Desperate Democrats sending mailers for Libertarians

In a sign of sure desperation, Democrat parties across the nation are sending out mail pieces that attempt to sway Republicans and Independents to support the Libertarian candidate, thus enabling the Democrat to eke out a victory.

Indiana-9: "The Indiana Democratic Party has sent an unusual mailer to 9th Congressional District voters, calling Libertarian Greg Knott the race’s “real conservative” in an attempt to siphon votes away from Republican Todd Young."

Maryland-1: "In what appears to be a national pattern, the Democratic Party is highlighting a longshot third-party candidate in an effort to undermine a Republican nominee--in this case, Andy Harris, the GOP challenger in Maryland's tightest House race." Also here.

Illinois-Senate: "The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Illinois Democratic Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias admitted yesterday that his campaign had a hand in a mailer sent to conservatives in downstate Illinois touting Libertarian Senate candidate Mike Labno as a "pro-life, pro-gun" alternative to Rep. Mark Kirk, the Republican nominee in the race." [more here]

Arizona-8: "Wow, talk about a desperate move by those whose ideas have been rejected by the populace.  The Arizona Democratic Party is sending out mail advocating for the Libertarian Candidate in CD 8 because he is the 'Real Conservative.'"

Arizona-5: "At least the Stoltz piece has a disclosure.  In District 5, someone sent out this piece on behalf of Libertarian Rick Coons but without the required disclosure." [more also here]


Desperate times require desperate measures. The Democrats must really be in trouble to stoop to sending mailers out for Libertarian candidates who openly oppose large portions of the Democrat platform and agenda (i.e. ObamaCare, gun restrictions, higher taxes, etc).

Schools & SQ744 Campaigning

News is coming out in this final week of the election that public school superintendents are illegally campaigning for State Question 744 on and with state property.

"It's for the children," we hear all the time and this time, school superintendents and officials plan to use our children as campaign volunteers for the infamous State Question 744.  Today, a Yukon resident filed a temporary injunction and restraining order against Sandy Garrett and Superintendent Bill Denton of Yukon.  The plan was to give out materials to children to take home the day before the vote on State Question 744.

Click here for the rest of Ron Black's post.

Patrick McGuigan reports:

Julia Seay, a Yukon resident, filed the restraining order and temporary injunction through her attorneys, Shawnnessy Black and Anthony Ferate.

The injunction states, in part: “Petitioner, Julia Seay, believes that the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the various proponents of State Question 744 have conspired to engage in electioneering and distribute flyers that are in clear support of Oklahoma State Question 744, such material is intended to be distributed to the parents of students attending Oklahoma Public Schools.”

The Seay injunction continues: “Petitioner, Julia Seay, has knowledge that the Superintendent of Public Instruction requested that flyers in support of Oklahoma State Question 744 be distributed on Monday, November 1st, 2010, to impressionable school age children.”

Shawnnessy Black, one of Seay’s attorneys, said in a statement sent to CapitolBeatok, “Distribution of political material through the classroom is a direct violation of state law and citizens and supporters of State Question 744 will stop at nothing to get what they want – and what they want is to use our children as campaign volunteers for their tax increases.”

Click here for the rest of the article on CapitolBeatOK.com.

I have copies of two emails sent out by Braggs Superintendent Lucky McCrary through his official school email account that campaigns for State Question 744 (including another document by Crescent Public Schools Superintendent Steve Shriever).

Additionally, I have received information from a Muskogee parent who, while attending a recent parent-teacher conference, was given information by a teacher who encouraged her to vote yes on SQ744. The teacher told the parent, "I know I'm not supposed to be doing this, but..." and continued on with her electioneering.

As I have said before, schools are meant for learning, not electioneering. This is shameful, and there should be swift penalties for electioneering with state resources and at schools. The Oklahoma taxpayer is not paying the salary of their local superintendent (or any other state employee) so that he or she can campaign on our dime or exploit our schoolchildren.

Brecheen Responds to Gumm's False Attacks

State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm (D-Durant) has launched a desperate, last-minute attack ad against his surging Republican challenger, Josh Brecheen. The attack ad is filled with flaws, and out-and-out lies. The Brecheen campaign issued the following press release, and is now airing the following response commercial.

Gumm recently claimed to have a 16-point lead, the day after a Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates poll showed Brecheen leading by 6%. This attack by Gumm is a desperation 'Hail Mary', and is definitely not indicative of a campaign that has a huge lead.

Brecheen Campaign Refutes Gumm’s False and Misleading Smears in his Latest Media Ads

Coalgate, OK – Incumbent Senator Jay Paul Gumm is running last-minute television ads containing false allegations intending to mislead District 6 voters about Josh’s background and character. These misrepresentations and smears insult the intelligence of our friends and neighbors and degrade the ideal of public service. We are disappointed that the members of the media involved chose to run these negative advertisements and hope that the media and print news organizations take seriously their duty to the public to investigate the allegations and expose these misrepresentations.

Specifically, the campaign responds to these attacks as follows:

1. Allegations that Josh is not really a rancher and doesn’t have a ranch because he does not pay property taxes. Response: These are knowing and intentional lies by Mr. Gumm. As everyone in Clarita and Olney knows, Josh operates a 160 acre ranch at the junction of routes 48 and 31. He and Kacie pay property taxes on their own home in Olney, located on 5 acres that have been in the family for two generations.

2. Allegation that Josh doesn’t own a ranch truck. Response: Josh owns a truck with farm tags. (Is this really important to Mr. Gumm?)

3. Allegation that Josh didn’t vote before he began work for U.S. Senator Tom Coburn. Response: Before his work for Senator Coburn, Josh voted in Stillwater (Payne County) where Josh attended OSU College of Agriculture. Mr. Gumm intentionally misleads voters by referencing only Coal County election records.

4. Allegation that Josh “took $250,000 of government payments from the taxpayers.” Response: This is almost six years’ worth of salary added together for effect, which he earned as the field representative for U.S. Senator Tom Coburn in Southeast Oklahoma. This full-time position paid Josh an average of approximately $45,000 per year, which is about what Mr. Gumm makes in four months as a member of the third highest part-time paid legislative body in America.

These lies and false representations were not unexpected from Mr. Gumm, who is obviously desperate to shift the focus of the discussion away from the unethical financial practices of lawmakers, who have earned an “F” rating in transparency of financial reporting from the Center for Public Integrity.

Senator Gumm himself has left many questions unanswered, such as what exactly he did for his large payments for “consulting” from special interests in the district. Investigative journalist Andrew Griffin researched this just recently and did not receive an answer from Mr. Gumm. Questions remain on how he affords, on a legislator’s salary, a new house and large new automobiles and multiple rental houses – see information here and here. And also, how his 2006 campaign managed to spend $260,000 on a campaign in which he didn’t even have an opponent.

We expect that the false charges and desperate attack ads from Senator Gumm will continue right up until Election Day, but trust that our neighbors in the district will thoughtfully consider the source and focus on the opportunity to finally bring a man described by Senator Coburn as a person with “no arrogance” and “no guile” to represent us in Oklahoma City.

We respectfully ask that voters ignore the false charges from Senator Gumm and vote for Josh Brecheen.

For more information, please visit www.BrecheenForSenate.com, or email pr@brecheenforsenate.com.

Remember November: The Final Act

Remember November: The Final Act from Republican Governors Association on Vimeo.

Regional Averages: Per-Pupil, Total State Budget

Proponents of State Question 744 like to talk about the "regional average" of education spending, and they use this map to further illustrate their point:

They talk extensively about how we need to be at the regional average. In fact, that is the crux, the essence of their entire campaign.

However, let me show you a "regional average" map that I put together this evening. This is a "regional average" of the state budgets:

As the map clearly shows, Oklahoma's budget is a whopping $19.1 billion off of the "regional average". Even without Texas' titanic budget in the mix, Oklahoma is still $7.56 billion lower - just 48.5% of the regional-minus- Texas average.

Now, I suppose I could be a few billion dollars off in my figures, but that still doesn't make that much of a difference; Oklahoma's budget is significantly smaller than almost every state around us.

What does this mean? Oklahoma simply does not have the revenue to sustain "regional average" without major revenue increases (i.e. substantial tax hikes), large cuts to every other state agency, or a combination of both.

In other words, we cannot afford for State Question 744 to pass. Vote NO on State Question 744!

Choices, Choices, Oh So Many Choices... My Take on the 2010 State Questions

Choices, choices... oh so many choices...

Yes, with just four days left, I am finally getting around to covering the eleven State Questions on the ballot. Mind you, this is a brief summary of my position on each. I intended to do this earlier, but the time simply evaded me. But, better late than never...

State Question 744 ("regional average" education funding mandate) -- NO

If there is only one state question that you vote on this year, make SQ744 the one -- and vote NO. 744 mandates that Oklahoma spend the "regional average" on education, essentially putting states like Texas and Colorado in charge of Oklahoma's budget. If the regional average goes down, Oklahoma's education spending cannot go down. There is no funding provided for the estimated annual $1B-$2B price-tag with SQ744 (on top of the current budget; education already gets well over 50% of the state budget, or over $3.5B), a price-tag that would have to be funded by a 30% tax increase, a 20% cut in every other state department, or a combination of the two. SQ744 is extremely dangerous, and you need to vote No.

State Question 746 (voter ID) -- YES

I am a huge fan of Voter ID, and therefore will be voting for SQ746. This will serve to combat voter fraud, and ensure that we have a fair and legitimate election process. Vote Yes.

State Question 747 (term limits) -- YES

Oklahoma currently has term limits for the state legislature and governor. SQ747 merely expands it to the other statewide offices (like Lieutenant Governor, Auditor, State Superintendent, etc). Again, I'm a huge fan of term limits. Vote Yes.

State Question 748 (backup redistricting committee) -- YES

This question amends how the backup redistricting committee is chosen (and makes it bipartisan), if the legislature somehow fails to redistrict (which has never happened in state history). Vote Yes.

State Question 750 (petition signatures) -- YES

This measure standardizes how many signatures are needed to place a State Question on the ballot. Rather than using a set percentage based on the last general election (presidential or gubernatorial), this makes it the same percentage - but of the last gubernatorial election (less votes in that cycle, so less signatures needed). Vote Yes.

State Question 751 (English official language) -- YES

SQ751 makes English the official language of state government. Official documents will be printed in English (as opposed to, say, California, where ballots are printed in seven different languages). It does nothing to affect personal speech, and has exceptions for Native American languages and Federal law. Local State Representative George Faught (R-Muskogee) has worked for four years for passage of this legislation. Vote Yes.

State Question 752 (judicial nominating committee) -- YES

This measure expands the Judicial Nomination Committee from 13 to 15 members, and reduces the power of the Oklahoma Bar Association when it comes to selecting new judges and justices. Vote Yes.

State Question 754 (state budget decision making) --YES

SQ754 was intended mainly to combat SQ744, and similar future measures that tie Oklahoma's budget to that of other states. There has been some question as to the unintended consequences of this State Question, but I believe them to not be the case. Attorney General Drew Edmondson did a bit of editorializing in the ballot language of this particular measure, so the language about inability to repeal, et cetera, is incorrect. (trivia: the Attorney General is the person who writes the final language for ballot measures, not the legislature) Vote Yes.

State Question 755 (banning use of international and Sharia law) -- YES

SQ755 is a very important "Yes" vote. Believe it or not, but Islamic Sharia law has been used in some British and American courts! Additionally, we must ensure that so-called International Law is never given precedence over state and federal law, or our Constitution. (brief plug: for a dangerous example of international law, see ParentalRights.org) Vote Yes.

State Question 756 (anti-ObamaCare) -- YES

Part of the nationwide fight against ObamaCare, it is very important that SQ756 be passed. Vote Yes.

State Question 757 (Rainy Day Fund expansion) -- NO

This expands the size of the state's Constitutional Reserve Fund ("Rainy Day Fund"). I'm not going to be terribly upset if this passes, but I will be voting against SQ757. I see no reason to give the legislature more money - and more excuses to not make needed cuts to government. Vote No.


This is merely my take on the State Questions. OKProsperity.com has a good section on the State Questions, complete with Pro & Con takes, and the actual ballot language. Do your research, and VOTE on these State Questions!

T Minus Five Days: Voting Problems

With just five days left until E-Day, reports are surfacing of problems with early voting across the nation.

New Bern, North Carolina:

Sam Laughinghouse of New Bern said he pushed the button to vote Republican in all races, but the voting machine screen displayed a ballot with all Democrats checked. He cleared the screen and tried again with the same result, he said. Then he asked for and received help from election staff.

“They pushed it twice and the same thing happened,” Laughinghouse said. “That was four times in a row. The fifth time they pushed it and the Republicans came up and I voted.”

Clark County, Nevada:

Clark County election officials insisted on Tuesday that electronic voting machines were not malfunctioning at polling locations are some voters complained that Sen. Harry Reid's name had been pre-selected.

Controversy arose after Boulder City resident Joyce Ferrara complained to FOX5 that when she went to vote for GOP Senate candidate Sharron Angle, Reid's name was already checked.

Bucks County, Pennsylvania:

A trio of Bucks County residents backed by the county Republican committee say they have evidence linking Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy's campaign to a scheme to flood the county voter registration office with fraudulent applications for absentee ballots.

Illinois:

An Illinois county election official says that thousands, and potentially hundreds of thousands, of voters who are expecting a ballot sent to them by mail may be disenfranchised.

With all of the issues nationwide with electronic voting machines, perhaps it's time that states looked to Oklahoma for an example of a ballot that is very easy to understand, and works very well. It just doesn't get much simpler than "connect-the-arrows" (as shown in the 2006 Oklahoma sample ballot below).

2006 Oklahoma sample ballot

Rep. Faught Hosts Final State Question Forum

Rep. Faught Hosts Final State Question Forum

Area residents will have one final opportunity to attend a public meeting to discuss the eleven State Questions on the upcoming ballot.  The Thursday evening gathering will be the last in a series of forums hosted by Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee).  Faught has met with church and civic groups, as well as held open meetings in area communities including Muskogee, Fort Gibson, Braggs, Tahlequah and Eufaula.

“I am encouraged and pleased that well over 300 citizens have taken advantage of these informal discussions.  They are making sure they are informed before voting on these important issues”, said Faught.

The final State Question Forum will be held this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau office (24 E. Shawnee – east of K Mart).  There will be no charge to attend and everyone is invited.  Informational packets will be available.

For more information, contact Rep. George Faught at (918) 682-8383 or email george.faught@okhouse.gov.

Can Barry Switzer Play Spoiler Once Again?

Can former OU football coach Barry Switzer play spoiler in the gubernatorial race, once again? Democrat candidate Jari Askins sure hopes so.

Switzer played a key role in the upset election of, then a little-known State Senator, Governor Brad Henry in 2002. Now the Askins' campaign has released a final-week commercial with Switzer.

You can count on this to run very heavily until the election. But will it be enough for Askins to pull off a victory, as polls continue to show Fallin with a large lead? Only time will tell.

Huckabee Endorses Charles Thompson for Congress

Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee endorsed 2nd District congressional candidate Charles Thompson yesterday.

“Huck PAC and I are pleased to support Charles Thompson for Congress, from Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District. Charles served our country honorably in the United States Army for over two decades.

As a small business owner, Charles successfully operated a veterinary hospital, and understands the difficulties facing small business owners. Charles is adamantly opposed to government-run healthcare, TARP, Cap & Trade and the bailouts.

Charles Thompson shares our conservative values, like the sanctity of life and traditional marriage between one man and one woman. An ardent supporter of the 2nd amendment, Charles is also a longtime member of the National Rifle Association.

Please join me in supporting Charles Thompson, and let’s send him to Congress.”

Huckabee is the first major national figure to endorse in the 2nd District race.

Human Events profiles SD6 candidate Josh Brecheen

The national conservative news site Human Events recently wrote a profile on Oklahoma State Senate District 6's Republican candidate, Josh Brecheen.

You could sum up most elections this year as the established politician vs. the concerned newcomer. And voters craving a concerned newcomer in Oklahoma’s 6th District have a horse in that race; literally.

Josh Brecheen, 31, has been training and breeding horses since 2002. Now, he’s a Republican candidate running for state senate against Democratic incumbent Jay Gumm.

Historically, Oklahoma’s 6th District is a stronghold for Democrats. Gumm has represented the district for eight years. But that might be changing according to a recent poll that shows Brecheen ahead by six points running into the election.

Click here to read the rest of the article on HumanEvents.com.

Statewide candidates loan their campaigns money... lots of it

Last night was the deadline for campaigns to file their ethics reports for the past reporting period (8/10-10/18). One of the most interesting tidbits I noticed about these reports is how many of the statewide candidates loaned their campaigns money, and how much they gave.

• Gubernatorial candidate Jari Askins (D) loaned herself $300,000 on September 21st, and $50,000 on October 18th. That brings her campaign-to-date total to $1,225,000.
• State Auditor candidate Steve Burrage (D) loaned himself $225,000 on September 2nd, $136,000 on September 14th, and $100,000 on September 7th. His campaign-to-date total is $486,193.60.
• Treasurer candidate Ken Miller (R) loaned himself $50,000 on October 18th.
• State Superintendent candidate Janet Barresi (R) loaned herself $456,345.44 on October 1st, bringing her campaign-to-date total to $731,345.44.
• Labor Commissioner candidate Mark Costello (R) loaned himself $75,000 on August 31st, $60,000 on September 30th, and $20,000 on October 18th. His campaign-to-date total is $483,662.78.
• Insurance Commissioner candidate John Doak (R) loaned himself $53,500 on August 11th, $10,000 on August 16th, $40,000 on August 18th, $25,000 on August 20th, and $50,000 on October 15th. That makes his campaign-to-date total $213,600.

In this past reporting period, two Democrat statewide candidates loaned their campaigns a total $811,000.00, while four Republican statewide candidates gave their campaigns $786,345.44.

2010 Election: Oklahoma Judicial Retention

Oklahoma voters get to decide whether or not to "retain" judges on the various different state courts every two years. Ever since the retention system was implemented, no judge has ever been kicked out of office.

This year, three judges are on the statewide ballot - two State Supreme Court Justices, and one Court of Civil Appeals Justice. Given that practically nobody knows anything about these judges come election time, I'll post a little bit of information about the judges here, and how I will be voting.

Oklahoma Supreme Court

Justice James R. Winchester

Justice James Winchester was appointed by Gov. Frank Keating (R) on Jan. 4, 2000 as a member of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. A native of Clinton, Oklahoma, Justice Winchester received his bachelors of art from the University of Oklahoma and his juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University.

After graduating from law school, Justice Winchester practiced law in Weatherford and Hinton before being named Associate District Judge for Caddo County in Jan. 1983. In Dec. 1983, at age 30, Justice Winchester became one of the youngest district judges in the state when he was appointed as District Judge for the Sixth Judicial District of Oklahoma. During his tenure as a district judge, he tried more than 200 jury trials, ranging from fraud to first-degree murder death-penalty cases.

Justice Winchester was named Outstanding State Trial Court Judge by the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association in 1986 and served as an executive board member of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference from 1992 to 1996. He served as President of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference in 1995. From August 1997 to January 2000, Justice Winchester served as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge. Winchester is husband to former State Rep. Susan Winchester (R-Chickasha).

My suggested vote: YES

 Justice Steven W. Taylor

Vice-Chief Justice Steven W. Taylor earned his B.A. in Political Science from Oklahoma State University in 1971.  Justice Taylor received the Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1974.

Taylor joined the United States Marine Corps in 1970 and served on active duty from 1974-1978.  He was trained as an infantry platoon commander and later served as a prosecutor and Chief Defense Counsel.  In 1977 he became the youngest judge in the U.S. Armed Forces.  He was promoted to the rank of Major.

Following his active duty service in the Marines, Taylor practiced law in McAlester from 1978-1984.  In 1980 he was elected to the McAlester City Council and in 1982 was elected Mayor of McAlester, making him the youngest Mayor in that city’s history. 

In March 1984 Governor George Nigh appointed Taylor Associate District Judge for Pittsburg County.  In 1991 he was the first Associate District Judge ever to be elected President of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference.  In 1994, Taylor was elected District Judge of the 18th Judicial District.  In 1997 and 2003 he was elected Presiding Judge of the ten county East-Central Judicial Administrative District. In his over 20 years as a trial judge, he presided over more than 500 jury trials including the Terry Nichols Oklahoma City bombing case.

On September 24, 2004, Gov. Brad Henry (D) appointed Taylor to be a Justice of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma.

My suggested vote: NO

Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals (click links for info)

Deborah B. Barnes [appointed by Gov. Brad Henry (D)]: NO

Doug Gabbard II [appointed by Gov. Brad Henry (D)]: NO

John F. Fischer [appointed by Gov. Brad Henry (D)]: NO
Larry Joplin [appointed by Gov. David Walters (D)]: NO

I will be voting 'no' on the judges appointed by Democrat governors, not necessarily because of their actions, but because Mary Fallin will likely be the next Governor, and would be appointing their replacements. I trust a Republican governor more than I do a Democrat one (and especially more than I do Gov. Brad Henry).

If I run across any differing opinions on the judges, I'll try to post them.

News from around the Blogosphere

• More Californians are moving to Oklahoma than vice-versa. USAToday has a nice story on the topic here.

• Talk about a cool science project! A New York dad and his seven year-old son sent a balloon over 100,000 feet up, complete with a video recorder and an iPhone (for tracking purposes). Read more here. 

•  A CNN/Opinion Research midterm poll finds that on every issue you can think of, voters think that Republicans would take us in the right direction, and that Democrats would take us in the wrong direction (by greater margins than for the GOP).

I couldn't pass up the chance to post this video by RightChange.com... enjoy!

OKGOP Presents "Accountability Day"

The Oklahoma Republican Party presents "Accountability Day: The Day Oklahoma Fought Back", starring hard hitters like Dr. Tom Coburn, Mary Fallin, Scott Pruitt, Gary Jones, and others:

Rated "R" for "Republican", coming November 2nd.

New Fallin Ad: "Consider This"

Mary Fallin's campaign released the following commercial today.

Lamb vs. Corn: TV Slugfest

Democrat Lieutenant Governor candidate Kenneth Corn (State Senator, D-Poteau) released this attack ad early last week. The commercial has come under a lot of criticism, particularly by Oklahoma County DA David Prater. Watch it, then see the rebuttal ad by Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Todd Lamb (State Senator, R-Edmond). Ironically, Corn did not put this ad on YouTube until two days ago.





Todd Lamb fired back with this excellent rebuttal ad. Lamb points out that Corn voted for the same bill in question.




That noise you just heard? That's the Corn campaign self-destructing.

'Gary Jones is Coming to Town'

The brainchild of Stephens County conservative activist (and blogger) Steve Fair, the Gary Jones for State Auditor campaign presents Gary Jones Is Coming To Town:

SHOCK POLL: Brecheen Leading Gumm

I say "shock poll", because that's the only way a Democrat can view this news: Republican candidate Josh Brecheen is leading 8-year incumbent Democrat State Senator Jay Paul Gumm 46-40, according to a recent poll.

The two are running for State Senate District 6, which covers all or portions of Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston and Marshall counties (covering the communities of Durant, Tishomingo, Madill, Coalgate, and most of the Lake Texoma area).

Just under 20% of voters in the district are registered Republican - never has a Republican won a State Senate race in Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston or Marshall counties. Even for State House, a Republican has only won in Atoka County once (1909), and Coal County once (1921)

Brecheen is in excellent shape to make history by becoming the first GOP legislative candidate to represent these five southeastern counties in the State Senate. Frankly, from everything I have seen about this race, I am not surprised that Brecheen is leading. I'm fully convinced that Brecheen will make history by winning this race.

Muskogee Tea Party PAC Announces 2010 Endorsements

Muskogee Tea Party PAC Announces 2010 Endorsements

MUSKOGEE --  With 18 days left until voters go to the polls, this week the Muskogee Tea Party PAC announced their endorsements for the 2010 general election. 

For candidates outside of Oklahoma, the Muskogee Tea Party PAC endorsed U.S. Senate hopefuls, Joe Miller of Alaska, Dr. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Sharron Angle of Nevada, and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. Within the state of Oklahoma, the Muskogee Tea Party PAC endorsed Dr. Tom Coburn for U.S. Senate, Charles Thompson for U.S. House (District 2), Mary Fallin for Governor, and a vote AGAINST State Question 744.

Regarding Coburn, Muskogee Tea Party PAC Chairman Jamison Faught said, “Dr. Tom Coburn has been perhaps the strongest and most effective advocate for stopping runaway government spending.  Dr. Coburn stood up against his own party when they were spending billions of dollars we didn’t have, and he continues to stand up today to fight for fiscal sanity as massive budget deficits eclipse records. Tom Coburn will continue to be a stalwart defender and advocate for Constitutionally limited - and fiscally responsible - government.”

About Thompson, Faught said, “The Muskogee Tea Party chose to endorse Charles Thompson because he will provide the 2nd District with a Congressman who will be responsive to the people, follow the Constitution, and because he has a track record of serving our nation. A a 20 year Army veteran, who retired as a Major, Charles Thompson will truly fight for free market principles, lower taxation, traditional values, and adherence to the Constitution.”

“In the Governor’s race, Mary Fallin was the clear choice for our group,” Faught said. “She has a proven track record of conservatism, both on the state and federal levels. Mary can be trusted to bring much-needed improvements to Oklahoma government, such as lawsuit and workers’ compensation reform. She will be a strong leader in creating a pro-business environment to grow Oklahoma’s economy, and she will stand up when Washington oversteps its bounds. In turbulent times like these, Oklahoma needs a true conservative at the helm - and Mary Fallin will be such a leader.”

“Our group is very concerned about State Question 744, and the extremely negative impact that it would have on our state,” Faught said. “There is a reason why nearly every Republican and Democrat public official is opposed to SQ744 - because SQ744 will turn Oklahoma’s budget and economy into a wreck that makes California’s budget crisis look like a rose. The Muskogee Tea Party and other opponents of SQ744 are not against education by any stretch of the imagination - but SQ744 is the wrong way to go about reforming Oklahoma education.  It is vital that State Question 744 be defeated this election, and that’s why the Muskogee Tea Party is opposed to this measure.”

The Muskogee Tea Party is a non-partisan grassroots group of everyday Oklahomans who are concerned about the direction the country is moving in, and who disapprove of out-of-control government spending, excessive taxation, and lack of adherence to the Constitution.  To learn more about the Muskogee Tea Party, visit www.MuskogeeTeaParty.com, or call (918) 869-6000.

The New Dynamic in Political Commercials: Old Spice Knockoff Ads

Following the outrageously successful (and funny) Old Spice commercials with Isaiah Mustafa, political candidates are beginning to imitate the ads.

This one is from Joe Miller - the Alaska Republican nominee for U.S. Senate:

This was the first Old Spice political imitation, by Connecticut Republican congressional candidate Jerry Labriola:

Expect to see more of these ads on a television or computer near you!

Stillwater State Rep hands out reelection material in elementary school

Democrat State Representative Cory Williams (Stillwater) has come under some fire from parents of children at Sangre Ridge Elementary School in Stillwater, after Williams passed out his re-election campaign fliers during a class in which he was invited to speak about community involvement. Williams is in the midst of a tough re-election bid against Republican challenger Ryan Smith.

I have obtained a copy of an email sent by Sangre Ridge Elementary School Principal Ryan Blake after the incident:

Good Afternoon Sangre Parents,

I would like to provide some clarification regarding a unique situation that took place at Sangre Ridge today.  Second grade at Sangre Ridge is currently studying a unit on Community and how workers within the community impact our daily lives.  In order to create an engaging dialogue with students, a second grade teacher invited family and friends, who work within the community, to speak with the 2nd grade students.  In response to the teacher’s request, a second grade parent invited a current political candidate to discuss his role in the community.  This classroom discussion revolved around working with citizens to build a successful community.  This discussion with students was brief but ended with the political candidate distributing information cards to one class of 2nd grade students. The information cards have since been removed from the students and classroom.  I have been in contact with both political candidates and explained the situation in its entirety.

It is important to note that Stillwater Public Schools and Sangre Ridge Elementary do not endorse any one candidate or political party.

Please contact Ryan Blake at Sangre Ridge with any questions.  533-6360

Thanks,

Ryan Blake
Principal, Sangre Ridge Elementary School

The picture above, taken from Facebook before the pictures were removed, clearly shows that Rep. Williams had handed his pushcard to the schoolchildren and the teacher. Passing out campaign material during class, especially when the individual in question is on the ballot and was not invited as a candidate but as an elected official, shows poor judgment on the part of the candidate/elected official.

Kudos to Principal Blake for jumping on this situation promptly. Schools are meant for learning, not campaign stops for incumbent politicians. State Rep. Cory Williams should have realized that he was there for strictly educational purposes.

Earthquake in Oklahoma? You bet!

 

Oklahoma Geologic Survey seismograph trace of this morning's quake

A 5.1 earthquake struck Oklahoma this morning, with the epicenter 8 miles southeast of Norman. People reported feeling the quake all across the state, and into Kansas, Missouri and Texas. Two people in the Norman area received minor injuries.

Yes, Oklahoma does get earthquakes from time to time. At 5.1 on the Richter scale, this is the second-largest earthquake to hit Oklahoma in state history. The record holder took place on April 9th, 1952, and was centered around El Reno.

On a lighter note, Ben Burnsed, conservative activist from Stillwater, believes that he has discovered the cause of the earthquake: "Rumour has it the 4.5* Earthquake in Oklahoma today was caused by a stampede of DONKEYs and RINOs being driven out by a herd of ELEPHANTS. We expect this tremor to spread across the country over the next 3 weeks."

[*: the quake was initially a 4.3 or 4.5, but the OGS upgraded it to 5.1]

Rep. Faught Holding State Questions Forum in Fort Gibson Tonight

State Representative George Faught will be holding a State Question informational meeting tonight at the Fort Gibson public library at 6:30 p.m.

Faught will explain the 11 questions on the upcoming November ballot. Everyone is invited to come and participate in an informal discussion of these State Questions. Informational packets will be available to the public.

“With 11 state questions on the ballot it could easily become overwhelming for the voter to make a decision. This forum will allow those who participate to be more familiar and help determine how they might like to vote on these measures,”  Faught said.

The Q.B. Boydston Library is located at 201 E. South Ave. in Fort Gibson.  Please mark your calendars for this event.   For more information contact Rep. George Faught at (918) 682-8383, or at george.faught@okhouse.gov.

Coburn Launches TV Ads

U.S. Senator Dr. Tom Coburn has launched his re-election campaign television advertising, starting with these two ads.
 

Future Generations

Downsizing the Federal Government

Halloween's Coming Early to SD6

To learn more about Josh Brecheen, and his campaign for the State Senate, visit www.BrecheenForSenate.com.

OK Supreme Court Justice Marian Opala has died

Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Marian P. Opala has passed away, according to court officials. He was 89 years old.

Opala, who has been on the Supreme Court since 1978, was born in Lodz, Poland, in 1921. When war broke out between Nazi Germany and Poland in 1939, he enlisted in the Polish Army. After the defeat of Poland, he joined the Polish Underground. He left Poland for a few years, with orders to connect with Polish troops serving in the British armed forces in the Mediterranean and Africa. He served with them briefly in Italy, before parachuting back into Poland to rejoin the Underground.

Opala was captured by the Nazis in the brutal put-down of the Polish Warsaw Uprising of 1944, and was imprisoned in Flossenbürg concentration camp (where theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed). When the U.S. Army liberated the camp, he became friends with a captain in the 45th Infantry Division from Oklahoma City. Opala emigrated to Oklahoma in part due to this friendship. He became a U.S. citizen, attended law school, and entered the judicial system. Gov. David Boren appointed him to the Supreme Court in 1978, and he had been retained as judge ever since then.

SoonerPoll Numbers on State Questions

SoonerPoll conducted a survey on the November election, and there were some surprising figures. Below are the numbers for the State Questions.

State Question 744 had been leading in the polls with flying colors, but it appears that the 'Yes' support has taken begun to wither dramatically.

They also polled state-wide candidates - you can view the numbers here. Every Republican candidate was found to be leading in their respective races.

The Conservative View: Role Models

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

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

Role Models

We Americans have become a nation of whiners and complainers. All anyone has to do is to visit the local coffee shop and set down and listen for a while, invariably someone will bring up the subject of politics and start to complain about the way our government is run. I have often thought that if our people were really serious about having good government, none of us would have to put up bad government for more than four years. Most of our elected officials are on a two or four year term of office. If an elected official mismanages funds or is corrupt, he or she can be voted out in the next election cycle. Sadly I have noticed that far too many of our citizens are more concerned about what is good for them and not what it good for our country.

For our government to be efficient and fair we citizens must also be fair and efficient. When our country was founded James Madison, the Father of the US Constitution and the 4th US President, made an observation that all of us need to reflect upon. He said, "But I go on this great republican principle, that the people will have virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom. Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks--no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men. So that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them."

I know that it is human nature for all of us to take care of our needs first, but we also need to realize that our country was founded by men that believed all men are equal and deserve equal protection and representation. Anytime bad spending legislation is passed there is someone somewhere that will benefit from it. When any of us ask for special favors from government that are not available to everyone it is nothing short of corruption. It is easy for us to demand that our elected officials be role models to the citizens, but I believe that it is us, the average citizen, that should be the role model to the ones we elect.

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

Coburn Endorses Kuester for DA, Bennett for State House

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-Muskogee) has endorsed two more Oklahoma candidates.

John Bennett, State House District 2 (Sallisaw area):

Oklahoma needs leaders at the State Capitol who will work to reduce government waste, pass meaningful tort reform and hold all politicians and bureaucrats accountable to taxpayers. I hope the voters of House District 2 will elect John Bennett on November 2.

Brian Kuester, District Attorney District 27 (Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties):

Dear Citizens of District 27,

Right now, there is an important battle taking place in eastern Oklahoma. Brian Kuester, of Wagoner County, is running for district attorney in District 27, which consists of Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.

The citizens residing in District 27 need a DA they can trust to prosecute dangerous criminals. They need to have confidence in the rule of law and the DA again. Brian Kuester is the man for that job.

Brian graduated from TU Law School with high honors, is heavily involved with his church, and has served as both a police officer and an assistant DA where he prosecuted dangerous criminals. He is well prepared for the job ahead and eager to return justice to the citizens of District 27.

We don’t just need another DA for these four counties. We need a new kind of DA. One who has a moral foundation, who lives out his beliefs, and who will use the office for the public’s good.

I offer Brian Kuester my full support and endorsement for DA. I hope that you will join me.

Dr. Tom Coburn

Bennett and Kuester join the coveted "club" of Coburn-endorsed candidates, some of whom are listed in this post.

OKGOP Launches "Jari Ain't Mary" Website

From Oklahoma Republican Party chairman Matt Pinnell...

OKGOP Launches Jari Ain't Mary Website

Oklahoma Democrat candidates are trying to find a way to win in the reddest state in the country. Their solution has been to hide their true liberal views until after the election. It worked for Governor Henry, and now Jari Askins is trying the same strategy.

Hiding your record to deceive Oklahoma voters into believing you are a conservative is wrong, and it’s much more dangerous than the loud and proud liberals on the Coasts. 

I’ve made it crystal clear that the Oklahoma Republican Party will not allow Democrat candidates to get away with calling themselves conservative. They will have to defend those claims at every turn.

To help in this fight, we’ve launched “JariAintMary.com”.

You won’t find any disparaging photos, no Obama pics, just the plain facts that when it comes to being a proven conservative leader….Jari ain’t Mary!

Please share the site with your friends and family and utilize the “Print Your Jari Ain’t Mary flyer” feature. Take copies to your club meetings, fair booths, etc.

We have a chance on November 2nd to take our state and country back. We can’t do it without you. So please, volunteer, contribute, and get off the sidelines and on to the playing field!

Let’s win in 2010!

Sincerely,

Chairman Matt Pinnell

Muskogee Politico Readers Residence

(click to enlarge)

Coburn Endorses Charles Thompson for Congress

The Charles Thompson for Congress campaign issued the following press release today:

Senator Tom Coburn Endorses Dr. Charles Thompson

(Muskogee, OK) October 3rd, 2010---Senator Tom Coburn announced today his endorsement of Dr. Charles Thompson in Oklahoma’s 2nd District Congressional race.  The senator said of Dr. Thompson that "As a proud military veteran with years of dedicated service to our country, a small business owner, and a veterinarian, he possesses valuable, real world experience outside of professional politics so desperately needed to change the way Washington works.”

The 2nd Congressional seat was held by Coburn from 1994 until he fulfilled his promise of self-imposed term limits in 2000.  He earned high approval ratings both then as a representative and now as a senator from the 2nd District.

Dr. Thompson said he was honored by the announcement. “Senator Coburn's record speaks for itself.  He is clearly one of the most constitutionally conservative Senators in the Congress today.  I am grateful for his endorsement which clearly shows my conservatism and the fact that the incumbent democrat is vulnerable.  I look forward to being Senator Coburn's counterpart in the House of Representatives and serving the people of the 2nd District.”

Senator Coburn also faces a general election battle, but already looks forward to the session starting in January.  “Charles recognizes the serious problems we face as a nation and he will be an ally in the House of Representatives when it comes to upholding the Constitution, fighting wasteful spending, and holding career politicians accountable to the American people.  His conservative values will best represent us in Congress…  Please join me in voting for Dr. Charles Thompson for Congress on Election Day.”

2nd District voters will be able to cast their votes both for Senator Coburn and Dr. Thompson on November 2nd.  They must be registered by October 8th in order to vote.

Thompson is the Republican nominee for the 2nd Congressional District, and will be facing incumbent Congressman Dan Boren (D-Muskogee) in the November general election. To learn more about Thompson and his campaign, click here.

Coburn has endorsed numerous other candidates, both here in Oklahoma and across the country. To name a few:

• Gary Jones - OK (running for State Auditor)
• Josh Brecheen - OK (running for State Senate)
• State Rep. David Dank - OK (running for State House)
• B.J. Lawson - NC (running for 4th Congressional District)
• Carly Fiorina - CA (running for U.S. Senate)
• Marco Rubio - FL (running for U.S. Senate)
• Jerry Moran - KS (running for U.S. Senate)
• Kelly Ayotte - NH (running for U.S. Senate)
• Dino Rossi - WA (running for U.S. Senate)
• John Raese - WV (running for U.S. Senate)

Another Musical Interlude - Liszt's 'La Campanella'

I'm taking another brief break from all things political, in order to post one of my all-time favorite pieces of music - Franz Liszt's La Campanella. You can see the last musical post, featuring Edward Elgar's In The South (Alassio) and Max Bruch's Scottish Fantasy, by clicking here.

There are several excellent versions of La Campanella on YouTube, but I think that this one (played by Adam Gyorgy) shows the pianist's hands the most - and that is exactly what you want to be watching.

As a musician (violinist) who took piano for a few years, has two siblings who are very good pianists, and as someone who has seen the sheet music for La Campanella, let me just say that this song is simply incredible.

The Conservative View: A Rising Tide and Barriers

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

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

A Rising Tide and Barriers

I have noticed that many Americans do not understand the concepts of a free market system of economics. Whether it is from a lack of education or being indoctrinated by the main stream press that has very left leaning philosophies, our people fail to see the benefits of the capitalistic system our country once enjoyed. Far too many people have gotten into a system of class envy, they think that just because someone has more than they do it should be the duty of the government to confiscate part of that wealth and redistribute it to someone else.

While some think of money like a small pool of water on a beach, they look at it like there is no other water anywhere and if someone has more water than the other they have the flawed assumption that they have taken it from someone else. Our people have forgotten that freedom allows us to grow our wealth. I believe that like an ocean if the tide is allowed to flow naturally the tide will bring forth more water and the supply will be greater for everyone. There is an old saying that says, “A rising tide floats all boats”. The system works well until someone erects a barrier that restricts the flow of the water. We need to recognize the barriers that our well intentioned leaders place upon our economic system.

I recently heard that the congress will not act upon the Bush Tax Cuts until after the election. If the Bush Tax Cuts are not renewed many people will be facing major increases in the taxes they will have to pay. We need to understand that for the most part the people that have businesses and create jobs want to make a profit. If the government makes the tax burden so punitive that the business owner cannot turn a profit, he will not start the new businesses and not create the jobs that our country needs. We have forgotten that you or I may have been employed at that new business. I have heard people complain about companies moving operations outside of this country, and out of the same breath they complain about the high price of the necessities they need. To stay competitive the business owner has no other choice but to move to another location in order to survive. Until our citizens start to understand the concept of removing barriers placed upon our business owners, a rising tide cannot float all boats.  

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

OKC and Tulsa, mapped by race

Digital cartographer Eric Fischer has compiled data from the 2000 census, and mapped 100 American cities by race. Some of the cities he did (such as New York City, Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia) show stark lines separating different communities. Tulsa and Oklahoma City made his list of 100 cities to map.

Here's the Tulsa map (click for a larger view, or click the Tulsa link above):

Here's the Oklahoma City map (click for a larger view, or click the OKC link above):

From Fischer: "Red is White, Blue is Black, Green is Asian, Orange is Hispanic, Gray is Other, and each dot is 25 people. Data from Census 2000."

Gun Owners of America rates Oklahoma candidates

Gun Owners of America, the other national pro-gun lobby, has issued their candidate ratings for the state of Oklahoma.

Sen. Tom Coburn received an A+, meaning he's a "Pro-Gun Leader" who "introduces pro-gun legislation". His opponent, Jim Rogers, did not answer the questionnaire.

Reps. John Sullivan (OK-1) and Tom Cole (OK-4) got an A - meaning "philosophically sound" and a "Pro-Gun Voter". Rep. Frank Lucas also received an A, while his Democrat opponent, Frankie Robbins, got a D- (Leans Anti-Gun: Usually against us).

Rep. Dan Boren got an A- (Pro-Gun Voter: philosophically sound), and his Republican challenger, Charles Thompson, got an A.

Tom Coburn is the only candidate who has been endorsed by GOA so far this cycle in Oklahoma.

News from the Blogosphere

Publicly-funded OSU: "LGBT History Month"

Michael Bates of BatesLine.com reports that Oklahoma State University has recognized October as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month, and is having atheist/pro-homosexual philosophy professor John Corvino deliver a lecture on "What's Morally Wrong with Homosexuality?", where he intends to discredit religious objections to such perversions. This is what Oklahoma taxpayers are paying for with their hard-earned money... what a disgrace and an outrage...

'No Pressure': Environmentalist video blows up kids

Moe Lane at RedState.com has posted a eco-propaganda video entitled No Pressure, produced by British environmentalists to promote the environmentalist campaign "10:10" [cut "carbon" emissions by 10% per year starting in 2010]. In the video, they blow up schoolchildren, soccer players, and employees who are not as zealous for the environmentalist cause, spewing bloody guts all over the surrounding schoolchildren, soccer players, and employees. The 10:10 campaign has now pulled the video, after making this statement:

With climate change becoming increasingly threatening, and decreasingly talked about in the media, we wanted to find a way to bring this critical issue back into the headlines whilst making people laugh. We were therefore delighted when Britain's leading comedy writer, Richard Curtis - writer of Blackadder, Four Weddings, Notting Hill and many others – agreed to write a short film for the 10:10 campaign. Many people found the resulting film extremely funny, but unfortunately some didn't and we sincerely apologise to anybody we have offended. [emphasis mine]

I will warn you - this short, four-minute film is graphic and gory (schoolchildren blow up at their desks in a crowded classroom, splattering the rest of the class in gore, a soccer team manager and employees at a business meet the same fate, all in a nonchalant manner).

Coburn Donates to GOP Senate Efforts

Chris Casteel at the Oklahoman's political blog reports that U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, M.D., has transferred $1M from his campaign account to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, to be used to help efforts to win back the Senate. Joining him was U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who also gave $1M to the NRSC; those are the two biggest contributions this cycle for the NRSC.

Thompson Slams Boren's Adjournment Vote

Charles Thompson, the GOP 2nd District congressional candidate, issued the following press release slamming Congressman Dan Boren for his vote for adjournment.

Dr. Thompson Statement on Rep. Dan Boren’s Vote To Kill Economic Recovery

(Hulbert, OK) 30 September 2010 – Oklahoma U.S. Congressional District 2 Republican candidate, Dr. Charles Thompson, offered a scathing criticism of current representative Dan Boren’s vote in the House yesterday to adjourn the U.S. House of Representatives without considering extending tax cuts that are already in place but are due to expire: “This is just one more example, in what seems to be an endless supply of examples, of Boren’s voting against the will of the people and voting with the will of Nancy Pelosi”.

            Yesterday afternoon’s vote was the result of a motion by House Democrats to adjourn before consideration of extending “Bush-era tax cuts”.  The final Roll Call on the motion to adjourn was 210 to 209 with the 210 being in favor of adjournment without tax-cut discussion.  “I agree whole-heartedly with House Minority Leader John Boehner’s statement ‘that a vote to adjourn is a vote to raise taxes’ and I’ll take it several steps further.  To leave Washington without dealing with some of the tough economic issues facing America right now is beyond dereliction of duty, it is absolute cowardice.”  Thompson went on to say; “Boren’s vote, yes his single vote as evidenced by the 210 to 209 passage, paves the way for the largest tax increase on hard working Americans…hard working Oklahomans…in the history of the United States.  Dan Boren’s vote negatively impacted an entire nation.”

            Boren, who often refers to himself and is touted in the media as a “Blue-Dog”, likes to “talk the Conservative talk” while speaking with constituents in Eastern Oklahoma but has a proven track record of voting with the Nancy Pelosi agenda to the tune of 90% of the time.  Thompson stated: “If Boren had voted based on his rhetoric, the possibility of extending badly needed tax cuts would be alive and well right now.  Instead, due to his reckless and inexcusable action yesterday, he has killed the likelihood of pro-business, pro-jobs, pro-economic freedom, and less government legislation”.

            The affect of letting the current tax cuts expire in the middle of harsh economic conditions, with the threat of harder times ahead based on the current administration’s own analysts, was addressed by Mr. Thompson: “Mr. Boren and I differ philosophically.  He believes in redistribution of wealth and government superiority.  I believe in less government interventions and the principles of the free-market.  He votes for big government…I abhor big government.  He believes in misleading the good people of Eastern Oklahoma…I believe in serving the citizens, my neighbors, here in District 2.  Dan Boren exhibits the traits of so many in Washington, the traits of a Ruling-Class…I’m just a citizen, not a career politician, who wants my country back.”