Lankford Wins Praises From Colleagues, Politico

Congressman James Lankford's first year in Congress is ending with superlatives from his colleagues and the influential publication Politico.

Of Lankford, Politico wrote: "James Lankford - This Oklahoma freshman looks like an adolescent, sounds like Barry White, and has the unlikeliest of résumés for success in politics. But the former Christian camp counselor has proven to be a quiet, disciplined and effective voice for his colleagues, earning respect on the Budget Committee. He also holds a safe Republican seat in his state, meaning that if he can keep the conservatives in his district happy, the freshman lawmaker should have a long career in Washington."

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Part II: Most Influential Political Figures...And Why

Analysis & Commentary By Mike McCarville

Our first list of the 10 most influential political figures in Oklahoma initially was intended to be a stand-alone piece. However, the volume of suggestions and the merit of many suggestions prompts Part II. There are dozens more who were nominated by insiders; we've not included them because, in most cases, their influence (my opinion) is within a limited group. As with the first list, there's nothing objective here; this is a subjective list, compiled through my own filter.

The McCarville Report Online's initial "State's Most Influential Political Figures" prompted a flood of worthy nominations from insiders in both parties. Here, filtered, winnowed and vetted, is yet another list, in no particular order, of those with considerable influence in our state's politics and government.

Vic Thompson, Senate Democratic leadership assistant: He is the walking definition of influential in the Oklahoma Legislature. He is extremely bright, charming when he has to be, glib otherwise, but knows the legislative process and the personalities better than anybody in the Capitol building. Hands down.

Rep. Danny Morgan, Prague Democrat: If anyone was born to be in the Legislature it was Morgan. He has literally trained his whole life for this, being the son and nephew of former representatives.

Glen D. Johnson, Higher Education Chancellor and former House speaker, Democrat: Another one born to public service. Surrounds himself with great talent and then usually lets them do great things. Good on the “vision thing,” when it comes to policy, both when he was in the Legislature and as a higher ed official. Legislators in both parties will listen to him on higher ed issues and many pick his brain on other policy issues.

Aubrey McClendon, Chesapeake Energy, Oklahoma City: "Can’t have Tom Price (Part I) without Aubrey, for without Aubrey there would be no Tom," wrote the insider who nominated him. "Painted as 'evil' by Democrats for the 'Swift Boat' donations, he is more bipartisan than most would think. That caricature some Democrats draw of him fails to recognize the wide, bipartisan political path he is blazing. Hell, who could blame him for helping beat a guy (John Kerry) who couldn’t carry a single county in Oklahoma? The Club for Growth donations against Brad Carson also didn’t help him with Democrats. He’s the biggest kid on the block, which means there are some out there in both parties who think he ought to be taken down a peg or two, but no one minds collecting the tax revenue his little enterprise at Northwest 63rd and Western generates."

Senator Susan Paddack, Ada Democrat: Lots of talent and a relentless fundraiser, a lethal combination for anyone who might consider taking her on. She backs up her beliefs with solid facts and she’s eloquent and effective when speaking. Were it not for her unshakable support of tort reform, she, in time, would be the leader of Senate Democrats, some believe. Trial lawyers pick the Senate Democratic leader, and they will never pick her. That is the only chink in her formidable armor (keep in mind, that is not necessarily a policy chink, it is a political chink).

Rep. Mike Reynolds, Oklahoma City Republican: Is absolutely despised by just about every member of the Legislature. Still, with his database of campaign finance info, his knowledge of ethics rules, media contacts, and his plain-old hard-headedness, can cause amazing amounts of trouble. Any legislator who is targeted for defeat by his own party leadership and still wins comfortably is a force with which to be reckoned. "He’ll never have any friends in the Legislature of any party as long as he maintains this scorched earth policy," said the insider who nominated him for this list. "He’ll probably never pass a bill, but I don’t think he cares and that is not the reason he’s up there. What that reason is, no one knows."

Rep. Randy Terrill, Moore Republican: His steadfast position on immigration has raised his profile to the stratosphere. Robert Greene and Joost Elffers write that there are “48 Laws of Power.” The first law is: “Never outshine the master.” Randy Terrill has done that in the House. "It may get great headlines, but it is good way to have the political rug pulled out from under you" said the insider who nominated him. "He needs to go dark for a while for his own political future. Clearly running for something else, but when he falls (and he almost certainly will at some point) few if any of his colleagues will even consider slowing down as they step over his political body."

First Lady Kim Henry: Almost as many Democrats seek her endorsement or support as the governor, and she is a "rock star" at events. We all know she has been her husband's not-so-secret weapon; expect her to continue to be a major figure.

Senator Tom Adelson, Tulsa, Democrat: He is perhaps the most politically- and campaign-savvy member of the Senate Democratic caucus, said the insider who nominated him. His personal and family wealth are substantial, causing most elected officials and candidates to seek out his support. For all of those reasons he is able to vote just about any way he chooses in the Senate.

Tim Reese and Calvin Rees, Democrat bloggers: Not so much for their work or even opinions, but due to the blog they maintain, are they found on this list. Their blog, http://www.demookie.com/, is read by every prominent Democratic elected official and many reporters. "For ill or well the postings there can make or break a politician or an operative's day," said the Democratic consultant who nominated them. "They aren't influential in the typical sense, yet the site is possibly the largest distributor of left-leaning views and news in the state," he added. The site often is a window into inner-party infighting and personalities; unfortunately, the site also sometimes publishes unsubstantiated political garbage. (After reading this, posters on the site said it is not a blog, but a forum. Jane Luttrell wrote, "...blogs are online pontifications, with possibly some comment space. Forums are designed for an exchange of ideas, opinions, and debate.")

Senator Tom Coburn, Muskogee Republican: His maverick style and positions have made both sides of the spectrum court him and he remains popular in the state, even as the GOP has taken a hit in polling. Coburn seems the very definition of "Mr. Smith" who went to Washington to get a job done. Despised by some in his own party, Coburn could seem to care less. He is on a mission and unlike most in the Senate, he embraces the thought his service will be short; in other words, he's not driven by the next election, or a Senate career. He is revered by fellow "pork busters" for taking on fellow Republicans as well as Democrats.

Senator Jim Inhofe, Tulsa Republican: For more than 40 years, Inhofe has bedeviled his critics and reveled in being attacked by liberals. Now embroiled in a worldwide fight with Al Gore Et Al over global warming claims, Inhofe seems poised to win reelection in 2008, capping a career that has taken him from the Oklahoma Legislature to the Tulsa mayor's office to Congress to the U. S. Senate.

Congressman John Sullivan, 1st District Republican: Sullivan has a low profile, which seems to suit him. He seldom makes big news but appears well-positioned with Tulsa-area voters.

Congressman Dan Boren, 2nd District Democrat: Some liberal Democrats pick on him, but his independent, mostly-conservative streak make him congressman-for-life if he so decides. Like his father, Boren has a touch that connects to voters. He'll seek higher office in the future.

Congressman Frank Lucas, 3rd District Republican: The man who kicked off the "Republican Revolution" with his 1994 victory continues the D. C. commute despite his disdain for it. Few in Congress know more about farm issues than Lucas, who is steady as a rock and generally avoids controversies.

Congresswoman Mary Fallin, 5th District Republican: Freshman Fallin hit the U. S. Capitol running, spending her first months with her mouth shut and her mind open; both impressed other members. She's not yet a heavy hitter, but don't dismiss her just because she made that "beautiful people" list right out of the box. Fallin has demonstrated she's a smart survivor, politically savvy and in tune with the primary concerns of voters. Congresswoman-for-life.

Frosty Troy, editor emeritus, The Oklahoma Observer, Democrat: Troy's 40-plus years of presence at the Capitol and a publication of considerable influence with liberals puts him on this list even though he's on the wane. Opinionated and outspoken, Troy's nose for news and advocacy brand of journalism make him despised or embraced depending on your point of view. Known for his unprovoked personal attacks on those in and out of government, Troy shows few signs he's slowing down despite advancing age and his faded media presence.

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State's Most Influential Political Figures...And Why

Analysis & Commentary
By Mike McCarville

This list was compiled with the input and advice of political insiders on both sides of the aisle. The quotes are theirs, most of the conclusions are mine. I asked 16 respected individuals to submit nominations; they suggested a total of 31 men and women and two groups. Every member of the congressional delegation was suggested, as were the editorial boards of The Oklahoman and the Tulsa World, consultants, staff members, elected officials and several prominent business leaders. Thus, there's nothing objective about this list; it is a subjective one based on their input, my own observations and 40-plus years of experience in Oklahoma politics and government. Consider this Part I in a series. I made no attempt to rank those on this list; they are presented in alphabetical order.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins, Democrat: "Hardest working elected official in the state," said a fellow Democrat. "She’s everywhere, and takes the time to make everyone feel important. Askins will carry more political capital into the 2010 governor’s race than anyone else."

David Boren, University of Oklahoma president, Democrat: The former governor and U. S. senator wags his finger and gets anything he wants, proof positive he's arguably the state's most influential political figure and now, with friend Glen Johnson as higher education chancellor, has an even greater impact on the direction of higher education in the state. Boren's national connections have emphasized OU's prominence and a long string of famous names as guest speakers shows his long reach. Forty years ago, when Boren was a young back-bencher in the State House, I wrote a Tulsa Tribune op-ed piece predicting he'd one day become governor. Little did I know....

Rep. Lance Cargill, House speaker, Harrah Republican: The youngest House speaker in the nation has surprised many with his (apparent) non-stop flow of ideas, energy and initiatives. His "100 Ideas" has been generally well received and embraced by many in both parties. He's had a few bumps in the road and now faces an Ethics Commission investigation into fundraising activities and thus, has become a target of some Democrats. Nonetheless, Cargill's star remains bright.

Senator Harry Coates, Seminole Republican: "Harry is the one member of the Senate for whom I would take a bullet," said an admirer of the opposite party who sits not far from Coates. "He is honest, has the courage to stand up to his leadership when he believes they are wrong. He speaks on the floor rarely, but when he does it is with great eloquence. When I grow up, I want to be Harry Coates." I watched Coates in his first campaign and shared a platform with him and State House candidate Dan Boren in Cromwell. I was impressed with how he worked the crowd and his grasp of the issues folks wanted to discuss.

Senator Glenn Coffee, co-president pro tem, Republican: "Amazing strategic ability, extraordinary work ethic to implement strategy. I don’t think Glenn has a dishonest bone in his body, and he plays the game as well as anyone I have ever seen. A much under-rated leader in the GOP." The quote is from a Senate colleague who is a Democrat. Similar comments came from Republicans who nominated him for this list.

Congressman Tom Cole, 4th District Republican: Any examination of influence in Oklahoma politics in the past two decades must include Cole, who has worn more hats in and out of government than anyone else on this list. From the Oklahoma Republican Party to the Oklahoma Legislature to the governor's office to the secretary of state's office to management of the Republican National Congressional Committee to Congress, Cole's influence has been pervasive. As an Oklahoma political consultant, he advised and elected many of the state's GOP office-holders and did the same in numerous political races across the country. "Well connected" seems a weak description, but it is apt for this astute networker of national prominence.

Pat Hall, lobbyist, Democrat: Enormous level of energy. Was able to effectively shed the “Democratic hack” label and emerge as one of the most effective lobbyists at the Capitol. "The partnership he has with former Senator Jim Dunlap puts two great guys together," said one admirer of the same party.

Governor Brad Henry, Democrat: His detractors hurl the labels ("Governor Late," "The Gambling Governor" but voters love him despite what some say are his warts. With an approval rating consistently in the 75 percent range, Henry rivals David Boren's popularity in Boren's elective politics heyday. With a solid staff of veteran operatives with cool heads and a "Make No Mistakes" mantra, Henry has tip-toed through his first five years in office untouched by political foes. Unlike his predecessor, Republican Frank Keating, Henry watches his words and thus, has avoided the controversies that visited Keating as a result of his quips. Henry's speaking style is sometimes painful to observe, but it only seems to reinforce his connection with citizens who have shown they will forgive lack of eloquence for civility and substance.

Treasurer Scott Meacham, Democrat: "Only for his relationship with an enormously popular governor," is he nominated for this list, one respected, senior Democratic official said. "He has no personality, no ability to persuade, but he has hitched his star to Brad Henry’s wagon and that has taken him farther in politics than his natural gifts ever would have taken him." This assessment of Meacham was echoed by all but one of those who said he should be on this list; it seems the concensus that he's a cold fish but by virtue of the power Henry has vested in him, has the clout that gets him on a list like this.

Tom Price, Sr. Vice President, Chesapeake Energy: "Works both sides of the aisle, and keeps his word. He is a company man, to be sure. He is either respected, feared, or hated, depending on who you talk to – but you always know where he stands."

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