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?

School buses are mass transit, and it's the most efficient way to get thousands and thousands of children to school: one vehicle transporting dozens instead of dozens transporting one. Why anyone would call for abolishing mass transit in these times of $4 per gallon fuel is more than inane, it's insane!

Labels: Press Bias

Posted at 5/15/2008 09:51:00 AM |

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 intrigued by it. Some actually love it.

It would be wise for all elected officials, pro athletes and Hollywood types to remember what one of my football coaches once said: "When people put you on a pedestal, that's their fault. If you believe it, that's your fault."

Labels: Decision '08, J.C. Watts, Press Bias, Sen. Barack Obama

Posted at 5/13/2008 08:33:00 AM |

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 reporters who have egg on their faces.

In a piece that would have been given an "F" by a first year journalism instructor, World reporters Mick Hinton and Barbara Hoberock penned a breathless and dramatic story that defies both logic and eyewitness accounts.

The story alleges State Rep. Randy Terrill threatened Anderson with physical violence, despite denials by Terrill and an eyewitness. The setting for the alleged encounter was revealed to OKPNS readers, but ignored by the capitol reporters until today.

Further, Anderson's statement comes one day after he told his local paper the whole incident was "a practical joke." Anderson apparently felt so bad about his childish behavior that he sent flowers to Terrill's personal assistant, but changed his tale when presented the opportunity by the 'big city' papers. Hinton and Hoberock obviously didn't check Anderson's story from the previous day, a journalistic faux pas so glaring that no doubt their editors will be speaking to the pair about the gaffe.

The latest incident is the third time in 3 days Anderson has changed his tale, beginning with "no comment" the day OKPNS outed his alliance with flaky Senator Harry Coates of Seminole.

"It's not unusual to see error-filled and disjointed stories from Hinton," one capitol observer tells OKPNS, "but it really is a very, very poorly written story with a misleading headline designed to assist Anderson, who will probably lose a primary fight over this issue if he draws a respectable opponent. I'm sure when the reporters find out how they've been duped, it will help them be a little less naive next time."

While we at OKPNS consistently uncover hypocrisy in the capitol press corps, it's simply amazing to see them confirm the stereotype time after time. Here's the account Anderson gave his paper on Wednesday, and his radically different account only one day later.

Developing......

Labels: Press Bias, Rep. Randy Terrill, Sen. Harry Coates, Sen. Patrick Anderson

Posted at 5/09/2008 02:42:00 PM |

Labels: HB 1804, Press Bias, Sen. Harry "Turn" Coates

Posted at 5/08/2008 12:22:00 PM |

Oklahoma City talk radio was on fire Thursday as Oklahoma City voters woke up to the realization that the double cross predicted by the Oklahoma Political News Service last month had come true.

Popular Oklahoma City radio talk show host Mark Shannon has an interesting take on the situation here. Dozens of callers were expressing their outrage at the revelations. Meanwhile, insiders say Chesapeake mouthpiece Tom Price screwed up in revealing the double cross so soon after the voters approved the Sonic owners' request for upgrades to the Ford Center.

"Price is an idiot. Why anybody would pull this stunt is beyond me." one source familiar with the situation says. "I'm sure his bosses are livid. Voters who just three days ago approved the measure would probably vote no now."

Labels: Chesapeake Energy, HB 1804, Press Bias, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 3/07/2008 11:50:00 AM |

Scheme Aims to Pick Taxpayer Pockets and Re-Open Floodgates for New Illegal Alien Invasion

Responding to a question from the Oklahoma Political New Service, Rep. Terrill says he has not been contacted by Cain or Price about the difficulties 1804 may have caused the two industries. “They’ve not said a word to me, and it concerns me that these companies would launch a multi-million dollar scorched-earth campaign without once speaking to me. If illegal aliens making the modern equivalent of slave labor wages are critical to their vitality, it makes me very, very concerned about the future of those companies,” Rep. Terrill told OKPNS.

Oklahoma City – An OKPNS investigation has unmasked an elaborate but seemingly foolish scheme by corporations and some chambers of commerce to pass a sales tax for improvements to Ford Arena and simultaneously double-cross those same voters by launching a multi-million dollar campaign to repeal the state’s wildly popular immigration reform bill.

Insiders believe that if the public discovers the linkage between the two efforts, there could be a voter backlash, adversely affecting the March 4th penny sales tax election, and subsequently killing Oklahoma City’s bid to land an NBA franchise.

While OKPNS has been critical of the Oklahoma press in the past for enormous lapses in journalistic judgment, this time the oversight is inexcusable. This one should have been uncovered some time ago, but it has not been explained anywhere in Oklahoma media or in the blogosphere.

Incredibly, the scheme calls for not just one campaign of deceit but two disingenuous and risky double-crosses: one aimed at the voters and another aimed at a popular state representative, which could unravel an effort to gain tax credits for the energy and technology sector. One insider summed up the plot in this way, “Take their money, and then give them more illegal aliens. Take the tax credits, and politically harm the chairman of the revenue and tax committee. If true, I have never witnessed a more loathsome act.”

Oklahoma Political News Service has learned that the repeal plan is being kept in a low profile mode for two reasons. First, the corporate chiefs want the March 4th penny sales tax election to go off without a hitch, because of the fear of a massive voter backlash if citizens discover the agenda to repeal HB 1804 BEFORE the voters’ pockets are picked.

Second, the corporate bosses do not want to agitate Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, HB 1804 author and now a national leader in the immigration reform movement. Why? Because these and other corporate leaders are lobbying for millions of dollars in tax credits for the energy and telecommunications industries. To do that, they will need the support of the House Revenue and Tax Committee, chaired by Rep. Randy Terrill.

We at OKPNS thought when we heard this that this plan, risky and idiotic as it may seem, that it must be so ingenious that we couldn’t grasp its complexities. “No, you’re wrong,” another capitol insider suggests. “It’s the product of idiots.”

The March 4th vote seeks to raise $122 million, through a penny sales tax for 15 months to improve the Ford Center and build a practice facility so it can attract the Seattle Supersonics here starting in 2009. Dubbed “MAPS for Millionaires,” it is a relatively unpopular and controversial initiative. City leaders are planning a campaign to get voters to see the initiative in a positive light.

The OKPNS revelations of corporate dissembling will undoubtedly add to the initiative’s problems: a SurveyUSA poll done on January 29th for Oklahoma City TV station KFOR-TV showed the measure trailing 48-47, despite nearly universal positive media coverage of the proposal and no real organized opposition.

With apologies to KTOK afternoon drive host Mark Shannon, who hinted at the story last Friday, this is a story that the lazy and timid Oklahoma capitol press corps should have uncovered weeks ago. It’s best summed up by a capitol regular, who when told of the scheme said, “When the voters find out that the rich boys, who want the taxpayers to pimp their basketball arena, are going to turn around and try to open the floodgates to bring back illegal immigrants, there will be hell to pay,” she says.

Names connected to the plan include AT&T Oklahoma President Don Cain, as well as a public relations official at Chesapeake Energy named Tom Price. Sources say Chesapeake Energy is quietly discussing with allies a multi-million dollar campaign to repeal HB 1804. Ironically, Chesapeake CEO Aubrey McClendon has an ownership stake in the Sonics, and tying the penny sales tax election to the same people who are attempting to weaken the immigration law would be damaging to his investment. Cain is also Chairman of the state’s chamber of commerce, a relatively weak business lobby group that stood mute in 2007 as HB 1804 was rocketing through the legislature. The three largest chambers of commerce, the state, Tulsa and Oklahoma City chambers, are officially on record as opposing the immigration reform bill.

This scenario becomes even more unusual when you consider that AT&T and Chesapeake have millions of dollars in tax credits pending at the capitol. Those items will most likely be heard in Terrill’s committee, and the Chairman, a social and fiscal conservative who follows the Reagan brand of conservatism, abhors corporate welfare. And now AT&T and Chesapeake, among others, have been exposed as insincere at precisely the wrong time.

“Their bosses are going to freak, but not as much as the voters,” our insider says. “Terrill will kill Cain’s tax credits, as he should, and I suspect that Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony, who loathes AT&T, will want to know more. It could be a PR nightmare for him.”

The insider goes on to say that arrogance may have led the corporation group to overestimate their political IQ. “As for Chesapeake, they’re not playing against naïve little old OG&E this time. I don’t give a damn how much money they have: Terrill will line up that oil company with illegal aliens and the public will go with him. Their tax credits will be dead, too. They’re up against perhaps the smartest and most skilled politician in Oklahoma. He’s media savvy due to his television and radio gig, and he has a wealthy national following as the Pied Piper of immigration reform. The phone company and an oil company against Randy Terrill is an unfair fight: Terrill wins going away.”

So why would two large business corporations plot against an elected official that holds the key to their corporate welfare this session? “This is incredibly stupid. Tell me it’s not true. They’re plotting against and polling against the Revenue and Tax Chairman of the House of Representatives? It will boomerang against the phone industry, the energy sector and undermine public confidence against business as a whole,” an Oklahoma City lobbyist familiar with the situation says.

Responding to a question from OKPNS, Rep. Terrill says he has not been contacted by Cain or Price about the difficulties 1804 may have caused the two industries. “They’ve not said a word to me, and it concerns me that these companies would launch a multi-million dollar scorched-earth campaign without once speaking to me. If illegal aliens making the modern equivalent of slave labor wages are critical to their vitality, it makes me very, very concerned about the future of those companies,” Rep. Terrill tells us.

Other capitol observers say that at least one organization connected with this scheme has performed extensive polling on the possibility of repealing HB 1804, and that repeal will be almost impossible. “It’s too popular, [Terrill] is too popular and even a massive educational effort would fall short,” he says.

So what now? From our vantage point, the plan has put at risk the March 4th election, energy tax credits and cellular telephone tax credits. There will be interesting fallout if the dominoes fall where they appear to be heading and the arena tax fails in March and HB 1804 is still standing in June. Or maybe they’ll get away with it: after all, it still is the Oklahoma media. In that case, maybe only readers of OKPNS will ever know.

Labels: HB 1804, Immigration Reform, OK Media, Press Bias, Rep. Randy Terrill, Son of 1804

Posted at 2/12/2008 02:30:00 PM |

"In 1994, Democrat Governor David Walters reluctantly opted not to run for re-election after a grand jury recommended impeachment. Walters eventually pled guilty to a misdemeanor campaign finance violation." Read more... (Hat tip: Fair and Biased)

"The past is history.

The future is now.

A time for change starts today." (Quote from fundraising email for Gov. Henry)

You would think that the editors (owner) of the Tulsa World would want to sell a few more newspapers by at least mentioning the hypocrisy of Democrat complaints of who attend Republican fundraisers. It seems The World has a case of convenient amnesia when it comes to former Governor Walter's past transgressions. Rep. Lieberman, doing the media's job, sent out a press release yesterday saying he was "sadly not surprised by this Democratic behavior and hypocrisy." Below is an excerpt from the release:

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 21, 2008) – House Democrats are playing in the big leagues of political hypocrisy, said Rep. Guy Liebmann, who called on Democrats to apply the same standards to themselves that they claim to want applied to Republicans.

Reports show that former Gov. David Walters is hosting a political fundraiser for Democrats Tuesday. An invitation has been sent to capitol lobbyists asking them to attend and donate.

In 1993, Walters became the first governor in the state to be indicted when he was accused of eight felonies, including conspiracy and perjury. Walters pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor for violating state campaign law in a plea agreement.

Now, Democrats are using him to host a fundraiser for themselves. Last week, House Minority Leader Danny Morgan criticized Republicans for simply attending a fundraiser at the home of an individual who has never even been charged, much less convicted, of election law violations. Furthermore, the fundraiser was for a presidential candidate and not themselves.

“Clearly their finger-pointing was only a diversionary tactic to avoid drawing attention to their own fundraiser,” said Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City. “Last week, Morgan said he was “floored” to hear of House Republicans attending a presidential fundraiser.

Labels: Brad Henry, Press Bias

Posted at 1/22/2008 08:00:00 AM |

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 |

NBC originally refused to air the above commercial yesterday on their Meet the Press program with Tim Russert. NBC said that airing the spot would violate the network's prohibition on "controversial issue ads." How sad. The war has been so politicized, that now it is deemed "controversial" to ask Americans to thank our brave soldiers who are serving thousands of miles away during the Christmas season?" From the freedomswork.org website:

"As we celebrate the holidays, it is important to remember the sacrifices these brave men and women stationed throughout the world make each day to defend our freedom. Freedom’s Watch is honored to support their services and say thank you."

Labels: Iraq War, Press Bias

Posted at 12/10/2007 09:03:00 AM |

Elk City News Publisher Donated $2,500 to AG Edmondson in '06

Edmondson Accepts Contributions from Tulsa World Chairman in '06; Also Receives Paper's Endorsement

Anyone who reads the Oklahoma Political News Service regularly knows that we have railed for months on the incestuous relationship between the Oklahoma Media and Oklahoma Politicians - particularly Democratic ones. We always felt it was unethical for a member or owner of the media to be contributing to a politician's campaigns.

Today, the MSNBC website has published a list of more than 140 journalists who donated to political candidates in the last three years. The network counted donations from 2004 to 2007, and listed journalists in every discipline – from public radio to online. The sample found that the journalist gave 9-1 to Democrats. Surprise, surprise!

The political reporter for the St. Louis Post Dispatch wrote this today regarding her and other journalists giving money to politicians: "The Post-Dispatch has had a written policy for some time that bars or discourages (depends on staff member’s position) campaign contributions or public political activity, while also reaffirming journalists’ right to participate in the political process (voting.) Most reporters in the industry — (there’s tens of thousands) — do not donate money to political candidates, because of concerns about public perception of bias. The St. Louis chapter of the Newspaper Guild, the union which represents reporters and others at the Post-Dispatch, also has a provision in its by-laws that the chapter will make no political contributions."

Maybe the Oklahoma media could take a lesson or two here. Just a thought.

Labels: Press Bias

Posted at 6/21/2007 07:32:00 PM |

From the meeciteewurkor blog: Listening to KFAQ this morning, I was greatly disturbed (and disgusted) that the Tulsa World would run story after story which are obviously geared toward the “Pro-illegal immigration” crowd. I called in to KFAQ and Gwen and Chris graciously allowed me to vent the anger I was feeling towards the Tulsa World and the obvious slanted prose they put out in what they call the daily paper. If you heard those words, then you know that you have an opportunity to tell the Tulsa World, Tulsa, and Governor Brad Henry what you think about illegal immigration and the House Bill currently on Brad Henry’s desk which he needs to sign. Read more...

Labels: Immigration Reform, Press Bias

Posted at 5/07/2007 03:41:00 PM |

The so called Oklahoma Independent Media Center researchers seem to have too much times on their hands. How else to explain them having their panties in a bunch over the alleged scandal of the OKPGOP using a photo shopped picture of Speaker Nancy Pelosi on their website recently. OIMC says on their website:"We are a grassroots, community-based collective striving to provide universal access to news media without corporate filtering. This is a progressive outlet committed to amplifying the voices of everyday people and especially those working for justice and equality in Oklahoma and around the world." Isn't progressive code word for liberal Democrat? Read below an excerpt from their "expose": The front page of the Oklahoma Republican Party's web site presents an image of the Speaker of the House, Democrat Nancy Pelosi, which they accurately refer to as "disturbing". But the disturbing aspect of the image is its relationship to reality and its use on the website of a supposedly reputable organization of mature adults to disparage its subject in a not-so-subtle fashion. The image is clearly digitally distorted ("Photoshopped")in order to present the Speaker as old, haggard and ugly, with heavily rouged cheeks, sloppy lipstick and lines, bulges and veins that do not actually exist on the Speaker's face. First, If you want to investigate real political bias in the Oklahoma media, here's a link for you. Second, we're not so sure the photo has been altered. The pictures were clearly taken at different times. Speaker Pelosi has been in public life a long time, maybe the first picture is more recent.

Labels: OKGOP, Press Bias, Spkr. Pelosi

Posted at 5/07/2007 01:36:00 PM |

We presented a piece a couple of weeks ago on the political affiliations of the Capitol press corps. We posted a list of several reporters who were registered as Democrats. Now that's not a crime within itself, or, even suggests that these fine reporters aren't capable of writing stories without inflicting their personal biases. But a story yesterday by Tulsa World reporter Barbara Hoberock, makes us seriously question her motives behind her Brad Henry, Drew Edmondson puff piece. OKPNS fully understands that reporters do not write the headlines for their stories, but the following headline for Hoberock's story gives you a gist of the angle of the piece: "AG Gave Advice on Abortion Bill" with the sub headline: "Henry Was Told About Problems With a Hotly Debated Abortion Measure." Why does a story of the attorney general performing his duties - dispensing legal advice to the governor and other state agencies - warrant a 15 paragraph story? Many could surmise that this story is meant to deflect from the question of the morality or immorality of abortion, and instead, turn Henry's controversial veto last week into a question of legalities only. Martin Luther King wrote about obeying "just and unjust laws" in his famous letter from a Birmingham jail. "One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that "an unjust law is no law at all" Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust." We can't imagine aborting a fetus or a baby "squares with the moral law or the law of God."

Labels: AG, Brad Henry, Press Bias, Tulsa World

Posted at 4/23/2007 08:24:00 AM |

As a public service to our readers, we had our crack research team (one intern) perform a diligent search of the party affiliations of a few of the capitol reporters who bring us the news each day. We'll be sharing with you periodically the results as we receive them. To many of you, the results will be no surprise, to others, it may make you read the news with a little bit more of a critical eye towards the source. *Mark Beutler – OETA (Democrat) *Erin Boeckman – Oklahoma Publishing Today (Democrat) *Janice Francis-Smith – Journal Record (Democrat) *John Greiner – The Oklahoman (Democrat) *Darwin Maxey – Oklahoma Publishing Today (Democrat) *Jeff Packham – Journal Record/Legislative Report (Democrat) *Marie Price – Journal Record (Democrat) *Tim Talley – Associated Press (Democrat)

Labels: Press Bias

Posted at 4/11/2007 12:52:00 PM |

New media lesson of the day The Oklahoma Political News Service posted yesterday at 1:00 in the afternoon that Drew Edmondson's campaign had given an illegal contribution to Jeff McMahan. We actually had the tip in our inbox at 8:38, but due to other pressing commitments, we couldn't post it till early afternoon. If Simian sycophants and the mainstream OK press want to declare this morning that Rep. Mike Reynolds discovered the discrepancy, Fine. Our readers know where they read it first. (By the way, thanks for reading Representative!) It only illustrates another example of the lazy press in Oklahoma and the "pseudo consultants" who really don't understand the power and emergence of the blogosphere and the "new media." Blogs will always be more timely and scoop the old school press simply because of the immediacy of the internet. While the old school media have a staff of reporters, blogs have legions of citizen reporters, tipsters, and insiders who have access to vast amounts of information a beat reporter will never have. Sorry to have to break news to you that you probably already know old school press, but your industry is dying, and unless you become more "progressive" (a word we hate but is applicable here) you will go the way of the Dodo bird and the Ford Edsel. Blogs ARE your competition but don't necessarily have to be your enemy; they can and actually do compliment your efforts. You now see all around the country, major newspapers embracing the blogosphere. In the neighboring state of Missouri, the newspapers in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia, each have political blogs and a reporter assigned to update that blog. They frequently link to posts by popular local and statewide bloggers and have no problem giving a "hat tip" to a blogger who breaks a story before they do. They've learned you can either try to beat the blogs (impossible) or join them. Unfortunately as incestuous as the relationship is between the press and Democratic politicians in Oklahoma, don't expect much change anytime soon.

Labels: AG, Drew Edmondson, Jeff McMahan, OK Media, Press Bias

Posted at 4/07/2007 10:23:00 AM |

EXCLUSIVE: Edmondson campaign illegally gives to Jeff McMahan (Go figure???) One would think that the chief law enforcement official for the state of Oklahoma would know that it is illegal for a campaign committee to contribute to another candidate. Edmondson's campaign gave the embattled and ethically challenged state auditor $500 back in '05. Was this a simple oversight, or another example of the sheer audacity and arrogance of Edmondson? Edmondson and his cronies probably assumed they didn't have to worry much about the OK press, especially when you have the Tulsa World publisher giving you $2,000. Don't expect the OK lapdogs to cover this story or follow up on it. The Oklahoma Political News Service will continue to investigate. Related: Edmondson Says He Plans to Keep $1,000 Contribution From Stipe

Labels: AG, Drew Edmondson, Jeff McMahan, Press Bias

Posted at 4/06/2007 03:04:00 PM |

Heaven knows we've taken our fair share of deserved shots at the lazy Oklahoma press. We've chronicled the startling conflicts of interest of major and small town newspaper publishers and television executives giving campaign contributions to the attorney general, while in return, giving negligible or non existent coverage of alleged misdeeds by the AG from a former employee in his office. We've posted audio of ethically challenged State Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan, admitting to a former employee that he's firing her for strictly political reasons, but promising to "find her job." The press never followed up on it. We could go on and on. Click here for more examples of Oklahoma press bias. What's the old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words?" The above video sums up the OK press succinctly in 44 seconds. Enjoy!

Labels: Press Bias

Posted at 4/04/2007 06:24:00 PM |

So where has the "bipartisan governor" been while his crony and "financial guru" Scott Meacham spent the past week bashing bipartisanship and making wild statements about using the veto pen? GOP Chairman Tom Daxon issued a press release this afternoon asking the same question. He is asking the governor's office to disclose specific and detailed information about the chief executive's Spring Break vacation, where he traveled and stayed, how much the trip cost, and who covered the costs of his trip. "This week has been an important time for the people's business," said Daxon. "And while the governor has been out of pocket, his financial guru Scott Meacham has been making threats about using the veto pen to shoot down the bipartisan budget. I'm hoping the governor will return next week and that cooler heads will prevail. He should also address questions about where he has been." Paul Sund, the governor's communications director, has tried to avoid questions from reporters about the governor's whereabouts -- only willing to say that remarks about the governor's Spring Break vacation were "cheap shots." Well, now we know why the notoriously prickly Sund was so defensive about the governor's trip. Turns out that while leaders in the House and Senate were hammering out the details of a historic bipartisan budget agreement -- the earliest in decades, it seems -- Governor Henry was lounging on the beach and soaking up the rays in Cabo San Lucas at the posh vacation digs of trial lawyer Terry West. The governor has publicly pledged to be in favor of lawsuit reform, but the reality is he's in the hip pocket of the ambulance chasers. More interestingly, while he's been enjoying the rich dividends of jackpot jury verdicts, he's allowed his underlings this week to attempt to sabotage a bipartisan deal that would mark a real turning point in taking care of matters at the State Capitol in a businesslike way. Of course, we won't expect to read any of this information in the mainstream Oklahoma media. The Capitol press corps typically provides the "bipartisan governor" plenty of cover for his trips. All the media has been willing to say is that the governor is "out of state."

Labels: Brad Henry, Paull Sund, Press Bias, Scott Meacham, Tom Daxon

Posted at 3/23/2007 09:31:00 PM |

As we've been reporting these last few weeks, Drew Edmondson is quite popular with Oklahoma's major newspapers and televison media. So popular in fact, there's been scarce mention of the alleged abuses in his office as detailed by a very credible whistle blower who formerly worked for him. Our further investigation into the "poultrygate" scandal - and the mainstream media's shocking disregard to uncover the truth - has revealed that Edmondson is also popular with small town media as well. Larry R. Wade, publisher of the Elk City News, generously donated $2,500 to the attorney general's '06 re-election effort. As we've stated before, Mr. Wade - as do other members of the press - have every right to participate in our democracy through their financial contributions. But as providers of news to the people, they have a unique obligation to be viewed as impartial and balanced. Newspaper publishers and television executives contributing to any elected official's political campaigns, certainly raises all kinds of legitimate ethical questions. One would believe that Mr. Wade, who has a journalism degree from OU and has been a former President of the Oklahoma Press Association and Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation would understand our concerns. OKPNS will continue to investigate.

Labels: AG, Drew Edmondson, Poultry Lawsuit, Press Bias

Posted at 3/16/2007 08:14:00 AM |

Paper still has head in the sand when it comes to real scandals We almost made it through the week without the need for issuing a "Hypocrisy Watch." Mick Hinton of the Tulsa World, has written the talking points memo for Oklahoma Democrats' today, under the guise of "objective journalism." The piece reports that Speaker Cargill is "summon[ing] key lobbyists" to "special meetings" outside the capitol for fundraising activities. Now usually when one thinks of a summons, you think of a court of a law and a judge mandating you appear. Was this a deliberate choice of words Mick? We've copied every quote from a lobbyist in the piece. You'll notice a familiar, recurring theme in every comment. Remember, this is every lobbyists quoted in the piece, so we're not purposely omitting positive quotes:

"Lobbyist Bobby Stem confirmed that he met with the speaker on Tuesday at an office outside the Capitol." "It was the friendliest fundraising meeting I've ever had, and you can quote me on that," said Stem, a prominent lobbyist during Democratic administrations." (What would you expect from a Democratic lobbyist?) "Stem said there was no strong-arming for contributions, although he said it was "very pro-active" with money raising emphasized in several ways." "One lobbyist said he felt uncomfortable going to the "un-neutral" site, while another said it was "cheesy." Both spoke on the condition that they not be identified." "After leaving the office, lobbyist Jim Walker acknowledged that he had just talked with the speaker, but said "it is no different than what used to occur at the Capitol, from time to time."

"But others said they felt compelled to comply with the speaker's wishes. They said that has been the case in the past, but the methods were different this time around."

Hey Mick, how about investigating the attorney general and the poultygate scandal going on "five minutes from the Capitol?" What about the Chairman of your newspaper contributing money to the AG while his paper is endorsing him. We'll re-use the analogy we made earlier this week regarding your paper's lazy reporting. This piece was akin to a reporter covering the Superbowl and only writing about Prince's new shoes! What about the fact that it was held in plain view away from the Capitol? What about the angle that it illustrates the reforms Cargill is looking to initiate?

Labels: Ethics Reforms, hypocrisy watch, Press Bias, Spkr. Cargill, Tulsa World

Posted at 2/23/2007 04:41:00 PM |