six years in the U. S. House and quit, citing his personal commitment to term limits. Now, U. S. Senator Tom Coburn enters his fifth year in the Senate and, should he decide to seek a second term there, faces reelection in 2010.

A Speculative Analysis By Mike McCarville

But has Coburn had enough of the world's most exclusive club?

Known as "Dr. No" for his steadfast opposition to the freewheeling spending that has marked the federal government, Coburn has given no indication of his future plans. With his thinly-veiled disgust for the spending habits of Republicans as well as Democrats, the physician has few friends and allies in the Senate.

Coburn seems to have prospered politically despite his lack of camaraderie with the politically-well-established. Polls have shown him among the state's most popular politicians.

As the 2010 election cycle begins to heat up, there likely will be increased speculation about Coburn's Senate future.

Among the controversies that have visited Coburn in the Senate is the question of him continuing to practice medicine. He has persisted despite a Senate prohibition against engaging in a professional practice. Coburn has continued to deliver babies through his Muskogee medical practice and has said in the past he intends to return to his practice fulltime when his public service ends.

Should Coburn decide that one term in the Senate is enough, that decision could set off a wide-ranging chain reaction that could involve 2010's campaigns for the Senate, for governor and Congress.

Such a decision would set off a free-for-all among Republicans and Democrats. Among Republicans, one scenario would have Congresssman Tom Cole, mentioned as a possible candidate for governor, opting instead to seek the Senate seat Coburn now holds. That would open up Cole's 4th District seat, and take Cole out of the gubernatorial equation. That could prompt Congresswoman Mary Fallin of Oklahoma City, and likely many others, to get into that race; she thus far has not revealed her future plans but her name is prominent among those thought to be eyeing the race. If Fallin opts for the governor's race, the 5th District seat goes up for grabs and an almost-certain candidate in that scenario would be Mayor Mick Cornett, who lost the GOP primary runoff to Fallin in 2006.

Already, Lt. Governor Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson, Democrats, have revealed plans to run for governor although an open U. S. Senate seat might also be attractive to Edmondson, whose father, Ed, represented northeastern Oklahoma in Congress for years before failing to win a Senate seat despite repeated attempts to do so. Another possible gubernatorial contender is Treasurer Scott Meacham whose mentor is popular Governor Brad Henry.

And what of Henry, whose second term ends with the inauguration of a new governor in January 2011? Would Henry entertain a race for the U. S. Senate? Like some of the others, Henry has given no indication of his future plans. There has been speculation he'll eventually be offered a post in the Obama Administration given his early support for the president-elect and most insiders don't rule out the possibility although some believe it's unlikely.

And what of Congressman Dan Boren, the 2nd District congressman? Might an open Senate seat intrigue him?

The political crystal ball now is unclear; what is certain is that if Coburn opts to return to private life as Dr. Tom Coburn, the floodgates will open.

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Cornett's GOP Convention Speech Canceled

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett's planned speech to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul tonight has been canceled.

He's the third Oklahoman whose planned remarks have been derailed by the cancellation of Monday's convention schedule and a reshuffling of schedules for the rest of the convention.

Congressman Tom Cole was scheduled to speak Monday and Senator Tom Coburn was to speak Tuesday night.

Congresswoman Mary Fallin is scheduled to speak Thursday night, but no official program has been announced yet.

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Oklahoma Speakers Top GOP Convention List

With the release of a complete schedule of speakers today, the Republican National Convention's planning committee thrust Oklahoma into the spotlight, tied with Minnesota for the most speakers.

Added to the convention speaker's list today was Congressman Tom Cole, who will speak on opening night.

Speaking on Tuesday, the second night, will be Senator Tom Coburn. Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett will speak on Wednesday night and Congresswoman Mary Fallin will speak shortly before John McCain officially accepts the GOP nomination for president on Thursday night.

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Fallin Role At GOP Convention Expected

There's word today that Oklahoma City Congresswoman Mary Fallin may have a high-profile presence at the Republican National Convention.

A source says Fallin has been asked to participate; an announcement may come soon.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and Senator Tom Coburn are expected to speak to convention delegates during the proceedings.

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Cornett To Speak At GOP Convention

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett will be one of the speakers at the Republican National Convention, it has been announced.

Cornett was invited to speak to the general session of the convention, which begins September 1st in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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GOP Fundraiser Marks Cornett Birthday

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett's 50th birthday on Saturday is the occasion for a Republican Party fundraiser.

An announcement from the Oklahoma Republican Party says the event, which features Cornett and Senate GOP leader Glenn Coffee, will be held at the Bricktown Centennial Rooftop, 200 South Oklahoma Avenue, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Donations requested include $250 per couple, $500 for Silver Donors, $1,000 for Gold Donors and $5,000 for Centennial Donors.

For more information, call Whitney at 405-228-4161 or email wharbour@cothrandevelopment.com.

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The Verdict: Odom, McCarville Square Off

Democrat Ben Odom (right) and Republican Mike McCarville (left) square off this Sunday on The Verdict, hosted by Kent Meyers and Mick Cornett.

The two discuss this year's political campaigns from the battle for control of the State Senate to the Corporation Commission to the U. S. Senate to the race for president.

McCarville makes a startling (to some Republicans) assertion about the presidental race if the election had been held this week, and Odom claims Senator Jim Inhofe is in trouble (fat chance, says McCarville).

The Verdict airs on Cox Communications Channel 7 in Oklahoma City, and Channel 3 in Tulsa Sunday at 9:00 a.m., Monday at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Photo by Shiela Gilley.

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Officials Oppose Shawnee Tribe Casino

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Oklahoma County Commissioner Ray Vaughn and Congresswoman Mary Fallin have voiced their opposition to plans by the Shawnee Tribe top build a casino along Interstate 35 north of Remington Park.

Joe Lucas, president of the horse racing association, said, "Almost all of our industry centers around Remington Park."

Lucas said if the Shawnee Tribe is given the green light to build a $400 million entertainment resort next to Remington Park, it'll be a serious blow to Remington and to the horse racing industry of Oklahoma.

"We believe strongly that if this thing comes into reality, then we're done," Lucas said.

Lucas is urging politicians and the public to participate in the Bureau of Indian Affair's 30-day public comment period. The bureau will consider the comments when it decides whether or not to place this non-tribal land near I-35 and Remington Park into trust for the Shawnee Tribe.

The land is in Fallin's congressional district. "Well, the problem is that the tribe is located in northeast Oklahoma and they want to move into central Oklahoma City into the unassigned land area which would set a precedent for other tribes to come and take that land into trust," Fallin said.

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Cornett Opposes Possible New Tribal Casino

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said today he is opposed to a possible new tribal casino on Interstate 35 at Britton Road.

Cornett told KTOK's Reid Mullins Oklahoma has too many casinos already; he added he's not a fan of casinos.

The Shawnee Tribe, it was revealed Monday, has a contract to buy 104 acres in the area.

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McCarville On 'The Verdict' Sunday Morning

Mike McCarville (left) is the guest on The Verdict this weekend and explores a number of issues, including the Gene Stipe scandal, the Oklahoma Lottery, and the U. S. Senate race. Next week, Mike rejoins the show to discuss the influence of the political blogosphere this election cycle and the 2008 presidential race.

Hosts are Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett (center) and attorney Kent Meyers (right).

The Verdict can be seen on Cox Communications Channel 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday at 9:00 a.m., Monday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

It airs on Cox Communications Channel 3 in Tulsa on Sunday at 9:30 a.m., Monday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., and Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

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Cornett Raised $521,000, Spent $515,000

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett raised $521,006 and spent $515,846 in his unsuccessful bid for Congress last year, his final campaign finance report shows.

The report was filed with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday.

The latest report filed by Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode, who finished third in the 5th District Republican primary to Cornett and eventual winner Mary Fallin, indicates Bode at the time of the filing had a $250,000 debt. Her most recent filing shows she raised $730,000 and spent more than $1 million.

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