Rasmussen: Coburn, Fallin with big leads

Rasmussen has released two polls in recent days covering Oklahoma's gubernatorial and senatorial contests. Perhaps the Senate race (at least) does not qualify as a "contest"...

Senate: Coburn (R) vs. Rogers (D) vs. Wallace (I) vs. Dwyer (I)

Rasmussen Reports 2010 Oklahoma Senate Poll (link)

Tom Coburn (R) - 68% [67%]
Jim Rogers (D) - 26% [24%]
Some Other Candidate - 2% [3%]
Undecided - 4% [5%]

Poll of  500 likely voters, June 30th, 2010, with a MoE of +/- 4.5%  -  leaders in bold. [Poll in brackets is of 500 likely voters, August 26th, 2010, with a MoE of +/- 4.5%].

Governor: Fallin (R) vs. Askins (D)

Rasmussen Reports 2010 Oklahoma Gubernatorial Poll (link)

Mary Fallin (R) - 60% [52%]
Jari Askins (D) - 34% [37%]
Some Other Candidate - 1% [4%]
Undecided - 5% [7%]

Poll of  500 likely voters, September 23rd, 2010, with a MoE of +/- 4.5%  -  leaders in bold. [Poll in brackets is of 500 likely voters, August 26th, 2010, with a MoE of +/- 4.5%].

I'm not entirely sure why Rasmussen asked "some other candidate", given the fact that only Fallin and Askins will be on the ballot - there will be no other candidates...

Most stunning in the Gubernatorial numbers is Fallin's favorability rating, when compared to Askins. 70% of those polled have a favorable opinion of Mary Fallin, and only 26% have an unfavorable view (making for a +44% favorable percentage). Askins has 51% favorable, and 41% unfavorable (making for a +10% favorable percentage).

Coburn Endorses Gary Jones for State Auditor

Gary Jones picked up an endorsement today in the race for State Auditor.

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn endorses Gary Jones for Auditor & Inspector

Gary Jones’ campaign for State Auditor and Inspector recently picked up the endorsement of United States Senator Tom Coburn.

Coburn’s endorsement:  "Gary Jones is the watchdog Oklahoma voters need as our next State Auditor and Inspector.  When it comes to exposing fraud and corruption in state government, Gary has proven himself to be up to the task.

Gary Jones understands that just as important as exposing corruption, we must also address the issues of waste, duplication and inefficiencies in our state.  Oklahoma citizens work too hard to see their tax dollars wasted.

Gary knows that we must make tough decisions today if we expect to give our children and grandchildren the same opportunities we were given by our parents and grandparents.

Please join me today in supporting Gary Jones, CPA, for Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector."   - U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D.

“I am very grateful and proud that Senator Coburn has endorsed my campaign for State Auditor and Inspector,” said Jones.

“It’s very meaningful because Coburn is known as a fierce watch dog for all Oklahomans and the citizens across the United States.  The Senator’s endorsement will bring in a lot of voters to my sincere effort to restore faith and trust to an office that has been mismanaged and out of sync for years.”

Click here to learn more about Gary Jones and his campaign for State Auditor.

NRA Endorses Fallin for Governor

The National Rifle Association has endorsed Congresswoman Mary Fallin for Governor.

NRA-PVF Endorses Mary Fallin for Governor of Oklahoma

Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is endorsing Mary Fallin for Oklahoma Governor this November.

“The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund supports Mary Fallin because she is a champion and staunch defender of the Second Amendment freedoms of law-abiding Oklahoma gun owners,” said Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA-PVF. “As a Congresswoman, Mary has worked to preserve and protect our gun rights, and I know she is committed to continuing this work as governor.”

During her time in Congress, Mary Fallin has supported many pro-gun efforts, including signing pro-gun congressional “friend of the court” briefs in both the Heller and McDonald cases, stating that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental, individual right that protects all Americans. Fallin opposes any effort to reenact the Clinton semi-auto ban. She voted in favor of allowing law-abiding citizens to carry in national parks and wildlife refuges and voted to protect access to federally-owned or administered lands for hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational shooting.

Fallin’s voting record in Congress and her support for the Second Amendment have earned her an “A” rating and the endorsement of the NRA-PVF.

 “On November 2nd, I urge all Oklahoma NRA members, hunters and gun owners to vote Mary Fallin for Governor,” Cox concluded.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group.  Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

Click here to find out more about Mary Fallin and her campaign for Governor.

The Conservative View: What Can I Do For You Today?

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

 The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

What Can I Do For You Today?

In a short period of time we Americans will decide who will run the affairs of our country and our government. We Americans have gotten into a bad habit of asking politicians what can they do for us today. It was Ronald Reagan who once said that politics is the world’s second oldest profession and it bears a striking resemblance to the first.

History is full of instances where people have elected the wrong people to run governments across the world; just because a person may have a charismatic personality doesn’t insure that they will be a good leader. I have found that there are two kinds of politicians, one type will tell you what you need to hear and the other will tell you what you want to hear. In my opinion the second type is no better than a common conman. Our country is facing many problems and there is no quick fix, many of the problems that we are facing are of our own making. For far too long we have been electing leaders that promise to go to the public treasury and bring home the bacon, when you look at democracies across history that is the one common factor in their demise.

We Americans have forgotten that our system of government is a Republic and not a Democracy. In a Republic we are ruled by law and not by the simple majority, in a democracy the citizens often degrade into nothing more than mob rule. In a pure democracy, if a majority of the people wants to make murder legal it will be legal; in a republic there are absolutes, even if a majority want to make murder legal it is still illegal.

I have noticed the movement in our county with the Tea Party people and others that are seeing the seriousness of the situation that our country is in. When I look at potential candidates and they start promising a chicken in every pot or some equally absurd promise, I am reminded that the primary function of our government is to protect our liberty and freedom. Distractions in our personal lives rob us of productivity and energy, only when we back up and focus our energy can we make progress. I know that it is human nature to want to get something for nothing, but we need to remember that the price we pay could be the very liberties that our county was founded upon.

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

Dale Peterson: It's Time To Roll!

Dale Peterson (of the famous Alabama Ag Commish YouTube video) has a new video dedicated to turning out voters for the November election.

Battle for the Governor's Mansions: Poll Updates

Of all of the governors in the nation, 26 are Democrats, 23 are Republicans, and one is Independent (Charlie Crist of Florida, formerly Republican). 37 governorships are up this year (19 seats currently held by Democrats, and 18 by Republicans), and things are looking good for the GOP.

California - tossup (current R)

Outgoing Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is a Republican (well...) , but California is a liberal state. Former Democrat Governor (1975-1983) and current Attorney General Jerry Brown is running against Meg Whitman, the GOP nominee. The RCP poll average has Brown leading by 1.4%. Brown has been leading for most of the past year, but Whitman led in the polls during March and August. Currently, Brown has a very slim lead.

Illinois - lean GOP (current D)

In Illinois, you have a match-up between State Sen. Bill Brady (R) and Governor Pat Quinn, who replaced impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) in January of 2009. The RCP average has Brady leading by 9.2%. Brady has led this race since March by an average of 8-10 points.

Iowa - likely GOP (current D)

Democrat Chet Culver is facing Republican Terry Branstad, who was a former Iowa governor (1983-1999). The RCP average has Branstad leading by 13.4%.

Kansas - safe GOP (current D)

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback is running against State Sen. Tom Holland. Brownback is basically a shoo-in, as polls have found him with leads of 25-40%.

Maine - likely GOP (current D)

Mayor Paul LePage (R) is running against State Sen. Libby Mitchell (D), but a fairly strong Independent is in the race (Eliot Cutler). Due to Maine's tendency to have strong Independent candidates, no candidate has received over 50% of the vote since 1998 (and ironically, that was Independent Governor Angus King - the last time a Democrat or Republican gubernatorial candidate got over 50% was 1982). RCP has LePage leading by 15%. Cutler is taking anywhere from 10-15%, Mitchell 25-30%, and LePage has 40-45%.

Maryland - tossup (current D)

Maryland has a rematch of the 2006 gubernatorial race, when Democrat Martin O'Malley unseated incumbent Republican Bob Erhlich. Now, Erhlich hopes to turn the tables on O'Malley. RCP hgas O'Malley by 3.8%, but this race has been tightening.

Michigan - likely GOP (current D)

Rick Snyder (R) is running against Mayor Virg Bernero (D). Snyder has an impressive lead in this economically devastated state; the RCP average has him leading by 21%.

New Mexico - lean GOP (current D)

District Attorney Susanna Martinez (R) is facing  Lt. Gov. Diane Denish in the New Mexico gubernatorial contest. RCP has it Martinez by 4.7% - she has had a slim lead in the polls since June, but polls done in August (the most recent) had her leading by 6% and 7%.

Ohio - lean GOP (current D)

Gov. Ted Strickland (D) is trailing Republican Congressman John Kasich, who is set to spoil his reelection bid. RCP's average has it Kasich by 10.7%. Kasich has held a pretty steady lead for the past few months, with one poll earlier this month putting him up by 17%.

Oklahoma - likely GOP (current D)

Congresswoman Mary Fallin is running against Lt. Gov. Jari Askins in what is only one of two female-only gubernatorial races this year (New Mexico is the other - both will result in their state's first female governor). Polls have Fallin leading by 15-20%, but due to the voter registration in this state, Askins is by no means out of reach.

Oregon - tossup (current D)

Former NBA player Chris Dudley (R) and former Democrat Governor (1994-2002) John Kitzhaber are running to replace Governor Ted Kulongoski (D). RCP has Dudley leading by 3.4%. Dudley has held a very slim but consistent lead since May. The latest polls had him up by 5% and 6%.

Pennsylvania - likely GOP (current D)

Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato are seeking to replace Governor Ed Rendell (D). The RCP poll average has Corbett up by 9.8%.

RCP has this interesting tidbit about the Pennsylvania Governorship:

There are some trends in politics that border on the surreal. Virginia always elects a governor from the opposite party of the one holding the White House (true since the 1970s). The North Carolina Senate seat currently occupied by Richard Burr switches parties every six years (true since the 1970s). And the Pennsylvania governorship switches parties every eight years. The latter has been true since 1954, when Pennsylvania elected only its fourth Democratic governor since the close of the Civil War.

Polls have had Corbett around 50% for the past several months, and Onorato in the upper 30s.

Tennessee - safe GOP (current D)

Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam (R) has a big lead over Mike McWherter (D), son of a former governor. The RCP average has it Haslam by 23%. The latest poll had Haslam at 56%, and McWherter at 31%. Easy pickup for the GOP.

Wisconsin - likely GOP (current D)

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker (R) and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett are facing off to replace retiring Governor Jim Doyle. RCP has it Walker by 9.3%. Walker has led the polls since January. Walker also has an interesting "brown bag" theme to his campaign (see here and some of his YouTube videos) that you should check out.

Wyoming - safe GOP (current D)

Call it over already in Wyoming - Republican Matt Mead is leading Democrat Leslie Petersen 58%-24% in the latest poll.

Unbelievable: Murkowski keeps GOP leadership post

After Senate GOP leaders like Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and John Cornyn (R-TX) said that Lisa Murkowski (R?-AK) would likely be stripped of her ranking membership on the Energy and Natural Resources committee, since she is now running as a write-in candidate against Alaska Republican senatorial nominee Joe Miller (who defeated Murkowski in the primary)...

... they decided to let her keep the post.

As Michelle Malkin said, another head-banging-against-the-wall moment for the still-don't-get-it GOP leadership.

Even Gov. Brad Henry Opposes SQ744

Democrat Governor Brad Henry announced today that he will be chairing the opposition to State Question 744 - the ballot questions that seeks to mandate Oklahoma spend the "regional average" for education.

Henry said it was a "painful" decision, but that SQ744 would cause major problems to Oklahoma's state budget. Henry joins a long line of prominent Democrats who oppose SQ744 (including the Democrats gubernatorial nominee, Jari Askins), in addition to Republican officials and major newspapers.

For more information on SQ744, visit the website of One Oklahoma Coalition, and OFRG's site on SQ744.

Monday Evening Roundup

PPP poll: Huckabee lone Republican to beat Obama

In Public Policy Polling's latest 2012 presidential poll, Mike Huckabee is the only Republican who tops President Obama (47%-44%). Huckabee was also the only Republican to have positive favorability ratings. The other potential GOP candidates polled were Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, and PPP tossed Glenn Beck in as a novelty.

Traditional family key to economic health of nation

Brandon Dutcher penned an excellent column on the massive - and positive - economic impact of the traditional family model; in particular, married homemakers. It simply is a must-read.

Hamas selling confiscated humanitarian aid

A journalist who recently visited the Gaza Strip says that Hamas has confiscated international humanitarian aid, and is forcing Gazans to buy the goods, such as medicine (ironically labeled "not for resale").

Sri Lankan MP's eloquent speech over strong-arm, dictatorial move

Blogger Adam Brickley at RightOSphere posted a video from a speech delivered by Sri Lankan Member of Parliament M.A. Sumanthiran. Sumanthiran was objecting to the government ramming through legislation to remove presidential term limits, and consolidate power in the hands of the President -- and filed under "emergency" procedures, barely giving time to print and distribute copies of the bill before it was brought up. The U.S. State Department has condemned the bill. The speech was given in English, so you can watch it if you wish, or you can read the text here. Sumanthiran gave a very eloquent speech (much interrupted by shouting from the majority coalition), but the chamber passed the measure over his objections.

Muskogee Politico readers' political affiliation

According to our unscientific online poll (in which 90 votes were cast), 80% of our readers are Republicans, 12% are Democrats, and 7% are Independents.

OKGOP Chairman on Lukewarm Politicians

Lukewarm Politicians

by Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Matt Pinnell

We are taught to guard against lukewarm Christianity, but what about lukewarm politicians? I'm having a hard time with them, too.

I bought a book yesterday while writing this message that I'm looking forward to reading- "Primary Mistake: How the Washington Republican Establishment Lost Everything in 2006 (and Sabotaged My Senatorial Campaign.)"

The book is written by Steve Laffey. He was the Mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island when he decided to run for the Senate in 2006, but failed to unseat then-incumbent Lincoln Chaffee for the Republican nomination. Laffey accuses the NRSC of an unprecedented negative campaign against him in favor of his more moderate opponent. Sound familiar? At the time, Pat Toomey called it “the first skirmish in a very important war."

I've read many pages online already; one of Laffey's better lines:"Republicans never did better than when they were proud of who they were, and never did worse than when they pretended to be something they weren't."

When Reagan was questioned by reporters about statements claiming he was too extreme, he responded, "I think moderation should be taken in moderation...When you’re on the operating table, you hope the doctor has more than just moderate skills. Let's put what we and our party believe on our banner and not water it down."

You want to get elected? Stand for something. Drop the talking points and platitudes. Roll up your sleeves, put on some walking shoes, and go talk to voters at their doorstep. I'm encouraged to see our Republican nominees doing just that.

We know where our nominees stand on the issues; I can't say the same for their Democrat foes. Heck, they don't even have a State Party Platform! I guess the Oklahoma Democratic Party is fine with the National Democrat Platform put together by liberals outside of Oklahoma.

Let's put what we believe on our banner and not water it down, Republicans. I guarantee you it's better than the alternative.

If you wish to contact Chairman Pinnell, you can email him at mattpinnell@gmail.com.

The Conservative View: Handwriting on the Wall

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

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

Handwriting on the Wall

I guess it is just a part of human nature for us when we are young to believe that we will never grow old and we will always be strong and energetic. I am reminded of an old story in the Bible about an ancient king being warned by a hand that appeared and wrote a message of warning to the king. As I see a little more grey hair each day, I also see the need to prepare for the day when I can no longer work yet still have the income to live a modest but comfortable life. As a conservative I believe in personal responsibility and the using of good fiscal sense, if we don’t see the handwriting on the wall we are all going to pay a huge price in our so-called golden years.

A lot of people have faith in some retirement system either from Social Security or some state retirement plan. Both of the systems are experiencing problems and I feel that the problems will only get worse. In the case of Social Security, the baby boomers are retiring and the number of those paying and those receiving are getting closer together every day. Another fact; the retiring baby boomers were paying more into Social Security because many of them were at their peak salary. In the case of many of the state retirement systems, the contributions were borrowed from by the lawmakers who were in charge of the system to fund other government projects or the funds were invested in a falling stock market.

Some states are already raising the retirement age to prolong the inevitable reductions of benefits. Social Security is also facing a train wreck, we have heard the warnings for years but very few politicians have the will power to do the things necessary to fix the problem. I do know that we Americans have gotten into the mentality that problems can be fixed in a year or two, but we are facing decades of sacrifice in order to correct the problem. I have noticed that many Americans are unwilling to make the sacrifices; far too many of us have the mentality of just let someone else take the hit and leave me alone. For those of us that can see the handwriting on the wall, we know that we need not rely upon the government but to rely upon our own abilities to provide for ourselves in our later years.

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

Murkowski Launches Write-In Candidacy

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, who was defeated by Tea Party-backed Joe Miller in the GOP primary on August 24th, announced this evening that she will continue her campaign as a write-in candidate.

After losing to Miller, Murkowski had three options. One - accept the primary results; two - persuade the Libertarian Party to remove their candidate, and replace him with her; or three - run as a write-in.

At her announcement rally, she gave this gem of a quote:

"Today my friends, my campaign for Alaska's future begins. I announce today I will be a write-in candidate for the United States Senate seat I now hold. The easier route for me personally would be to accept the results of this primary and put me and my family first, and I gave that very serious consideration. ... But I looked into my heart, and I said, 'where is my heart,' and my heart is Alaska. I cannot leave you. ... I listened to Alaskans who said, 'Lisa, please give us that choice. We cannot accept the extremist views of Joe Miller.'"

With Murkowski back in the picture, the Democrats chances at taking the seat go from non-existent to a small potential. Miller and Murkowski could split enough of the GOP vote for Democrat Scott McAdams, although it is still unlikely, as polls show Miller and Murkowski far ahead of McAdams (one poll showed Miller in the lead, another showed Murkowski).

Murkowski is in a predicament, though. No one has won a write-in candidacy for Senate since Strom Thurmond did in 1954. Winning anything as a write-in - especially with a difficult name - is a huge hurdle.

Polling a race like this, also, is a problem. You can't simply name Miller, McAdams and Murkowski when polling - because Murkowski will not be on the ballot. You would have to say Miller, McAdams, and "someone else", and if the individual said "someone else", then ask Murkowski (and others) in order to more accurately simulate the actual ballot.

Murkowski has resigned her Senate GOP leadership position, following pressure from fellow Republican Senators.

I'm with Erick Erickson of RedState.com - "Is there anyone in Alaska named Murlowski? Can we get that guy to run as a write-in candidate?"

We The People: Honoring Constitution Day

The Heritage Foundation is out with a special video for Constitution Day:

Constitution Day

On September 17th, 1787, 39 men signed a document of great importance: the United States Constitution. 223 years later, that piece of paper still governs our nation.

 

Read the Constitution at this link.

News Roundup

• The White House wants the public to say "global climate disruption", instead of "global warming".

• A Tennessee Democrat congressional nominee calls on Nancy Pelosi to "step aside" for the good of Democratic candidates. He is running in a seat (TN-6) where the incumbent Democrat is retiring. Brett Carter, the Democrat candidate, further said that he would not vote for Pelosi to be Speaker.

• Blogger Steve Fair gives 10 reasons why conservatives should not vote for Jari Askins for Governor.

• Christine O'Donnell, surprise Delaware Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, has raised just under $1.3M since election night. The original goal was $50,000.

• Jim DeMint (one of Sen. Tom Coburn's only allies in Congress) had this to say in an email from his Senate Conservatives Fund:
  
  

  Following Christine O'Donnell's historic win on Tuesday, the Washington establishment launched an all out assault against me for supporting this principled candidate. They say she can't win and that by supporting her, I've helped lose the seat for Republicans.
  Well, I've been in the majority with Republicans who didn't have principles, and we embarrassed ourselves and lost credibility in front of the country. Frankly, I'm at a point where I'd rather lose fighting for the right cause than win fighting for the wrong cause.

   Read the rest of DeMint's email here.

New Fallin Commercial: "Stand Up"

The Mary Fallin for Governor campaign released this commercial today.

Primary Night: Big Victories for Tea Party Candidates

Tonight was primary night in several states, and Tea Party-supported candidates came out big. This continues the surge Tea Party candidates have had, capped off so far this year by Joe Miller's stunning victory in Alaska over U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

Christine O'Donnell upset Congressman Mike Castle in the Delaware Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Castle, one of the most liberal Republicans in Congress, had long been considered a shoo-in, not only for the primary but also for the general election. O'Donnell received 53% of the vote this evening, while Castle got 47%.

The nomination of O'Donnell will make this particular race much more competitive. Last week, Rasmussen found Castle leading the Democrat nominee 48%-37%, and O'Donnell trailing 36%-47%.

In New Hampshire U.S. Senate primary, Ovide Lamontagne has been leading Kelly Ayotte all night, currently (10:30pm CST) by 41.2%-37.4%. Ayotte had the support of Sarah Palin, along with other, more establishment Republicans, but Lamontagne has received a lot of Tea Party support.

All Republican candidates for Senate have been in a slight lead in the New Hampshire race, according to polls.

In Wisconsin, Ron Johnson is cruising to an 80%+ victory. Johnson is also a Tea Party candidate, and has a viable chance at defeating incumbent U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI). Recent polls have had the two essentially tied, or with Johnson in a slight lead.

Poll: Your Political Affiliation

Just for fun, I'm running a poll on the right sidebar to determine the political affiliation of my readers. If you wouldn't mind taking just a second to cast your appropriate vote, I'd appreciate it!

Jamison Faught
Muskogee Politico

The Conservative View: An Example to Learn

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

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

An Example to Learn

Over the past week there has been a furor about the pastor in Florida that scheduled a Koran burning to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that happened 9 years ago. I did not have any friends or relatives that died in that attack and I can only imagine the feelings that the loved ones have about the senseless loss of life that day. All true Americans were outraged at what had happened and we were ready for vengeance, but before we took action we tried to find out who was responsible and take the appropriate action.

I was raised in a Christian household and that is my belief system; however I also respect the right of anyone to believe in whatever they want to. I definitely do not agree with a group of madmen that would kill themselves and thousands of innocent men and women because they think that they would become martyrs and go to heaven and have 72 virgins at their disposal. It is my understanding that Muslims, like other religions, believe that their god is the one true god and if anyone disagrees with that belief they are at war with that person until judgment day. If the Muslim religion is truly a religion of peace and acceptance of others, maybe they should issue a statement that they respect other religions and will only try to convert others to their beliefs by peaceful means and would join in the fight against anyone who would use violence to promote their beliefs.

We Christians, much of the time, are too laid back when it comes to professing our faith and our way of life. One thing that you have to give to the Muslim world is they can get riled up when anyone critizes their faith. Let some little church with a membership of 50 people suggest having a book burning and Muslims from many countries start rioting and burning American flags and threatening violence against all Americans. If a group of Muslims decided to buy and burn a bunch of Bibles, let them do it as long as they don’t come into my home and try to burn mine. If there was a Koran burning in my area I wouldn’t waste my time going to it, if someone wants to burn the Koran or 100 dollar bills let them waste their time. One thing that we need to remind the world, our country is one of a few that could have vaporized entire countries. We refuse to act like madmen even though thousands of our people were murdered. Today we see people in the streets acting like madmen just because someone half a world away want to burn a book.

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

Never Forget

Boren's Pollster Says Boren Leads by 34%

The pollster for Congressman Dan Boren's congressional reelection campaign is out with a memo that shows Democrat Boren leading GOP nominee Charles Thompson 65% to 31% in their latest poll of the 2nd District race.

Read the rest at the McCarville Report.

The First 'Death Panels'

The New York Times has an interesting article, detailing how the Democrats are being forced to cut loose incumbents with poor reelection chances.

Democrats Plan Political Triage to Retain House

WASHINGTON — As Democrats brace for a November wave that threatens their control of the House, party leaders are preparing a brutal triage of their own members in hopes of saving enough seats to keep a slim grip on the majority.

In the next two weeks, Democratic leaders will review new polls and other data that show whether vulnerable incumbents have a path to victory. If not, the party is poised to redirect money to concentrate on trying to protect up to two dozen lawmakers who appear to be in the strongest position to fend off their challengers.

“We are going to have to win these races one by one,” said Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, conceding that the party would ultimately cut loose members who had not gained ground.

It looks like the first "death panels" are not with ObamaCare, but formed by the Democrats, and focused on incumbent Democrat congresspersons...

OKGOP Chair Pinnell: Serfdom Through Sidewalks

Serfdom Through Sidewalks

by Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Matt Pinnell

President Obama announced yesterday a proposal for another $50 billion ‘stimulus’ package aimed at our nation’s infrastructure. Let me put that in plain Okie: he wants to build more roads and sidewalks with your tax dollars.

Obama’s recycled policy of more stimulus dollars isn’t going to generate job growth, only build upon a mountain of debt and further spook private investment.  With the unemployment rate rising to 9.6 percent in August, Obama’s summer of recovery didn’t happen, and the only solution Democrats have? Throw more of our tax dollars at it, of course.

This President should be a one-termer for many reasons, but I’d argue the biggest is his lack of faith in the American people. Big government isn’t the answer, and Americans know it. We want a President to stand up and defend us, set us loose, not talk down to us and handcuff the country with further government intervention and bureaucracy.

“The Road to Serfdom,” the infamous book written by economist and philosopher Friedrich von Hayek, warned of the danger of tyranny that inevitably results from government control of economic decision-making. He argued that the abandonment of individualism and freedom ultimately leads to socialist oppression and the “serfdom of the individual.”

It starts with harmless sidewalks, but no doubt that’s just the beginning for the Obama Administration. Every Oklahoma Democrat candidate owes us an explanation on whether they stand with Obama and his latest stimulus…that includes Jari Askins who has been silent thus far.

Serfdom through sidewalks? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: November 2nd is our jackhammer.

Heritage Ad: Where's My Congressman?

The Conservative View: Those Were The Good Ole Days

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

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

Those Were The Good Ole Days

We humans like to look back to the events of our past and reflect on a simpler time in our lives. I have fond memories of the time I spent on my father’s farm and the old swimming hole where I spent many hours with other children in our community having a good time in our nature’s swimming pool. Over the past couple of years I have observed the events taking place in our nation’s capital with all of the reckless spending of money that we don’t have. We Americans had better get a grip on reality and come to the realization that somewhere, somehow, someone is going to have to pay the bills. Far too many people do not have a grasp of economics and good fiscal stewardship. During the Bush administration there were several tax cuts that were passed; the only thing bad about them were they weren’t permanent. On January 1, 2011, if not renewed, they will expire and the American people will experience tax hikes like the world has never seen.

There are many taxes that will hit the American people, but one of the most unfair taxes will again be a burden upon all Americans. The death tax, in my opinion, goes against the very essence of what America is all about. Without the right of private property we citizens become property of the state. When I earn money I must pay taxes upon my earnings, if I use good sense with the remainder of money that I have after taxes and save it, I feel that money should be mine to do with as I please. If I choose to save it and pass it on to my decedents, it should be theirs to do with as they please. Under the Bush tax cuts this year “2010” there will be no taxes upon that money, after January 1, 2011, your heirs will be facing a up to a 55% tax on their inheritance.

The inheritance tax is only one of many. It seems to me that many people are obsessed with getting free health care and the Bush tax cuts expiring are of little interest to them. If we think that we have it bad now, it is nothing to what we will be facing if we don’t get a congress that believes in allowing people to have the right of private property. Maybe George Bush wasn’t perfect, but those were the good ole days.

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


[MP note] At his recent town hall meeting in Muskogee, U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-Muskogee), when asked about the Bush tax cuts, had this to say: "They're not Bush's tax cuts - they're your tax cuts!"