Oklahoma Political News Service

Will Brad Engage? Or Will He Fiddle While Largely African American N.E. OKC Goes Down the Tubes?

2008-06-01T12:07:00.005-05:00

While officials like Shelton, Congresswoman Mary Fallin, Mayor Mick Cornett and County Commissioner Ray Vaughan are aggressively publicly opposing the casino, at least two officials are conspicuous in their silence: Gov. Brad Henry and County Commissioner Willa Johnson. The controversy surrounding the proposed Shawnee Tribe's casino in northeast Oklahoma City is heating up. It's rumored that

Mickey Leftwings Strikes Again!

2008-06-01T10:40:00.004-05:00

"Let me begin by citing a few of your statements with which I am in accord (and with which most liberals and progressives also agree)....I also agree it “would be wrong for conservatives to adopt a knee-jerk negative response to tax proposals or spending initiatives." -Liberal Washington Post Columnist E. J. Dionne, Jr. (5/21/08) Former Oklahoma Congressman Mickey Edwards, who was run out of

Aspen Institute's “Ghost Commissioner” Says He’s Running. Is It a Negotiating Ploy?

2008-05-30T20:28:00.005-05:00

As OKPNS predicted, the intrigue regarding the corporation commission races is exploding as Monday’s three-day filing period approaches. The Aspen Institute's candidate, incumbent Jeff Cloud, is upping the ante today with an announcement that he is going to file for re-election for the full six-year seat. That has left Chesapeake's favorite, Jim Roth, scrambling for a deal. It is common

Video: Murphey Legislative Update (June 2008)

2008-05-30T15:08:00.005-05:00

UPDATE: First Amendment Think Tank Misreads Bill; Sends Out Erroneous Press Release

2008-05-30T14:29:00.006-05:00

We have an update to a story we posted yesterday from The Center for Competitive Politics (CCP) which supposedly highlighted serious First Amendment concerns with H.B. 2196, the "Oklahoma Clean Campaigns Act of 2008. The group sent a letter to Governor Brad Henry yesterday expressing their Constitutional concerns with the pending legislation awaiting Henry's signature. KTOK Capitol reporter

Cong. Edwards Responds to OKPNS

2008-05-30T11:12:00.003-05:00

By Hon. Mickey Edwards I suppose if one is going to screw up, it's best to make it a real doozy. As OKPNS did with its really strange blog about Jeff Cloud -- a blog that somehow managed to get absolutely nothing right. According to OKPNS, Jeff Cloud is a member of an ultra-liberal Aspen Institute, which, also according to OKPNS, is a front for left-wing financier George Soros. Actually, not

First Amendment Think Tank: "Oklahoma Clean Campaigns Act" Poses Serious First Amendment Concerns

2008-05-29T16:03:00.003-05:00

Oklahoma Bloggers Beware! The Center for Competitive Politics (CCP) highlighted serious First Amendment concerns in H.B. 2196, the "Oklahoma Clean Campaigns Act of 2008," in a letter the educational group sent today to Governor Brad Henry. The bill would make it a crime for any person to intentionally participate in the dissemination of false political advertising. The engrossed bill currently

EXCLUSIVE: Commissioner Jim Roth Arrested for DUI in '95; Resolution of Case a Mystery

2008-05-29T13:00:00.003-05:00

Monday June 2nd begins Oklahoma's filing period for elective offices, and thanks to the proliferation of blogs, Oklahomans will have more information about candidates than ever before. Some of the information will be items that the old and slow media, dogged by conflicts of interest from their wealthy owners, simply will not share with their readers, listeners and viewers. Some information

Wilson Research Strategies May National Political Environment Assessment.

2008-05-29T12:32:00.005-05:00

Wilson Research Strategies recently released its May 2008 edition of the National Political Environment Assessment. This edition analyzes this fall's match up between Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain. Here are a few quotes from the report: "Despite reports in the press about the "revolutionary" status of Barack Obama, current data points to an election that could look much like 2000 and 2004." "

DSCC Video: Andrew Rice: Why I'm Running

2008-05-29T10:13:00.004-05:00

In this latest Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee propaganda video, aspiring U.S. senator Andrew Rice, gives his reasons why he's embarked upon his suicide mission against Senator Inhofe. If you don't have the time to watch the entire minute and a half video, we'll save you a little time and give you the Cliff Notes version. First 30 seconds, Rice is riding in a car talking about losing

Oklahoma Independents Want More Candidates on the Ballot

2008-05-29T09:23:00.003-05:00

The Oklahoma Coalition of Independents (OKIES) wants all Oklahomans to know about the three days when they can file to run for office at the state Capitol: June 2nd to 4th. OKIES is hoping to bring more accountability to incumbents' actions and by encouraging Oklahomans to run for political office, whatever their party affiliation. From their press release: The democratic process in Oklahoma

Steve Russell Announces Candidacy

2008-05-28T17:30:00.003-05:00

From press release: Today, flanked by family and an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, Steve Russell announced his bid to run as a Republican in the State Senate race for District 45, the seat being vacated by term-limited Senator Kathleen Wilcoxsen. A native Oklahoman, Russell retired as a Lt. Colonel after spending 21 years as an Army Infantryman. During his distinguished military career,

So Why Is Commissioner Jeff Cloud Smiling?

2008-05-28T13:42:00.007-05:00

"Aspen (Institute) is one vehicle whereby left-wing billionaires like George Soros work to influence politicians on Capitol Hill by bringing them to luxurious places, hotels and resorts, and listening to mostly liberal and left-wing speakers." - Accuracy in Media 4/7/08 It could be that he’s thinking of just how much money he’s going to make after he successfully concludes his job negotiations

Video: J.C. Watts at TCU

2008-05-28T08:56:00.002-05:00

The Tandy Executive Speaker Series hosts prominent business leaders to disseminate leading-edge thought to Metroplex business professionals, Neeley MBA students and faculty in order to improve the practice of business. Mr. Watts gives his thoughts on this year's elections.

Sources: Fallin to Run for Governor in 2010

2008-05-27T14:10:00.013-05:00

Sources tell OKPNS that Congresswoman Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, is making aggressive moves in what appears to be the beginnings of a campaign for governor in 2010. The former three- term Lt. Gov and two-term state legislator was elected to the 5th District seat in 2006 and has announced she will run for re-election for another congressional term this year. She is expected to easily win

Ghost Commissioner, Gay Commissioner: What You See Is NOT What You Get!

2008-05-27T13:43:00.009-05:00

Judging by the information we at OKPNS are receiving, it's the two corporation commissioner races that will present the most drama this summer and fall, especially when considering the intrigue surrounding the two incumbents: Democrat Jim Roth and Republican Jeff Cloud. While we know the U.S. Senate race between incumbent U.S Sen. Jim Inhofe and State Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, will

CBS News Video: Coburn On USDA Conferences

2008-05-27T08:59:00.006-05:00

Sen. Coburn is interviewed by CBS News on the U. S. Department of Agriculture's wasteful spending. He is particularly critical of the conferences USDA officials have been attending lately. He lists for example, officials attending Crayfish conferences in Australia, and trips to Hawaii to study the U.S. Congress.

Quote of the Day: "Energy Crisis is Here, Warns Denise Bode" (2/8/2001)

2008-05-27T08:43:00.004-05:00

Clean Skies CEO Denise Bode was warning the nation before 9/11 and the Iraq War, that our dependence on foreign oil and bans on domestic drilling would eventually lead to "price hikes." This excerpt was taken from a 2001 piece in Energy Houston magazine. If the U.S. does not open up federal lands to exploration and production and support the rebuilding of the nation's energy production,

Good News About Ethics Reform

2008-05-27T08:36:00.001-05:00

By Rep. Jason Murphey Last week marked the end of the period during which the Oklahoma Legislature could act on legislation. During the normal course of business, a bill has to be placed on the agenda for a certain number of hours before it can be acted on, so that legislators and others can review it before a vote. However, in the last two days before the legislative deadline, these rules

The Casino and Mr. Chicken

2008-05-25T08:59:00.003-05:00

While Oklahoma City's Mayor and, according to reports, all of the state's congressional delegation, are aggressively opposing a proposal by promoters to put a tribal casino in Oklahoma City fronted by a tribe located 200 miles away, Oklahoma's timid governor is attempting to run and hide on the issue. This time, Gov. Brad Henry, is attempting to avoid involvement on the casino project that most

Happy Memorial Day!

2008-05-23T09:01:00.006-05:00

My great uncle Mellie Arps, Jr. (or Uncle E.A. as he is affectionately called) was recently profiled by the local ABC affiliate in Tyler, Texas on his service in World War II as a Buffalo Soldier. My great uncle fought from Italy into Berlin and was awarded two Bronze Stars for his bravery. After the war, he came back home to become a minister and a Master Mason, the Third Degree. The most

House Votes to Protect Elderly in Nursing Homes from Criminals

2008-05-22T19:29:00.005-05:00

We first brought you this story last week. The Oklahoma Legislature voted today to establish separate nursing home facilities for convicted sex offenders in need of long term care. House Bill 2704, by state Rep. Kris Steele and state Sen. Tom Adelson (D-Tulsa), directs the Department of Health to request bids for the operation of a stand-alone, long-term care facility that will house only

Water Issues Set to Explode

2008-05-22T14:59:00.013-05:00

Insiders are scratching their heads today wondering why a bill that would direct the water resources board to put Oklahoma’s water interests before Texas’ interests is stalled in the state senate. House Bill 2238, by Rep. Colby Schwartz and Sen. Mike Johnson, calls for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to consider water permit applications from Oklahomans before applications from other states

Dana Murphy Receives Endorsement from Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee

2008-05-22T14:13:00.006-05:00

(Oklahoma City, OK) Dana Murphy has received the endorsement of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee for her candidacy for Corporation Commission. “I’m truly honored to receive the endorsement of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee. It is very humbling to be supported by my fellow Conservatives,” said Murphy. Murphy spoke to the committee on Wednesday, and

Boehner, Cole to Release Election Plan

2008-05-21T11:25:00.003-05:00

The Politico: By PATRICK O'CONNOR After a week of tension and recriminations following a special election loss in Mississippi, House Minority Leader John A. Boehner and NRCC Chairman Tom Cole will unveil a series of changes Wednesday aimed at quelling criticism and positioning their party for November’s elections. Cole is expected to add veteran Republican political operative Ed Brookover to

Who's to Blame for Monday's "Prison Disturbance" (Riot)

2008-05-21T10:38:00.007-05:00

The media has joined the fracas surrounding Monday's prison riot. Editorials at the Oklahoman and the Tulsa World are fanning the flames regarding prison issues today. Prison issues took a backseat at the legislature this year, until the final week. Now it will be interesting to see how Democrats and Republicans react. So it appears that candidates will be scrambling to revisit this issue this

Loveless Questions Opponents' "Lack of Plan" For Road and Bridge Funding

2008-05-20T12:05:00.002-05:00

Loveless for Senate press release: Oklahoma City, OK – Conservative Republican state senate candidate, Kyle Loveless yesterday reiterated his plan for improving Oklahoma’s dilapidated roads and bridges and questioned why the other candidate’s still lack a plan for this crucial issue. “The most recent Sooner Survey identifies road and bridge funding as THE most important priority for Oklahomans,

Sen. Gumm: Editorial Support Building for "Nick's Law"

2008-05-20T11:44:00.005-05:00

By Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-DurantYogi Berra’s words – “It ain’t over until it’s over” – still has a slim chance of ringing true for families fighting for autism insurance, according to the bill’s sponsor. Monday (May 19), two newspapers – both in predominantly Republican communities – published editorials in support of “Nick’s Law,” a measure by Senator Jay Paul Gumm that would require

Last Week of the Session?

2008-05-20T11:23:00.003-05:00

It looks like insurance mandates and 'insurance companies behaving badly' issues will remain on the front burner in what could be the last week of the legislative session. Already this session we exposed a plan by greedy life insurance companies to screw old people and charities out of the freedom to sell their life policies in arrangements called "life settlements." After further media

Minority Leader Boehner: "Cole Staying"

2008-05-20T10:31:00.004-05:00

After several days of speculation, Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, is giving a public vote of support to National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chair Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole. Cole, the 4th District representative, had come under fire after yet another special election loss, the latest one last week in Mississippi. Most observers think Cole is being set up for blame by

Defining Oklahoma Democrats

2008-05-17T14:13:00.004-05:00

As Republicans continue to eat their own wounded and wonder why they are losing elections (see post below) Democrats are enjoying a little human flesh of their own. Evidently, cannibalism is not exclusive to Republican politics. Calvin Rees has his tidy whities in an extreme bunch. Reese is claiming that Pat Hall has sold out and is "whoring himself out to Republicans." As the Democrat blogs

Election Post Mortems

2008-05-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

We're the OKLAHOMA Political News Service, and if we can't localize national news, we don't bother: after all there's about a billion national blogs dealing with the national elections. But this weekend we thought you would enjoy two postmortem commentaries: one by insiders about the fatal mistakes made by the Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign, and a scathing analysis about where the GOP went

Environmentalist Wackos in OK; The Heck With the Planet, Someone Save the Humans!

2008-05-17T09:15:00.007-05:00

So how's that 'eco-friendly' feeling now? When corporation commission officials nuked a proposed coal generating plant last year, ostensibly because coal fired plants are just too "dirty", the environmentalists and their buddies at Chesapeake energy cheered. Now folks in northeast Oklahoma are finding out the real dirt is in their electricity bills because of the rapidly escalating cost of

Is This Our First Reported Case of "Wooley Booger?"

2008-05-16T10:26:00.004-05:00

Regular readers will remember that OKPNS trumped Oklahoma media last year when we broke the news about the House GOP campaign finance scandal. Now the fallout from the subsequent investigation is surfacing in the last days of the legislative session. The House of Representatives yesterday increased the budget for the state ethics commission by 30%. The commission monitors election

Senator Gumm: Peterson Shows "Lack of Understanding" About Autism Crisis

2008-05-16T10:14:00.003-05:00

OKLAHOMA CITY – An analysis by Rep. Ron Peterson of an actuarial study on “Nick’s Law” shows the representative’s “serious lack of understanding” about the autism crisis, according to Senator Jay Paul Gumm. “Rep. Peterson may know his former profession – insurance – but his analysis of the actuarial study we provided to him shows he simply does not understand the autism crisis,” said Gumm, a

DNC Names DemoOkie.com as Official Convention Blog

2008-05-15T12:18:00.013-05:00

The Oklahoma Political News Service would like to congratulate DemoOkie.com on acquiring blog credentials for the Democrat Convention this summer. How ironic that DemoOkie.com, which put out the below racist tripe two years ago on future Rep. T.W Shannon, will cover their party's convention that will nominate the first African American for president. Has Dr. Dean seen this? "The members of the

Domestic Partners: Aubrey McClendon & Jim Roth

2008-05-15T11:23:00.007-05:00

Since the mainstream media has rolled over and played dead on this issue, it's great to see Mark Shannon and the blogosphere do their jobs for them. From markshannon.com Why AUBREY MCCLENDON would be an Honorary Co-Chairman for a homosexual candidate for CORPORATION COMMISSIONER. Mighty

House GOP Points Fingers After Loss; Cole Out As NRCC Chair?

2008-05-15T10:30:00.006-05:00

The man tasked with retaking the House of Representatives for Republicans, Oklahoma 4th District Congressman Tom Cole, is on the hot seat after yet another special election loss, but this time after a loss Tuesday night in a Mississippi district President Bush once won by over 25%. It's no secret that Cole, the National Republican Campaign Committee chair, is disliked by Minority Leader John

Move Over Randy Terrill, Mick Cornett Is Everywhere!

2008-05-15T10:16:00.006-05:00

Move over Randy Terrill! Looks like you have some serious competition from Mick Cornett for national media attention. Cornett has been everywhere lately; Taco Bell spokesman, appearance on The Ellen Degeneris Show, success in bringing the Supersonics to town, and now, a positive write up for OKC in USA Today: From USA TODAY: By Dennis Cauchon Oklahoma has a radical solution for repairing the

We Just Can't Let This One Pass; Oklahoman Advocates Increasing Global Warming!

2008-05-15T09:51:00.006-05:00

We know an Oklahoman editorial writer didn't intentionally call for thousands of cars - causing huge traffic jams in and around our public schools - parents being late for work, enormous increases in fuel consumption and hundreds of transportation workers getting pink slips, but that's the effect of a strange and curious editorial in Wednesday's Oklahoman. It had to be a mistake, right?

Legislation Removing Sexual Predators From Nursing Homes Close to Law

2008-05-15T08:40:00.007-05:00

Some good news! Captain Courageous, also known as Wes Bledsoe, the nursing home reform crusader, sent OKPNS an email Wednesday night predicting his legislation aimed at removing sexual predators from nursing homes may be on its way to becoming law. Bledsoe also mentions in the email, the report done by a NBC affiliate in Kansas City which ran a news report about the Predators in Nursing Homes

Peterson Opens Mouth, Inserts Foot.....Again

2008-05-14T08:53:00.004-05:00

Fresh on the heels of speculation that a powerhouse patient advocacy organization is being planned, State Rep. Ron Peterson is jumping right back into dangerous water with advocates for autistic children. Rep. Peterson's tone deaf handling of the situation regarding mandated insurance coverage for autism treatments was just the kind of red meat the liberal press corps thoroughly enjoys. On

The "Witching Hour" Approaches the Legislature

2008-05-14T08:10:00.002-05:00

It's the "witching hour," the time in the legislative session when bills emerge from conference committees filled with "wooley boogers" and pork. While there is some limited public scrutiny of what goes on in the legislature prior to mid-May thanks to the lazy and liberal capitol press corps, all bets are off as we move into the last few days. That's when legislators cut their backroom deals

"Bumper Sticker Politics" Create Bad Voter ID Bill

2008-05-14T07:57:00.003-05:00

By Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant Hello again, everybody! Previously, I have written about “bumper sticker politics,” where extremely complex issues are made to fit on a bumper sticker. A measure I helped defeat last week is a perfect example of bumper sticker politics at its worst. The issue was euphemistically called “Voter ID.” The perception of a “Voter ID” bill is positive; it simply requires

Capitol Whispers: Patient Advocacy Organization in the Works?

2008-05-13T09:53:00.003-05:00

There are rumblings from the State Capitol that a "real" patient advocacy organization is in the works. Individual patient groups have been "taking it on the chin" at the legislature, and some leaders in the patient community are talking of joining forces, with the specific goal of protecting patient safety. Observers tell OKPNS that Oklahoma is considered by national experts to be very

Lost Ogle Q & A: Mayor Mick Cornett

2008-05-13T09:45:00.002-05:00

From The Lost Ogle: To celebrate our one year anniversary, the Mayor of Oklahoma City agreed to participate in a special Q & A with The Lost Ogle. Before you ask the questions, here are our answers: • Yes, the mayor of Oklahoma City agreed to do a brief Q and A with a website called The Lost Ogle. • Yes. This is real! • Yes, he says things like “Athiest Leaettner” and “

Flashback: Turpen-Edmondson "Doing It For the Children" (and $268 million)

2008-05-13T08:51:00.005-05:00

W. A. D. Edmondson taking a break in between cases. Is his golf club taller than he is? Hearing that Edmondson and Turpen were again using a once-respected public affairs show to dissemble on the Oklahoma public reminds us of the fat (no pun intended) payout Turpen received as the result of his alliance with the attorney general. Oklahoma will eventually receive $2.6 billion dollars in the

J.C. WATTS: Your side, my side and the truth

2008-05-13T08:33:00.004-05:00

J.C. WATTS The media have become an interesting institution over the past 10 years. Journalists more often let their feelings or their editorial comments infiltrate news reports, not just op-eds or editorials. There are exceptions, but the media in general are great at building people up and then tearing them down. Interesting thing is, so many people are

House Fails to Overide Henry Veto of Lawsuit Reform

2008-05-12T20:48:00.004-05:00

Excerpt from Speaker Benge's press release: OKLAHOMA CITY (May 12, 2008) –House Democrats voted in lock step with the trial lawyer lobby today when an attempt to override the governor’s veto of reasonable lawsuit reform failed on the House floor. Gov. Brad Henry vetoed House Bill 2458 last week, claiming the bill is unconstitutional. The bill would require a plaintiff in a civil lawsuit for

Weekend Gross-out!! Turpen's Shocking Confession! Admits Surfing Racist Sites and Admiration for Dirty Harry!

2008-05-12T12:51:00.004-05:00

Former Exxon Mobil CEO Lee Raymond & Mike Turpen separated at birth? Mike Turpen’s obsession with State Rep. Randy Terrill, while more than just a little weird, took another bizarre twist yesterday on the Flashpoint program. In a stunning revelation, Turpen noted that he had recently visited the web site of former Louisiana State Representative and Grand Wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux

Video: Murphey Update (Week of May 9)

2008-05-12T12:46:00.002-05:00

Related: OK Legislator's Blog: Rep. Murphey - Three Important Legislative Reforms Killed in State Senate

UPDATED: Coates Damages Two More Reputations

2008-05-09T14:42:00.008-05:00

Sen. "Dirty Harry" Coates Sen. Patrick Anderson Sen. Dirty Harry Coates, fresh off ruining the promising career of a weak-minded Enid state senator this week, has marred two more reputations. Two Tulsa World reporters, attempting to come to the rescue of Coates' toady Sen. Patrick Anderson, botched an easy story about an incident in this week's "official English" proceedings, and now it's the

Political Heavyweights Moving Towards Maughan; Fundraiser Planned Later This Month

2008-05-08T17:13:00.004-05:00

Insiders say the political heavyweights are moving toward the political candidacy of Brian Maughan as he and others seek to unseat current District 2 Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart. Former U.S. Attorney and Republican Gubernatorial Nominee Bill Price, AT&T Oklahoma President Don Cain and Republican Party Icon Al Snipes are hosting the event at Price's Oklahoma City home on May 29th.

OKPNS Memo to “Masterminds”

2008-05-08T14:03:00.005-05:00

Look...Made in the USA! We understand the anti-HB 1804 political "masterminds" are upset at this week’s revelations on OKPNS regarding public support for HB 1804. They’ve misled the public since last January, but truth finds a way in America, and it sometimes even gets past the Oklahoma City capitol press corps and out to Oklahomans. Perhaps you should assume that Sen. Coates has lost or

Paul Jacob Supporters Answer Critics

2008-05-08T13:35:00.002-05:00

From FreePaulJacob.com FreePaulJacob.com has already tackled the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC) and its dumb attacks on Paul Jacob in several previous blog entries (for example, here and here and here). Off-point, silly sallies seem to be all the BISC boys can muster, but for the record, here’s a rundown of charges in BISC’s kit bag as purveyed on their fraudulently named

John Kerry and Dirty Harry Wreck Another Political Career

2008-05-08T13:33:00.003-05:00

Sen. "Dirty Harry" Coates Sen. Patrick Anderson Yesterday, embattled Sen. Dirty Harry Coates sided with all the Democratic senators to scuttle the official English bill, which some polls say is supported by nearly 90% of the Oklahoma public. The bill has been sent to conference committee, where by design it will be difficult to resurrect this session. In the process, Coates severely damaged

Mark Shannon: "THEY ARE LYING!!!!"

2008-05-08T13:00:00.001-05:00

From markshannon.com: An updated commercial on the GM plant (Tinker) bailout is now just plain lying. The commercial actually states to buy the plant WILL CREATE thousands of new jobs. LIE. The advertisement also does not say a word about your PROPERTY TAXES going up...or any of the other FOUR BOND ISSUES they are trying to slip past you, or the additional cost in taxes to you. They also

Dirty Harry Shows the Voters He’s the Boss, But Troubles Ahead?

2008-05-08T12:22:00.003-05:00

The bumbling, fumbling embarrassment of a senator gained a measure of revenge yesterday when he sided with Democrats to scuttle the official English bill. As OKPNS regulars know, Coates has labored tirelessly to thwart the will of the people. When Coates left a folder filled with strategy and plans in a capitol head, the lid came off his dirty little plot. We have to assume the information

Official English Bill’s Supporters Disappointed by Senate Democrats’ Obstruction

2008-05-07T17:06:00.010-05:00

Press release from Senate Floor Leader Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward Supporters of the bill to make English the official language are disappointed that Senate Democrats utilized a rarely-used procedural maneuver to block an up-or-down vote on the bill by sending it to a conference committee. The bill’s author, Senate Republican Floor Leader Owen Laughlin, said the Democrats’ obstruction likely

Video: News 9's Kelly Ogle's "Two Cents" on English as the Official State Language

2008-05-07T16:36:00.008-05:00

Kelly Ogle gives his 2 Cents on whether making English as the official state language would be good for the Sooner State. Related: NewsOk.com: Bid fails to pass official English bill

Benedict & Arnold: The Senate's Traitor Republicans Revealed

2008-05-07T12:34:00.014-05:00

Here are the lies "Dirty Harry" Coates and his new buddy Sen. Patrick Anderson are peddling today at the Capitol regarding the English only bill. Related: Terrill Comments on Senator Anderson’s Refusal to Talk to Constituents OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore) issued the following statement today after state Sen. Patrick Anderson (R-Enid) began forwarding his calls to

Developing.... Two Rogue Republican Senators Attempting to Water Down "English Only" Bill

2008-05-07T09:27:00.004-05:00

We will have more information throughout the morning.

EXCLUSIVE (Pt 5): Candid Emails Reveal Depths of 1804 Repeal Conspiracy; The Poll They Didn't Want You to See

2008-05-07T08:15:00.016-05:00

Below are quotes from a Washington D.C. polling firm's "briefing memorandum" to Chesapeake Energy on the dim prospects of repealing or revising HB1804. "Immigration is a top issue: Ranked third in an overall list of most important issues to voters" "Messages with an emotional appeal are strong among women, Democrats, more liberal ideology and voters under the age of 55 years. Those who

Introducing the Oklahoma Policy Institute

2008-05-06T16:11:00.004-05:00

We received an email from David Blatt yesterday. Mr. Blatt, who was formerly with the Community Action Project of Tulsa, is now the Director of Policy for a spin off organization from CAP called the Oklahoma Policy Institute. According to Blatt, the mission of the Oklahoma Policy Institute is to "advance policies aimed at alleviating poverty, promoting fiscal responsibility, and expanding

Senator Gumm Asks Speaker for Solution on Autism

2008-05-06T16:02:00.006-05:00

Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, has sent House Speaker Chris Benge a letter asking for a proposal from the Speaker to help families struggling to provide services to children with autism. Gumm is the primary author of “Nick’s Law,” a measure that would require health insurance policies to cover autism diagnosis and treatment. Last week, Speaker Benge announced he would not allow the bill to be

DSCC Video: Oklahoma: On the Ranch (Road to Victory)

2008-05-06T14:34:00.007-05:00

On her second day in Oklahoma, Ann Rubin (?????) joins Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Andrew Rice, on a trip to Rush Springs, Oklahoma where they visited a couple of ranches.

The People "Punk" Politicians: How It Happened

2008-05-05T15:37:00.009-05:00

"Ding Dong, the wicked 1804 repeal effort is dead" It seems the crackpot Seminole Senator Harry Coates has disappeared from public view since OKPNS pulled the covers off the doomed plot to repeal/alter HB 1804, the immigration reform law. His repeal effort has disappeared as well. You may remember the capitol press corps reported Coates’ claims of “theft” of his documents as gospel,

Screw 3: Doing It TO the Children?

2008-05-05T15:32:00.005-05:00

Scuttlebutt at the Capitol indicates a move underway to seriously address budget problems within the endowed chairs program, but with an across the board mentality that could seriously hurt sick Oklahomans. Right now the state provides a dollar match for every dollar raised in the private sector, but a large backlog of unfunded monetary obligations, rumored to be in excess of $150 million, is

DSCC Video for Andrew Rice: "Oklahoma: Where the Wind... (Road to Victory)"

2008-05-05T15:18:00.005-05:00

Day One of Amy Rubin's (Who the hell is Amy Rubin????) Road to Victory trip to Oklahoma. The video is produced by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

SCREW Update: Embattled Peterson’s Bill Still Reeks of Scam

2008-05-05T14:34:00.004-05:00

"Grabbin' the Ankles" Capitol observers are reporting some positive modifications in the effort to defeat the SCREW-ing Old People and Charities Act. The bill, which is headed for conference, was ostensibly an effort by Big Insurance to eliminate so-called Stranger Originated Life Insurance (STOLI) scams, but was actually a back-door way to eliminate ‘life settlements,” an investing tool that

S.C.R.E.W. (Selfish Companies Reaping Excessive Windfalls) Figure Nailed in AP Story

2008-05-05T13:43:00.003-05:00

A House member implicated by the Oklahoma Political News Service in the SCREW-ing Old People and Charities Act, also known as SB 1980, has been slammed in a story by the Associated Press. "They can say I'm the devil and I've been bought off. It's absolutely not true." OKPNS first told you in April that Rep. Ron Peterson was carrying water for the American Council for Life Insurance (ACLI), who

Video: JC Watts Talks About His Black TV News Channel

2008-05-02T08:48:00.002-05:00

Hat tip: My Urban Report

UPDATE: Murphy has Three Question for Johnson

2008-05-01T17:07:00.002-05:00

We just received this in our inbox from the Murphy campaign: There are three questions that are yet to be answered by Rob Johnson. First, did he transfer funds from his House account to his Corporation Commission account? Second, what was the amount of that rollover? Third, did he vote for the ethics reform package that would have prohibited this very practice (HB2196 Sec. J.)?

Rice "Live Blogs" on Radical Daily Kos

2008-05-01T16:11:00.003-05:00

"Sustaining our dependence on fossil fuels is an untenable fix; the environmental, economic, and national security issues related to our oil dependence are too great for us to continue down that path. The opportunity to position Oklahoma as a leader in new sources of energy - such as wind, solar, and biofuels from switchgrass and animal products - has been there for a long time." - State Sen.

Video: Henry Exposes Barack Obama's Super Delegate Hypocrisy

2008-05-01T15:43:00.003-05:00

According to the Obama campaign, aren't all super delegates supposed to vote according to their constituency? Henry last week on CNN's "Situation Room" Hat tip: jcjcd

Rob Johnson: "Dana Murphy's Lagging Campaign Stoops to False Negative Attack on Fellow Republican"

2008-05-01T15:10:00.004-05:00

"Desperate candidates say desperate things when they find themselves lagging far behind their opponents, but Dana Murphy should at least get her facts straight." - Rep. Rob Johnson Literally, as soon as we posted the Dana Murphy piece, we received a press release release from the Johnson campaign refuting her claims. Saying that Murphy is playing "loose with the truth" and is trying to explain

Dana Murphy: "Voters in Oklahoma Have Grown Weary of Candidates Who Are Looking for the Next Rung in Their Political Ladder."

2008-05-01T14:29:00.004-05:00

"Everywhere I travel across this great state, voters of all social and economic backgrounds admit that my campaign is very different, very refreshing. Voters can easily see that to move the state forward on energy policy, they need someone who actually understands the industry and isn't bought and paid for by special interests." Dana Murphy Republican Oklahoma Corporation Commission candidate

Video: Five Ways to Lower Gasoline Prices

2008-05-01T14:11:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow, Congressman Istook will have a follow up companion piece on worldnetdaily.com

Video: Jim Inhofe and Frank Keating on John McCain

2008-04-29T07:20:00.001-05:00

McCain Fundraiser. April 25th 2008

Video: Lt. Gov. Jari Askins Sighting!

2008-04-28T15:11:00.007-05:00

Hat tip: okiecampaigns

Quote of the Day: "I Do Think [Obama's] Got Such a Special Sauce"

2008-04-28T14:35:00.004-05:00

Can I get fries with that? What a strange quote! “You can see Democratic establishments having a very difficult time dealing with Barack Obama. I do think he’s got such a special sauce, I do think it’s going to be even more challenging for Republicans to figure out how to deal with him. I do think that John McCain – I said this a year ago – John McCain does give Republicans a chance to win.” J.C

OKPNS Told You First; Maughan Announces Campaign Against Rinehart

2008-04-28T13:45:00.004-05:00

NewsOK.com: Maughan announces campaign against Rinehart 4/24/08 Maughan Close to Announcing Challenge to Indicted Brent Rinehart Reliable sources tell the Oklahoma Political News Service that Republican activist and former AT&T consultant Brian Maughan, is close to announcing his candidacy for Oklahoma County commissioner -District 2.

Failing To Provide New Hope

2008-04-28T13:34:00.003-05:00

By Rep. Jason Murphey One of the most heartbreaking votes took place last week as the House rejected an important reform that had already received approval of the Senate. The proposal, named the "New Hope Scholarship Program," would have provided tax incentives to those willing to donate to a scholarship fund so students who were trapped in failing inner city schools in Oklahoma City and

Loveless Gets Acclaim by Speaker of House and Moore Representative

2008-04-25T10:30:00.003-05:00

Moore – Yesterday, Senate Candidate Kyle D. Loveless, (R-OKC) received a citation of acclamation from both the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and State Representative Randy Terrill (R-Moore). “I was honored at the citation I received as part of my graduation ceremony of the Leadership Moore program”, said Kyle Loveless. He went on to say, “When I decided to run for the state Senate, I

Gov. Henry 0 for 2?

2008-04-25T10:14:00.001-05:00

Rep. Fallin to Present Medals During Memorial Day Ceremony

2008-04-25T09:43:00.004-05:00

Rep. Mary Fallin has a post today on The Hill Newspaper's Congressional Blog reminding us that one of America's most solemn holidays is almost upon us. Fallin writes: "As our Memorial Day weekend approaches, I believe it is important to pay tribute and honor to the men and women in the military who have served our country...It will be our great honor to present medals to our deserving military

Video: Shawnee Residents Voice Opposition to Sex Offenders Classes in their Neighborhood

2008-04-25T09:22:00.005-05:00

Hat tip: Shawnee News-Star.com

Maughan Close to Announcing Challenge to Indicted Brent Rinehart

2008-04-24T18:49:00.005-05:00

Reliable sources tell the Oklahoma Political News Service that Republican activist and former AT&T consultant Brian Maughan, is close to announcing his candidacy for Oklahoma County commissioner -District 2. Maughan will be seeking to unseat current District 2 Commissioner Brent Rinehart, who has been indicted on 9 felony counts and is scheduled to go to trial in September. OKPNS will continue

SCREW-ing Old People and Charities Act Advances

2008-04-23T13:29:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: Oklahoman Editorial: Turning treasures into trash Originally Posted 4/22/08 As rank-and-file Republicans look on in amazement, yet another corporate welfare scheme is advancing through the Oklahoma House of Representatives, once again being pushed by the Republican leadership. Despite some negative media attention last week, Big SCREW (Selfish Companies Reaping Excessive Windfalls)

Drew Edmondson: Poster Child for Term Limits

2008-04-23T11:25:00.005-05:00

Courtesy of one of our "Capitol reporters" Drew Edmondson and his entourage filed into the House gallery on Thursday of last week to personally hear the debate and watch the vote on the state-wide elected official term limits bill (SB 1987). Edmondson was seen hastily walking out of the chamber in disgust of passage of the measure. Reportedly, Edmondson spent the rest of the morning arguing with

EXCLUSIVE: Capitol Police Say Surveillance Video Reveals No Office Break In; Sen Coates "Mishandled Own Emails"

2008-04-22T20:20:00.016-05:00

Related: Video: Sen Harry Coates - "It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to." Hat tip: okiecampaigns

J.C. Watts Principle in "Black Television News Channel "

2008-04-22T13:25:00.000-05:00

Black Television (www.btnc.tv) News Channel (BTNC), the nation's only African-American news network, scheduled to launch in 2009, today announced a multi-year carriage agreement with Comcast, the country's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. Under the agreement, BTNC expects that it will be added to Comcast systems in the following key African

Expanding the Scope of Term Limits

2008-04-22T11:37:00.004-05:00

By Rep. Jason MurpheyA key figure in the ongoing federal trial for former State Senator Gene Stipe pled guilty this week to crimes related to the abuse of your taxpayer dollars. Because of the ongoing criminal case, past abuses of Oklahoma’s old guard politicians are becoming less and less of a secret. I believe one of the key reasons for the exposure of these past abuses has been the dramatic

Hepner Says "OPNS (sic) Gets Facts Wrong"

2008-04-17T18:12:00.006-05:00

"Left leaning" and "Liberal professor" Mickey Hepner responds to our post today on his coordination with anti 1804 forces: From Mickey's Musings: Today the Oklahoma Political News Service website posts a charge that I have been coordinating with State Sen. Harry Coates on efforts to repeal HB 1804.... I don't mind that OPNS called me "left-leaning" or a "liberal professor". As I have said

Term Limits Issue One Step Away From Ballot

2008-04-17T17:07:00.001-05:00

Oklahomans are just one legislative vote away from being able to vote this November on enacting term limits for statewide office holders, Oklahomans for Responsible Government (OFRG) said today. By a 56-44 vote, the House approved Senate Bill 1987. The bill, which would allow voters this fall to decide whether to enact 12-year term limits for secondary statewide offices such as attorney general,

EXCLUSIVE (Pt 4): Candid Emails Reveal Depths of 1804 Repeal Conspiracy; Oklahoma Bankers Association Study is a Farce

2008-04-17T11:37:00.013-05:00

McSpadden & Associates Lobbyist Jami Longacre with - an American citizen! "Here is a draft release that the EIG economist may be sending out. I think it would be a great idea for you to touch bases with KyleDean."- Jami Longacre (Click here to read entire emails.) Last week, the worst newspaper in the nation ran a snippy, childish editorial that took a less than courageous shot at HB 1804

Bode: Natural Gas Holds Promise As Motor Fuel

2008-04-17T10:36:00.005-05:00

"The natural gas industry needs to “elbow our way into the debate on energy.” - Denise Bode Great move by Chesapeake to hire Bode! Who is better at throwing elbows than Denise Bode? We wonder if this "uniquely American Industry" will start employing more American workers in the future? From the Times Record News: (Wichita Falls, TX) Bode, former Oklahoma Corporation commissioner who is now

OSU Employee Phone Policy Violates Open Records Law, Experts Say

2008-04-17T10:21:00.003-05:00

From The Daily O'Collegian: By Jenny Redden OSU President Burns Hargis says he never spoke to Bill Self about taking over the Cowboy basketball program, but the campus would never know if he had contacted the University of Kansas coach. Hargis uses his private BlackBerry to conduct university business, but he says the related text messages, e-mails and numbers dialed

The Coconut Road Affair - How To Investigate A Crooked Earmark

2008-04-17T09:18:00.003-05:00

"Somewhere along the way, something changed. Nobody knows for sure who did what."- Sen. Tom Coburn From ABC News: Someone - before Congress mandated that earmarks enacted into law be made public, so we're not sure who - someone changed language in the conference report to the 2006 transportation bill that redirected $10 million that had been designated to widen parts of I-75 to instead create

Video: Istook's Five Standards for Solving the Mortgage Madness

2008-04-17T09:03:00.002-05:00