Fallin appoints Clark Jolley to Tax Commission

Governor Mary Fallin Announces Oklahoma Tax Commission Appointment

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of former state Sen. Clark Jolley to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. He succeeds Dawn Cash, who resigned earlier this month.

Jolley’s appointment to the Tax Commission requires confirmation from the state Senate. His term would expire Jan. 10, 2023.

Jolley, of Edmond, serves as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma Christian University and Mid-America Christian University. He served in the state Senate from 2004 until 2016, the last five years as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. He could not seek re-election because of 12-year legislative term limits.

“Clark Jolley understands well the intricacies of our state budget and brings a vast knowledge of how taxes fund our state government,” said Fallin. “He realizes that our economy has shifted from manufacturing-based to services-based. He understands that the way we impose taxes and collect revenue no longer reflects our current economy, but instead an outdated system that has not changed much since the inception of Oklahoma’s sales tax in 1933. Clark will work to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, both in government agencies and as it relates to the state’s many tax credits and economic incentives.”

Jolley earned two degrees from Oklahoma Baptist University, a law degree from the University of Oklahoma, and a certificate in public treasury management from the National Institute of Public Finance at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif.

"It is an honor to serve the people of Oklahoma and I appreciate the governor’s confidence in my abilities to perform the duties as a member of the Oklahoma Tax Commission,” Jolley said.

He and his family make their home in Edmond, where his children attend Edmond Public Schools.

According to Fallin's Communications Director Michael McNutt: "if confirmed, Sen. Jolley would be paid $131,835 a year. All three commissioners are paid. Their salaries are tied to judicial pay, which is recommended by an independent commission and approved by the Legislature. The last pay change was approved in 2014."

McNutt further stated that "A 1985 state attorney general's opinion addressed the question of a former state senator being appointed to the Oklahoma Tax Commission."

In years past, the hiring of ex-legislators has been the cause of some controversy, due wording in Article V, Section 23 of the state constitution.

Music Monday: 'Spring' from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'

To mark the beginning of spring, this week's Music Monday is Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, "Spring" (La primavera), from 18th-century Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi's famous Four Seasons suite.

Enjoy!

This version is played by Jeanne Lamon and the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra:

This unique version is sung by Carmel A-Cappella, an Israeli vocal quintet:


Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.

Gary Jones forming committee to explore political future

State Auditor Gary Jones is exploring the possibility of running for another office in 2018:

I'm forming a committee to decide what is best to do once I'm term limited in 2018. From going home to running for Governor. #JonesOK2018

— Gary Jones (@blo1234) March 26, 2017

With Matt Pinnell considering a run for Lieutenant Governor, it would be interesting to have two popular former OKGOP chairs running for statewide office.

Must read: 'GOP cave on Obamacare repeal is the biggest broken promise in political history'

This is hands down the best article I've seen on the failure of the AHCA (aka 'SwampCare', aka 'RyanCare', aka 'TrumpCare', aka 'ObamaCareLite', aka 'Renege & Repair') by Philip Klein of the Washington Examiner.

Here's part of the article - you can and should read it in full here.

GOP cave on Obamacare repeal is the biggest broken promise in political history

Broken promises are as old as politics itself, and there are many famous examples of them in modern history. President George H.W. Bush's "read my lips, no new taxes" pledge comes immediately to mind, as does President Bill Clinton reneging on his middle-class tax cut, and President Barack Obama never closing Guantanamo Bay. But in each of those cases, those were promises that were made in a given campaign by a given politician. The promise of Obamacare repeal is much different.

Republicans ran on repealing and replacing Obamacare for seven years, over the course of four election cycles. They won the House majority in 2010 in large part because of the backlash against the passage of Obamacare — and the vow to "repeal and replace" Obamacare was part of their "Pledge to America" campaign document that year. The botched rollout of Obamacare helped them win the Senate in 2014. House candidates, Senate candidates, gubernatorial candidates, and even state legislative candidates ran against Obamacare — and won.

Though President Trump was always an unorthodox candidate on healthcare (vacillating between praising single-payer and touting a free market plan), he consistently campaigned on repealing and replacing Obamacare, and exploited news of spiking premiums in the weeks leading up to the presidential election.

Republicans were always moving the goal posts on voters. That is, during campaign season, they made boasts about repeal, and then once in office, they talked about procedural complications. In 2010, they campaigned on repeal, but by 2011, they said they needed the Senate. In 2014, they won the Senate, but by 2015 they said as long as Obama was in office, nothing would become law. In 2016, they told conservative voters, even reluctant ones, that if they voted for Trump despite any reservations, they'd finally be able to repeal Obamacare. In November, voters gave them unified control of Washington. And yet after just two months on the job, they have thrown in the towel and said they're willing to abandon seven years of promises.

There are a lot of people who want to conveniently lay the blame for this stunning failure on recalcitrant members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. If only these conservative hardliners were willing to give way, we'd be on the road to repeal, defenders of leadership would like to have us believe. This is convenient, both because there are always people in Washington eager to take aim at conservative purists, and also because it has the makings of a great ironic hot take for journalists: "How conservatives saved Obamacare."

Now, let me be clear, in past fights, I've never been reluctant to criticize hardliners when I thought that they were being unreasonable or irresponsible. For instance, I disagreed with the hard-line position on the debt ceiling, didn't think forcing a government shutdown to defund Obamacare would work, and supported the deal that made most of the Bush tax cuts permanent (as opposed to letting them all expire). But I don't think it's fair to scapegoat Freedom Caucusers here. They are being blamed for making the naive mistake of assuming that Republicans wanted to do what they were promising to do for seven years.

In this case, the hardliners were playing a productive role by pointing out the real policy consequences of the piecemeal approach being pursued by the House leadership. Though we'll never know for sure how the numbers might have looked if a vote had taken place, it's clear that many centrist members of the Republican caucus were also prepared to vote this bill down. House conservatives, if they could be blamed for anything, it's for having the audacity to urge leadership to actually honor seven years of pledges to voters to repeal Obamacare. If anybody was moving the goal posts, it wasn't Freedom Caucusers, it was those who were trying to sell a bill that kept much of Obamacare's regulatory architecture in place as a free market repeal and replace plan.

Sure, I know, Republicans had a narrow majority, and they could only pass something through the Senate by reconciliation, which imposes limitations. But the thing is, Republicans don't hide behind the vagaries of Senate procedure during campaign season. Trump did not win the Republican nomination telling rallies of thousands of people, "We're going to repeal and replace Obamacare — as long as it satisfies the Byrd rule in the judgment of the Senate parliamentarian!"

What's so utterly disgraceful, is not just that Republicans failed so miserably, but that they barely tried, raising questions about whether they ever actually wanted to repeal Obamacare in the first place.

Read the full article at the Washington Examiner (they really need to tone down the popup ads, though...).

House Freedom Caucus wins, ObamaCare "Repair" pulled

Prominent Freedom Caucus members who led the fight against the AHCA
L-R: Chairman Mark Meadows (NC), Justin Amash (MI), Thomas Massie (KY), Raul Labrador (ID), Jim Jordan (OH)

After a lot of drama and negotiations this week over the Affordable Health Care Act, U.S. House leadership pulled the bill and canceled a vote on the measure. The ObamaCare repeal replacement repair plan had taken heavy criticism from conservatives in both the House and Senate, but especially from members of the House Freedom Caucus.

Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL) of the Freedom Caucus called it “[O]ne of the worst bills I have seen in my 30 years as a county commissioner, legislator, district attorney and now congressman,”

After seven years of promising to "repeal and replace ObamaCare", Speaker Paul Ryan and President Trump came up with a lame excuse of a healthcare plan, with no full repeal, no full replacement, and essentially just tinkering around the edges.

Earlier in the week, it looked like the bill would pass, with a lot of strong-arming from leadership and pressure from Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Even Oklahoma's Jim Bridenstine (a Freedom Caucus member) caved and lent his support late Wednesday night - although I imagine he might regret that decision now.

However, most Freedom Caucus members held firm in their opposition, and after the vote was postponed to today, then to this afternoon, other more moderate Republicans began to bail. Now, it appears that House Republicans may be moving on from healthcare reform altogether, rather than taking up the repeal bill passed with almost unanimous Republican support just last year that President Obama then vetoed.

From Allahpundit at HotAir: "So … that’s it? An ill-conceived two-month effort in the House falls short and Republicans throw in the towel on seven years of trying to replace ObamaCare? The White House doesn’t want to offer its own alternative? McConnell has nothing in the pipeline he might want to suggest?"

After the bill was pulled, President Trump told news reporter Robert Costa "No, I don’t [regret starting his agenda with healthcare], but in a way I’m glad I got it out of the way."

After posting that quote, Allahpundit continued: "You’re glad you “got it out of the way”? Republican voters handed them the House in 2010, the Senate in 2014, and the White House in 2016, and we got exactly 63 days of meaningful effort to unseat O-Care."

Here's what Erick Erickson said at TheResurgent about this:

The House Freedom Caucus just saved the Republican Party from itself and saved the United States from a Republican attempt to just do something on health care no matter how bad that something might be.

They stood on principle and are being assailed for it by the Republican establishment.

The legislation was deeply flawed and would have hurt a great many Americans. It would have made it harder for free market solutions to lower costs in health care and would have harmed senior citizens.

Obamacare is a terrible piece of legislation and Republicans promised for seven years to repeal it. The American Health Care Act embraced Obamacare and kept it. The House Freedom Caucus stood up both to the Republican leadership in Congress and President Trump and demanded promises made be promises kept. They also exposed Republicans as having no intention of ever really repealing Obamacare.

In 2015, Republicans passed a plan through Congress that would have repealed Obamacare. All the people who voted for it are still there. It passed the House and Senate. That should have been the starting framework. But like the dog that caught the car, Republicans did not know what to do once they finally had the House, Senate, and Presidency.

Their first reaction was to abandon their small government principles and free market beliefs to prop up a government run health care scheme. The only people who stood up for the free market and the people are members of the House Freedom Caucus. They are owed our thanks.

Lastly, I should note that the only reason we have a House Freedom Caucus is because John Boehner led an establishment coup of the Republican Study Committee. The once great organization converted into an organization that rubber stamps the agenda of leadership with elaborate kabuki theater to make it seem like the outcome was in jeopardy when it never was. Sadly, the RSC’s behavior in this proves the House Freedom Caucus is still needed.

Republicans need accountability partners, not yes men. Mark Meadows, Jim Jordan, and the House Freedom Caucus are brave to shoulder the weight of accountability when others wish they would serve as yes men. They have done well today.

Like I said earlier this month, Republicans were elected to power based on the promise of full repeal. We expect nothing less than full repeal. Republican member of Congress need to keep their promise, and pass full repeal of ObamaCare.

If they don't follow through, then what is the point in electing them?

State Sen. Ralph Shortey resigns

Yesterday afternoon, embattled State Sen. Ralph Shortey tendered his resignation to the Senate President Pro Tem Schulz and Governor Fallin, effective immediately. KFOR posted his resignation notice, which read:

I hereby resign effective immediately from the Senate of the State of Oklahoma.

It has been my honor to serve the constituents of the 44th Senate District since 2010.  I appreciate the service the men and women of the Oklahoma Senate provide, and I recognize the need for the business of the Senate to proceed without distraction for the remainder of the legislative session.

The Oklahoman posted a press release Shortey sent out after his resignation:

Earlier today, I submitted my resignation, effective immediately, to the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, as well as to Governor Fallin. I thank the constituents of Senate District 44 for the opportunity they provided to serve. Because I take that responsibility seriously, I recognize that the charges against me are a distraction to their interests and the remaining legislative session, which should serve all Oklahomans.  My resignation is evidence of my respect for public service and the duties of our elected officials.  I ask for the privacy of my family - my wife and four daughters - as I defend myself of these charges.

Thus ends - in shocking fashion - the political career of Ralph Shortey.

Vote in 'Tournament of Waste: The Bitter 16'

Tom Coburn's Foundation to Restore Accountability has launched Tournament of Waste: Bitter 16, a March-Madness style contest designed to bring attention to the worst waste, fraud, abuse and duplication in government spending.

From RestoreAccountability.com:

Why the Tournament of Waste matters:

Our country is in serious fiscal trouble. Our national debt will soon hit $20 trillion. In addition, over $100 trillion in unfunded liabilities, and hundreds of failing and duplicative government programs will burden future generations that will ultimately have to foot the bill.

However, there is a way forward. Building consensus on areas like waste, fraud, and duplication can be a great starting point for bigger reforms.

We took the most outrageous wastes from the past year and want YOU to vote for the "team" that will be crowned the winner of the Tournament of Waste.

Not only is this tournament fun and informative, but also promotes conversation on what our country's priorities should be.

Learn more about our mission and how you can get started here.

Click here to vote in the Bitter 16. Submitting picks enters you in a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card.

Bridenstine: I will vote “Yes” on AHCA

Statement on Obamacare Repeal

The vote on the American Healthcare Act is a very tough decision.  As the Representative of the First District of Oklahoma, my philosophy has been to fight for the most conservative option possible, and I often vote “No” to get to a “better Yes”.  Today, I decided the American Healthcare Act is the best “Yes” that the House is able to accomplish legislatively at this time.  Conservatives worked very hard to improve this bill, and while we hoped for a better bill, this is a dramatic improvement over Obamacare.

Obamacare is collapsing on itself with massive increases in premiums and deductibles so high that some families are effectively uninsured.  Many states have lost health insurance providers where companies cannot afford to offer Obamacare-compliant policies.  A third of all counties, including every county in Oklahoma, have only one provider on the exchanges this year and another third have only two.  Seven years ago, Obamacare took over nearly 20 percent of the U.S. economy, and unwinding that tangled system is extremely complex.

This bill effectively repeals the individual and employer mandates, cuts $1 trillion in taxes, and reduces the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars over ten years.  The bill fundamentally transforms Medicaid from an open-ended and unsustainable entitlement to a State-centered system which caps the Federal contribution and maximizes flexibility for the States.  The Medicaid reforms alone will save trillions over the long-term, help move millions of people onto private insurance, and preserve the safety net for the most vulnerable.

Most important to me, this bill prohibits funds from going to the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, and redirects federal funding to Community Health Centers.  This provision alone merits support even though the bill falls short of what conservatives wanted to accomplish.

I am disappointed that this legislation did not include provisions to repeal the Obamacare health insurance regulations which are the root cause of skyrocketing premiums and employers dropping coverage.  Fortunately, Tom Price, Secretary of Health and Human Services, will exercise his authority under the law to remove costly Obamacare regulations.  I also have great reservations about the bill’s refundable tax credit scheme, which is essentially a different version of the Obamacare subsidy program.

In my judgment though, this is the opening legislative salvo of the Trump Presidency, and we cannot let it fail when we do not have a shot at a better option.  Therefore, I will vote “Yes”.

Oklahoma Senate approves judicial reforms

Senate Pro Tem Mike Schulz (R-Altus)

Oklahoma Senate approves judicial reforms

The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday approved a handful of judicial reform bills, including measures that would change the way state judges are appointed.

“These reforms are a measured approach to help restore the balance of power among the three, co-equal branches of government in Oklahoma. Too many times, we’ve seen the judiciary extend beyond its constitutional role and instead take on the role of a super-legislator. These changes also will roll back the outsized role the trial lawyers play in appointing judges to the bench. The governor’s office and the members of the Senate are directly elected by the citizens of Oklahoma and should be afforded more authority and responsibility in judicial appointments,” said President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus.

Sen. Anthony Sykes, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, offered several of the judicial reform measures.

“Failing to enact judicial reforms continues to put Oklahoma at the mercy of a system that gives too much power to a select group of trial lawyers instead of the duly elected representatives of the people. The governor and members of the Legislature are immediately accountable to the people for the decisions they make. These common-sense reforms will provide more accountability and help put more power into the hands of the people, as our founders intended,” said Sykes, R-Moore.

Among the bills approved by the Senate were:

• SB 708 (Sykes) requires a district judge to have served as lead counsel in at least three jury trials before being elected or appointed to serve on the bench.
• SB 779 (Sykes) changes the amount of judges each judicial district may nominate.
• SJR 43 (Sykes) would allow voters to decide whether to amend the judicial appointment process to model the federal system. Under this proposal, the governor would nominate candidates to fill judicial vacancies and the Oklahoma Senate would confirm or deny the governor’s appointment. The Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) would rate the governor’s judicial nominees as either “qualified” or “not qualified.”
• SJR 44 (Sykes) would allow voters to decide whether to amend the Constitution to modify the judicial nominating process. Under this proposal, the JNC would provide the governor with five qualified nominees to fill a judicial vacancy, instead of the current recommendation of three nominees. The governor would be allowed to reject those nominees and request five new nominees. The governor would then select one nominee, whose name would be forwarded to the Oklahoma Senate for confirmation.
• SB 213 (Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow) would change the boundaries of Oklahoma Supreme Court judicial districts to correspond with the number of congressional districts in Oklahoma plus adding at-large positions.

State Rep. Martin to Resign at end of Session to Lead Norman Chamber

Martin to Resign at end of Session to Lead Norman Chamber

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Scott Martin today announced that at the end of this legislative session he will resign his seat in the Legislature to lead the Norman Chamber of Commerce. At its Board meeting today, the Norman Chamber named Rep. Martin its next president and chief executive officer beginning June 1. He has submitted the appropriate paperwork to Governor Mary Fallin and Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker Charles McCall, tendering his resignation from his House seat effective May 31.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of House District 46 for the last 11 years in the Oklahoma Legislature,” said Martin, R-Norman. “Due to term limits, I knew my legislative tenure was coming to an end. As I contemplated life after the Legislature, I was certain I wanted to continue to be part of something that would have a lasting impact on my family and community. The Norman Chamber of Commerce is an organization that makes such a difference.  Therefore, when the opportunity with the chamber presented itself, I decided to do something I had not previously considered, end my term prior to its natural expiration.

“I can’t think of a better place to use my talents and energy than the Norman Chamber of Commerce.  Their mission to build economic prosperity is vital to our community and one that helps drive everything else that creates the quality of life we all desire. My legislative career has shown that I understand the importance of a thriving business community, and my commitment to that end is evident in my voting record.

"As I discussed this opportunity with the chamber search committee, I expressed my sincere desire to extend my service through this legislative session so that my constituents would continue to have their voice heard and represented until the very last vote is cast. My passion for education, public safety, transportation, and healthcare hasn’t waned, and I will fight to the bitter end to make sure my constituents have a strong and steady common-sense voice at the Capitol. It’s the least I could do for people who have entrusted me with the privilege of representing them for so many years.

"I am so excited about beginning this new chapter in my life with the chamber. My family and I are wholly invested in Norman, and I look forward to growing the chamber and advocating for business at every turn. I show up to work every day with the same goal in mind, to make a positive difference.  That goal won’t change as I transition to this next phase in my professional life, but until June 1, my focus will continue to be serving the people of House District 46."

Oklahoma House votes to ban genetic-defect based abortion

Oklahoma House Votes to Protect Life

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that seeks to ban abortions in instances of certain birth defects passed out of the House this afternoon with a vote of 67 to 16.

The Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act of 2017, House Bill 1549, seeks to prohibit abortion solely because the unborn child has been diagnosed with either Down syndrome or a genetic abnormality or has the potential for a genetic abnormality. The bill would also hold physicians who violate this measure liable.

“Life is a gift from God,” said Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee. “Today, I am thankful that the members of the House of Representatives chose to protect that gift.”

HB1549 will now be sent to the Oklahoma Senate.

Music Monday: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation") Finale

Reader Jim K. suggested this week's Music Monday: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation") by 19th-century German composer Felix Mendelssohn. The video below is of the 4th and final movement of the piece; the full, nearly 28-minute piece can be heard here. Mendelssohn composed this piece for a celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession, a key moment of the Protestant Reformation. The 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation will occur later this year.

Enjoy!



Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.

Former Rep. John Wright endorses Tressa Nunley in HD75

HD75 special election candidate Tressa Nunley has been endorsed by former State Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow):

"It is impossible to predict every issue that will come before the Legislature. However, if you send someone who shares your principles, values, and convictions, when the issues arise, they are likely to decide and vote on them as you would. I know Tressa Nunley to be Pro-Life, a person of sincere faith, and a candidate who is trusted by several of my conservative friends."

- John A. Wright
Oklahoma State Representative (1998-2010)
Chief Deputy, Tulsa County Assessor's Office

Nunley has also been endorsed by Tulsa County Assessor Ken Yazel and State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee). The Republican primary will be held on May 9th. A district map can be viewed here. Four Republicans and two Democrats are running to fill the seat being vacated by disgraced Rep. Dan Kirby, who resigned after an investigation into his alleged sexual harassment of two previous legislative assistants.

Brian Jackson announces campaign for 2nd Congressional District

Citing Congressman Markwayne Mullin's term limit pledge, Republican Brian Jackson of Muskogee has announced his campaign for Congress in the 2nd District. Jackson is an associate professor of economics and accounting at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Before joining the NSU faculty in 2008, he worked as a scientist for the U.S. Government/Central Intelligence Agency, and is a volunteer chapel speaker and former member of the board of directors for the Gospel Rescue Mission of Muskogee.

More information from his website:

“For Free Markets and a Free People”

After much prayer, reflection, and discussion with family and friends, I have decided to run for election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Oklahoma’s District 2.  I would like to thank Representative Markwayne Mullin for his service to our great state and the citizens of District 2, and especially for his efforts to oppose The Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”).  With his term limit pledge coming up in 2018, I want to continue the tradition of carrying Oklahoma’s conservative values to Washington.

Why the Campaign?

I want my children and grandchildren to have the same rights and opportunities that I have enjoyed.  My country has given so much to me, and it is time to give back. Here in America, we each have the unique opportunity to pursue our dreams according to our individual values. But liberty is a fragile thing, so we must be vigilant to preserve it for the next generation.

The decision to run for public office is not something I have reached lightly.  I have arrived at a season of my life where I can give my undivided attention to my community and my country.  As a free-market economist, I will promote solutions to our nation’s fiscal challenges. As a father and grandfather, I will seek to preserve and protect our constitutional rights. As a Christian, I will defend America’s long-standing respect for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Learn more about Brian Jackson by visiting his website and Facebook page.

How do you cut the National Debt?

Congressman Ken Buck (R-CO) posted this video on the national debt, also starring Cong. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), Cong. Mia Love (R-UT), Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).

State Sen. Shortey charged with 3 child-prostitution felonies

Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

State Sen. Ralph Shortey (R-OKC) has officially been charged with three felonies related to child prostitution, after police discovered Shortey with a teenage boy at a motel in Moore last week.

Shortey turned himself in around noon, and posted his $100,000 bond around 2:00pm. KFOR has more details, along with disturbing and graphic details of the exchanges between the 35 year-old Shortey and the 17 year-old boy.

Yesterday, the State Senate voted to strip Shortey of just about everything short of outright removal from office - his committee vice-chairmanship and memberships, authored legislation, executive assistant, office, parking spot, and state-issued laptop.

If he doesn't resign before Monday, I'd expect the State Senate to move to expel him.

Op-Ed: Real health care solutions available

Real health care solutions available

Let us start talking about health care by getting a few things out of the way.

First, looking for government solutions to health care is a lost cause. We can quibble, but in the end, any plans coming out of D.C. are going to be based on special interests and political advantage. The second is the error of conflating health care with insurance. Health care insurance is not health care, any more than car insurance is car maintenance. To fix our system’s problems, we have to move away from treating health insurance as a cost-sharing plan for non-catastrophic, non-major medical care.

Real solutions are happening right now across Oklahoma and the U.S. as providers in several areas of care are stepping away from the fantasy pricing of the insurance-based system. A growing number of providers are offering transparent pricing and bundled care for their goods and services.Would you like to get effectively unlimited care as needed from your physician for $50-$100 a month? There is a growing number of physicians doing just this. It is a model called Direct Primary Care.

In this model, clients pay a monthly subscription fee. Routine care, even for things like stitches, are covered by the subscription. Most include the ability to contact the physician digitally or by phone with questions or concerns, which becomes a great convenience for clients. Many also include the ability to get needed medications, labs, and imaging without the normally bloated pricing, often for pennies on the dollar.

These savings alone, in a great many cases, are more than enough to cover the cost of the monthly subscription.

Honest and competitive pricing is being realized in other areas as well. Not long ago, I was looking to get X-rays for a client. A certain nonprofit quoted a $350 price tag, which included the radiologist’s report. At an imaging center not taking insurance, I was able to get the same service for $56. You see similar differences in pricing for MRI, CT, and other imaging.

Surgery is another area benefiting clients with price honesty and transparency.There are now state-of-the-art surgery centers in Oklahoma and across the U.S. that actually list their prices, and those prices are often 10-20 percent of the price charged in hospitals and other insurance-based systems. It isn’t rare for the prices at such centers to turn out to be less than the out-of-pocket portions for the same procedures done at locations playing the insurance game.

So, right now, there is a growing availability of care that costs less than many spend for coffee, internet, or a phone in a month. Honest, market-based pricing is bringing down costs, and making care more affordable and accessible. Though we have a long way to go, there is a health care revolution happening now, and it is being done by patients and providers.

For those interested, the Free Market Medical Association is a great source to find and reach out to the health care innovators and providers that are bringing real solutions to our communities.

Dr. Shannon Grimes is a chiropractor in Tahlequah, former chairman of the Cherokee County Republican Party, and current chairman of the Cherokee County Libertarian Party.

State Senate Approves Resolution Imposing Punishment on Sen. Ralph Shortey

Yesterday, news broke that police were investigating State Sen. Ralph Shortey (R-OKC) following an incident involving Shortey and a teenage boy at a local motel. KOCO reported earlier today that Moore police are recommending three prostitution-related charges: soliciting prostitution of a minor, prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church and transporting for the purpose of prostitution.

Today, the State Senate voted to suspend Shortey from his legislative privileges, while reserving the right to expel Shortey.

Oklahoma Senate Approves Resolution Imposing Punishment
on Senator Ralph Shortey

The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday approved a resolution imposing punishment upon Senator Ralph Shortey pursuant to provisions of the Oklahoma Constitution.

Copy of Senate Resolution 7

“This is not a presumption of guilt or innocence. The Oklahoma Senate has full faith that the judicial system will play out appropriately and bring this matter to a lawful conclusion. This resolution reserves the right of the Oklahoma Senate to pursue further action if more facts come to light. It would be inappropriate to comment any further due to the pending investigation,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus.

Here is the text of Senate Resolution 7:

WHEREAS, Section 30 of Article V of the Oklahoma Constitution states that "each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member." Further, acting pursuant to such authority, the Senate has enacted its rules for the 56th Oklahoma
Legislature and such rules delineate rights and privileges granted to members of the Senate.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 56TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT, pursuant to the provisions of Section 30 of Article V of the Oklahoma Constitution and pursuant to the rules of the Oklahoma State Senate, the Senate hereby imposes the following punishment upon Senator Ralph Shortey for disorderly behavior:

1. Senator Shortey's positions as vice-chair of the Committee on Energy and the Subcommittee on Select Agencies of the Appropriations Committee are hereby suspended;
2. Senator Shortey's membership on the Committee on Retirement and Insurance, Committee on Judiciary and Committee on Appropriations are hereby suspended;
3. Senator Shortey's authority to designate an executive assistant pursuant to the provisions of Senate Rule 3-4 is hereby suspended and his executive assistant is hereby placed under the direct supervision of the Chief Operating Officer of the Senate;
4. Senator Shortey is hereby directed to immediately return custody of his state-owned laptop computer and any other state-owned property in his possession to the Senate;
5. Senator Shortey shall no longer be authorized to occupy his office in Room 412 of the State Capitol or his assigned parking space in the west parking lot of the Capitol, in conjunction with the provisions of subsection E of Senate Rule 2-4;
6. The provisions of Senate Rule 6-5 are hereby suspended to remove Senator Shortey's name as author or coauthor of any legislation under the control of the Senate. Any other member of the Senate may assume principal authorship or coauthorship of any such legislation as provided in the Senate Rules;
7. The allowances for expenses of the office and postage, and for mileage and other travel expenses, granted to Senator Shortey are hereby suspended;
8. All pages scheduled as of March 15, 2017, under the sponsorship of Senator Shortey for the remainder of the 2017 legislative session shall be under the sponsorship of the President Pro Tempore, and no additional pages shall be scheduled under the sponsorship of Senator Shortey for the remainder of the 2017 legislative session.

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate reserves the right to further exercise its powers pursuant to the provisions of Section 30 of Article V of the Oklahoma Constitution or any other provision of law or rule.

Crowded field looks to succeed Jim Bridenstine

With 1st District Congressman Jim Bridenstine keeping his term-limits pledge (*cough*, got that, Congressman Mullin?) and not seeking a fourth term, the race to succeed him is beginning to heat up. Already, four candidates have filed committees with the Federal Election Commission.

Candidates so far as:

• Andy Coleman
• Kevin Hern 
• Scott Pendleton
• Danny Stockstill

Coleman announced his candidacy on January 13th, Pendleton filed with the FEC on January 19th, Stockstill filed with the FEC on February 10th, while Hern made his campaign official on March 9th.

Here's a brief background on the candidates:

Andy Coleman served in the U.S. Air Force (with a tour in Iraq), practiced law, and most recently worked at Voice of the Martyrs, an interdenominational ministry serving persecuted Christians across the globe.

Kevin Hern is a businessman who got his start in Muskogee, buying two McDonald's franchises in the late 90's, which turned into a larger organization of 10 McDonald's restaurants that employ over 450 people in the Tulsa area.

Scott Pendleton is a tech businessman who previously was a journalist, including several years reporting overseas in the Middle East and North Africa.

Danny Stockstill has a very rudimentary website up, with the only information available being a donate page. He is the pastor of Brookside Baptist Church in Tulsa.

Of the candidates so far, Hern is the prohibitive favorite. Coleman and Pendleton might also be considered serious candidates, but since no fundraising reports have been filed yet by the candidates, it's a little hard to get a feel for how competitive they will be able to be.

OCPA: A Public Letter to State Lawmakers

A Public Letter to State Lawmakers

Dear Lawmaker:

In the past few days a number of memos, emails and letters have been distributed regarding solutions to Oklahoma’s current budget challenge.

This is a sensitive time when well-intended people on all sides of the argument are working hard to create a satisfactory solution to a complex situation. You are to be congratulated and thanked for your service and willingness to tackle these difficult issues.

It is also a time to not let emotions control the conversation. It’s a time to focus on balancing a budget and building a state. Solutions we create today will have far-reaching implications. OCPA is committed to continuing to offer strategic and thoughtful policy recommendations for your consideration.

Let us clear up one thing. Tradition holds that the Governor presents an outline of policy priorities during the State of the State message. Governor Fallin laid out her plan to address the budget shortfall. We differ with the over-arching strategy, some of the recommendations and the premises that underlie them.

For example, we believe there is ample opportunity to look for savings within the state government system. That’s what fiscal conservatives do. One dollar of waste and inefficiency saved is a dollar of new revenue not required. Take education for example. We continue to fund an underperforming, top-heavy, bureaucratic system that is failing children who need an “I am prepared” education. Taxpayers receive a return on that investment of 39th in 8th grade reading and 46th in 8th grade math. Yet, we continue to heed the call of education producers for “more money” without reform and the true cost of our failure is paid for by the unprepared kids. More money without reform will change no outcome and only create a larger, ineffective system.

When the narrative is “We have a revenue problem,” we should not be surprised that the only path offered to achieve a balanced budget is to take the easy way out and manufacture more revenue. In this case through a nearly $2 billion tax increase...one that will never go away. That’s one possibility.

Another narrative is “there’s nothing else to cut.” That’s another possibility, but our experience and research suggests otherwise. But to do so requires hard work, clear thinking, and a relentless pursuit of carving out marbled waste within the meat of each agency. It risks disappointing someone and we get our hands dirty.
So, instead, some want to solve the problem by force – tax increases. This would be like a business going to its customers, notifying them of their money-losing operation and forcing them to pay more or buy more product.

Another possibility is to modify our tax structure so we tax work less in exchange for taxing consumption more. Or examine, perhaps eliminate, policies that siphon revenue from state coffers.

There are two bedrock issues that are absolutes in building a great state – a dynamic economic environment that encourages the creation of high-paying jobs and an excellent education system that stresses rigor and accountability. Without these, little else matters.

OCPA has been criticized by some for constantly saying NO. That refrain has been delivered throughout the halls of the Capitol for years.  It is a specious argument with no basis in fact. OCPA has led the charge, and been highly supportive of many significant reforms in recent years. But, when policy reflects a continuous shift to the left and abandons the principles of free markets, individual initiative/responsibility and limited government, we will always say NO.

Here’s why the argument is flaccid. OCPA was not the first to say NO. Budget proponents said “No” to conservative ideas. They said “No” to the idea of limited government. They said “No” to the idea of taxing work less in exchange for increasing taxes on consumption and services. Proponents said “No” to the idea of first creating greater efficiency in government. And, their “Yes” to nearly $2 billion of tax increases without reform is not good for the long-term viability or competitiveness of our state.

We continue to believe that for Oklahoma to be a high-achiever we must be a smarter, more prosperous state served by a lean, efficient government. That statement is principled and compatible with OCPA’s mission – free markets, individual initiative/responsibility and limited government. OCPA will continue to advocate policies based on conservative principles as an alternative when political expediency ignores them.

We encourage you to let your upcoming decisions rest on principle, not expediency. We encourage you to not just balance the budget, but also focus on building a state. You represent your state, not just your district. By your vote you accept responsibility for the outcome those votes create. We believe the OCPA mission – free markets, individual initiative/responsibility and limited government are the decision filters that will produce the best long-term outcomes for Oklahoma. We look forward to continue working with you for the betterment of all Oklahomans and thank you for your service.

Sincerely,

Larry V. Parman                                    
Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Jonathan Small
President

4-Day School Week? Miami Public Schools survey says 'Yes, please'

Here are some interesting excerpts from a Miami News-Record article on a recent survey showing parents in the Miami (OK) Public School district favor switching to a four-day school week:

MIAMI –And the survey says....a four-day school week is favored by a majority of the 517 participants in a Miami Public Schools survey.

The Miami Public Schools Board and administration has been looking at the option of moving from a traditional five-day school week to a four-day alternative citing teacher retention and recruitment as the main incentive.

The survey was issued in an effort to gain feedback and greater insight from all affected by a move to a four-day school week.

Now results are in for the Four Day Survey sent out to parents and the public for participation. The survey drew 519 respondents, of those 441 were parents or guardians, and 78 community members with no children in school.

Of the survey respondents, 339 or 65 percent are for a four-day school week, and 178 or 34 percent are opposed.

Asked what kind of impact they felt a four-day week would have on students' academic performance 48 percent answered it would be positive, 24 percent responded negative impact, 8 percent answered no impact and 19 percent were unsure of the impact.

Asked what impact a four-day week would have on students' supervision, safety and nutritional needs, respondents answered; 28 percent a positive impact, 25 percent a negative impact, 34 percent no impact and 12 percent unsure of the impact.

A four-day week's impact on students' extracurricular activities was seen as having a positive impact by 33 percent of respondents, 19 percent a negative impact, no impact by 35 percent and 11 percent were unsure of the impact.

The move to a four-day week's impact on recruitment and retention of staff was seen as a positive by 70 percent, negative by 7 percent and having no impact by 22 percent of respondents. 196 comments from the respondents taking the survey were also logged and shared in the survey results.

The information gathered from the survey has been shared with the MPS Board, and the superintendent is now in the process of holding discussions with staff.

The superintendent said Miami's look at four-day weeks has drawn interest from other school districts and professional education organizations and the State Department.

Concern swirls around the issue, and Hogan fears four-day weeks may be caught up in political bargaining.

"The big piece up at the Capitol is they're still trying to get teacher pay raises passed through, and I think that's being used a little bit as a bargaining chip. They're wanting to basically force us to go five days and to do that I think it's going to take away some local control. We do have some concerns about a piece of legislation, House Bill 1684, and one thing it mandates is school districts have to develop a plan if they are going to a non-traditional schedule such as a four-day week. This plan has to be very well developed, meet certain criteria, answer various questions and it has to be presented to the State Department of Education for approval."

If passed, the measure would grant the privilege of an approved alternative schedule for three years and require reapplication before the end of that period.

"So, they're definitely making it tougher even to consider this it looks like to become a four-day school," Hogan said. "There's lots of things to consider and look at. Ultimately getting the conversation started, continuing to converse with our stakeholders and let them know the difficulties we're facing as a school district and encouraging them to let their voice be heard. You know education has taken a back seat for way too long. It's time for us to step out and make it a priority and let our leaders know that it is a priority to us. We've got to have high-quality educators in the classroom because that's where it all starts at if we want our students to be successful."

Read the full article here.

Music Monday: The Pigeon on the Gate

For my wife's birthday, and St. Patrick's Day later this week, this Music Monday is the Irish folk song The Pigeon on the Gate.

Enjoy!



Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.

NW Oklahoma fire relief information

This week, wildfires burned over 780,000 (1,218 square miles) acres of land in northwestern Oklahoma, and southwestern Kansas, with additional large fires in the Texas Panhandle. At least seven deaths were reported, and thousands of head of cattle are said to have been lost to the fires, in addition to destroyed grassland, structures, and wildlife.

The burn area from the fires (click to enlarge)

A Kansas home that escaped destruction

Fighting a fire in NW Oklahoma

Aerial shot of a Kansas fire near the Oklahoma border, taken by OHP Pilot Roy Anderson

Here's some information on various relief efforts:

OKFB partners with Love's Travel Stops, Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma 

to fund fire relief

In the wake of devastating wildfires throughout northwest Oklahoma, Oklahoma Farm Bureau has partnered with Love’s Travel Stops and Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma to fund relief for fire victims.

The three organizations have furnished gift cards for fuel to those transporting donated hay to the affected area.

An estimated 1.3 million acres of land have burned, devastating farmers and ranchers throughout northwest Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. Ranchers in the area are in dire need of feed for the cattle.

Gift cards will be distributed at the hay drop off locations. If interested in donating additional funds, please contact the Oklahoma Farm Bureau office at 405-530-2681.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau provides resources for giving and
those receiving wildfire relief

If you would like to donate relief effort funds, please make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation and put "Fire Relief" in the memo line and send to P.O. Box 82395 Oklahoma City, OK 73148. To donate online, visit www.okcattlemen.org.

If farmers and ranchers need hay, please reach out to the Harper County Extension Office at 580-735-2252.

Emergency donations and information is available below. The immediate needs are hay and trucking services to transport hay. Below are the drop-off points if you would like to donate hay:

Tournament of Waste: The Bitter 16

From Tom Coburn's Foundation to Restore Accountability:

Get ready for the 2017 Tournament of Waste! Starting with the "Bitter" 16, we are calling on YOU to decide the worst of government waste. Watch the teaser above and stay tuned for selection Wednesday on March 22nd!

Learn more about Restore Accountability here.

Hawaii Senate passes bill to force pro-life centers to refer for abortion

Some disturbing news from Hawaii on abortion:

Hawaii's Push for Pro-Lifers' Abortion Advertisement Passes Senate Vote

Sailing through the Democrat-controlled senate on a 22-3 tally, a Hawaiian bill that would force the state’s five pro-life pregnancy centers to advertise taxpayer-funded abortions was sent along to the house Tuesday in Honolulu.

Patterned along similar lines with a 2015 law in California that is likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court as soon as this year, the Hawaiian senate bill (SB 501) was originally introduced with a parallel house bill, which was on hold as the senate bill went through.

Planned Parenthood Northwest and Hawai i— which is currently suing an Idaho pregnancy center over use of a shared parking lot — has been a vocal supporter of the legislation

“In its rush to appease Big Abortion, the Hawaii legislature is running roughshod over the First Amendment rights guaranteed to its own citizens,” Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International—an affiliation network that includes Hawaiian centers—said. “If the state can force its own people to violate their own deeply held religious convictions by advertising for abortions, then free speech and free religious exercise are effectively dead.”

Leaders at pro-life pregnancy help organizations on the islands—who receive no state funding whatsoever—had testified against the bill at an earlier senate hearing, but their written testimony was held back from the senate’s Ways and Means Committee ahead of its vote last week.

Pro-life advocates, including National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) vice president Anne O’Connor, said the breach of protocol ahead of the Ways and Means Committee vote indicated the state’s disregard for the First Amendment’s guarantee of citizens’ rights to “petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Ironically, that breach underscores the law’s clear intent to trample on the First Amendment rights of free speech and free exercise of religion, O’Connor argued, calling the censorship—intentional or not—“mind-boggling in our democracy.”

The bill as it currently stands would threaten pregnancy centers with a $500 first-time penalty and a $1,000 penalty for future infractions, forcing them to post or disseminate the following notice to women seeking care at their facilities:

"This clinic does not provide abortion services or abortion referrals.  Only ultrasounds    performed by qualified healthcare professionals and read by licensed clinicians should be considered medically accurate.  Hawaii has public programs that provide immediate free or low-cost access to comprehensive family planning services including all FDA-approved methods of contraception, prenatal care, and abortion for eligible women.  To apply for medical insurance coverage that will cover the full range of family planning and prenatal care services, apply on-line at mybenefits.hawaii.gov.”

Read more here.

From another article on TheResurgent, NIFLA President Thomas Glessner (a Supreme Court-approved bar attorney) said, "The Hawaii effort to suppress free speech is especially concerning because one of the state’s pro-life centers is housed in a church — which means the church itself would be forced to refer for abortions. This is an egregious violation of religious freedom."

The Democratic Party holds all 25 seats in the Hawaii State Senate (the only state legislative chamber with no minority party).

Kevin Hern Announces Run for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional Seat

Kevin Hern Announces Run for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional Seat

Tulsa, OK – Tulsa business owner Kevin Hern announced today that he is running in the 2018 1st Congressional District election.

“For far too long, special interests have controlled Washington, D.C. with bad policy instead of putting the American people first. As a life-long business owner, I know first-hand that the federal government is destroying job creation, small business start-ups, and economic freedom. In order to solve the problems, we need a business-minded and principled person who has the proven ability and know how to take the power back from the federal government and return it to the people.”

“My life has been a prime example of how anyone can achieve the American dream. I grew up very poor; there was no indoor plumbing until I was in my teens. In addition to food stamps, I supported my family through hauling hay and construction jobs. McDonald’s offered me the opportunity. Through hard-work and determination, I went from making Egg McMuffins to owning and operating eighteen McDonald’s in Eastern Oklahoma and employing thousands of people. I have served in various regional, divisional, and national leadership positions within McDonald’s.”

“For the first time in recorded history, America has more small businesses failing than are being started, the highest unemployment numbers since 1978, a national debt crisis, and the worse financial recovery in 65 years. The biggest obstacle to economic advancement is the Federal Government.”

“I am the right person with the right experience at the right time to help jump-start economic recovery for our state and the nation.
While in Congress, I will focus on securing our border, repealing job-killing regulations and tax policies, and returning control back into the hand of the people, like their healthcare, for example, by repealing Obamacare.”

“The American Dream only works if there is a climate for economic opportunity so that Americans willing to work hard can succeed. It is a new day in America, and I am excited to be part of getting Oklahomans working again, starting small businesses, and being a state that leads the nation in productivity and success.”

As the owner of KTAK Corporation, Mr. Hern identifies companies that need strategic growth leadership and provide avenues for capital participation. Mr. Hern currently owns and operates 10 McDonald’s restaurants that employ over 450 people in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. Mr. Hern has worked in the McDonald’s system since 1987 and became a franchisee in 1997. For the past 5 years, Kevin Hern has served as the Chairman of the Systems Economic Team for over 3,000 U.S. franchisees.

For more information please go to www.hernforcongress.com or watch the video on YouTube.

House Passes Unfunded Education Mandate

The Oklahoma State House passed HB 1114 on Tuesday by a vote of 92-7. The measure, authored by Rep. Michael Rogers (R-Broken Arrow) and now co-authored by 56 other representatives, would give teachers a $6,000 pay raise phased in over three years.



Problem is, there is no funding. This is a completely unfunded mandate.

State Rep. Josh Cockroft, a member of House leadership, said this about the measure: "Since the appropriations process is not yet to the point to where we know where funds will come from to pay for this plan, this policy part was passed first." Essentially, we have to pass the bill before we find a way to fund it.

Passing a teacher pay raise is the popular thing to do right now. It's politically expedient. It has been one of the top three issues for the past two legislative sessions and election cycles, but with the budget shortfalls there has not been the necessary funding available.

Oklahoma is facing a shortfall this year of nearly $900M. The cost for the first-year pay raise of $1,000 is about $52.7M. The second-year phase (additional $2,000 raise) will cost about $158.7M, and the final phase (additional $3,000 raise) will be around $316M. Notice that the measure is back-loaded... much like the "savings" in federal legislation that never come to fruition.

Obviously, raising teacher pay is a laudable goal, but passing a pay raise with no funding is deceptive and irresponsible. It's akin to telling your children "Hey! We're taking you to DISNEY WORLD next week! Assuming I get a big surprise bonus at work tomorrow, which there's absolutely no indication that I will. But... DISNEY WORLD!"

Freshman State Rep Avery Frix (R-Muskogee) has been touting his HB 1115, which "would prohibit the Legislature from enacting new mandates for schools unless funding is provided." These two measures absolutely contradict each other.

Raising teacher pay is a nice goal, but it doing it without funding is misleading to constituents and especially to teachers. This bill appears to just be a way to say "I voted for a pay raise". If you're going to pass an unfunded pay raise, why stop at $6,000? Make it something big, like $10,000, or $25,000!

Legislators like to rail against unfunded education mandates. HB 1114 is a nice goal, but at this point, it's just another unfunded mandate.

Leaders, friends comment on Mike McCarville's passing

Mike McCarville, legendary Oklahoma journalist and political commentator, passed away early this morning after a lengthy illness.

A legend in his field, McCarville had a storied media career, ranging from newspaper to television (KWTV) to radio (KOSU, KGWA, KTOK, NRANews), was Gov. Dewey Bartlett's press secretary, and published The McCarville Report since 1980 (in print, then online beginning in 2006, I believe). Mike served in the Army from 1958 to 1961, was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame in 2013, and received the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Republican Party in 2015.

The godfather of Oklahoma political reporting, his print and later web writings have been a staple among state political movers and shakers for over three decades. His political blog inspired other bloggers, myself included, to begin writing. Called at one point the "gold standard of political blogs" in Oklahoma, and banned in Red China, McCarville's blog was the go-to site for political news in Oklahoma. Since 2015, one of his goals has been to see civil asset forfeiture reform passed in Oklahoma, and Mike strongly pushed State Sen. Kyle Loveless' efforts to do so (his words from April 29, 2015 were: "This plague on our state and nation is my 2015-2016 pet peeve project. There is a chance we can get the Oklahoma law repealed if we raise enough hell about it. Law enforcement will protest that their budgets will be cut. That is no justification for this outrageous violation of rights. That drum beat you hear is me, out here marching around with my drum sticks.").

Mike's death signals the end of an era in Oklahoma political journalism and blogging. He was 76. Read the announcement post by his co-editor Jason Doyle here.

Reactions have been rolling in all day from elected officials, political activists, news figures, and friends. Here are a few:

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe: “Oklahoma has lost a great man and conservative voice. Mike was a staple of Oklahoma political journalism for decades and was known as a voice of reason around the state. I am fortunate to have known Mike and can tell you he was driven by a love for his family and his faith in God. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike McCarville’s beloved wife Ann as well as his children and grandchildren that he took tremendous pride in.”

U.S. Sen. James Lankford: “I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Mike McCarville. Mike was an investigator, communicator, and he had a passion for people and politics. He loved his state and its people, and he will be missed by me and my family. My prayers are with his loved ones and many friends.”

Gov. Mary Fallin: “Mike McCarville was a skilled journalist and one of Oklahoma’s most respected commentators. He had a strong curiosity who cared deeply about Oklahoma and was intrigued especially about the politics and newsmakers of our state. He was a personal friend who I will remember as being fair, but tough in pursuing stories and tips. He worked for several news outlets throughout his career, but I remember him most during his time on the radio, in which he liked to describe himself as the ‘man with a face for radio.’ My thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family and friends during this difficult time, as we remember his joyful and caring spirit.”

State Sen. David Holt (R-OKC): "One of the most legendary names in Oklahoma politics has passed, and it wasn't a politician. For decades, Mike McCarville and his McCarville Report set the bar for political news. His namesake web site may live on, but we mourn the loss of the man. Rest In Peace, Mike McCarville."

State Sen. Kyle Loveless: "RIP I got to really know Mike on KTLR when I was host of Tailgate Political Hour with Keith Gaddie - Mike came on once a week and I learned more in that hour than all my time in classroom- Gentleman, Father, Grandfather and Journalist you will be missed"

Mayor Mick Cornett (R-OKC): "Already missing my friend Mike McCarville. He was our most frequent guest on 'The Verdict' with more than 20 appearances through the years."

Matt Pinnell: "A trailblazer. Passionate conservative and one heck of a journalist. RIP, Mike."

Anthony J. Ferate: "Oklahoma has lost a legend with Mike McCarville's departure of this vale of tears. May peace be with his family and all Oklahomans that regarded him as I did. May his memory be a blessing."

Cam Edwards (NRA): "Mike McCarville was my friend and mentor. Please keep his family, including his wife of 55 years, Ann, in your thoughts and prayers."

Howard Houchen: "Legendary Hall of Fame Journalist/Broadcaster, Mike McCarville passed away at 4:15am this morning. I thought the world of "Sir Mike" and valued his advice and political stories over the years. He will be missed, never forgotten."

Ed Goeas: "Rest in Peace Mike. My prayers go out to both him and his wonderful family. In forty years of working Oklahoma campaigns I always found him to be one of the top “GO TO” voices of Oklahoma."

Mike Edwards: "Saddened to hear of the passing of Mike McCarville. He was a trailblazer and giant in covering Oklahoma politics for decades. Before Drudge, before the Huffington Post, there was The McCarville Report. I will truly miss reading his insight and analysis."

Josh Kivett: "RIP Mike McCarville - an Oklahoma original, conservative icon and legendary journalist."

Charles Hill (also a blog post here): "This local media scene owes much of its very existence to Mike McCarville: he was blogging before there were any such things as blogs. RIP."