Click here to listen to the OPEA Podcast

Someone once said that as long as there are tests in school, there will be prayer in the public schools. Apparently this also applies to state employees recovering from a payroll tax scandal, hoping for raises in light of a state budget shortfall.

In this podcast, from the Oklahoma Public Employee Association online "Break Room," Dr. Ivan Holmes talks with Scott Berger about Democratic Party Fundraising, how the Democrats hope to take back the Oklahoma legislature, the employment rate in Oklahoma, the disconnect between the Oklahoma legislature and the voters and between the larger newspapers and the small-town newspapers.

Labels: Gary Jones, OPEA

Posted at 4/04/2008 07:48:00 AM |

Sources are telling the Oklahoma Political News Service that OKGOP Vice Chair Cheryl Williams was introduced by Senator Clark Jolly at last night's precinct meetings as the "next OKGOP Chairman."

Many insiders believe that after State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan's multi count indictment, a third Gary Jones' candidacy is an eventuality. Insiders believe Williams is finally making her true intentions public after many months of quiet speculation among those who are in the party know.

The source says to count current party chairman Gary Jones as one of those who is wary of Williams. His distrust of her has created a relationship that can be described as "icy at best."

Readers will recall Williams embarrassed Oklahoma at the National Convention in 2000 when she was ejected from the RNC Platform Committee by Governor Ridge. The media trumpeted her behavior as proof of "Dissension" within the ranks of the Party faithful

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OKPNS will continue to investigate.

Labels: Cheryl Williams, Gary Jones

Posted at 1/31/2008 06:46:00 AM |

OKGOP activists inquire on the Chairman's recent travel itinerary:

In an example of true grassroots leadership, OKGOP Chairman Gary Jones spent Friday in federal court watching his nemesis, Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, plead not guilty to felony charges of conspiracy, mail fraud and state bribery. In fact, Jones did not attend last night's Helen Cole Republican of the Year dinner in the GOP stronghold of Cleveland County, because he overnighted in Tulsa to be closer to Muskogee, the location of today's court proceedings. Not sure the Republican faithful in Cleveland County would appreciate his reasoning, but such is the motivation and focus of Gary Jones.

This unusual step was just the latest installment of Jones's "I told you so" campaign of gloating and chest-thumping. Not sure exactly how Jones's presence in federal court today helps the Republican party as it approaches the November elections, but it seems more and more obvious Jones views his position as OKGOP chairman as nothing more than a stepping stone to another campaign for state auditor.

Labels: Gary Jones

Posted at 1/25/2008 03:20:00 PM |

The Okie Campaigns blog is having a little difficulty believing OKGOP Chairman Gary Jones explanation that he wasn't aware that he was attending a fundraiser at a controversial Dallas businessman's home last month. Below is an email Chairman Jones sent to us last Friday:

Chris

I saw the story on me. I have attended events for Romney, Guiliani, Brownback, Tancredo and now Huckabee.

I was invited to the event in Dallas because when I asked the Huckabee campaign about seeing Huckabee and seeing if he could come to Oklahoma I was invited to the Dallas event. So I took them up on the offer.

I drove there myself at my own expense. It was very nice event. I had a chance to visit with Governor Huckabee which I had met before last year when he came to Oklahoma to help the state party and some of the OKGOP candidates and one other time at the Southern Republican leadership conference in 2006 in Memphis.

I have not endorsed any candidate nor have I contributed money any yet. I don't plan on committing to a candidate until after our February 5th primary.

Gary Jones, Chairman

Oklahoma Republican Party

Labels: Decision '08, Gary Jones, Press Bias

Posted at 1/14/2008 05:21:00 PM |

Hat tip:You can hear it all...Thru the GRAPEVINE!

From the Tecumseh Countywide News & Shawnee Sun:

The case of the stolen campaign trailer was laid to rest Tuesday when a City of Tecumseh employee pleaded no contest to a charge of concealing stolen property and was given a deferred sentence.

The charge against Justin Lewis of Macomb will be dismissed if he successfully completes the five-year deferred sentence, including two years of supervised probation, $1,808 in restitution, 100 hours of community service and some court costs.

District Judge Doug Combs went against the recommendation of District Attorney Richard Smothermon in granting the deferred sentence. Smothermon, who handled Tuesday's appearance himself, said he had, “from day one, recommended a three-year suspended sentence if he would disclose who actually did it.” Read more...

Labels: Decision '06, Gary Jones, Jeff McMahan

Posted at 12/21/2007 10:23:00 PM |

State Republican Chairman Gary Jones announced a new web site today detailing the extreme liberal positions of State Senator Andrew Rice, the only announced opponent to Republican Senator Jim Inhofe.

Using a Halloween theme, Jones started AndrewRicesWeb.com calling Rice’s liberal connections “the spookiest fright of this Halloween.”

Labels: Andrew Rice, Democrat Fact Check, Gary Jones

Posted at 10/31/2007 11:36:00 AM |

Message from Chairman Jones: Last week in downtown OKC there was a small rally in support of a bill that would expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The rally was held in front of Rep. Mary Fallin’s office. Nathaniel Batchelder, speaking for the groups behind the rally, said, “we need Rep. Fallin to override Bush’s veto and stand up for our kids.” It seems like everyone’s motto these days is “it’s about the kids.” If this SCHIP program were really about our kids’ future, however, we wouldn’t expand government spending and put our children further in debt. As Congresswoman Fallin put it: “ I don’t know of anyone that doesn’t agree with the basic premise that poor children should have access to quality medical care… the conflict is over how great an expansion of SCHIP the federal government can responsibly sustain.” The real facts back up Fallin’s stance: The proposed SCHIP expansion would allow and strongly encourage States to provide government health coverage for children in families making 300% of the Federal poverty level, or almost $62,000 for a family of four. Furthermore, Congress' bill would enable SCHIP to cover children in some households with incomes of up to 400% of the Federal poverty level (about $83,000 per year). Of the 5.8 million enrollees Congress' legislation would attract by 2012, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that 2.0 million would drop private insurance to enroll, moving us closer to a nanny-state government that Democrats envision. Democrats would like to point the finger at Republicans and make the outlandish claim that we are against children if we don't support this bill. Unfortunately for Democrats, the facts just aren’t on their side. Related: Community Action Project: SCHIP Issue Brief The Collegian: SCHIP veto a democratic disaster

Labels: Gary Jones, OKGOP

Posted at 10/08/2007 05:40:00 PM |

Labels: Decision '08, Gary Jones

Posted at 9/14/2007 02:14:00 PM |

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 8, 2007) With Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton visiting Oklahoma this upcoming Saturday evening, Gary Jones and the State Republican Party have created a handy “Pandering Guide” for her convenience. “Hillary has a long and painful history of pandering to people she knows nothing about,” said Jones. “So for her visit to Oklahoma, we thought it would be a nice gesture to provide her some pandering guidelines for our great state.”

Oklahoma Pandering Guide 101: Number 1: Don’t wear our crimson and cream or orange, black and white You may have gotten away with wearing a Yankees hat when you campaigned in New York, but it’s not going to work here in Oklahoma. Stick with what you know: liberal east coast elitistism. Number 2: Please don’t try the southern drawl again Your southern drawl that you pulled out on your stop in Selma, Alabama was more than a little embarrassing. Oklahomans can tell real quick if you aren’t from around here. So you probably should keep that in your back pant suit pocket. Number 3: Speaking of pant suits You’ve been criticized on the campaign trail for some of your pretentious pant suit ensembles. Let me stop you before you even think about entering Oklahoma in a pair of Wranglers and a cowboy hat. Number 4: Your love for tax increases We know you want to raise taxes on everything from businesses to personal income. However, that stance isn’t going to score you any points in Oklahoma. We want our tax burden to be lower, not higher. That’s why all 77 counties in Oklahoma went for George W. Bush in 2004, and why even Oklahoma’s lone Democrat Congressman Dan Boren predicted you won’t win Oklahoma. Number 5: Last, but certainly not least, socialized healthcare We’ve heard you are still pursuing a step-by-step plan to achieve nationalized Health Care. As always, you and your liberal colleagues are advocating another government boondoggle, not a private enterprise solution, and we don’t want the government in our doctor’s offices. So steer clear of discussing this dangerous policy. “We feel if you stick to our guidelines you may just get out of Oklahoma unscathed. As far as the election, however, I’m afraid you won’t be so lucky,” concluded Jones.

Labels: Decision '08, Gary Jones, OKGOP

Posted at 8/09/2007 08:16:00 AM |

Court documents mention that Jason McMahan was read his rights on November 2nd and questioned about the theft. It also reports that McMahan admitted to owning a pickup that fit the description of the one seen pulling the trailer away at 2am in the morning when it was stolen. Tecumseh Countywide News & Shawnee Sun: A City of Tecumseh employee was bound over for arraignment and trial Tuesday morning in connection with the theft of a campaign trailer almost a year ago. Justin Lewis of Macomb faces up to five years in prison if convicted of knowingly concealing stolen property, in this case a trailer which belonged to a supporter of Gary Jones, a candidate for state auditor & inspector in last year’s election against incumbent Jeff McMahan of Tecumseh. Jones, now chairman of the state Republican Party, offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of whoever stole the trailer, but to date no one has been charged with the theft. Jones was in the courtroom for Tuesday’s hearing. Special District Judge David Cawthon found sufficient evidence to hear the case after a preliminary hearing Tuesday. Among the witnesses were Tecumseh Police Detective J.R. Kidney and Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Patten. Kidney testified that he and another deputy found the trailer on property belonging to Lewis on Nov. 2, six weeks after it disappeared in Tecumseh. Read more...

Labels: Gary Jones, Jeff McMahan

Posted at 8/03/2007 02:21:00 PM |

Green Country GOP Delegation Step Up By Gary Jones Most of the time we don’t see a leader’s true grit until a tragedy or crisis hit. Well, Oklahoma has been hit with a crisis, and I’m proud to say our leaders stepped up to the plate. Over the last few weeks, thousands of Oklahomans have been displaced or evacuated from their homes due to record-breaking flood conditions across Oklahoma. Northeastern Oklahoma has been the most heavily effected area of the state. Washington County has sustained significant damage and has already been approved for individual assistance by President Bush. State Senator John Ford and State Representatives Steve Martin and Earl Sears, who represent the majority of the affected areas, have stepped up to the plate, worked with first responders and emergency officials and showed true leadership exactly when residents needed it the most. “I am so pleased to serve with Rep. Steve Martin and Rep. Earl Sears in Washington and Nowata Counties,” said Senator Ford. “We have worked closely together during this disaster with the local, state and Federal government agencies to help the victims receive the necessary services to start the recovery process. “People have lost so much and this disaster has affected our communities deeply,” said Ford. “I will be working with Representatives Martin and Sears to ensure that all available resources are dedicated to helping protect the Washington and Nowata County area residents, and that the area is included in any forthcoming disaster declarations.”

Labels: Gary Jones, OKGOP

Posted at 7/17/2007 01:29:00 PM |

Labels: AG, Brad Henry, Gary Jones, Gene Stipe, Jeff McMahan, OKGOP, Sen. Mike Morgan, Steve Phipps

Posted at 6/25/2007 01:50:00 PM |

Well one thing we can say about new/old OKGOP Chairman Gary Jones, the weekly email has gotten a hell of a lot better. We actually look forward to receiving it now. Before, it was about as entertaining as watchng paint dry! The commentary is more insightful and this week, Jones even adds a little humor. Gene "Bosshog" Stipe Legacy Keeps Growing The federal investigation into Gene Stipe and his alleged corruption in SE Oklahoma just keeps growing, with Senate Co-President Pro-Tem Mike Morgan now coming under fire. A Sunday story by the Oklahoman shows some Oklahoma colleges used non-traditional private financing to build housing projects, and students at several Oklahoma colleges are paying higher housing costs because of it. Morgan, who's a Stillwater attorney, was paid more than $230,000 as the acting attorney on some of the projects...all in his Senate district. Reporters Tony Thornton and Randy Ellis also report that huge sums were paid to a title company co-owned by---you guessed it---former State Senator Gene Stipe. The shady funding method, called off-balance-sheet or no-recourse financing, results in higher interest rates and higher fees paid to underwriters, banks and various attorneys, because the schools bypass competitive-bidding to streamline construction projects. The Oklahoman confirmed that the schools' financing method is drawing FBI scrutiny. We've made the point here before that the arrogance of power, the corruption that follows and the unquenchable thirst to spend taxpayer dollars has been the trademark of Oklahoma Democrats during their time in the majority, and it's the mark Stipe has left on the Democratic Party. With Mike Morgan term-limited, it is uncertain if he will simply slip off into the shadows or if these charges will be pursued further. What is more clear however, is that this cloud of corruption may damage Morgan's popularity in his own Senate district and could hurt the Democratic nominee who will look to replace Morgan next November.

Labels: Gary Jones, Gene Stipe, OKGOP, Sen. Mike Morgan

Posted at 6/04/2007 01:13:00 PM |

Message from Chairman Jones This past Saturday over three hundred Oklahoma Republicans gathered to attend the third annual Stephen’s County Fish Fry in Duncan. The “Fish Fry,” along with the Comanche County GOP Annual BBQ, have grown to become “can’t miss” GOP events, and they are great examples of the changing political landscape in Oklahoma. Since statehood, SW Oklahoma has been considered by most political experts as Democrat Country. Not any more. With the elections of Senators Don Barrington, Ron Justice, Michael Schulz and Anthony Sykes, along with Don Armes, Ann Coody, T.W. Shannon and Dennis Johnson who joined Susan Winchester in the House, Republicans became the majority party for the first time in Oklahoma’s history. With faithful activists like Steve Fair, our 4th District GOP Chairman, SW Oklahoma is sending a message that Republicans are energized and ready for 2008. The Republican Party has a message that resonates all across this state, which was evident as I interacted with the hundreds of GOP activists in Duncan this past weekend. It was also clear that Republicans in SW Oklahoma know how to throw a party. I would encourage anyone to pick up a copy of the opening video Steve Fair put together for this year’s Fish Fry. If you know Steve, you will understand. So as we prepare for the 2008 elections, let us remember that being a Republican and getting Republicans elected is rewarding…but it can also be a whole lot of fun.

Labels: Decision '08, Gary Jones

Posted at 5/07/2007 01:25:00 PM |

UPDATE: Tecumseh city employee charged in campaign trailer theft Sources tell OKPNS to stay tuned to how close this city employee is to State Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan. We were the first to break this story last week: Exclusive Wednesday, April 11, 2007 Sources close to the Tecumseh police investigation, tell OKPNS that the unsolved mystery of who swiped former auditor candidate Gary Jones'campaign trailer may be solved soon. Once the arrest(s) are made, many will owe Jones an apology, including the current auditor Jeff McMahan, who accused Jones of staging the disappearance. McMahan's campaign vehemently denied any involvement in the disappearance.

Labels: Gary Jones, Jeff McMahan

Posted at 4/17/2007 03:16:00 PM |

Jimmie Martin over at viewsok.com and a supporter of Gary Jones, sent to us the Chair and Vice Chair election results: "Jones wins by 12 votes in a runoff with Daxon. Cheryl Williams upsets the vice chair and wins." Thanks Jimmie!

Labels: Gary Jones, OKGOP

Posted at 4/14/2007 07:50:00 PM |

Sources close to the Tecumseh police investigation, tell OKPNS that the unsolved mystery of who swiped former auditor candidate Gary Jones'campaign trailer may be solved soon. Once the arrest(s) are made, many will owe Jones an apology, including the current auditor Jeff McMahan, who accused Jones of staging the disappearance. McMahan's campaign vehemently denied any involvement in the disappearance.

Labels: Gary Jones, Jeff McMahan

Posted at 4/11/2007 02:10:00 PM |

This anonymous mass email was apparently sent by a delegate to all the delegates. First, the "Not Again Gary" email, then the "Buchanan gave money to Democrats" YouTube video, and now the "Daxon's moral character is in questioned"(sic) article on the biased OKPNS website. So, what is next? Will there be a real fist fight on the convention floor? 'Cause we've definitely moved past the mudslinging. It's been more like stoning and crucifixion. Besides, after reading everything that's going on I'm ready to watch some real action. Enough with the written word...let's see some flesh hitting flesh, Fight Club style. So what in blue-blazes is going on? I mean, come on...this is Oklahoma for crying out loud. It's not like we're Florida, New York, or Texas where real power lies. Seriously, what's to gain by the chairmanship that's made one (or two) candidates (and their cohorts) so desperate that they've become avarice? So cut the crap out. For the person who sent out the "Not Again Gary" email, let your candidate be man enough to say those things in public. For the person who posted the "Buchanan gave money to Democrats" YouTube video, kudos to you for being smart enough to record that meeting. But shame on you for being tacky in parading the video around with amateur editing and funny music. As for OKPNS, you've lost significant credibility with your reporting and journalism. This country was founded on the principle that every one is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. And not only was Daxon acquitted in a court of law, there was a serious lack of evidence to support the accusations. Posting an affidavit that's several years old and deemed unreliable by our justice system shows a serious lack of journalism credibility on your part. If you were going slander any of the two candidates that you do not support, at least have the decency to present hard evidence like the two individuals with their email and video. As a concerned delegate, it greatly bothers me to see all the GOP diarrhea showing up so close to the convention. I pray this is not a symptom of a deeper internal problem, 'cause if it is, we're not going to be "Republican Rising" or "Oklahoma Rising" anytime soon. I imagine that I am not the only delegate who feels like sleeping in on Saturday and working peacefully in my garden as I till the manure in with the dirt. Sincerely, Stopping the OK GOP Horse Manure Foundation

Labels: Gary Jones, Grassroots Activists, Jerry Buchanan, Tom Daxon

Posted at 4/11/2007 08:32:00 AM |

Incumbent Tom Daxon’s recent momentum stalled As the April 14 Republican State Party Convention looms only 11 days away, speculation has reached an all time high as to who will be elected to lead state Republicans for the next two years. A race which many speculated would amount to a two way contest between incumbent Chairman Tom Daxon and former State Chairman Gary Jones has been turned on its head with the results of a three day phone survey commissioned by the Oklahoma Political News Service.

The statewide survey, which was conducted over the phone March 31-April 2, 2007 to a random sampling of 300 registered State Convention delegates, shows Tulsa native Jerry Buchanan leading the pack of three. Perhaps most surprising, the survey shows that Jones is in a strong second place position, while Daxon trails in a distant third. Results also show that the race will likely be decided on the second ballot, with no candidate netting the requisite 50% of delegate votes to win.

Labels: Gary Jones, Jerry Buchanan, Tom Daxon

Posted at 4/03/2007 04:00:00 PM |

Gary Jones, CPA and two time opponent of State Auditor Jeff McMahan called on the legislature and the Governor to implement immediate reforms in the Oklahoma State Auditor's office Jones said these reforms are necessary to help prevent scandals like the current one involving straw donors and the funneling of state funds to Gene Stipe and his partner Steve Phipps. (1)Remove the abstract division from the authority of the state auditor's office. "The auditor should not be regulating they should be auditing," said Jones. "Since the law was changed giving the state auditor control over abstractors they have become the primary funding source for campaign contributions to their hand picked auditor candidate. This would also stop the practice of approving or disapproving abstract permits in exchange for campaign contributions." (2)Make state auditor employees merit employees Jones believes this would free them from pressure to contribute and campaign in order to keep their jobs. He also believes this would also allow employees of the office to assist in any investigations that might be forthcoming now or in the future. Jones said he proposed these changes during his campaign.

Labels: Gary Jones, Jeff McMahan

Posted at 3/14/2007 04:40:00 PM |