Mike Turpen Endorses Ryan Leonard for AG

Former Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman and state Attorney General Mike Turpen endorsed Republican Ryan Leonard for AG.



Ryan Leonard is one of two Republicans running for Attorney General - Scott Pruitt is the other, and Jim Priest is the Democrat candidate.

Voter Education Rally - Friday

Rick Santelli: "Stop Spending! Stop Spending! Stop Spending!"

CNBC's Rick Santelli:




Santelli's on-air rant on February 19th, 2009, is widely credited with helping to spark the Tea Party movement.

Voter Education Is Important

Voting is a tremendous privilege, honor, and responsibility. We, as Oklahomans and Americans, actually pick who our next political leaders will be. We, as voters, select people to represent us in government at all levels, whether it’s at City Hall, the State Capitol, or in Washington D.C.

As many people are aware, this is an election year.  Television ads are already running, advocating one candidate, attacking another.  The radio airwaves are beginning to fill up with campaign commercials as well.  Soon, you’ll begin to get political mail, too.

But with all of that, do you really ever know anything about who is on the ballot when you stand in the voting booth?

This year, Oklahoma voters will be choosing a brand new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Treasurer, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction. We will vote to either re-elect or put in a new State Auditor, Labor Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner, and Corporation Commissioner, and will vote on candidates for U.S. Senate and U.S. House. And that doesn’t include the numerous candidates for the state legislature, judicial offices, county offices, municipal offices, and this year’s State Questions.

A bit overwhelming, isn’t it? It’s hard to know who to vote for when there are so many unfamiliar names on the ballot. Don’t you wish you could hear all of those candidates personally tell you why you should elect them?

Well, good news - you can. This Friday, at 6pm at Muskogee's Civitan Park, the Muskogee Tea Party group is hosting a FREE, non-partisan “Voter Education Rally”, specifically designed to giving candidates the opportunity to educate the public about the “who-what-why” of their campaign. All candidates for statewide and federal office have been invited to speak, and over 30 candidates have already confirmed their attendance.

This will be a great opportunity for you to hear, straight from the horse’s mouth, about the different offices and candidates that will be on the ballot in the July 27th primary and November 2nd general elections.

In addition to candidates speaking and having booths, attendees will be able to participate in a straw poll to voice their opinions in a mock election based on what they heard.

The political climate today requires us to be informed voters. Too much is at stake to be uninvolved in the voting process. I’ll be at the Voter Education Rally at Civitan Park on Friday, July 2nd, at 6pm... will you?

Jamison Faught

Jamison Faught is the organizer of the Muskogee Tea Party group. For more information, visit www.MuskogeeTeaParty.com.

Dead at 92: West Virginia's Sen. Robert Byrd

92 year old U.S. Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) passed away early this morning. Byrd had served in the Senate for over 51 years - the longest tenure in history. As President Pro Tempore of the Senate, he was third in line for the Presidency (behind Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi).

As a young man, Byrd was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, although he regretted that membership in later years.

Governor Joe Manchin (D-WV) will appoint a temporary replacement, and a special election is likely to be held in November to fill out the rest of Byrd's term, which expires in 2012.

The Conservative View: Blood From A Turnip

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

 The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

Blood From A Turnip

One of the biggest flaws in our political system is the fact that many of the people that we elect to represent us have never had their own money at risk or have run a business of any kind. One of the founding fathers once said that any government is a burden and expense to the citizens. It is our duty as Americans to decide how much burden that we are willing to tolerate. I have head it said that the best way to get someone’s attention is to get into their pocket book first. For those of us who actually pay taxes our government has done a good job at getting my undivided attention. Nothing comes without costs, too many Americans do not seem to be able of comprehend this simple fact. I have noticed that the people that support many of the programs that are draining our national piggy bank pay little or no taxes.

Recently I was told that 47% of the American public doesn’t pay any income taxes. Those people fail to understand the dilemma that is facing our nation. When you look at it objectively the taxpayer is paying his bills and raising his family while all at the same time doing the same for someone else. One thing that our politicians do understand is numbers, what they fail to understand is that there is a limit to the amount of taxes that the taxpayer can pay and have a decent living for himself. My parents taught me that there are limits and you can’t get blood from a turnip.

For all of those people who think it is fine to continually tax the ones who are already paying the bills need to realize that when a certain point comes they will kill the preverbal goose that laid the golden egg. Our friends on the left fail to understand the capitalist form of economics, capitalism is the engine that has built our country. To illustrate the point, several years ago in an attempt to raise tax revenues congress passed a huge tax on the yacht industry. The result was that the yacht industry was driven out of business in the United States. I have been told that we humans seldom learn from history but for the sake of our country we had better start learning from the mistakes of the past or we may be a nation of turnips in need of a blood transfusion.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.

Pinnell New OKGOP Chair, Brogdon Wins Straw Poll

At the OKGOP State Committee meeting today, Matt Pinnell was elected the new State Chairman without opposition. Our congratulations to Matt on winning!


After the State Committee meeting, a gubernatorial candidate forum and straw poll was held. Candidates Mary Fallin, Randy Brogdon, Robert Hubbard, and Roger Jackson were all present.


Questions ranged from education reform, to taxes, to past contributions to the Republican cause, to dealing with the state budget.


I have heard all of the candidates before, whether in person, or on the radio. Honestly, I thought that Robert Hubbard did the best job - he was the main candidate to use hard facts and figures, as opposed to generic platitudes. However, the crowd was comprised of dedicated Fallin or Brogdon enthusiasts, so neither Hubbard nor Jackson ever had a chance at getting many votes.

222 ballots were cast, and State Sen. Randy Brogdon won with 119 votes, or 54%. Congresswoman Mary Fallin received 93 votes (42%), Robert Hubbard got 7 votes (3%), and Roger Jackson took 3 votes (1%).

Many, if not most, of the attendees were members of the OKGOP State Committee, meaning that Brogdon took a majority of the grassroots-elected party activists. While straw polls are generally useless except for morale boosters, this particular poll holds a bit more significance.

* Edit: the title should have originally read "Pinnell New OKGOP Chair, Brodgon Wins Straw Poll"... corrected now!

USS Oklahoma Mast Arrives at Muskogee's War Memorial Park

Perseverance pays off - a perfect example was the recent acquisition of the mast from the USS Oklahoma by Muskogee's War Memorial Park.  This historical artifact made the long trip from Pearl Harbor in Hawaii to its new home.  But the process was not an easy one according to museum director, Rick Dennis.

"Honestly I didn't think we were going to get it here, but now that it's here, it's real," said Dennis.  "It's just very exciting."

The USS Oklahoma was part of the fleet of American ships attacked at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The ship capsized within 12 minutes after being struck by Japanese torpedoes. 429 lives were lost when the ship went down, many trapped inside the submerged vessel.  More than 65 years went by before an official memorial was erected to honor those fallen servicemen.  The USS Oklahoma Memorial on Ford Island, Hawaii, was dedicated on December 7th, 2007. 

State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) began working on this project nearly 3 1/2 years ago. “There have been many ups and downs along the way, but we are thrilled that this valuable piece of history has finally arrived at the War Memorial Park," he said 

Faught said his office first got involved when Rod Mish, a volunteer at the Park, contacted him to ask for help.  Mish explained that early in 2007, he called the curator at the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii to see if any pieces from the USS Oklahoma were available for display in Muskogee's war museum.  The curator told Mish that a section of the mast to the battleship had recently been discovered during a dredging operation at Pearl Harbor, but that the Navy was planning to cut it in pieces and dispose of it.

At the time Mish placed that phone call, his landlady, Judy Moody, was vacationing in Hawaii.  He contacted her to see if she could take a look at the piece for him.  She agreed, and the decision was then  made by the War Memorial Park to pursue trying to acquire the mast for display at the museum.

Moody, a computer technology instructor at Northeastern State University, volunteered to fill out the appropriate paperwork, but soon discovered that there was a lot of "red tape" to get through.  Since approval from the Navy was required, assistance was sought from Senator Tom Coburn's office, as well as that of Congressman Dan Boren. “Getting the Navy to relinquish the section of mast turned out to be a lengthy process,” said Moody.

Faught's office was tasked with arranging for transportation from Pearl Harbor to Muskogee.  His legislative assistant just happened to be a long-time family friend of then Major General Loren Reno, the commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker Air Force Base.  This connection opened doors for possible transport in conjunction with training flights and other missions.  "About 18 months ago, we thought we had a date set for a training flight from Hawaii, but then someone in the Navy decided to stall the project and the waiting game was back on", explained Faught.

Then they were notified that General Reno had received a promotion to the Pentagon.  When he transferred, so did his assistant who had been heavily involved in making arrangements for the mast.  So the process was once again delayed.

"Each completed step in the process revealed more hoops to jump through", said Faught, "and many delays seemed to take us back to square one."

But, not easily discouraged, museum director Rick Dennis, Moody and Faught continued to work on moving forward. Then, rather unexpectedly, earlier this month Moody received a phone call from a contact at Tinker Air Force Base, telling her that an Air National Guard training flight that could accommodate the large cargo had been scheduled and the mast was being crated for transport.   

Rod Mish, Judy Moody, Rep. George Faught, Rick Dennis

When the C-17 touched down at Tinker Air Force base on Monday, the four individuals who persevered were on hand to witness the mast arriving in Oklahoma.  They were joined by USS Oklahoma survivor, Ed Vezey, 90, who recently moved to Moore, OK from Denver, CO.  "This is a piece of the Oklahoma coming home,” Vezey said.

The mast was transported to Muskogee on Wednesday by the Oklahoma Air National Guard.  As the truck pulled into the War Memorial Park bearing a banner that read “From Pearl Harbor to Muskogee – Mast of USS Oklahoma”, a crowd of around 50 people gathered in anticipation.  Some had come specifically to see the mast arrive, but several groups just happened to be there, not knowing of the scheduled delivery.

The mast was offloaded by a crane from Cook Construction  of Fort Gibson. The 45 ft. artifact weighs over 22,0000 pounds and is covered with barnacles from 65 years of being underwater.  The piece from the mast is technically “on loan” from the U.S. Navy and is planned as the centerpiece of a new building that Dennis hopes to see built at the War Memorial Park.  Preservation efforts will be performed on the mast and plans for establishing a foundation for the USS Oklahoma exhibit are being discussed.

Members of the Oklahoma Air National Guard help offload the mast

“This is an opportunity to help students in Oklahoma to realize the value of our history,” said Moody.     

“It took an awful lot of work,” stated Mish, recalling the journey over the past 3 ½ years.

"I am honored to have been a part of this project and to have played a role in bringing this to Muskogee.  I look forward to helping the War Memorial Park expand this exhibit, commemorating the service and sacrifice of our armed forces,” stated Faught.   

A dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 10th at 10:00 a.m.  The War Memorial Park will unveil the mast at that time.  It is expected that numerous Pearl Harbor Survivors, including several from the USS Oklahoma will be in attendance, along with veterans groups, state officials and other dignitaries.  

Arnett: "Let Afghanistan take care of Afghanistan"

Republican congressional candidate Dan Arnett made the following statement in an article in the Sunday edition of the McAlester News-Capital.

“In Arizona, the government isn’t protecting our border,”  Arnett said.

“That’s an area where the government isn’t doing its job. I would like to see the government step up and do its job.”

Arnett knows how he would like to see that accomplished.

“Get our men and women out of Afghanistan and bring them back to our own borders,” Arnett said. “Let Afghanistan take care of Afghanistan.” [emphasis mine]

Arnett is one of six Republican candidates for the 2nd Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Congressman Dan Boren. The other GOP contenders are Daniel Edmonds, Howard Houchen, Charles Thompson, and last-minute candidates Raymond Wickson, and Chester Falling. State Sen. Jim Wilson is the lone Democrat candidate running against Congressman Boren.

Switzer to appear at Jett fundraiser

Kaye Beach at AxXiom for Liberty is reporting that Barry Switzer is appearing at a fundraiser tomorrow night for State Rep. Shane Jett's congressional campaign.

Switzer has drawn fire for his involvement in the highway traffic "spy" cam controversy (click here for Mike McCarville's excellent coverage).

Jett had not previously announced Switzer's endorsement, to the best of my knowledge. Jett is running in the most crowded federal-level primary in Oklahoma this year - 7 Republicans are running for the 5th Congressional District seat that Mary Fallin is vacating. The other major candidates are Kevin Calvey, James Lankford, and Mike Thompson.

Switzer is widely credited with helping current Democrat Gov. Brad Henry win in 2002 in what was considered to be a race that Republican Congressman Steve Largent should have won.

Pawlenty To Campaign for Fallin

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is coming to Oklahoma City tomorrow to campaign for Congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Mary Fallin.

Fallin was endorsed by Sarah Palin on Thursday. Fallin is running in the GOP primary, against State Sen. Randy Brogdon, and businessmen Robert Hubbard and Roger Jackson.

If Israel Goes Down We All Go Down

If Israel goes down, we all go down
Anger over Gaza is a distraction. We cannot forget that Israel is the West's best ally in a turbulent region
By José María Aznar

For far too long now it has been unfashionable in Europe to speak up for Israel. In the wake of the recent incident on board a ship full of anti-Israeli activists in the Mediterranean, it is hard to think of a more unpopular cause to champion.

In an ideal world, the assault by Israeli commandos on the Mavi Marmara would not have ended up with nine dead and a score wounded. In an ideal world, the soldiers would have been peacefully welcomed on to the ship. In an ideal world, no state, let alone a recent ally of Israel such as Turkey, would have sponsored and organized a flotilla whose sole purpose was to create an impossible situation for Israel: making it choose between giving up its security policy and the naval blockade, or risking the wrath of the world.

In our dealings with Israel, we must blow away the red mists of anger that too often cloud our judgment. A reasonable and balanced approach should encapsulate the following realities: first, the state of Israel was created by a decision of the UN. Its legitimacy, therefore, should not be in question. Israel is a nation with deeply rooted democratic institutions. It is a dynamic and open society that has repeatedly excelled in culture, science and technology.

Second, owing to its roots, history, and values, Israel is a fully fledged Western nation. Indeed, it is a normal Western nation, but one confronted by abnormal circumstances.

Uniquely in the West, it is the only democracy whose very existence has been questioned since its inception. In the first instance, it was attacked by its neighbors using the conventional weapons of war. Then it faced terrorism culminating in wave after wave of suicide attacks. Now, at the behest of radical Islamists and their sympathizers, it faces a campaign of delegitimisation through international law and diplomacy.

Sixty-two years after its creation, Israel is still fighting for its very survival. Punished with missiles raining from north and south, threatened with destruction by an Iran aiming to acquire nuclear weapons and pressed upon by friend and foe, Israel, it seems, is never to have a moment's peace.

For years, the focus of Western attention has understandably been on the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. But if Israel is in danger today and the whole region is slipping towards a worryingly problematic future, it is not due to the lack of understanding between the parties on how to solve this conflict. The parameters of any prospective peace agreement are clear, however difficult it may seem for the two sides to make the final push for a settlement.

The real threats to regional stability, however, are to be found in the rise of a radical Islamism which sees Israel's destruction as the fulfillment of its religious destiny and, simultaneously in the case of Iran, as an expression of its ambitions for regional hegemony. Both phenomena are threats that affect not only Israel, but also the wider West and the world at large.

The core of the problem lies in the ambiguous and often erroneous manner in which too many Western countries are now reacting to this situation. It is easy to blame Israel for all the evils in the Middle East. Some even act and talk as if a new understanding with the Muslim world could be achieved if only we were prepared to sacrifice the Jewish state on the altar. This would be folly.

Israel is our first line of defense in a turbulent region that is constantly at risk of descending into chaos; a region vital to our energy security owing to our overdependence on Middle Eastern oil; a region that forms the front line in the fight against extremism. If Israel goes down, we all go down. To defend Israel's right to exist in peace, within secure borders, requires a degree of moral and strategic clarity that too often seems to have disappeared in Europe. The United States shows worrying signs of heading in the same direction.

The West is going through a period of confusion over the shape of the world's future. To a great extent, this confusion is caused by a kind of masochistic self-doubt over our own identity; by the rule of political correctness; by a multiculturalism that forces us to our knees before others; and by a secularism which, irony of ironies, blinds us even when we are confronted by jihadis promoting the most fanatical incarnation of their faith. To abandon Israel to its fate, at this moment of all moments, would merely serve to illustrate how far we have sunk and how inexorable our decline now appears.

This cannot be allowed to happen. Motivated by the need to rebuild our own Western values, expressing deep concern about the wave of aggression against Israel, and mindful that Israel's strength is our strength and Israel's weakness is our weakness, I have decided to promote a new Friends of Israel initiative with the help of some prominent people, including David Trimble, Andrew Roberts, John Bolton, Alejandro Toledo (the former President of Peru), Marcello Pera (philosopher and former President of the Italian Senate), Fiamma Nirenstein (the Italian author and politician), the financier Robert Agostinelli and the Catholic intellectual George Weigel.

It is not our intention to defend any specific policy or any particular Israeli government. The sponsors of this initiative are certain to disagree at times with decisions taken by Jerusalem. We are democrats, and we believe in diversity.

What binds us, however, is our unyielding support for Israel's right to exist and to defend itself. For Western countries to side with those who question Israel's legitimacy, for them to play games in international bodies with Israel's vital security issues, for them to appease those who oppose Western values rather than robustly to stand up in defense of those values, is not only a grave moral mistake, but a strategic error of the first magnitude.

Israel is a fundamental part of the West. The West is what it is thanks to its Judeo-Christian roots. If the Jewish element of those roots is upturned and Israel is lost, then we are lost too. Whether we like it or not, our fate is inextricably intertwined.


José María Aznar was prime minister of Spain between 1996 and 2004.

Pinnell Touts Growing Support

Dear State Committee Member,


In recent days you should have received an email from me, and you will receive a letter soon letting you know that I want to be your next Oklahoma State Republican Party Chair.

My communications are intended to tell you a little more about me, and why my qualifications make me the best choice for this position. I want you to know that I am working hard every day to earn your vote on Saturday, June 26th.

It's been a privilege to speak with almost every State Committee member in the state. I've worked in the trenches with many of you, and it's an honor to receive so much support from the true grassroots leaders in our Party.

If you are ready to support me and help unite this Party--like those listed below--please press here.

C    Alfalfa        Greg Graham
C    Canadian    Pete Katzdorn
VC    Canadian    Shelley Dickerson
SCM    Canadian    Jerry Bowser
C    Carter        Majorie Brown
SCM    Carter        Lindle    Flatt
SCW    Carter        Anna Flatt
C    Cherokee    Gary Gore
SCM    Cherokee    Harry House
SCW    Cherokee    Linda House
C    Cleveland    Bob Cleveland
VC    Cleveland    Tessa Breder
SCM    Cleveland    Steve Byas
SCM    Comanche    Bill Edmonson
SCW    Comanche    Mary Edmonson
C    Creek        Mark Hall
VC    Creek        Debra Henley
SCM    Creek        Jonathan Hall
SCW    Creek        Beverly McVey
C    Custer        Steve Millspaugh
SCW    Custer        Rose Millspaugh
C    Ellis        Carol Murphy
VC    Ellis        Glenn Dorr
SCM    Ellis        Franklin Fox
SCW    Ellis        Linda Fox
C    Garfield    Cordon DeKock
SCW    Garfield    Carol Courter
C    Garvin            Allie Burgin
VC    Garvin            Sharon Burgin
C    Grady        Wade Steelman
C    Haskell        Michael Ogden
VC    Haskell        Lora Tabor
SCM    Haskell        Martin Dyer
SCW    Haskell        Hilda Dyer
C    Jackson        David Brown
VC    Jefferson    Jerry Wallace
C    Kingfisher    Robert Barnett
VC    Kingfisher    Stephanie Milligan
SCW    Kingfisher    Cheryl Kramer
C    LeFlore        Deann Williams
VC    Lincoln        Paula Fuqua
C    Love        Pat Owens
C    Major        Oma Gay Nichols
SCM    Major        Kyndell Nichols
SCW    Mayes        E.J. Pembleton
C    McClain        Gordon Harness
VC    McClain        Polly Ward
C    McIntosh    Andrea Phillips
VC    Murray        Casey Killblane
SCM    Murray        Skip Healey
C    Muskogee    Jerry Huffer
SCM    Muskogee         Jamison Faught
C    Noble        Nancy Stirman
SCM    Noble        Rod Stirman
SCW    Noble        Lorena Smithheisler
C    Nowata        James Pierson
VC    Nowata        Sue Pierson
SCM    Nowata        Fred Barrowman
SCW    Nowata        Jeanne Barrowman
SCM    Oklahoma    Charles Potts
SCW    Okmulgee    Janica Edmonds
C    Payne        Cade Crawford
VC    Payne        Brenda Magdeburg
SCM    Payne        Tray McCune
SCW    Payne        Norma Shamblin
C    Pittsburg    Lonnie Lu Anderson
SCM    Pittsburg    Jess Davis
SCW    Pittsburg    Janis Davis
SCM    Pontotoc    Ryan McMahan
C    Rogers        Sherri Stone
VC    Rogers        Anna Bavido
C    Tulsa        Sally Bell
VC    Tulsa        J.B. Alexander
SCM    Tulsa        Jeff Applekamp
SCW    Tulsa        Anne Patterson
C    Wagoner        Jerry LaFayette
VC    Wagoner        Michelle Byte
SCM    Wagoner        Rick Moore
SCW    Wagoner        Sandy Hodges
C    Washington    Grace Hickman Farmer
VC    Washington    John Kahre
SCM    Washington    Joe Beffer
SCW    Washington    Debra Cook
SCW    Woods        Marceline Piper
C    Woodward    Justin Coffin
Nat'l CW         Carolyn McLarty
DC    1st District    Grace Hickman Farmer
DVC    1st District    Jerry Buchanan
DC    2nd District    Jo Rainbolt
DC    3rd District    Debra Henley
DC    5th District    Elayne Dennis
Chair    OFCR        Connor Ferguson
Chair    OFYR        Michael Patlan
ORP    Treasurer    A.J. Ferrate

God Bless,

Matt Pinnell
918-728-1654 (day or night)

The Conservative View: The Big Wave

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

The Big Wave

Over the past week most Americans have been watching the oil spill off the gulf coast. It is a sad fact that the damage from the oil spill will be felt for years. Time will tell if the oil company British Petroleum was negligent or not, but I am sure that they did not intentionally cause this disaster. For the time being, all efforts should be made to stop the oil flow and minimize the damage to the wildlife of the area. I was taught that there is a time and place for everything, I was particularly disappointed by the comment by our president when he was quoted as saying that he wanted to “GO DOWN THERE AND KICK SOMEBODY’S ***”. Instead of making some crude comment, calls should be going out to experts all over the world and hopefully someone may have an idea that we haven’t thought up yet. I have watched news reports where the local citizens are doing what they can to protect their homes and businesses. They are preparing for the big wave of oil because they feel that the federal government is not acting fast enough, another part of our country is also trying to protect themselves from a wave of illegal immigration.

The state of Arizona has been under un-relenting attack since they passed legislation to get a handle on illegal immigration. For the most part the American people understand the problem, poll after poll has shown that the American people want our federal government to deal with the illegal immigration problem. The very word illegal says it all, WHAT PART OF ILLEGAL DO THEY NOT UNDERSTAND? There are all kinds of laws in this country that make it illegal to do certain things. I do not believe in selective enforcement; if a law is bad repeal it, if a law is outdated repeal it. This practice of turning a blind eye to this problem is getting pretty old to the average citizen of this country. The people of Arizona have been asking and begging for help from the federal government to get a handle on the problem. Now that they have been forced to take action on a state level, the federal government has decided to file suit against Arizona and challenge the legislation they passed. Maybe the president should be ready to kick the *** of the people that are intentionally breaking our laws.  

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.

BREAKING: Palin Endorses Fallin in OK Governor Race

In a Facebook "bulk" endorsement post today, former Alaska Governor, 2008 GOP Vice Presidential nominee, and overall conservative political heavyweight Sarah Palin endorsed Mary Fallin in the race for Oklahoma Governor.

Mary Fallin is another strong, smart conservative who I am proud to support. Mary is running for Governor of Oklahoma, and the Sooner State is fortunate to have her offer to serve in this new capacity. Mary’s another fiscal conservative with policy experience, political backbone, and real world knowledge that will serve the entire state well as she proves her mettle as Oklahoma’s next CEO. Her personal, professional, and political background gives her a healthy perspective on the challenges facing so many of our families and businesses. Mary truly understands public service, and she served her state with distinction in Congress and as the first Republican and first female lieutenant governor in Oklahoma history. Sharing the aforementioned foundational values of [Cathy McMorris Rogers] and [Star Parker] and so many other Americans, Mary also understands the complexities of our domestic energy policy and has been a consistent voice for energy independence. Please visit Mary’s website at www.maryfallin.org and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

For Randy Brogdon supporters like myself, o-u-c-h.

Must Read: NRA Sells Out First Amendment

Politico: "House Democrats have offered to exempt the National Rifle Association from a sweeping campaign-finance bill, removing a major obstacle in the push to roll back the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling."

RedState:

• Yet Again the NRA Sells Out Freedom to the Democrats
• Deja Vu: the NRA and the Democratic crocodiles
• National Rifle Association’s First Amendment Sellout

Campaign Contributions from 2010 Statewide Candidates

According to ethics reports on FollowTheMoney.org, the candidates below contributed the following amounts to Republican and Democrat candidates. A few candidates are not listed as having donated to campaigns. Some of these are interesting.

State Auditor and Inspector

State Auditor Steve Burrage (D) - incumbent

• $37,500 to 16 Democrat candidates/committees
• $500 to one Republican candidate

David Hanigar (R) [donated exclusively to Democrats, switched parties last fall]

• $1,710 to Democrat Auditor Jeff McMahan
• $1,895 to Democrat Attorney General Drew Edmondson
• $80 to the Oklahoma Democratic Party
  
• $100 to Democrat State Treasurer Scott Meacham
  

Gary Jones (R) [now-former OKGOP chairman; ran for Auditor in 2002, 2006]

• $18,242 to 28 Republican candidates
  
• $264,749 to own campaigns for Auditor

Attorney General

Jim Priest (D)

• $500 to 2 Democrat candidates
• $300 to 2 Republican candidates
  

Ryan Leonard (R)

• $1,000 to 9 Republican candidates
  

Scott Pruitt (R)

• $425 to OKGOP
• $165,850 to his Lt. Governor campaign
  

Lieutenant Governor

Kenneth Corn (D)

• $5,012 to 6 Democrat candidates/committees
  

Todd Lamb (R)

• $550 to 3 Republican candidates
  

John Wright (R)

• $615 to 5 Republican candidates/committees
• $525 to his own State House campaign
  

Bill Crozier (R)

• $578 to 4 Republican candidates/committees
• $75 to former Democrat State Sen. Stratton Taylor
  

Richard Prawdzienski (I)

• $300 to one Republican candidate
• $100 to one Independent candidate
• $10,308 to his own Independent campaigns
  

State Treasurer

Owen Laughlin (R)

• $2,400 to 6 Republican candidates

Ken Miller (R)

• $100 to one Republican candidate
• $20,000 to his own State House campaign
• $500 to his 2004 State House campaign from his ex-wife, Tina
  

More races to come later.

The Conservative View: The Black Hole

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

The Black Hole

I have always had an interest in science and astronomy. The study of our universe and the dynamics involved should be of interest to anyone who wants to see the bigger picture of our existence, one of the most intriguing phenomena is that of a black hole. A black hole has such a strong gravitational pull that even light cannot escape its grip. Whatever goes into it is lost forever and it will never be seen again, that scenario is very similar to the way private attorneys are paid to work for state departments in Oklahoma.

Senate Bill 1379, by State Rep. Mark McCullough and State Sen. Anthony Sykes, would have created the Private Attorney Retention Sunshine Act and would have required state agencies hiring private attorneys to use a competitive, public process anytime the contracts are greater than $5,000. Unfortunately SB 1379 did not receive a final vote in the just completed session of the State Legislature. In other state and local agencies there are laws in place that require competitive bidding if the expenditure to any one vendor goes above a certain amount. The bids are a part of public record and are available for anyone to look at them. Often the agencies that have to solicit the bids consider the process a hassle, but we all need to remember that the money being spent belongs to the people. Anytime the public cannot have full access to the expenditure of taxpayer funds there is always the temptation to abuse that trust and waste or embezzle those funds.

According to The Oklahoman, state agencies spent over $24 million dollars on private attorneys over a three-year period. “Because outside attorneys are hired so often in Oklahoma, it is troubling that the public is not allowed to closely scrutinize those contracts,” State Rep. McCullough said. “I believe the Sunshine Act would reduce the chance for the misuse of taxpayer funds to enrich politically connected law firms and I will continue to fight for this important reform.” Even the Wall Street Journal published an editorial criticizing the lack of transparency in the state’s hiring of private attorneys. If Senate Bill 1379 had became law it would have required private attorneys to provide a statement of the hours worked on the case and attorneys could not charge the state more than $1,000 per hour. I guess in reality we don’t have to look to the cosmos to find a black hole, we should start at the state agencies and look at their legal costs.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.

Pinnell Announces for OKGOP Chair

Following the announcement of Gary Jones' pending resignation, Matt Pinnell has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed Jones.

Dear State Committee Member,

As you may know, Gary Jones, our Republican State Chairman, has decided to step aside and run for statewide office. As such, there will be a State Committee vote on Saturday, June 26th to elect our next State Party Chairman. I’m writing today to inform you that I have made the decision to run for Chairman. It’s time we move forward as one Party, energized, equipped, and prepared for battle.

For the last decade, I’ve been working for good conservative candidates here in Oklahoma, from school board to U.S. Senate. I love this state, the people, and its politics. We are the reddest state in the country, and proud of it.

But we can’t let up, not now. We are facing one of the most important election cycles in Oklahoma history. It’s critical that we have a Chairman that has been tested and is ready on day one.

I’m confident that I’m that candidate.

You will be hearing from me in the coming days, but I wanted to outline some of my qualifications, because that’s important:

· Former campaign aide to Congressman Steve Largent, State Senator Scott Pruitt, and U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D.

· Worked under two State GOP Chairman: Tom Daxon and Gary Jones in the position of Director of Operations. In this role I helped the State Party raise unprecedented levels of contributions and worked with County Chairs across the state.

· Served as the "Oklahoma Victory" Director for the McCain-Palin ticket, helping John McCain win 65.4% of the vote in OK, the highest percentage in the nation.

· Former Executive Director of American Majority-Oklahoma. Helped train literally thousands of activists and conducted dozens of candidate trainings across Oklahoma.

I can’t win without you, and I’m asking for your vote. If you are ready to support my effort please press here. Thank you for your time, and talk with you soon!

If you'd like to discuss this race and my vision for the office, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 918-728-1654 or mattpinnell@gmail.com.

God Bless,

Matt Pinnell

Pinnell is expected to be joined in the race by Stephens County GOP Chairman Steve Fair.

Gary Jones Resigning as OKGOP Chairman

Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones, who filed to run for State Auditor on Wednesday, is stepping down from his position with the party in order to run his campaign.

Perhaps part of the impetus for Jones' decision to run was that a survey conducted by SoonerPoll found Jones leading Democrat incumbent Steve Burrage 41.2% to 21.7%, with 37.1% undecided (4.8% margin of error).

Jones, who ran for Auditor in 2002 and 2006, losing by narrow margins to Democrat Jeff McMahan (who is now in jail for illegal contributions, bribes, and conspiracy charges), has been perhaps the most successful state chairman the Oklahoma GOP has ever seen. Under his guidance, Republicans took the State House, the State Senate, and placed among the top five most Republican states in the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections.

A replacement will be elected by the GOP's State Committee (comprised of county and state party officers, and elected public officials) at a June 26th meeting. Rumored to be in the running are Matt Pinnell, a past OKGOP Executive Director and currently with American Majority Oklahoma, and Steve Fair, a long-time party activist from Stephens County.

Candidate Filing Roundup

Filing for office has closed here in Oklahoma, and 586 candidates signed up for federal, state, and judicial offices.

156 candidates were Democrats, 15 were Independent, 205 were Republicans, and 210 filed for non-partisan judicial offices.

Federal Races

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-Muskogee) drew six opponents - two Democrats, Independents, and Republicans each.

First District Congressman John Sullivan (R-Tulsa) drew five Republican opponents, and one Independent. Second District Congressman Dan Boren (D-Muskogee) drew one Democrat challenger, and six Republicans. Third District Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Cheyenne) got a Democrat opponent. Fourth District Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) has one Republican challenger. In the Fifth Congressional District, being vacated by Mary Fallin (R-OKC), two Democrats, seven Republicans, and two Independents filed.

Statewide Races

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson filed for Governor on the Democrat side, while State Sen. Randy Brogdon, Congresswoman Mary Fallin, Robert Hubbard, and Roger Jackson filed as Republicans.

The race for Lieutenant Governor was a bit of a surprise. State Sen. Kenneth Corn was the only Democrat to file, but five Republicans are now running (State Sen. Todd Lamb and State Rep. John Wright being the top candidates), along with one Independent.

Incumbent Democrat State Auditor Steve Burrage is running for reelection; David Hanigar and OKGOP Chairman Gary Jones are running on the Republican side.

Democrat Jim Priest is running for Attorney General, as are Republicans Ryan Leonard and Scott Pruitt. Democrat Stephen Covert is running for State Treasurer, along with Republican candidates State Rep. Ken Miller and former State Sen. Owen Laughlin.

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett is retiring, which sparked quite a bit of interest. Three Democrats are running, State Sen. Susan Paddack being the chief candidate, as are two Republicans, with Janet Barresi being the frontrunner, and one Independent.

Democrat Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields is running for reelection; Republicans Mark Costello and Jason Reese are challenging him. Democrat Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland is also running for reelection; three Republicans are running against her, with John Doak being the likely GOP nominee. Republican Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy drew a Republican primary opponent.

District Attorney Races

I don't follow District Attorney races very closely, but there are a few races of interest. In District 10, State Rep. Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs) is running against Democrat First Assistant DA Jeff Jones. In District 18, State Rep. Terry Harrison (D-McAlester) is running against two other Democrats. Ironically, Harrison currently represents House District 18. In District 27, sitting Democrat DA Jerry Moore is running for reelection, against two former opponents and a new challenger. Former (and embattled) Democrat DA Richard Gray is running again, and the Republican nominee from last election, Brian Kuester, is also running.

State Senate Races

Two Democrats and two Republicans have filed to run for Kenneth Corn's seat - SD4. State Rep. Neil Brannon (D-Arkoma) is favored to win.

State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm (D-Durant) drew a Republican candidate, Josh Brecheen. Brecheen is a former staffer for U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn. In the past year or so, the Bryan County Republican Party has grown by leaps and bounds - SD6 will be a race to watch, especially in an anti-Democrat year. Could the GOP win their first State Senate seat in the 2nd Congressional District?

In SD8, State Sen. Roger Ballenger (D-Okmulgee) also received a Republican opponent - Janica Edmonds of Morris. Janica's brother Daniel is also on the ballot (running against Congressman Dan Boren).

One Democrat and two Republicans are running to replace term-limited State Sen. Joe Sweeden in SD 10. State Rep. Eddie Fields (R-Wynona) is one of the Republican candidates in what could be another GOP pickup.

Two Democrats (Donna Spring and Darryl Roberts) and two Republicans (Frank Simpson and Johnny Loard) are running in SD14, which Democrat State Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield is leaving due to term limits

Republicans are likely to pick up the open seat in SD18, where Republican Kim David is running against Democrat Janice Aldridge. This seat is currently held by Democrat Mary Easley (Michael Bates of BatesLine appropriately says that SD18 was "Mary-mandered" so that Easely could hold this particular seat).

Three Republicans are running in SD22, where State Sen. Mike Johnson is term-limited. His son, former State Rep. Rob Johnson, is running to replace his dad. In SD24, State Sen. Anthony Sykes (R-Moore) has drawn a Republican opponent, two Democrats and one Independent.

State Sen. Harry Coates (R-Seminole) has drawn a Republican opponent in SD28. Harry has been labeled "Turn-Coates" by many conservative Republicans, who are angry at his past betrayals in close Senate votes.

In SD30, David Holt and Matt Jackson, both Republicans, are running to replace term-limited Senate Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee. Republicans Rick Brinkley and Tim Coager are running in SD34 to replace State Sen. Randy Brogdon, who is running for Governor.

State Sen. Cliff Aldridge (R-Choctaw) has picked up a Republican, a Democrat, and an Independent challenger in SD42. In State Sen. Debbe Leftwich's seat, SD44, one Democrat and five* four Republicans have filed. This is another potential GOP pickup [* - Jay Means, Republican, withdrew his candidacy]. Liberal State Sen. Andrew Rice (D-OKC) picked up his Republican opponent from last time, Joshua Jantz. State Sen. Connie Johnson (D-Forest Park) has three Democrat primary opponents.

State House Races

In HD2, State Rep. Glen Bud Smithson (D-Sallisaw) has drawn a stiff opponent in Republican John Bennett. This race is a great chance for Republicans to add a fourth GOP-held seat in the 2nd Congressional District.

Six Democrats and one Republican filed to run in HD3, which is currently held by Neil Brannon (who is running for State Senate). State Rep. Mike Brown (D-Tahlequah) is being opposed by Republican Dwayne Thompson in HD4.

Republican Marty Quinn is running against Democrat Eric Cullen to replace outgoing State Rep. Tad Jones (R-Claremore) in HD9. In HD15, State Rep. Ed Cannaday (D-Porum) has drawn Democrat (Annie Goolsby) and Republican (Paul Parrott) opponenets. State Rep. Brian Renegar (D-McAlester) is being challenged by Republican Micah Thompson in HD17.

In HD18, four Democrats and one Republican are running to replace State Rep. Terry Harrison (D-McAlester). In what is another race to watch closely, four Democrats (Chris Pierce, Jerry Tomlinson, Oden Grube, and Nathan Williams) and two Republicans (Jack Accountius and Dustin Roberts) are running in HD21 to replace outgoing State Rep. John Carey (D-Durant).

State Rep. Sue Tibbs (R-Tulsa) has drawn a Republican and Democrat opponent in HD23. One Democrat and four Republicans are running in HD27, to replace State Rep. Shane Jett (R-Tecumseh), who is running for 5th District Congress. Democrat Ed Smith and Republican Tom Newell and Brian Cain are running in HD28, to replace outgoing State Rep. Ryan Keisel (D-Seminole).

State Rep. Cory Williams (D-Stillwater) is being challenged by two Republicans in HD34, in what has been a seat held by Republicans. In HD35 , one Democrat and two Republicans are running to replace State Rep. Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs), who is running for DA. Republican Sean Roberts and Democrat Greg Brown are running to replace State Rep. Eddie Fields (R-Wynona), who is vacating HD36 to run for State Senate. State Rep. Ken Luttrell (D-Ponca City) is facing a tough reelection bid against Republican Steve Vaughan in HD47.

Four Democrats and one Republican are running in HD44 to replace term-limited Rep. Bill Nations (D-Norman). In HD45, Republican Aaron Stiles is challenging State Rep. Wallace Collins (D-Norman). State Rep. Samson Buck (D-Ardmore) is being opposed by two Republican candidates in HD49.

In HD53, State Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore) is being challenged by Democrat Amy Corley. Terrill has been under fire for alleged political corruption, so this will be interesting to watch. State Rep. Gus Blackwell (R-Goodwell) is being opposed by Republican Seth Adams and Independent Stephen Skacall. State Rep. Ann Coody (R-Lawton) has drawn Democrat opponent Michael Corrales.

Seven Six candidates are running in State Rep. Lucky Lamons' seat in HD66. Lamons (D-Tulsa) decided to not run for a fifth term. Four of the candidates are Democrats, and three* two are Republicans. Two Democrats and three Republicans are running in HD68 to replace term-limited Speaker of the House Chris Benge (R-Berryhill). [* - Lonny Means, Republican, withdrew his candidacy]

State Rep. Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa) is being challenged by Democrat Jeff Tracy in HD71. Sullivan drew fire earlier in the year for issues relating to campaign contributions. In HD72, State Rep. Seneca Scott (D-Tulsa) has drawn a Republican opponent - Randall Reese. State Rep. Jabar Shumate (D-Tulsa) drew a primary opponent in HD73, as did State Rep. David Derby (R-Owasso) in HD74.

In HD76, two Republicans are vying to replace term-limited State Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow) - David Brumbaugh and Tony Griffith. State Rep. Jeannie McDaniel (D-Tulsa) is being opposed by Republican Molly McKay in HD78.

In HD81, the seat being vacated by State Rep. Ken Miller (R-Edmond), Republican Randy Grau was elected without opposition.

State Rep. Sally Kern (R-OKC) drew the cream of the crop when it came to her opponents. democrat Brittany Novotny is running; Novotny is transgender, and was originally a man (yeah...). Republican Garrick Voth was arrested last year for homosexual prostitution in a public park (yeah...) *. Also running is Independent Ray Prewitt. [* - Voth has withdrawn his candidacy]

State Rep. David Dank (R-OKC) in HD85 has drawn a Republican, Democrat, and Independent opponent. State Rep John Auffet (D-Stilwell) drew two primary challengers in HD86. State Rep. Jason Nelson is once again being challenged by Democrat Dana Orwig in HD87.

Homosexual State Rep. Al McAffrey (D-OKC) drew a Republican opponent, Dominique DaMon Block, Sr. in HD88. Block is an African-American. In HD91, State Rep. Mike Reynolds (R-OKC) drew a Democrat opponent, Hollis Harper.

State Rep. Mike Christian (R-OKC), who has also been involved in the alleged political corruption involving Randy Terrill and State Sen. Debbe Leftwich, has three Democrat opponents in HD93 - Wilfredo Santos Rivera, Jeff Packham, and Wanda Jo Peltier.

State Rep. Scott Inman (D-OKC) has two Republican opponents in HD94; Zana Williams and Kyle Coulter. In HD98, State Rep. John Trebilcock (R-Broken Arrow) drew a Republican* and Democrat opponent [* - Dulcie Hannigan, Republican, withdrew her candidacy]. Three Republicans are running in HD100 to replace State Rep. Mike Thompson (R-OKC), who is running for 5th District Congress.

(If you want to look through the entire list of races, you can do so at this list, provided by the State Election Board. A list of withdrawn or contested candidates is here [pdf])



With filing closed, Republicans automatically hold 37 of 101 state house seats; 33 seats had had only one candidate (all incumbents, except for HD81), and 4 seats will be decided in the GOP primary on July 27th. Republicans currently hold 62 house seats. 14 Democrat incumbents had no opponents, and three races will be decided in the Democrat primary, making for 17 seats that no Republicans or Independents filed in.

In the state senate, 22 of the 44 seats were up for election; Republicans currently hold 26 seats. Three Republican and three Democrat incumbents were completely unopposed, one race will be decided in the Democrat primary, and 4 seats will be decided in the Republican primary.

Democrats fared better in the District Attorney races; 14 seats had no Republicans file, while 7 seats had no Democrats file. There are 27 DA districts across the state.

Two of Oklahoma's five congressional districts had no Democrats file, and no Democrats filed to run for the Corporation Commission seat that is up this year.


Overall, 2010 was a terrible year for the Oklahoma Democratic Party, just from a candidate recruitment standpoint. To illustrate, the two top Democrat targets in 2008, State Reps. George Faught (R-Muskogee) and Todd Thomsen (R-Ada) went unopposed this year, as did several Republican freshmen (including Todd Russ, who won a special election last fall).


If I were a Democrat, I would be asking for ODP Chairman Todd Goodman to resign. As a Republican, I ask him to stay as long as possible...

Lamons Won't Seek Reelection

Four-term State Rep. Lucky Lamons (D-Tulsa) has decided to not run for a fifth term. A former Tulsa police officer, Lamons told the Tulsa World that it is time "for my life to go in another direction."

As of this morning, no one has filed for House District 66, the seat Lamons will be vacating.

You can keep an eye on candidate filings on the State Election Board's page here, or by watching the live Twitter feed here.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

"Fight Socialism - Buy a Ford"

Picture taken by a reader, Paul Holybee, at Eufaula Ford. If you have a picture, story, or tip, submit it to muskogeepolitico@gmail.com.

Is Boren a Democrat? Jim Wilson Says "No"

Patrick McGuigan of CapitolBeatOK.com interviewed State Sen. Jim Wilson today, after he filed to run against Congressman Dan Boren. Wilson had some interesting words to say about Boren.

Wilson said, "I can’t outspend him." He continued, "I've been pleasantly surprised at how much of a backlash there has been" against Boren's votes opposing the health care law. Asked if he considers Boren a Democrat, Wilson said, "No."

Soon after Wilson filed on Tuesday afternoon, Rep. Boren emailed the following statement to CapitolBeatOK:

"I have always had a close personal relationship with Jim Wilson and hope to continue it. I simply believe his views are far too liberal to represent the mainstream thoughts of the people of the Second District. I will continue to work as hard as I can to take independent Oklahoma thinking to Washington."

You can view the rest of the interview here.

Boren Endorsed by Pro-Life Groups

2nd District Congressman Dan Boren (D-Muskogee) picked up two pro-life endorsements today for the Democratic primary.

Pro-Life Democrat From Oklahoma Gets Rare Pro-Life Support, Opposed HCR Bill

Oklahoma City, OK (LifeNews.com) -- When a coalition of pro-life Democrats walked out on the pro-life groups which strenuously opposed the pro-abortion health care bill President Barack Obama eventually signed, Congressman Dan Boren of Oklahoma was one of the few to not jump ship.

Today, the National Right to Life Committee and its Oklahoma affiliate rewarded the pro-life Democrat with an endorsement.

The backing comes at a time when other pro-life Democratic candidates in states like Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, lost their endorsements because of their support of the government-run health care plan containing massive taxpayer financing of abortions.

The NRLC PAC endorsed Boren of Oklahoma’s 2nd congressional district in the July 27 Democratic Primary.

The group told LifeNews.com Boren has had a 100% pro-life voting record during the 111th Congress and it thanked him for opposing the health care bill.

“Congressman Dan Boren is to be commended for his efforts to prevent the Democratic health-care legislation from mandating coverage of abortion and federal funding of abortion,” said National Right to Life Vice President and Chairman of Oklahomans For Life, Tony Lauinger.

“His efforts included spearheading a June 2009 letter from pro-life House Democrats to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stating that they could not ‘support any health care reform proposal unless it explicitly excludes abortion from the scope of any government-defined or subsidized health insurance plan,'" Lauinger said. "When the necessary pro-life safeguards were not included in the final health-care legislation, Congressman Boren kept his word and opposed the pro-abortion bill.”

Also announcing a run for the Democratic nomination for the 2nd congressional district seat is state Senator Jim Wilson, one of the most outspokenly pro-abortion members of the Oklahoma legislature.

Over the past four years, on 23 key abortion-related votes scored by Oklahomans For Life, Jim Wilson was absent once, voted pro-life once, and voted pro-abortion 21 times.

“Senator Wilson is so extreme on abortion that he even opposed a bill which protects against coerced abortions and seeks to ensure that a mother's consent to an abortion is truly voluntary," Lauinger said.

Related web sites:
National Right to Life PAC - http://www.nrlpac.org
Oklahomans for Life - http://www.OkForLife.org

As was stated, Wilson is very liberal, not only on pro-life issues, but on practically every other topic. He specifically stated Boren's 'no' vote on "ObamaCare" as his reason for challenging Boren; Wilson is a huge supporter of the healthcare plan.

In addition to Wilson, Boren is also being challenged by Republicans Daniel Edmonds, Charles Thompson, Chester Falling and Dan Arnett, all of whom filed for office yesterday or today. Howard Houchen, another announced Republican candidate, has not filed his candidacy yet.

Additional candidates can file tomorrow. The Oklahoma State Election Board has a list of the candidates who have filed here.

Candidate Filing Information from Twitter

For the latest, up-to-the-minute information on candidate filings, follow the #okelections hashtag on Twitter.

The feed is posted on my Twitter Feeds page. While you're at it, if you are on Twitter, follow me here.

Candidate Filing 2010

Today was the first of the three day filing period for candidates here in Oklahoma. 391 individuals filed today, for offices ranging from district judge, to Governor, to United State Senate.

Of the candidates, 157 were non-partisan (running for District Judge or Associate District Judge), 96 were Democrats, 134 were Republicans, and 4 were Independents.

The first to file was State Rep. Mike Reynolds (R-OKC), who actually arrived to wait in line at 10:45pm, Sunday evening (filing opened at 8am this morning).

Filing Day Tidbits

U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn drew two Republican opponents - Lewis Spring and perennial candidate Evelyn Rogers. U.S. Congressman John Sullivan (R-Tulsa) drew two Republican challengers - Craig Allen and Nathan Dahm. Congressman Dan Boren (D-Muskogee) filed, as did two of his Republican opponents - Daniel Edmonds and Charles Thompson. Edmonds was the first Oklahoma candidate to file for Congress. Congressmen Frank Lucas (R-Cheyenne) and Tom Cole (R-Moore) filed, as did Cole's Republican opponent, R.J. Harris. Two Democrats (Tom Guild and Billy Coyle), three Republicans (James Lankford, Kevin Calvey and Mike Thompson), and one Independent (Clark Duffie) filed for the open 5th Congressional District, which Rep. Mary Fallin is vacating to run for Governor.

All of the major Democrat (Jari Askins and Drew Edmondson) and Republican (Mary Fallin and Randy Brogdon) candidates for Governor filed. Democrat State Sen. Kenneth Corn filed for Lieutenant Governor, as did Bernie Adler, a Republican. Democrat State Auditor Steve Burrage filed, with no opponent currently. Democrat Jim Priest filed for Attorney General. Former State Sen. Owen Laughlin and State Rep. Ken Miller, both Republicans, filed for State Treasurer, as did Democrat Steven Covert. Democrat State Sen. Susan Paddack, Democrat Jerry Combrink, and Independent Richard Cooper filed for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Democrat Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields filed, as did his two Republican challengers (Mark Costello and Jason Reese). Republicans John Doak and Mark Croucher filed for Insurance Commissioner, and Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy filed for reelection.

Only the 22 even-numbered State Senate districts are up for election this year. Every district except for SD16 had a candidate file today. State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm (D-Durant) drew a Republican challenger, Josh Brecheen (a former field representative for U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn) in SD6. Ron Black posted some thoughts on why this race could affect any close statewide race this November.

All state house districts are up, and candidates filed in all but three districts today. In eastern Oklahoma (the 2nd Congressional District), Democrat State Reps. Glen Bud Smithson (HD2), Mike Brown (HD4), and Brian Renegar (HD17) drew Republican challengers. Three open seats drew numerous candidates; HD 3 got two Democrats and one Republican, HD18 drew four Democrats and one Republican, and HD21 drew two Democrats and two Republicans (Jack Accountius and Dustin Roberts). Republican State Reps. Randy Terrill (HD53) and Mike Christian (HD93) both drew Democrat challengers. Both men had their notarized "declarations of candidacy" submitted through proxies (which is completely legal), thereby avoiding speaking to the media. The two are currently being mentioned, along with outgoing Democrat State Sen. Debbe Leftwich, in a possible political corruption case.


Filing continues at the State Capitol tomorrow and Wednesday, from 8am to 5pm. You can view the entire list of candidates here.