J.C. Watts Endorses Gingrich

X-Oklahoma Rep. J.C. Watts has endorsed Newt Gingrich for president. 

“I’m not looking for a candidate that’s perfect, that’s not flawed,” he told Fox News. “All of them are flawed, and those that think they’re not flawed, that’s their flaw. I’m looking for somebody that will be willing to do the heavy lifting to get us to where we all want to be as a nation, and I think Newt fits that profile.”

Gingrich made a true difference on policy as House speaker, Watts said. "When you consider where we are today, and you think about the good old days of balanced budgets, entitlement reform, paying down our national debt, getting tax relief -- as a Republican majority, Newt Gingrich was the speaker. We haven't seen things like that in the last 13 years.”


This coming on the heels of Republican Senator Tom Coburn R-Okla. who has some harsh words for his former boss Newt Gingrich.

“There’s a lot of candidates out there I’m not inclined to be a supporter of Newt Gingrich’s having served under him for four years and personally experiences his leadership,” said Coburn said on “Fox News Sunday.”

Coburn served under then Speaker Gingrich after being elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 as part of the great Republican revival brought on by Gingrich.

“There’s all types of leaders.  Leaders that instill confidence, leaders that are somewhat abrupt and brisk.  Leaders that have one standard for the people that they’re leading and a different standard for themselves.  I just found his leadership lacking,” Coburn said.

This isn’t the first time that Coburn has spoken critically of Gingrich’s leadership style.

Coburn described the former speaker as someone who is brilliant but divisive while speaking on C-SPAN in March.

“We need someone who’s eye is critical but is not harsh in their manner,” he said.

Coburn has previously announced his decision not to run for re-election in 2016.

Oklahoma Primary Election — July 27, 2010 (UNOFFICIAL RESULTS)

(DEM) FOR GOVERNOR 2244 OF 2244
JARI ASKINS 132,571 50.28%
DREW EDMONDSON 131,078 49.72%

(DEM) FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION 2244 OF 2244
SUSAN PADDACK 183,525 73.35%
JERRY COMBRINK 66,685 26.65%

(DEM) FOR U.S. SENATOR 2244 OF 2244
JIM ROGERS 157,926 65.36%
MARK MYLES 83,709 34.64%

(DEM) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 2 570 OF 570
JIM WILSON 21,491 24.44%
DAN BOREN 66,426 75.56%

(DEM) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 340 OF 340
TOM GUILD 16,059 43.17%
BILLY COYLE 21,139 56.83%

(DEM) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 4 55 OF 55
MARK CORNELL 2,245 19.74%
NEIL BRANNON 9,125 80.26%

(DEM) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 14 61 OF 61
DARRYL ROBERTS 3,665 52.30%
DONNA SPRING 3,343 47.70%

(DEM) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 48 56 OF 56
CLYDE E. MADDEN 296 4.68%
CONNIE JOHNSON 4,293 67.83%
MARK P. TEMPLE 1,138 17.98%
STEVEN DAVIS 602 9.51%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 3 24 OF 24
JAMES LOCKHART 1,054 18.62%
TRACI BARNES 921 16.27%
JAKE LEMING 947 16.73%
JARROD RIDENOUR 720 12.72%
DAVID M. HOGAN 601 10.61%
MATT WEBB 1,419 25.06%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 15 35 OF 35
ED CANNADAY 4,111 83.27%
ANNIE J. GOOLSBY 826 16.73%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 16 32 OF 32
JERRY SHOEMAKE 2,507 79.21%
JAMES BO DELSO 658 20.79%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 18 36 OF 36
CAROLYN McNATT HILL 1,465 24.45%
DONNIE CONDIT 1,995 33.29%
JOHN M. FREEMAN 1,144 19.09%
ROGER SHIRLEY 1,389 23.18%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 21 27 OF 27
CHRIS PIERCE 798 18.79%
JERRY TOMLINSON 1,393 32.79%
ODEN GRUBE 922 21.70%
NATHAN W. WILLIAMS 1,135 26.72%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 44 15 OF 15
EMILY VIRGIN 1,474 52.68%
TOM KOVACH 666 23.80%
ROBERT T. MURPHY 105 3.75%
ISAIAH McCASLIN 553 19.76%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 66 20 OF 20
ELI POTTS 665 38.09%
ANDREW THOMAS WILLIAMS 572 32.76%
DAVID PHILLIPS 509 29.15%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 68 17 OF 17
TROY ZICKEFOOSE 858 49.88%
SETH WATKINS 862 50.12%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 73 23 OF 23
JABAR SHUMATE 1,762 51.49%
KEVIN MATTHEWS 1,660 48.51%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 86 27 OF 27
JEFF COLLYGE 1,485 27.40%
WILLIAM T. WILL FOURKILLER 1,497 27.62%
JOHN AUFFET 2,438 44.98%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 93 16 OF 16
WANDA JO PELTIER 722 63.06%
WILFREDO SANTOS RIVERA 96 8.38%
JEFF PACKHAM 327 28.56%

(DEM) FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT NO. 12 77 OF 77
JANICE STEIDLEY 7,124 64.73%
PATRICK ABITBOL 3,882 35.27%

(DEM) FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT NO. 17 67 OF 67
DOYLE E. BLYTHE 833 7.78%
MARK MATLOFF 6,470 60.46%
LAURA ROSS WALLIS 3,399 31.76%

(DEM) FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT NO. 18 66 OF 66
FARLEY WARD 4,748 54.04%
RUSSELL M. TACHEIRA 1,139 12.96%
TERRY HARRISON 2,899 33.00%

(DEM) FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT NO. 23 54 OF 54
RICHARD L. SMOTHERMON 5,066 58.41%
BILL ROBERSON 3,607 41.59%

(DEM) FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT NO. 27 115 OF 115
W. GRANT HUSKEY 6,076 34.29%
JERRY S. MOORE 11,642 65.71%

(REP) FOR GOVERNOR 2244 OF 2244
RANDY BROGDON 98,159 39.42%
ROGER L. JACKSON 6,290 2.53%
MARY FALLIN 136,452 54.79%
ROBERT HUBBARD 8,130 3.26%

(REP) FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR 2244 OF 2244
BERNIE ADLER 10,514 4.48%
JOHN A. WRIGHT 41,169 17.55%
TODD LAMB 156,807 66.84%
PAUL F. NOSAK 13,941 5.94%
BILL CROZIER 12,177 5.19%

(REP) FOR STATE AUDITOR AND INSPECTOR 2244 OF 2244
GARY JONES 151,685 69.57%
DAVID HANIGAR 66,358 30.43%

(REP) FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL 2244 OF 2244
RYAN LEONARD 105,331 43.95%
SCOTT PRUITT 134,313 56.05%

(REP) FOR STATE TREASURER 2244 OF 2244
KEN MILLER 145,391 63.04%
OWEN LAUGHLIN 85,231 36.96%

(REP) FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION 2244 OF 2244

JANET BARRESI 145,420 62.73%
BRIAN S. KELLY 86,410 37.27%

(REP) FOR COMMISSIONER OF LABOR 2244 OF 2244
MARK COSTELLO 127,389 57.06%
JASON REESE 95,857 42.94%

(REP) FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 2244 OF 2244
JOHN P. CRAWFORD 92,906 41.67%
JOHN DOAK 87,263 39.14%
MARK CROUCHER 42,769 19.18%

(REP) FOR CORPORATION COMMISSIONER 2244 OF 2244
TOD YEAGER 70,641 30.79%
DANA MURPHY 158,755 69.21%

(REP) FOR U.S. SENATOR 2244 OF 2244
EVELYN L. ROGERS 15,087 6.09%
LEWIS KELLY SPRING 8,810 3.55%
TOM COBURN 223,968 90.36%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 1 353 OF 353
JOHN SULLIVAN 38,670 62.07%
PATRICK K. HAWORTH 1,736 2.79%
KENNETH RICE 10,394 16.68%
FRAN MOGHADDAM 1,213 1.95%
NATHAN DAHM 8,871 14.24%
CRAIG ALLEN 1,420 2.28%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 2 570 OF 570
DANIEL EDMONDS 6,882 28.31%
CHARLES THOMPSON 8,160 33.57%
RAYMOND WICKSON 1,095 4.50%
CHESTER CLEM FALLING 1,526 6.28%
HOWARD HOUCHEN 2,785 11.46%
DANIEL ARNETT 3,863 15.89%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 4 416 OF 416
TOM COLE 32,584 77.26%
R.J. HARRIS 9,592 22.74%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 340 OF 340
JOHNNY B. ROY 1,548 2.77%
RICK FLANIGAN 762 1.36%
SHANE JETT 5,955 10.66%
JAMES LANKFORD 18,755 33.58%
MIKE THOMPSON 10,007 17.92%
HARRY JOHNSON 686 1.23%
KEVIN CALVEY 18,143 32.48%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 4 55 OF 55
TOM LANNIGAN 408 21.10%
MARK ALLEN 1,526 78.90%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 10 61 OF 61
DAVID McLAIN 1,888 37.65%
EDDIE FIELDS 3,126 62.35%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 14 61 OF 61
FRANK SIMPSON 1,611 64.96%
JOHNNY LOARD 869 35.04%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 22 56 OF 56
BOB BARNETT 2,606 26.84%
BOB BRADWAY 1,891 19.47%
ROB JOHNSON 5,214 53.69%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 24 54 OF 54
LINDA MOLSBEE 1,514 23.03%
ANTHONY SYKES 5,060 76.97%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 28 61 OF 61
TIM CLEM 2,434 45.65%
HARRY COATES 2,898 54.35%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 30 41 OF 41
MATT JACKSON 2,934 36.41%
DAVID HOLT 5,125 63.59%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 34 48 OF 48
TIM COAGER 2,502 34.61%
RICK BRINKLEY 4,727 65.39%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 42 37 OF 37
CLIFF A ALDRIDGE 4,213 76.34%
JAMES LANE 1,306 23.66%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 44 31 OF 31
JAMES DAVENPORT 1,238 49.92%
CHARLES L. PETERS 164 6.61%
BING WINES 137 5.52%
RALPH SHORTEY 941 37.94%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 21 27 OF 27
JACK ACCOUNTIUS 284 35.86%
DUSTIN ROBERTS 508 64.14%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 27 19 OF 19
JOSH COCKROFT 744 38.10%
NORM SEABERG 421 21.56%
DONALD ROMINGER, JR. 332 17.00%
RICHARD BENNETT 456 23.35%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 28 26 OF 26
BRYAN D. CAIN 716 39.13%
TOM NEWELL 1,114 60.87%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 31 23 OF 23
JASON W. MURPHEY 3,980 74.91%
AJ JONES 1,333 25.09%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 34 17 OF 17
RYAN SMITH 1,745 79.14%
DARRELL DOUGHERTY 460 20.86%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 35 31 OF 31
DENNIS CASEY 1,823 62.91%
BILL JENNINGS 1,075 37.09%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 49 33 OF 33
TOMMY C. HARDIN 711 69.43%
JIM FISCHER 313 30.57%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 61 46 OF 46
GUS BLACKWELL 2,110 61.53%
SETH ADAMS 1,319 38.47%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 66 20 OF 20
JAY K. RAMEY 570 38.08%
JADINE NOLLAN 927 61.92%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 68 17 OF 17
HOWARD PIDCOCK 1,114 39.12%
GLEN MULREADY 1,734 60.88%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 74 17 OF 17
DAVID DERBY 3,106 66.14%
JOE KELLEY 1,590 33.86%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 76 16 OF 16
TONY CURTIS GRIFFITH 693 20.07%
DAVID BRUMBAUGH 2,760 79.93%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 85 25 OF 25
DAVID DANK 3,267 79.10%
AARON KASPEREIT 863 20.90%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 94 21 OF 21
ZANA WILLIAMS 476 24.75%
KYLE COULTER 1,447 75.25%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 100 14 OF 14
ELISE HALL 1,834 47.32%
DAVID LOOBY 1,336 34.47%
TIM McCOY 706 18.21%

(REP) FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT NO. 8 51 OF 51
BRIAN HERMANSON 3,383 55.10%
MARK L. GIBSON 2,757 44.90%

(REP) FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT NO. 11 36 OF 36
KEVIN D. BUCHANAN 4,523 67.45%
FREDERICK S. ESSER 2,183 32.55%

(REP) FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT NO. 24 59 OF 59
DOUG MERRITT 2,447 44.87%
MAX COOK 3,007 55.13%

(NON) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE, DIST NO. 7 OFF NO. 2 ELEC DIV NO. 3 103 OF 103
JIM WORRELL 3,460 16.92%
PAUL S. FAULK 4,873 23.83%
TWYLA GRAY 12,118 59.25%

(NON) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE, DIST NO. 2 OFF NO. 1 59 OF 59
RICKY McPHEARSON 2,926 25.29%
DOUG HAUGHT 4,676 40.42%
RICHARD PHILLIPS 3,966 34.28%

(NON) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE, DIST NO. 7 OFF NO. 7 315 OF 315
TIM RHODES 11,628 13.79%
KENT ELDRIDGE 14,382 17.06%
PAT CRAWLEY 15,962 18.93%
JACKIE SHORT 5,666 6.72%
CINDY TRUONG 28,158 33.40%
CARSON BROOKS 8,508 10.09%

(NON) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE, DIST NO. 14 OFF NO. 3 277 OF 277
MARK A. ZANNOTTI 13,180 20.16%
JAMES M CAPUTO 28,409 43.46%
CLANCY SMITH 23,772 36.37%

(NON) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE, DIST NO. 14 OFF NO. 13 277 OF 277
CARL FUNDERBURK 15,471 22.57%
BILL MUSSEMAN 21,502 31.37%
C.W. DAIMON JACOBS 3,101 4.52%
CAROLINE WALL 13,545 19.76%
THERESA DREILING 14,934 21.78%

(NON) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE, DIST NO. 21 OFF NO. 1 140 OF 140
JONATHAN NICHOLS 16,126 41.35%
TRACY SCHUMACHER 16,735 42.91%
MICHAEL C. BELL 6,141 15.75%

(NON) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE, DIST NO. 21 OFF NO. 2 140 OF 140
JOHN A. MANTOOTH 11,916 30.82%
EDWARD T. TILLERY 10,378 26.85%
GREG DIXON 16,364 42.33%

(NON) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE, DIST NO. 23 OFF NO. 1 54 OF 54
BARNEY K. BARNETT 3,211 20.20%
ROBERT THOMPSON 4,841 30.45%
CINDY FERRELL ASHWOOD 7,846 49.35%

(NON) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE, DIST NO. 24 OFF NO. 3 93 OF 93
JOHN MALEY 5,457 32.27%
JOHN WRIGHT 5,332 31.53%
KEN ADAIR 6,122 36.20%

(NON) FOR ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE, ADAIR COUNTY 18 OF 18
BARRETT HARRIS 1,367 26.44%
RALPH KEEN 809 15.65%
LIZ BROWN 2,994 57.91%

(NON) FOR ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE, ATOKA COUNTY 15 OF 15
REID K. MAYFIELD 115 3.94%
PRESTON HARBUCK 1,760 60.27%
RICHARD E. MAYFIELD 194 6.64%
JAMES THORNLEY 851 29.14%

(NON) FOR ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE, BECKHAM COUNTY 13 OF 13
MICHELLE KIRBY-ROPER 1,062 31.36%
GARY P. McGINN 261 7.71%
DAVID BROOKS 298 8.80%
BRIAN J. HENDERSON 598 17.66%
MIKE ABEL 1,167 34.47%

(NON) FOR ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE, CLEVELAND COUNTY 90 OF 90
TED L. RYALS 2,521 8.70%
STEPHEN BONNER 16,121 55.61%
J. MICHAEL SHERROD 4,173 14.39%
MICHAEL GARDNER 6,175 21.30%

(NON) FOR ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE, CREEK COUNTY 43 OF 43
WESLEY RAY THOMPSON 2,558 25.20%
MARK IHRIG 5,964 58.76%
CREEKMORE WALLACE II 1,628 16.04%

(NON) FOR ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE, JEFFERSON COUNTY 11 OF 11
JON TOM STATON 570 36.54%
WILLIAM W. EAKIN 329 21.09%
DENNIS GAY 661 42.37%

(NON) FOR ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE, KINGFISHER COUNTY 17 OF 17
SARA J. BOECKMAN 583 17.20%
DAN STAKE 678 20.00%
ROBERT E. BOB DAVIS 2,129 62.80%

(NON) FOR ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE, LOGAN COUNTY 23 OF 23
NORMAN HOLLINGSWORTH 772 11.89%
THOMAS R. COOK 704 10.84%
RITA JENCKS 768 11.83%
ROBERT J. WAGNER 772 11.89%
LUKE DUEL 3,478 53.56%

(NON) FOR ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE, MAJOR COUNTY 14 OF 14
JAMES A. WILKINSON 568 22.98%
JOHN W. McCUE II 801 32.40%
TIM HAWORTH 1,103 44.62%

Mohammad Farzaneh talking about Tom Cole 'Secret' Townhall meeting

Mohammad Farzaneh (Owner of Home Creations) reporting to the Oklahoma Governors Ethnic American Advisory Council (May 7, 2010) about the 'Secret' Townhall meeting with US Rep Tom Cole (R OK-4) (Sunday, April 11th at 10:45AM)

You ask what 'Secret' Townhall meeting?

Please read my friend Brandi blog @
Ztruth for more information on
Rep. Cole 'Secret' Townhall meeting

Thank You Brandi!

VOTE NO on THIS MAPS

Hat Tip to Mark Shannon

Who Makes Money Off MAPS?

So, who benefits from MAPS 3?

Let's look...
Congressman Tom Cole - His company Cole Hargraves Snodgrass is being paid to do polling for MAPS. Cole didn't reveal that when he endorsed MAPS. He also receives campaign funds from many of the principles involved in shoving MAPS 3 down the throat of voters. It's Tom Cole's company that is behind the annoying "robocalls" and the caller "Laurie" is an employee of his company, though you're supposed to be so stupid that you think it's some "regular" housewife. I'm not even sure LAURIE lives in Oklahoma City. FAKE.

Former Mayor Kirk Humphrey on the Oklahoma River that is/has been improved by MAPS 3. He bought it three years ago, but it remains undeveloped. Why do you suppose he's waiting? Hmm.

MAYOR Mick Cornett is directly paid by Ackerman McQueen, who is a MAPS supporter and who has produced commercials and public relations for MAPS 3. Cornett's salary is also being paid by clients of A-M such as THE OKLAHOMAN, OGE, The State Fair Board, The OKC Chamber of Commerce, Baptist Integris, and Chesapeake, among others. All who are pushing MAPS. The Mayor is ON THE TAKE, legally or otherwise, by MAPS 3 supporters.

Some of his clients do business with the city. Anyone see anything UNETHICAL about that? CORNETT'S CONFLICTS

Billionaire Aubrey McClendon/Chesapeake owns property along the OK River, which will directly benefit from MAPS 3.

OG&E reportedly might stand to gain "big time" depending on where the Convention Center is built. It has something to do with the "need" of a new power sub-station, though I'm unclear about the details.

State Fair Board, who receives money from the HOTEL MOTEL TAX, gets even more money. How much profit do they make? How much do they pay their members or employees? How much money does this so-called NON-PROFIT make off the State Fair and the shows there? Where does it go? Two members of Ackerman-McQueen are on their board, as is Clay Bennett and other YESMAPS money backers.

DEVON already received a special TIFF to subsidize the building of their 50 story office building. This TIFF draws off taxes that normally would go to the school district.

THE OKLAHOMAN has benefitted enormously from expensive FULL PAGE ads, already gets heavy money from the STATE FAIR, (to the point most people think the OKLAHOMAN owns the FAIR,) and the Oklahoman publisher is the head of the Chamber, and heading up the MAPS 3 tax increase.

The CITY GOVERNMENT will grow as a result of MAPS. That means more taxes, more salaries, more control. I guess Oklahomans only care about the size of government when it's Obama's government?

And, the only UNION that benefits is not the police or firefighters, but the UNION that represents State, City, and County municipal employees.

And that's just the connections I am aware of, without doing any serious digging. Too bad a certain newspaper, (which is in the MAPS TANKS) doesn't do some real journalism about the "corruption" in this city.

If You Vote - THIS MAPS is Over!

If I had any doubt about the numbers I've been receiving show THIS MAPS failing miserably, I no longer do.

The people of Oklahoma City have sent a loud and clear message to the pollsters, owned and operated by Congressman Tom Cole's CHS company, funded by a group of clients of Mick Cornett's employer, Ackerman-McQueen:

NOT THIS MAPS....NOT NOW....ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

The evidence that confirms what I'm saying? The MAPS campaign has gone negative! (As predicted in this column earlier this week.)

Their most recent TV commercials now call our Police and Firefighters BULLIES!

These people are desperate.

To refer to these overstretched and understaffed members of public safety as BULLIES is not only complete "B.S." - it's just unbelievable!

AND...its' all a SMOKE SCREEN.

The police and firefighters aren't the issue. The bad timing of many bad projects that will only grow the burden already felt by Oklahoma City taxpayers is the issue.

Swimming pools for seniors that are not needed and who will compete with privately-owned athletic facilities, not to mention the YM and YWCA's.

A whitewater rafting "fantasy" that does will not make break even. (And if it could should be built by private investment, not government.)

A downtown park, which might look good, but which will further burden city government that can barely keep up with what we have already, and that the city cannot provide security for due to the undermanned and overworked OKC Police Dept. (And absolutely no one can fail to see that it will be a gathering place for the homeless and criminal element that already fills that area of the city, and who have already made the nearby Myriad Gardens their home.)

Voting NO will not undue any of the progress this city has made.

It won't stop the building of the DEVON TOWER, it won't send the NBA back to Seattle, it won't hurt Bricktown at all, (in fact many in Bricktown oppose MAPS 3 because it will draw retail away from the still lacking retail business in that part of the city.)

Oklahoma City (the Mayor tells us) is already a BIG LEAGUE CITY, and yet in the middle of the worst recession most of us can remember, at a time when unemployment continues to grow in the city and revenues to the city are down, these disgusting politicians and millionaires want the taxpayers of the city to spend another 777 million dollars for projects the city DOES NOT NEED and in many cases will continue to cost taxpayers long after the 777 million dollars is spent.

Mick Cornett and his clients at A-M and his fellow politicians should be ashamed of themselves, asking taxpayers for more when they don't even know if they'll have a job next week. Not to mention referring to the heroes of April 19, 1995 and the tornados that have torn across this community as "BULLIES."

When your priorities as Mayor appear to be your advertising clients and not the voters who put you where you are, there are consequences.

Especially at election time.

And the first chance to send that message is TUESDAY. VOTE NO.

Brogdon number 2 in TMRO Governor's Race Poll

Hat Tip to Mike @ The McCarville Report Online

From TMRO:

Jari Askins topped Drew Edmondson among those who voted for the two Democrats. Askins got 67.2 percent to 32.8 for Edmondson.

Among Republicans, Mary Fallin got 40.4 percent, Randy Brogdon 29.8 percent, J. C. Watts 18.2 percent, Tom Cole 10.2 percent and Glenn Coffee 1.5 percent.

Fallin has declared she's running, Brogdon has signaled he may, Watts is known to be considering the race as is Cole, while Coffee has not indicated any interest.

In conference call Rep. Fallin say She running for governor

Supporters of Rep. Mary Fallin report that in a conference call to some of them on Friday, she announced to them, her intention to seek the Republican nomination for governor next year.

A timeline for a formal announcement apparently was not provided, but paperwork is expected to be filed "very soon" to allow Rep. Fallin to begin raising money for the statewide race.

The conference call involved about 30 people from around the state.

Fallin is in her second term in Congress representing the state’s Fifth District. She was the first woman and the first Republican to be elected Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor and would be the first female governor, if elected. Her first election to public office was as a state House member in 1990.

For months, speculation has focused on whether Fallin would give up her congressional seat to run for governor.

Oklahoma State Senator Randy Brogdon of Owasso and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., have said they also are looking at the race on the GOP side.

Earlier this week, former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts surprised a Tulsa Metro Chamber delegation by indicating he was taking a look at the race for governor.

When asked a direct question on whether he would run, Watts reportedly told the group he expects to make that decision in about 45 days.

He noted that most of his children already have moved back to the state, and he said he would have to wind down some business interests if he were to make the race.

Some of those in the room apparently were caught off guard at how definite his response was.

“He all but threw his hat in,’’ said one person who was in the room during Watts’ remarks to the delegation.

Mary Fallin to announce political plans in spring

U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin & Lt. Gov. Jari Askins

Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin says she will spend the next several weeks focusing on the national economy and will announce her future political plans in the spring.

Fallin is considered a possible Republican candidate for governor in 2010 or could run for a third term in Congress.

Incumbent Gov. Brad 'I'm Late' Henry (D) is not eligible to run for re-election because of term limits.

Fallin says a run for governor is tempting with Republicans now controlling both state House and Senate.

Fellow Republican U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-4), State Senator Randy Brogdon (Dist. 34) and State Rep. Randy Terrill (Dist. 53) has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for governor.

Democratic Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson also have said they're considering running for governor.

Cole picked for House Appropriations Committee

U.S. Tom Cole nabbed a seat Wednesday on the House Appropriations Committee, one of the more coveted panels in Congress.

As a member of that committee, the Oklahoma Republican will help oversee federal spending.

His new post provides an automatic boost to the state delegation's clout in Congress as members of the committee also can steer funds to their districts and states for specific projects.

Cole was promised a seat on the key panel during the last Congress.

At the time, he was also chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, the political arm of the House Republicans.

Cole was challenged for re-election to that position following GOP losses in the November elections, and he unexpectedly withdrew from that race just minutes before the vote.

Jari sets sights on Gov Brad Boy job

In a letter dated Friday, Jari Askins tells supporters she will "soon become a candidate for Governor of Oklahoma."

Lt. Gov Askins in the letter, "What I believe I offer that others may not is unique experience and an ability to work with members of both parties to solve problems."

Jari plans a formal announcement this month.

Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson (D), has said he intends to run for governor and will not seek re-election as attorney general.

Gov. Brad "Sleep a Lot" Henry, a Democrat, is serving his second term and cannot seek re-election.

The Lt. Governor said her decision to run was not based on other possible candidates but rather on her beliefs that she can handle the job and can win the election.

Jari is a former special district judge, House Democratic leader and Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board chairwoman.

"I believe this experience in all three branches of government will serve Oklahoma well in the governor's office," she says in the letter.

Askins was elected the lieutenant governor in 2006, defeating former Oklahoma House Speaker Todd Hiett, R-Kellyville.

Others mentioned for a possible bid for governor include State Treasurer Scott Meacham (D), and U.S. Reps. Mary Fallin (R) and Tom Cole (R).

Lt. Gov Askins said she would need to raise several million dollars for the race.

"One advantage of announcing this early is the additional time for fundraising," she said.

"I certainly have a plan in place and am prepared to raise the amount of money necessary for this campaign."

Jari lent $880,000 to her campaign for lieutenant governor. She said she was satisfied with the amount that has been repaid and that she has not contemplated a loan for the governor's race.

In her letter, the Lt. Gov says the state can be proud of what it has accomplished, but more is needed.

"We need better schools and more college graduates," she writes. "We need to make college more affordable, not less.

"Far too many Oklahoma children are without health care and going to bed hungry. There are tens of thousands while even one is too many."

2006 Dem Lt. Governor
Primary Results

CAL HOBSON 46,768 18.17%
JARI ASKINS 103,515 40.22%
PETE REGAN 74,784 29.05%
JIM ROGERS 32,336 12.56%

WTF: Cole requests pardon for border agents who shot illegal immigrant

Rep. Tom Cole (Moore, OK-4) is asking President Bush to issue pardons for two border patrol agents who were convicted of shooting an illegal immigrant.

Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos were both sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for the shooting of admitted drug dealer Osvaldo Aldrete Davila in the buttocks.

The agents said they thought Davila was armed.

What going on ?

Maybe Tommy Cole is looking at running for Oklahoma Governor in 2010, and know that He is on the WRONG SIDE of HB 1804 and Illegal Immigration !

And Tommy know that the Voter of Oklahoma still back HB 1804 by 77% !

And a "OU Hat Tip to my Buddy Bill @ ARRA, for this post BOOMER SOONER BILL !

It's Time to Pardon the Border Guards

Eagle Forum: The end of President Bush's final term is quickly approaching. Less than two months remain until he hands over the White House keys to Barack Obama, but we cannot let him leave office without resolving one very important issue: he must commute the prison sentences of convicted U.S. Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean!

Not only do we now know that the agents did not get a fair trial and that the prosecution's case was based on the word and testimony of an illegal drug smuggler, but the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld their mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentences for "discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence." This law, Section 924(c) of the U.S. Code, has always been interpreted to apply to criminals, not law enforcement officers engaged in their official duties.

Every U.S. citizen has the right to self defense, especially those serving in harm's way.

The severity of these charges and the harshness of the punishment are totally disproportionate to the violation in question. Even the illegal drug smuggler, Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila, was sentenced to less prison time than our fellow American border guards! Most recently, on November 14, 2008, U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, whose office prosecuted the border guards, stated "I have always said that the punishment in this case was harsh."

Although the families of agents Ramos and Compean plan to appeal their cases to the U.S. Supreme Court, there is no guarantee that the High Court will agree to hear it. There is the possibility that the Fifth Circuit may rehear the case in front of all 17 judges at a later date, but the fastest and most effective way to free the border guards would be with a presidential pardon or a commutation of their prison sentences to time served.

It has been said that a pardon or commutation will not be considered until all legal avenues have been exhausted, but the President has the presidential prerogative, as granted to him in Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, to pardon or commute the sentences of any convicted person for any reason or for no reason. The time to act is now!

1) Please begin to flood the White House phone lines with calls asking President George W. Bush to pardon or commute the prison sentences of Ramos and Compean before he leaves office. White House Opinion Line: 1(800) 671-7887 toll-free or (202) 456-6213 Comments to the President: (202) 456-1111

2) Call and mail letters to the United States Pardon Attorney explaining why the border guards deserve to have their prison sentences commuted!

All requests for executive clemency for federal offenses are directed to the Pardon Attorney for investigation and review. It is important that you make the Pardon Attorney aware that the border guards have the full support of the American people. Mail letters to: Mr. Ronald L. Rodgers, Office of the Pardon Attorney, 1425 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 11000, Washington, D.C. 20530 or Call: (202) 616-6070

Eight Southern governorships up in 2010

Hat Tip Southern Political Report

Eight Southern governorships
up in 2010

By Hastings Wyman
Southern Political Report

November 24, 2008 — Here's a look at the eight Southern governorships that will be decided in 2010.

Alabama: Gov. Bob Riley (R) is term-limited. The Democrats could face a hotly contested primary between Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr., son of a former governor, and US Rep. Artur Davis, an African American who, like Barack Obama, is Harvard-educated, but is more moderate (his voting record rates 65% from the Chamber of Commerce). Another possible contender is state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks (D). On the Republican side, businessman Tim James, son of former Gov. Fob James, has announced that he will run. Tim James ran in 2002, finishing third in a three-way race with 9%. US Rep. Jo Bonner (R) is being widely discussed as a potential candidate, though he has made no public declaration. Bonner, 49, is from Mobile and is not well known across the state. US Sen. Richard Shelby (R) has made it clear that, contrary to rumor, he plans to seek re-election and will not be in the gubernatorial race.

Arkansas: Gov. Mike Beebe (D) is expected to seek a second term and, given his own popularity and the GOP’s failure to contest Democratic incumbents here in 2008, he’s is a strong bet for re-election.

Florida: Gov. Charlie Crist (R) is expected to run again and, with consistently high ratings in polls -- his latest approval rating was 68% -- is the early favorite. Several Democrats are getting touted for the race, including Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who is being promoted by a group of Hillary Clinton’s backers. Sink, however, may run for the US Senate instead. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, and US Reps. Allen Body and Kendrick Meek also get mentioned.

Georgia: Gov. Sonny Perdue (R) is term-limited and the race to succeed him began earlier in the year. Three candidates have formed exploratory committees: Secretary of State John Oxendine and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, both Republicans, and former Adjutant General David Poythress, a Democrat. In addition, a number of candidates from both parties are getting mentioned in the Peach State media, including, on the Republican side, US Reps. Jack Kingston and Lynn Westmoreland, Secretary of State Karen Handel, and House Majority Leader Jerry Keen. For the Democrats, Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, an African American, who has held his elective post for ten years, and House Minority Leader DuBose Porter are possibilities.

Oklahoma: Gov. Brad Henry (D) is term-limited and a spirited contest for the open seat is likely. The leading Democratic contender for now is Attorney General Drew Edmondson, scion of a family prominent in Oklahoma politics. Edmondson has been touring the state and is expected to announce in late 2009. But he may not have a clear field in his own party. Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and state Treasurer Scott Meacham are also getting mentioned for the job. On the GOP side, two members of Congress are possible gubernatorial contenders. Congresswoman Mary Fallin, a former lieutenant governor, is getting mentioned; she was recently elected president of the sophomore class of House Republicans. Congressman Tom Cole, who earlier this month lost his position as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, is being talked about for governor. And Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, who lost a runoff for Congress to Fallin in 2006, is also getting some attention for the job.

South Carolina: Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is term-limited. The Republican field of potential candidates is large. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer (R); Attorney General Henry McMaster (R); Carroll Campbell, son of the late Gov. Campbell; US Rep. Gresham Barrett and state House Majority Leader Jim Merrill have all either expressed interest or are getting mentioned in the media. On the Democratic side, there is also a list of possible contenders, including former state Democratic Chairman Joe Erwin; state Sen. Joel Lourie; state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex; state Sen. Vincent Sheheen; and former Superintendent of Education -- and 2004 US Senate candidate -- Inez Tenenbaum.

Tennessee: Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) is term-limited and there are a lot of politicos in the Volunteer State who are possible candidates to succeed him. The biggest name is that of former US Sen. -- and Senate Majority Leader -- Bill Frist (R), who is expected to say yea or nay in early 2009. If Frist runs, he immediately becomes the heavy favorite and would probably clear the field, especially on the GOP side. If Frist stays out of the race, eight-term US Rep. Zach Wamp (R) has expressed interest in the governorship. Other possible Republican contenders include US Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. For the Democrats, former House Majority Leader Kim McMillan formed an exploratory committee last spring. Other Democratic hats potentially in the ring include US Rep. Lincoln Davis, former US Rep. -- and US Senate candidate -- Harold Ford, Jr., former Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, and former Democratic state Chairman Doug Horne.

Texas: Gov Rick Perry (R) has announced that he will seek a third term, but that has not discouraged US Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, a fellow Republican, from dropping hints that she expects to enter the primary against him. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (R) is another possibility. Other names that have been dropped include state Sen. Dan Patrick (R), owner of a conservative radio station, and former Secretary of State Roger Williams. If both Perry and Hutchison run for governor, however, it may discourage other GOP aspirants. On the Democratic side, Houston Mayor Bill White has expressed interest in the gubernatorial race, but if Hutchison steps down to run for governor, White might prefer to run for her Senate seat.

Cole drop out of race for NRCC chair

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole on Wednesday withdrew from his race for another term as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Elizabeth Eddy, press aide for the Oklahoma Republican, said Cole withdrew before a scheduled vote by the Republican conference.

Cole drew a challenge from Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas, who launched his bid to unseat Cole following GOP losses in the elections.

Sessions had the support of House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio. Cole, who had defeated Sessions for the post two years ago, and Boehner had clashed early on over NRCC staff.

2008 RESULTS: Oklahoma vote for U.S. House

District 1
349 of 349 precincts - 100 percent
x-John Sullivan, GOP (i) 193,351 - 66 percent
Georgianna Oliver, Dem 98,863 - 34 percent


District 2
570 of 570 precincts - 100 percent
x-Dan Boren, Dem (i) 173,696 - 70 percent
Raymond Wickson, GOP 72,774 - 30 percent

District 3
571 of 571 precincts - 100 percent
x-Frank Lucas, GOP (i) 184,246 - 70 percent
Frankie Robbins, Dem 62,278 - 24 percent
Forrest Michael, Ind 17,746 - 7 percent

District 4
416 of 416 precincts - 100 percent
x-Tom Cole, GOP (i) 180,040 - 66 percent
Blake Cummings, Dem 79,653 - 29 percent
David Joyce, Ind 13,021 - 5 percent

District 5
330 of 330 precincts - 100 percent
x-Mary Fallin, GOP (i) 171,841 - 66 percent
Steven Perry, Dem 88,961 - 34 percent

Pete Sessions jockeys for NRCC head

Pete Sessions jockeys for
NRCC head
By PATRICK O'CONNOR

The election is still more than five weeks off, but that hasn’t stopped some lawmakers from jockeying for leadership positions once it’s over.

First in line: Texas Rep. Pete Sessions, who has declared his candidacy for the chairmanship of the National Republican Congressional Committee, despite the fact that the current chairman, Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole, may want to stay on the job.

House Republicans and staffers were taken aback this week by rumors that Sessions was convening a formal meeting of his top surrogates to plot his NRCC campaign. The rumors were false, Sessions insists, but he acknowledged that the time for such a session will come.

“I’m not focused on [the NRCC race],” Sessions said on Wednesday. “I’m not out doing anything for that. I’m not having formal meetings with members. I’m not making calls.”

Instead, Sessions said he’s been meeting with his colleagues around the clock to raise money for the Battleground Program, a biennial fundraising drive to help GOP candidates in the tightest races down the stretch.

Ironically, if that program succeeds — if a lot of GOP candidates win in November — Cole is much more likely to want to stay on at the NRCC, and Sessions is less likely to deny him that wish.

“If it’s a bad night, they’re all gone,” one GOP strategist said of the party’s leaders. “But if it’s not a bad night and [Cole] feels like they’ve done everything they could, I think he’s going to run.”

“He’s a competitive guy,” the strategist said. “He wants to see what he can do in a better environment.”

The Sessions rumor came shortly after he made it clear he was interested in making another run for the NRCC post that he lost to Cole the last time around.

“If there’s the will of the [Republican] Conference, I’ll be pleased to do that,” Sessions told a reporter from PolitickerTX.com during an interview at the Capitol Hill Club. “I believe it would be a fun thing to do, and I’d enjoy it very much.”

But Sessions was adamant Wednesday that he is not reaching out to colleagues to secure support.

“That would be a mistake,” he said. “I feel like it would be counterproductive. … It’s all about Battleground now.”

Among members, it’s frowned upon to run for a post — particularly that of a campaign chairman — before the election if the current occupant wants to keep it.

Instead, lawmakers are expected to lay the foundation quietly, gathering their colleagues’ phone numbers and recruiting a small band to help out, so they can pounce once the results are in.

Sessions suggested that those who spread rumors about his alleged early organizing were only trying to stir up trouble.

“People who talk about the parlor game are trying to create a scenario that this is a charade,” Sessions said. “But it is not. It’s a serious business.”

Cole has been coy about his plans for another two-year term at the party’s campaign committee.

His first term hasn’t exactly been a joy ride.

The fundraising environment has been terrible since Democrats bounced the GOP from power in 2006. Twenty-nine Republicans have announced their retirement, expanding the field of competitive races beyond what is manageable for the cash-strapped party. And a financial accounting forced Cole to spend precious funds on an internal audit that attracted more negative publicity to the NRCC.

The former campaign consultant also clashed with Republican leader John A. Boehner of Ohio in an episode that briefly roiled the party. And he drew fire from colleagues for his decision not to involve the NRCC in primary battles, particularly during a string of three special elections in which Republicans lost seats they once held because, in part, a weaker candidate emerged from intraparty fights.

Cole beat Sessions in a tight three-way battle in 2006. Pennsylvania Rep. Phil English was the third candidate. The Oklahoma Republican beat his Texan rival by a vote of 102-81 on the second ballot.

Despite that loss, Sessions has been an active fundraiser for the NRCC in the intervening period — all while laying the foundation for another bid to chair the campaign committee.

Cindy McCain, Mary Fallin, Marsha Blackburn and Tom Cole to speak tonight at RNC

John McCain to Accept
Republican Party’s
Nomination for President

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Entertainment (Music): Al Williams
Entertainment (Monologue): James McEachin
Call to Order, Introduction of Colors: Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
Presentation of Colors: Fort Snelling Joint Services Color Guards
Pledge of Allegiance: Olympians Ryan Berube, Mitch Gaylord, Brittany Hayes, Barbra Higgins, Larsen Jensen, Elle Logan, Marcus McElhenney and John Naber
Singing of the National Anthem: Trace Adkins
Invocation: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Speaker: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (Okla.)
Speaker: Erik Paulsen
Speaker: Jay Love
Speaker: Charlie Summers
Speaker: Aaron Schock
Speaker: David Cappiello
Speaker: U.S. Sen. John Ensign (Nev.)
Video: "Country First: Peace," with narration by Robert Duvall
Statement of Rule Regarding Vice Presidential Nomination; Recognition of Delegates Making Motions; and Adoption and Announcement of Nominee: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.)
Speaker: Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention
Speaker: U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.)
Speaker: The Honorable Rosario Marin

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Speaker: Joe Watkins
Speaker: U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
Speaker: Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
Speaker with Video: Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (Tenn.)
Speaker: Lt. Gen. Carol Mutter, USMC (Ret.)
Speaker: U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
Speaker: U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin (Okla.)
Video: "World Stood Still"

8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Speaker: U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)
Video: "Vice Presidential Nominee Governor Sarah Palin"
Speaker: Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Penn.)
Video: "America’s Place in the World"
Speaker: Mrs. Cindy McCain

9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Video: "Senator John McCain"
Speaker: Presidential Nominee John McCain

10 p.m. to Conclusion
Floor Demonstration, Balloon Drop, McCain and Palin Families on Stage
Introduction of Presiding Officer: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)
Benediction: Pastor Dan Yeary
Introduction of Delegate for Motion, Adoption and Adjournment: U.S. House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio)