|
 |
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 Boehner, Cole to Release Election Plan
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 his staff as a consultant and liaison with lawmakers, GOP insiders said. Brookover, who served as a National Republican Congressional Committee political director, has close ties to Boehner, Republican Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri and Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam of Florida, according to one GOP aide.
A source with knowledge of the discussions between Boehner and Cole said the minority leader has insisted that Cole also give more power to an advisory committee formed after the GOP lost a special election in Louisiana earlier this month. Under the plan Boehner and Cole will announce Wednesday, that advisory committee will meet weekly with NRCC staffers to monitor operations and help coordinate fundraising and other campaign activities. It is possible that former NRCC Chairman Tom Davis of Virginia will play an expanded role in guiding the advisory committee and, through it, the NRCC.
The moves represent a modest détente between Cole and Boehner, but they might not be enough to mollify a restive party rife with fears that November 2008 will be a replay of November 2006. Read more...
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 5/21/2008 11:25:00 AM | 
Minority Leader Boehner: "Cole Staying"
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 Boehner, who has criticized Cole in the past. "I don't know what Tom Cole is supposed to do about visionless dolts like John Boehner," one Washington insider tells OKPNS.
From The Hill:
“Boehner's leadership has been lacking,” a GOP lobbyist and strategist said.
Boehner last year reportedly called for staffing changes at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), but none happened after NRCC Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.) refused to make them.
After the party’s devastating loss last week in a Mississippi special election, Boehner did not directly answer the question about whether Cole would stay on at the NRCC. With some of his GOP colleagues calling for quick and decisive action, Boehner lauded a 20-page strategic memo crafted by Rep. Tom Davis (Va.), a former NRCC chairman.
It wasn’t until five days after the Mississippi loss that Boehner provided clarity on whether Cole would be ousted.
“He’s staying,” Boehner said on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” on Sunday. “And we know the kind of changes that need to be made in order to help our members and help our candidates go out there and do their best in a very difficult environment.”
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Boehner said he met with Cole late last week to discuss those changes, but the minority leader’s office declined to detail them on Monday. Read more... Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Congress, Decision '08 Posted at 5/20/2008 10:31:00 AM |
House GOP Points Fingers After Loss; Cole Out As NRCC Chair?
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 Boehner of Ohio, and Boehner sees Cole as the perfect fall guy in the event House Republicans lose significant ground in the November congressional elections. According to reports, the long knives are coming out. The House Republican Conference was rife with rumors of quick fixes. According to one rumor, retiring Rep. Tom Davis (Va.) would replace Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Another had Boehner recruiting a top White House political aide to revamp the NRCC. Neither seemed likely to happen. Both underscored the desperation Republicans felt to do something, anything, to avoid the November disaster that the special election losses seem to portend. Cole and his top staff at the NRCC were at the center of this quickly churning rumor mill, but the griping also touched Boehner, who spoke privately with his campaign chief Wednesday. The two leaders, who sparred last fall over operations at the committee, offered contradictory messages about what changes were afoot. Cole said speculation about his resignation or the firing of NRCC staff amounted to nothing more than a “Washington parlor game.” Boehner, hinting that a shake-up was coming, said Wednesday morning that he expected House Republican leaders would discuss the party’s problems, and what “changes” might need to be made to address them, in a meeting later in the day. Read more... Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Congress, Decision '08 Posted at 5/15/2008 10:30:00 AM |
Six Oklahoma Legislators Receive "Spirit of Enterprise Award"
U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) last week received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Spirit of Enterprise Award” for his support of pro-growth legislation during the 110th Congress. Accepting the award, Inhofe said:
Thursday, April 10, 2008
I am honored to receive the ‘Spirit of Enterprise Award’ from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This organization provides an invaluable service to businesses nationwide. I will continue to fight for legislation that helps grow our nation’s economy, keeping America’s businesses the most competitive in the world.Dan Boren, the only Democrat in the entire House of Representatives to receive the award, said: I am honored to receive this award. The small business community, energy industry, and other manufacturers are an integral part of Oklahoma’s economy. I am committed to doing everything I can in Congress to help them grow our economy and create additional jobs in Oklahoma. Tom Donohue, Chamber president and CEO, stated: Senator Inhofe has proven to be an effective ally to the business community, supporting legislation that helps grow the economy and creates new jobs for hardworking Americans. The Chamber is grateful for Jim’s commitment to these important issues and is proud to present him with this award. [...] Representative Boren has proven to be an effective ally to the business community, supporting legislation that helps grow the economy and creates new jobs for hardworking Americans. The Chamber is grateful for Dan’s commitment to these important issues and is proud to present him with this award.The Oklahomans who were honored were:
Labels: Cong. Frank Lucas, Cong. Tom Cole, Mary Fallin, Rep. Dan Boren, Rep. John Sullivan, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 4/14/2008 08:00:00 AM |
Cole: 'I hope the Dems don't turn victory into defeat.' U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) shared on The Hill's Congress Blog this morning:
It would take a willing suspension of belief to ignore the progress that has been made as a result of the surge. The consequences of failure as well as the benefits of victory were laid out brilliantly in compelling testimony from General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. By every objective measure security in Iraq is better, political progress has occurred and we have positive as opposed to negative momentum. I just hope my Democratic colleagues do not manage to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, military Posted at 4/10/2008 10:38:00 AM |
Quote of the Day: "You Couldn't Beat Mary Fallin With a Baseball Bat"
Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Congress, Decision '08, Rep. Fallin Posted at 3/07/2008 02:01:00 PM |
Out on a Limb for a FriendThe Hill is reporting that U.S. Representive from Oklahoma, and National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) is standing by his friend and colleague Rep. Rick Renzi’s (R-AZ), who has been indicted on 35 Federal charges. The two have worked closely in Congress on Native American issues.
In Tucson, KVOA News is reporting that Renzi appears in court for the first time today:
He's accused of choreographing a deal to swap federally owned mining land for his and an ex-business partner's benefit, including demanding that potential buyers buy his former partner's property if they wanted Renzi's backing on needed legislation. He's also accused of embezzling more than $400,000 in insurance premiums from clients of his family-owned insurance business.The TPM Muckracker explains, If Renzi were to bow out before May 4th, it would force a special election, but if he sticks it out past then and then resigns, the seat would remain vacant until November. In any case, Renzi himself is in no hurry to leave, and his case is unlikely to go to trial for many, many months. US News and World Report is quoting Tom Cole: He's got every right to do what he thinks. I wish him well. I didn't elect Rick Renzi. Labels: Cong. Tom Cole Posted at 3/04/2008 07:51:00 AM |
Tom Cole: Change to Indian Gaming - A Solution in Search of a Problem
On Wednesday, the House Natural Resources Committee, led by Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV), held an oversight field hearing on "Oklahoma Indian Issues: Proposed Regulations Governing Economic Development."
Links to Audio Clips of the hearing are available on Indianz.com.
The National and Oklahoma Indian Gaming Commissions were represented, as were the Choctaw, Quawpaw, Peoria, Cherokee, Osage, and Chickasaw tribes, as well as the city of Miami, Ottawa County, and the Miami Community and Economic Development Department.
Tony Thornton NewsOK.com gives some background:
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
The National Indian Gaming Commission, which regulates the industry, wants to clarify the difference between Class II, or bingo-based electronic machines, and Class III slot machines such as those found in Las Vegas. Technology developed over the last two decades has blurred that distinction, regulators say. Most experts agree the proposed changes would make existing Class II games illegal, forcing tribes to pay states a share of profits in return for the right to offer Class III games. That's already happening in Oklahoma, thanks to voters' approval of tribal gaming compacts in late 2004.  Dan Boren (D-OK)and Tom Cole (R-OK), a Chickasaw, also attended, and supported the tribal chiefs in their opposition to the changes, according to the Tulsa World:
"The (proposed) regulations are a solution in search of a problem," Cole said. "It will cripple economic development in Indian Country, not promote it." [...] "We don't want the equilibrium disturbed," said Cherokee Principal Chief Chad Smith. "I find it quite interesting that the state and state officials have not complained about these changes."The changes being discussed would require bingo machines to be classified as slot machines and bring in extra revenue to the state governemnts, at the expense of the tribes. Indianz.com explains: In the case of Oklahoma, tribes have to share revenues with the state for Class III machines. Though tribes make less money on Class II machines, they depend on them to generate revenues at their casinos. If enacted, the NIGC's regulations would turn some Class II machines into Class III ones. A study predicted a loss of $1 billion across the nation. Labels: Cong. Dan Boren, Cong. Tom Cole, Tribal News Posted at 2/21/2008 10:08:00 AM |
Voters are tired of Baby Boomersby Loné Beasley Hillary Clinton’s now famous televised tears following Barack Obama’s Iowa caucus win perhaps had more appeal in New Hampshire than conservative pundits predicted. At any rate, they apparently didn’t hurt. What may have been more important in the New York Senator’s victory last night is changing her message from one of experience to questioning Obama’s ability to bring about the change he is promising. This switch in emphasis may be critical to whether or not she gets to finish her campaign for the highest office in the land. U.S. Rep. Tom Cole visited Ada last week and had an interesting take on the subject. Cole is chairman of the National Republican Committee. In this capacity his job is to inherit whichever Republican candidate survives the fray and lead the effort to get him elected President. Read More Labels: Baby Boomers, Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 1/09/2008 11:39:00 AM |
WSJ Piece on the "Senate's Dr. No"
Oklahoma Conservative Specializes in the 'Hold'; Stopping 90 Bills in 2007 By Sarah Lueck On Tuesday afternoon, when most senators were preparing to leave Washington for the holiday recess, Tom Coburn was declaring his intention to stick around. "The floor's going to be open," said the 59-year-old Oklahoma Republican. "I'm going to have to be here...to try to stop stuff." Stopping stuff is Sen. Coburn's specialty. In a Congress that has had trouble passing even the simplest legislation, Sen. Coburn, who proudly wears the nickname "Dr. No,'' is a one-man gridlock machine. This year, the senator, who indeed is a medical doctor, single-handedly blocked or slowed more than 90 bills, driving lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to distraction. He blocked a ban on genetic discrimination by health insurers. He thwarted a bill to set up a program to track patients with Lou Gehrig's disease. Also nixed: an effort to promote safe Internet use by children and a resolution to honor the late environmentalist Rachel Carson on the 100th anniversary of her birth. Read more... Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Congress Posted at 12/21/2007 10:05:00 AM |
Cole Gives Clinton The Edge In Presidential Election
NORMAN, Okla. — Upon meeting a British visitor for the first time, Oklahoma Fourth District Congressman Tom Cole deduced the man’s home neighborhood by his cockney accent. Had he visited a bit longer, he might have narrowed it to the block. Cole knows his politics, British history and his Star Trek. Luckily for us, he talked the former this past week at the Gaylord College of Journalism as a guest of visiting professor Al Eisele.
Cole’s Democratic friends — and he has a few — think it’s going to be a tough presidential year for Cole’s beloved GOP. Tough yes, but extraordinary, too. His Republican friends — and he has many — are acting like “Eeyore” the donkey in “Winnie the Pooh.”
There may be some surprises, too. It’s a year of firsts for both parties. The first legitimate female presidential contender in New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, the first legitimate African American candidate in Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the first Mormon candidate in former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and the first person running who is over age 70 in Arizona Sen. John McCain.
Read More
Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 12/04/2007 09:33:00 AM |
Rites To Mark Pearl Harbor AttackThere will be at least three major ceremonies Friday commemorating the 66th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the traditional National Park Service and Navy joint memorial service, which will begin at 7:40 a.m. at Pearl Harbor Naval Station's Kilo Pier. At noon the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor Committee and the Park Service will dedicate a new memorial on Ford Island honoring the 429 sailors and Marines who died while serving on the battleship Oklahoma on Dec. 7, 1941.
Speakers at the Oklahoma memorial dedication will include Inouye; Adm. Timothy Keating, head of the Pacific Command; Gov. Linda Lingle; Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry; U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie, Mary Fallin and Tom Cole; and Assistant Secretary of the Interior Lyle Laverty.
Read More
Labels: Brad Henry, Cong. Tom Cole, Mary Fallin, Timothy Keating Posted at 12/03/2007 11:11:00 AM |
Quote Of The Day"I don't hear a drumbeat that 'We're not effective and I don't like it here anymore,' " said National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.). Read More Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 11/27/2007 11:04:00 AM |
Rep. Cole on National Public Radio
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) talks with Robert Seigel yesterday on the All Things Considered radio program about looking ahead to 2008, what does this mean for the Republican Party and its effort to win back Congress?
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 11/09/2007 03:03:00 PM |
Pay your dues or lose in Nov., Tom Cole says
By Jackie Kucinich
House Republican leaders called on rank-and-file members Tuesday to step up their contributions to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) or face life in the minority for many cycles to come.
During a closed-door meeting, NRCC Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.) told members that donations to the campaign committee should be a major priority, according to sources in the room.
Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (Fla.) said it is normal for leaders to nudge members to part with some of their campaign funds since many have a natural tendency to be stingy.
“[Cole] was encouraging members to meet their obligations to the committee, attend dinners and regional events,” he said, adding that it was common to have speeches such as Cole’s when Republicans were in the majority as well.
“Members work hard to raise money, and it is a lot harder [in the minority],” he said. “They can get a little tight-fisted.” Read more...Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Congress Posted at 11/08/2007 02:00:00 PM |
Here We Go Again: Anti-Incumbent Wave Next Year? by Stuart Rothenberg
Some story lines never go away. This year, once again, there is buzz that 2008 might be an anti-incumbent election that will sweep out sitting House Members of both parties. National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.) has been making that case for months, and more than a few journalists and talking heads have picked it up as well. A little more than a year ago in this space ("An Anti-Incumbent Election? This Year? Of Course Not," Sept. 14, 2006), I argued that 2006 would be an anti-Republican, not an anti-incumbent, year. I never thought that we'd be hearing the same anti-incumbent argument so soon. It's like a bad penny that keeps turning up. Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 10/30/2007 12:11:00 PM |
Rep. Cole Welcomes Announcement from DeltaWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after receiving word that Delta Airlines has announced they will begin offering twice daily flights between Lawton, Okla. and Atlanta, Ga., starting March 2008. "This is great news for Lawton and Southwest Oklahoma," Congressman Cole said. "Not only will these flights add to the convenience of our citizens in and around Lawton, it also makes it easier for others around the country to do business in Lawton. I want to welcome Delta to the city of Lawton and thank them both for their commitment to Southwest Oklahoma." Delta Air Lines announced this morning that it will offer flight access to a network of destinations through a nonstop service to the airline's hub in Atlanta. Lawton/Ft. Sill customers will be able to use the only jet service to and from the area through Delta Connection's carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines service. Delta Air Lines is one of the largest airlines in the world with service to 310 destinations in 54 countries worldwide. Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Delta Posted at 10/26/2007 10:27:00 AM |
Cole's Water Shortage Legislation Passes HouseThe Norman Transcript
The House of Representatives passed Fourth District Congressman Tom Cole's bill Monday to authorize $900,000 to administer a water feasibility study in order to find future water sources for Norman, Midwest City and Del City.
Now it's on to the Senate.
"This was a critical step in the process of securing water resources for cities in central Oklahoma," Cole said in a prepared statement. "Because these areas are growing rapidly, the demand for additional water is only going to get greater as time goes on. I believe it is vital that these needs are anticipated early so that Oklahomans will have access to water as they need it. I am pleased that this legislation has passed the House, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law."?
H.R. 1337 directs the commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation to conduct a feasibility study of the amount of water used by the Central Oklahoma Master Conservatory District and the cities served by it.
Read More
Labels: Cong. Tom Cole Posted at 10/23/2007 12:31:00 PM |
Democratic Strategists Wary of Overconfidence
By CARL HULSE
Republicans are also conversant with what might be known as political wave theory. After Democrat Niki Tsongas won a special election in Massachusetts last Tuesday by a 51-45 percent spread, the National Republican Congressional Committee heralded the result with this headline: “The Democratic Wave Breaks.”
Republicans contended that the single-digit victory by the widow of Paul Tsongas in ultra-Democratic Massachusetts showed that Democrats can be had in 2008.
“In a race that should have been won in a walk, Democrats were forced to funnel a massive amount of resources and dispatch an all-star cast of liberal icons at the 11th hour in order to ensure victory,” said Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma, chairman of the Republican campaign group. Read more...Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Decision '08 Posted at 10/19/2007 01:30:00 PM |
House Vote Upholds Bush Veto Of SCHIP ExpansionI would like to thank our Republican delegation for voting to uphold the SCHIP veto.
Labels: Cong. Frank Lucas, Cong. John Sullivan, Cong. Tom Cole, Mary Fallin, SCHIP Posted at 10/19/2007 08:46:00 AM |
|
|
|
 |
