American Minute - Feb. 28 - Richard Stockton, Signer of Declaration

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

His grandson, Robert, was the U.S. Navy Commodore who helped freed slaves found Liberia, West Africa, and in 1846 captured California-the city of Stockton named for him.

His brother-in-law, Elias Boudinot, was a Continental Congress President and founder of the American Bible Society.

His daughter married Declaration Signer Benjamin Rush.

His name was Richard Stockton.

After he signed the Declaration of Independence, the British invaded New Jersey forcing him to move his family for safety.

Richard Stockton was betrayed, dragged from his bed at night and imprisoned in New York.

His farm was pillaged and his library, one of the best in the country, was burned.

His health broken from over a year in the British prison, Richard Stockton died bankrupt at age 51, FEBRUARY 28, 1781.

New Jersey placed his statue in the U.S. Capitol Statuary Hall.

Richard Stockton wrote in his Will:

"As my children...may be peculiarly impressed with the last words of their father, I think proper here, not only to subscribe to the entire belief of the great leading doctrine of the Christian religion...but also in the heart of a father's affection, to exhort them to remember 'that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.'"

Senate Passes Bill to Provide Military with State Income Tax Exemption

For background see: Senate Finance Comm Passes Bill to Provide Military with State Tax Exemption

Tax relief could soon be on its way for Oklahoma military families following unanimous approval of legislation by the State Senate Thursday to provide an income tax exemption for serving military personnel. Sen Steve Russell, a retired Army infantryman and combat veteran, is author of Senate 881 and believes his bill would not only help military families, but the state’s economy.

“There are 32,000 who serve at our state’s bases and we have approximately 54,000 Oklahoma residents that were recruited from here and are serving somewhere. However, only 9,000 of them claim Oklahoma residency, so what that tells you is that the first chance they get to leave Oklahoma because of our tax burden they do and they become Texans, Floridians, Nevadans, or whatever it may be,” said Russell, R- Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma has the second highest military recruitment in the nation per capita, but as Russell pointed out during his debate many military personnel change their citizenship at the first opportunity because of the state’s tax rates.

There are currently 16 states including Nevada, Illinois and New York that exempt their military from paying income taxes.

SB 881 would only pertain to Oklahoman residents that are serving members of the armed services, including guardsmen and reservists. Therefore, military retirees or veterans would not qualify for the exemption.

The bill is estimated to cost the state $5 million the first year and $12 million during the second but Russell says the money gained through these individuals claiming Oklahoma residency will far outweigh the costs.

“If this bill became law, we’d actually be gaining revenue by being an acquiring state rather than a donor state. Currently, our serving Oklahomans, because they don’t have such tax relief, change their residency the first chance they get and, therefore, we don’t receive their motor vehicle fees, license fees, excise tax on automobiles that they purchase or any number of other fees,” explained Russell. “For every 10,000 soldiers that we lose there is an impact of approximately $6 million in just such fees that we do not receive because we are a losing state rather than an acquiring state. The flipside of that is that if we were an acquiring state we could have the potential to bring in 40,000 to 60,000 new Oklahomans, which would have a positive impact on the entire state.”

Russell’s bill now moves to the House for further consideration.

Sen. Brogdon’s States’ Rights Resolution Draws

Legislation by Sen. Randy Brogdon calling for the end of federal mandates and programs that usurp states’ rights is gaining national attention.

The Owasso Republican said Senate Joint Resolution 10 has struck a chord, not only with Oklahomans, but with people from around the country.

The Washington Post, Washington Times, the Boston Globe and Reuters are among the many news organizations that have interviewed Brogdon about SJR 10.

Brogdon said Congress has overstepped its powers as outlined in the U.S. Constitution and eroded the sovereignty of individual states.

“The 10th amendment clearly spells out what powers are reserved for the federal government, like coining money, maintaining a navy, and other functions which clearly should be on a national level,” Brogdon said. “But for decades, Congress has forced federal legislation and unfunded mandates on the states in direct violation of the U.S. Constitution. Congress is supposed to serve the states. Instead, they’re telling the states how to conduct their internal business.”

Brogdon said the federal homeland security requirements, the Patriot Act and the No Child Left Behind legislation are all examples of unconstitutional mandates. He said many states feel pressured or coerced to submit to these programs because of the promise of some federal funds, or the threat of withholding funds from the states.

“I do not believe for a second that we should give up any of our sovereignty or any of our freedom just for a little bit of money from the feds,” Brogdon said. “Next week, we’ll take up Senate Joint Resolution 10, ordering the federal government to cease all activities that fall outside of their Constitutional powers. We’re going to reclaim our rights as a state, and we’re going to start governing accordingly.”

For more information, contact Sen. Randy Brogdon at 405-521-5566.

Coffee Talk

This past week, the Senate Appropriations Committee received briefings from several agency heads about how the recently approved federal stimulus package will impact Oklahoma. What we know at this point is that Oklahoma’s share will be $2.7 billion dollars, and it will be spread out over two budget years. The money will be funneled to approximately 20 state agencies as well as county governments and municipalities.

I am very concerned about the amount of debt being created, and the fact that many of the designated projects seem to have little or nothing to do with economic recovery. On the other hand, there are portions that make sense, including funding for roads and bridges, resources for indigent healthcare, and funds to support education.

With that said, we must proceed very cautiously. There are some things that could have a short-term positive effect, but long-term negative impact by costing our state more money. One concern I have is trying to determine what strings may be attached to these federal dollars. If they require us to expand programs, what happens when the stimulus package runs out, especially if the economy has not turned around? And we’re still analyzing the impact of tax cuts and credits that could adversely impact revenues in the future—that, coupled with forced expansions of programs would be disastrous, not only for Oklahoma, but for our entire country.

It is crucial that agencies and entities in Oklahoma receiving stimulus funds must allocate them very carefully, keeping in mind that there really is no guarantee these funds will be continued beyond this two-year package. I found it very troubling when one agency head announced plans to use the funds to expand programs which would result in recurring costs that could leave Oklahoma holding the bag for hundreds of millions of dollars in expenditures—money we simply may not have in two years.

Rest assured that if there are strings attached, we’re going to find out what they are before we accept those dollars. Furthermore, agency heads who think the legislature has no role in how the money is spent are misinformed. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure these funds are not obligated in ways that will actually make our budget worse down the road.

State Senate to Announce Official State Rock Song

The Oklahoma State Senate will announce the new official state rock song on Monday, March 2, 2009, at 3 p.m. in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol.

During the 2008 session, the Legislature approved House Concurrent Resolution 1047 which designated the song selection process.

The 10 finalists included:

“Heartbreak Hotel,” co-written by 'Oklahoma' school teacher Mae Boren Axton and recorded by Elvis Presley

“Let’s Have a Party,” recorded by Wanda Jackson

“Walk, Don’t Run,” recorded by the Ventures

“After Midnight,” written and recorded by 'Oklahoman' J.J. Cale and re-released by Eric Clapton

“Never Been to Spain,” by 'Oklahoma' Hoyt Axton and made famous by Three Dog Night

“Home Sweet Oklahoma,” written and recorded by Leon Russell

“Oklahoma,” by the Call

“Do You Realize??” by the 'Oklahoma' Flaming Lips

“Move Along,” by the 'Oklahoma' All-American Rejects

“Endless Oklahoma Sky,” by John Moreland and the Black Gold Band.

The people of Oklahoma nominated 454 songs, and an expert panel narrowed that list to 10. More than 21,000 then voted on line for their choice for official rock song.

The winning artist(s) will be recognized in the Senate when the resolution announcing the official rock song is read and approved.

Lawmakers Question Long-Term State Contracts

A pair of state lawmakers have asked the Office of the Attorney General to issue an opinion on the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Act.

State Senator Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso) and State Rep. Mike Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City) have asked if the Department of Commerce can constitutionally “bind the state of Oklahoma to payments beyond one fiscal year” under the Quality Jobs Act without violating the balanced budget requirement of the state Constitution.

The Quality Jobs Act provides tax incentives to certain businesses for multiple years based on the alleged creation of new employment in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has previously ruled the state is not legally required to repay bond debt under the provisions of the Oklahoma Constitution and that those bills are merely moral obligations.

The two lawmakers have also asked if businesses “have an enforceable right to continued payment of the Quality Jobs Program incentive” even if the statutes creating that incentive are later repealed.

If the businesses do have an enforceable right, Brogdon and Reynolds asked how those companies would be able to enforce a civil judgment on the State of Oklahoma.

House Committee Clears Reynolds Bill to Prohibit Stem Cell Research

State Rep. Mike Reynolds believes human embryos should be protected like any other living human being.

“Human embryos are undeveloped human beings,” Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, said. “The state cannot condone their use even for research that is done with the best of intentions.”

House Bill 1326 by Reynolds would make it a misdemeanor to conduct non-therapeutic research that would kill a human embryo or subject it to a substantial risk of death or injury. The bill also prohibits the use of tissues or cells obtained from human embryos and transporting human embryos with the purpose of using them in a way in which they would be harmed.

“This legislation is meant to prevent the misuse and abuse of unborn children,” Reynolds said. “Nationally, the use of human embryos is likely going to begin again under the new administration. My intention is to do my part to protect these children at least in the state of Oklahoma.”

Reynolds noted that House Bill 1326 also directs state agencies to discontinue funding to any organizations or groups associated with the misuse of human embryos. It would also make those organizations and groups ineligible for any tax credits.

“The tax and grant provision in the bill ensures that universities and laboratories are responsible for the actions of their staff and will help with the enforcement of the bill,” Reynolds said. “Unfortunately there are those who do not believe or choose to ignore the fact that human embryos are human beings and that we have a moral obligation to keep from harming them in any way.”

Oklahoma State Senate Supports Adoption Bill (SB1029)

State Senator Steve Russell has won support in the Senate for a bill to create more uniformity in adoptions and ensure full disclosure of fees. Senate Bill 1029, by Sen. Steve Russell, was approved unanimously Thursday. Russell, R-Oklahoma City, is an adoptive parent, and said the measure could actually result in lower costs for private adoptions.

Russell noted that a grand jury investigation had exposed instances of financial exploitation of Oklahomans who were seeking private adoptions. “While specific medical and attorney fees are legal and appropriate, a 2006 Grand Jury stated that it was ‘appalled at the nature and types of items allowed to be purchased on behalf of a birth mother’ which included ‘cars, television sets, and vacations,’” Russell said. “Prospective parents could be vulnerable in the language of our current law without a requirement for an itemized accounting of all fees. My bill would change that.”

SB 1029 would also ensure parents have a full disclosure of all state laws dealing with adoption as well as regulations impacting the adoption of children of Native American ancestry.

“Requiring a complete accounting of what every fee is for means there will be far less opportunity to extract money from adoptive parents for inappropriate items. They also will have a far better understanding of exactly what the law requires when it comes to either private or public adoption.”

Russell’s legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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.

House Passes Pro-Life Legislation

A mother would not be able to abort her baby based solely on the sex of the child if legislation passed by the House today becomes law.

House Bill 1595 also creates the Statistical Reporting of Abortion Act, which requires physicians who perform abortions to report certain information to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

“As medicine has advanced, it has become easier to genetically ‘design’ babies based on certain desires of the parents, including the sex of the child,” said Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa. “In many countries, aborting babies because of their sex is a common practice, and this legislation will make sure such a barbaric practice will not happen in Oklahoma.”

The Health Department would be required to make state statutes and regulations related to abortion and the reporting forms available on its website if this legislation becomes law. Physicians in the state will also be notified about the requirements to report abortion-related information.

Finally, the measure directs the department to publish certain annual abortion reports on its website and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the act by conducting periodic inspections of places where abortions are performed.

“Oklahomans have a right to know how many abortions are being performed in our state,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “We currently cannot say for certain how prevalent abortions are in Oklahoma. We must protect the lives of the unborn who do not have a chance to speak for themselves.”

The bill passed the House with a vote of 93-4 and will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Term Limits for Statewide Elected Officials Moves to Full House

Most statewide office holders would be limited to a maximum of eight years in office if legislation passed by a House committee today becomes law.

The change would have to be approved by a vote of the people if passed by the Legislature.

Currently, state lawmakers are limited to 12 years in office, and the governor is restricted to serving two consecutive, four year terms. Joint Resolution 1022, by Rep. Jason Murphey, would instead limit the governor to serve no more than eight cumulative years in office.

That same eight total years rule would also apply to the Lt. Gov, State Auditor and Inspector, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Commissioner of Labor, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Insurance Commissioner, all of whom serve 4-year terms.

The resolution also would limit anyone from serving as Corporation Commissioner for more than a total of 12 years.

“The people of Oklahoma have shown that they overwhelmingly support term limits as a way to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to the Capitol,” said Murphey. “Term limits ensure accountability to the voters and prevent elected officials from becoming entrenched in office.”

The bill passed the House Rules Committee today and will now be considered by the full House.

Pledge of Allegiance Bill Passes Committee

Oklahoma students may now say the pledge of allegiance in class everyday under legislation by state Rep. Lewis Moore.

House Bill 2189 requires the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited in a classroom each school day. Previously students were simply authorized to recite the Pledge..

“I feel strongly about this bill and how it will strengthen our culture and country’s traditions by honoring the importance of the U.S. flag and our nation,” said Moore, R-Arcadia. “It’s an oath of loyalty and respect to this country.”

The bill also asks that instruction in the history and etiquette relating to the U.S. Flag be given in each grade annually.

"It is appropriate to honor our country's flag and know how to show respect for our symbol of sacrifice and freedom,” said Moore.

House Bill 2189 passed the House Common Education Committee this week and now proceeds to the House floor.

American Minute - Feb. 27 - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

"Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere...

Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry arch...One if by land, two if by sea..."

These lines are from the poem, Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, born FEBRUARY 27, 1807.

An American poet and Harvard Professor, Longfellow wrote such American classics as: The Song of Hiawatha; The Courtship of Miles Standish and Evangeline, in which he penned:

"Man is unjust, but God is just; and finally justice triumphs."

In A Psalm of Life, 1838, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote:

"Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul...

In the world's broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life,

Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant! Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act,-act in the living Present! Heart within, and God o'erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us, We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us, Footprints on the sands of time;-

Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o'er life's solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again."

American Minute - Feb. 26 - Victor Hugo

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

"God is behind everything, but everything hides God," wrote Victor Hugo in his classic Les Miserables, Book 5, Chapter 4.

Born FEBRUARY 26, 1802, Victor Marie Hugo was hailed as the greatest of the Romanticists poets.

He is best know for writing Cromwell, 1827, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1831, and Les Miserables, 1862, an epic story of redemption set in Paris during the French Revolution.

Hugo's father was a general in Napoleon's army, and Hugo supported his heir, until he turned out to be a tyrant.

Hugo opposed him and was forced into exiled for 19 years.

Over 3 million people attended Hugo's funeral in Paris.

In his Preface to Cromwell, 1827, Victor Hugo wrote:

"Lastly, this threefold poetry flows from three great sources-The Bible, Homer, Shakespeare...The Bible before the Iliad, the Iliad before Shakespeare."

Victor Hugo stated:

"England has two books, the Bible and Shakespeare.

England made Shakespeare, but the Bible made England."

George H.W. Bush stated at the Dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Dallas, Texas, November 11, 1989:

"Victor Hugo said 'Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come.' Well, my fellow veterans, the idea is democracy."

ALERT...ALERT...ALERT

I.R.O.N. has issued a very disparaging statement about SB 289, which I authored. They falsely claim that my bill would allow for the "continued driving of illegal aliens on our roads". Unfortunately I.R.O.N has taken the word of Federal and State authorities and issued this statement without discussing their concerns with me. Let me be clear, their concerns are inaccurate and without foundation.

I was a co-sponsor of HB 1804, the anti- illegal immigration bill and would not do anything to weaken that legislation.

Anyone who has followed my career knows that my legislation revolves around individual freedom and the protection of your God given rights.

In short, SB 289 protects your 4th Amendment rights by securing your personal identity and removing your fingerprint, biometric facial image as well as preventing the transfer of that information to other countries and to the federal government.

State and federal agencies like Homeland Security are currently gathering as much personal information on private citizens as they can. The ultimate goal is to "tag", "track", store, and transfer personal information without the knowledge of the citizens. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty is under attack by intrusive government agencies.

Please ignore the statement issued by I.R.O.N and contact my office if you have any concerns. 405-521-5566

Dedicated to Liberty,

Randy Brogdon

State Senate Dist. #34

American Minute - Remember the Alamo

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

"Remember the Alamo!" The battle began FEBRUARY 24, 1836, when General Santa Ana's 3,000 troops attacked 189 Texans and Tejanos at San Antonio.

In 13 days, all defenders were dead, including William Travis, Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie.

Only Susanna Dickenson, her baby, and Travis' servant survived.

Fifteen years earlier, Mexico won independence from Spain and set up a democratic Federal Constitution.

In 1833, Santa Ana rejected the Constitution, became dictator and suppressed Federal States who rebelled: San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Durango, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Yucatán and Jalisco.

In Zacatecas, Santa Ana defeated Francisco Garcia, took 3,000 prisoners and let his army ransack the city 48 hours.

Federal General José Antonio Mexía marched from New Orleans to Tampico to fight Santa Ana, but was defeated.

Every prisoner was executed.

The Texas Declaration of Independence stated

"General Antonio Lopez Santa Ana...having overturned the constitution of his country, now offers, as the cruel alternative, either abandon our homes...or submit to the most intolerable of all tyranny...

He denies us the right of worshipping the Almighty according to the dictates of our own conscience."

American Minute - Feb. 25 - John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

"Our institutions reflect the belief of our founders that all men were endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights...

They believed that human institutions ought primarily to help men develop their God-given possibilities," thus stated Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, who was born FEBRUARY 25, 1888, in the home of his Civil War general grandfather.

A graduate of Princeton, John Foster Dulles studied law at George Washington University, was an Army Major in WWI and a U.S. Senator.

He was advisor to Truman and Secretary of State for Eisenhower.

A Presbyterian pastor's son, Dulles negotiated the Peace Treaty with
apan and was U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dulles International Airport
near Washington, D.C., is named for him.

Speaking on Communism, John Foster Dulles remarked at the Jesuit
Alumni Dinner, April 11, 1955:

"Man, we read in the Holy Scriptures, was made a little lower than the
angels.

Should man now be made little higher than domesticated animals which
serve the purpose of their human masters?

So men face the great dilemma of whether to use force to resist aggression
which imposes conditions which violate the moral law and the concept
that man has his origins and his destiny in God."

Legislative Veterinarians Defend OSU

Recent attacks on Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are inaccurate and misleading, a group of state legislators said today.

State Reps. Brian Renegar, Lee Denney and Phil Richardson – each a graduate of OSU with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree – defended the school, noting the program is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country.

“As a proud graduate of OSU’s vet school, I can say the recent claims about the school’s teaching methods are unfounded and colored by the perceptions of individuals promoting a radical animal-rights agenda instead of sound teaching methods for veterinarian training,” said Renegar, D-McAlester.

Madeleine Pickens, the wife of oilman T. Boone Pickens, recently criticized OSU’s vet school, saying the college uses “barbaric” teaching practices that border on animal cruelty.

Pickens is a well-known animal rights activist.

“Our training is designed to prevent animal suffering, not create it,” said Denney, a Cushing Republican who has authored legislation to outlaw puppy mills in Oklahoma. “No one can spend years training to become a veterinarian without caring about animals.”

“I don’t doubt Mrs. Pickens’ intentions, but the information she was provided is inaccurate,” said Richardson, R-Minco. “As a result, the picture she paints of the College of Veterinary Medicine is grossly distorted and misleading.”

The three lawmakers noted that live animal surgery is a necessary component of the learning process for veterinarians comparable to the training of medical doctors.

Bill to Create Task Force on Internet-Based Instruction Heads to House

The number of Oklahoma students getting their education through the internet is growing, and Sen. Gary Stanislawski wants to ensure the education those students are receiving is the same quality as what can be obtained in the classroom. Therefore, he has authored Senate Bill 604 creating a task force to study the efficiency of Internet-based instruction in Oklahoma.

"Internet-based instruction is a great alternative for many students that provides them with the opportunity to continue or finish their schooling from home when being in the classroom isn't an option," said Stanislawski, R-Tulsa. "Because of its tremendous popularity, we want to make sure that this type of instruction is just as beneficial and effective as traditional schooling as well as ensure accountability on the part of the students that they are doing the work that's required."

The task force, consisting of seven members, would review internet-based instruction programs offered throughout the state and make recommendations for any statutory or regulatory changes necessary to improve the accountability and effectiveness of Internet-based instruction. The findings would have to be submitted by November 10, 2009.

SB 604, which was requested by the United Suburban Schools Association, passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday and will next be heard in the House.

House A&B Close Loopholes That Allow Officials Convicted of a Felony to Keep Benefits

A bill by state Rep. Leslie Osborn, which would close loopholes that allow state, county and municipal officials convicted of a felony to keep their benefits, passed out of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee today.

“I am very pleased to see this long overdue legislation passed,” Osborn, R-Tuttle, said. “Public officials should be held to a higher standard and I believe deserve to lose their benefits when they have committed a felony.”

Osborn cited former state Sen. Gene Stipe and district judge Donald Thompson as the types of elected or appointed officials that would stand to lose their benefits in the future.

“They violated the public’s trust and doesn’t deserve to keep those benefits,” Osborn said. “I think it’s a slap in the face to taxpayers to see an official caught doing something wrong and then see him or her continue to collect money from the state.”

House Bill 1385 would remove language that specifies that in order to lose their benefits, elected or appointed officials would have to be in office at the time of the conviction. It would also remove language that specifies that the official had to violate their oath of office.

“It is not enough to take those benefits away only if the oath of office is violated and only if the official is currently in office,” Osborn said. “My only regret is that this bill was not in place in time to punish Sen. Gene Stipe and Judge Donald Thompson. These officials are charged with looking out for the public welfare and when they disregard the law, it is especially tragic. I am very proud of this legislation and proud of my fellow lawmakers for passing it out of committee.”

American Minute - Feb. 23 - Panama Canal

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

The Panama Canal Zone was acquired by the U.S. for ten million dollars on FEBRUARY 23, 1904.

Planned by President McKinley, construction on the canal began under President Theodore Roosevelt.

President Taft stated in his Address to Congress, December 6, 1912:

"Our defense of the Panama Canal, together with our enormous world trade and our missionary outposts on the frontiers of civilization, require us to recognize our position as one of the foremost in the family of nations, and to clothe ourselves with sufficient naval power to give force to our reasonable demands, and to give weight to our influence in those directions of progress that a powerful Christian nation should advocate."

President Wilson, in his Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 23, 1913, stated:

"We have seen the practical completion of a great work at the Isthmus of Panama which not only exemplifies the nation's abundant capacity of its public servants but also promises the beginning of a new age...of co-operation and peace.

'Righteousness exalteth a nation' and 'peace on earth, good will towards men' furnish the only foundation upon which can be built the lasting achievements of the human spirit."

Bobby Jindal talk about the Stimulus bill

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal talk about the Stimulus bill on Meet the Press.

"The $100 million we turned down was temporary federal dollars that would require us to change our unemployment laws. That would’ve actually raised taxes on Louisiana businesses. We as a state would’ve been responsible for paying for those benefits after the federal money disappeared."

"That’s great, except the federal law, if you actually read the bill -- and I know it was 1,000 pages, and I know they got it, you know, at midnight, or hours before they voted on it -- if you actually read the bill, there’s one problem with that.

The word “permanent” is in the bill. It requires the state to make a permanent change in our law. Law B -- our employer group agrees with me.

They say, “Yes, this will result an increase in taxes on our businesses, this will result in a permanent obligation on the state of Louisiana.” It would be like spending $1 to get a dime.

Why would we take temporary federal dollars if we’re going to end up having a permanent program?

And here’s the problem. So many of these things that are called temporary programs end up being permanent government programs. But this one’s crystal clear, black and white, letter of the law. The federal stimulus bill says it has to be a permanent change in state law if you take this state money.

And so, within three years, the federal money’s gone, we’ve got now a permanent change in our laws, we have to pay for it, our businesses pay for it. I don’t think it makes sense to be raising taxes on Louisiana businesses during these economically challenging times.

And what it shows is what we’re going to do in the stimulus is we’re going to look at every program, every dollar. If it makes sense for Louisiana, makes sense for our taxpayers, we’ll use those programs and dollars. If it doesn’t -- like, on Friday, we said, “This doesn’t make sense for us. This is not a good deal for us.”

It makes -- my job is to represent Louisiana’s taxpayers. Makes no sense for us to take temporary federal dollars and create permanent state obligations."

New Cleveland County Sheriff want a 'Drunk Tank' ?

Hat Tip to Hannah @ OU Multimedia Blog

OU Multimedia Blog:
Cleveland County may be on its way to getting a public detoxification center for adults caught intoxicated in public.

The center will be for adults seeking treatment for both drugs and alcohol. It will not be used to house juveniles.

Recently elected Cleveland County Sheriff Joe Lester has had a detoxification center on his mind for several years including the years he served at OU as the director of public safety.

“It’s still in the talking stages, but we are hoping to have a place to take people as an alternative to jail,” Lester said.

It is unknown the cost and location of the public detoxification center as of now, but soon more concrete details will be discussed, Lester said.

Funny, I do NOT remember Sheriff Joe, talking about a 'Drunk Tank' in Norman last year when He ran for Sheriff.

I do remember him on the Door's in North Cleveland County, talking about how Conservative he was. And how He step it up in the 30 day Runoff Election, talking about how He was going to make the Cleveland County Sheriff Dept. 287(g) with ICE. But no talking about a 'Drunk Tank'.

But I still think it odd that all of Sheriff Joe Liberal/ Progressive friends in the People's Republic of Norman could vote for a real Conservative.

American Minute - Feb. 22 - George Washington's birthday

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

George Washington was born FEBRUARY 22, 1732.

He was unanimously chosen as the Army's Commander-in-Chief, unanimously chosen as President of the Constitutional Convention, and unanimously chosen as the first U.S. President.

After the Declaration of Independence was read to his troops, General Washington ordered chaplains placed in each regiment, stating:

"The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier, defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country."

In his Inaugural Address, Washington said:

"It would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe...

No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States.

Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of Providential agency."

After his Inauguration, Washington attended a service conducted by Congress' chaplains in New York City's St. Paul's Chapel.

Is OU Buying Condom with our Tax $?

Hat Tip to Oklahoma Beagle

Just last week David Boren was at the State Capitol looking at getting more of our TAX $$$ for stuff like this?

OU Students Celebrate National Condom Week

Planned Parenthood and the OU Women's Outreach Center teamed up to host the annual National Condom Week at the University of Oklahoma by handing out free condoms and information promoting safe sex to students.

Every year universities across the United States celebrate National Condom Week in order to educate students about safe sex. The event started at the University of California-Berkley in 1978 and made its way to OU in the mid-1990s. Terry Dennison, director of education services at Planned Parenthood, said he has participated in National Condom Week ever since it made its way to OU's campus. Dennison said National Condom Week happens every February prior to Valentines Day and its purpose is to inform students.

Dennison sets up a table in the student union that offers students an array of information, lubricants and, of course, condoms. University of Oklahoma sexperts hand out condoms on the south oval to students passing by. Political Science major Nick Beckworth helps out by offering students information at the table set up in the student union. Beckworth said he decided to participate in the event because he feels it offers students vital information.

"Safe sex is the best sex," Beckworth said. "I do this to spread awareness. Condoms are important."

Dennison said he plans on participating in Condom Week next year at OU.

Sally Bell elected head of Tulsa County GOP

Former County Commission candidate Sally Bell was elected head of the Tulsa County Republican Party during voting Saturday at the county convention.

Bell easily outpolled Tulsa Huntington Learning Center owner Bryan Osborne, receiving 58 percent of the vote at the Expo Square Exchange Center.

Owasso engineer J.B. Alexander will be Bell’s vice chairman.

“It’s great for the party to have a contested race and to have a civil debate,” Bell said. “Now it’s time to move on. We are going to build this party.”

Bell, who was vice president and chief financial officer of Bell's Amusement Park until it closed in 2006, unseated County Commissioner Randi Miller in last year’s Republican primary before losing to Democrat Karen Keith in the general election.

Anne Patterson elected Tulsa County GOP State Committeewoman with out opposition.

Jeff Applekamp 175 - Gary Casey 170 for Tulsa County GOP State Committeeman.

Jerry Buchanan and Virginia Chrisco elected to 1st District Committeeman & Committeewoman with out opposition.

American Minute - Feb. 21 - Presidents' Day

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

The Uniform Holiday Bill, signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, moved the celebration of Washington's Birthday to the third Monday in FEBRUARY.

Sometime after this, with Lincoln's birthday also in the month of February, people began referring to the holiday as "Presidents' Day."

Of note is that virtually every President swore into office with their hand upon a Bible, ended their oath with "So help me God" and acknowledged a Supreme Being in their address upon assuming the Presidency.

Eisenhower, Reagan and George H.W. Bush included prayers.

President Eisenhower began his Inaugural, 1953:

"My friends, before I begin...would you permit me the privilege of uttering a little private prayer of my own. And I ask that you bow your heads.

Almighty God, as we stand here at this moment..."

Ronald Reagan began his Inaugural, 1985:

"I wonder if we could all join in a moment of silent prayer..."

George H.W. Bush began his Inaugural Address, 1989:

"My first act as President is a prayer. I ask you to bow your heads. Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank you for your Love. Accept our thanks for the peace..."

Senate Finance Comm Passes Bill to Provide Military with State Tax Exemption (Video)

Under legislation passed by the Senate Finance Committee, Oklahoma military personnel could soon get some tax relief. Senate Bill 881 by Sen. Steve Russell would exempt state military pay from state income taxes.

“Our military service men and women are grossly underpaid and this is one thing we can do to help ease their financial burden,” said Russell, R-Oklahoma City. “They sacrifice so much for our country and for those around the world that can’t fight for themselves. This would be just a small token of our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.”

Oklahoma has the second highest military recruitment in the nation per capita, but Russell points out that a great many military personnel change their citizenship at the first opportunity because of the state’s tax rates.

There are currently 16 states including Nevada, Illinois and New York that exempt their military from paying income taxes.

“We can do more for our military. We often say that nothing is too good for our troops in Oklahoma and now we have the opportunity not just to talk a good talk about our soldiers, but actually do something for them.”

SB 881 will now go before the full Senate.

The Sykes Update for Feb 2, 2009

The Sykes Update for Feb 2, 2009, Senator Sykes talk about Gov. Henry State of the State and his new Chairmanship.

Rick Santelli on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade (19 Feb 2009)

Rick Santelli Hammers Obama
on Subsidizing "Losers' Mortgages"

Amazing!

Rick Santelli on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade absolutely calls out President Barack Obama on his plan to essentially make taxpayers pay for people who took out bad mortgages.

'The government is promoting bad behavior... do we really want to subsidize the losers' mortgages... This is America! How many of you people want to pay for your neighbor's mortgage? President Obama are you listening?

How about we all stop paying our mortgage!
It's a moral hazard.'
Santelli says

Millions like her voted...

"It was the most memorable time of my life. It was a touching moment because I never thought this day would ever happen. I won't have to worry about putting gas in my car. I won't have to worry about paying my mortgage. You know, if I help him, he's gonna help me."

States prepare to combat stimulus strings

Worried the federal government is increasing its dominance over their affairs, several states are pursuing legislative action to assert their sovereignty under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution in hopes of warding off demands from Washington on how to spend money or enact policy. The growing concerns even have a handful of governors questioning whether to accept federal stimulus money that comes with strings attached.

The sentiments to declare themselves legally independent from Washington have swept across as many as a dozen states, renewing a debate over so-called unfunded mandates that last raged in the 1990s. The states question whether the U.S. government can force states to take actions without paying for them or impose conditions on states if they accept certain federal funding.

States prepare to combat stimulus strings
Assert sovereignty with 10th Amendment
by David M. Dickson

"We are telling the federal government that we are a sovereign state and want to be treated as such. We are not a branch of the federal government," said Arizona state Rep. Judy Burges, who is leading an effort in her state to pass a resolution called "Sovereignty: the 10th Amendment." Ms. Burges was inspired to action by a pair of Bush administration initiatives: The No Child Left Behind education law of 2002 and the Real ID Act, a 2005 law that established national standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

In other states, lawmakers say they are bracing to repeal federal mandates to spend their money that they expect will emanate from Washington once President Obama begins delivering some of the big-ticket programs promised during his presidential campaign.

Oklahoma state Sen. Randy Brogdon introduced a resolution that he said would enable his state to "reclaim its 10th Amendment right to reject any and all acts of Congress that go beyond its enumerated powers in violation of the 10th Amendment."

Other states pursuing sovereignty resolutions are Hawaii, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire and Washington. Similar measures are likely to be introduced in more than a dozen other states, analysts said.

"The states are sending a message," said Robert Alt, a legal scholar at the Heritage Foundation.

The nearly $800 billion stimulus bill also has raised worries.

Republican governors Mark Sanford of South Carolina, Bobby Jindal of
Louisiana and Rick Perry of Texas expressed reservations this week about accepting their states' shares of the stimulus package because they are worried that the federal government will impose conditions on how it can be spent.

As a self-styled staunch conservative, Mr. Sanford, the new head of the Republican Governors Association, aggressively opposed the stimulus plan. However, in a Thursday morning interview on CBS' "The Early Show," Mr. Sanford said his state would accept money from the stimulus bill. Opposing the plan "doesn't preclude taking the money," said Mr. Sanford. South Carolina's 9.5 percent unemployment rate is the nation's third-highest.

Mr. Perry sent Mr. Obama a letter Wednesday certifying that Texas also would accept stimulus money.

"I remain opposed to using these funds to expand existing government programs, burdening the state with ongoing expenditures long after the funding has dried up," Mr. Perry wrote, clearly expressing his opposition to unfunded mandates.

Mr. Obama has promised that his administration will use federal funds to support his administration's initiatives.

"[Mr. Obama does] not support imposing unfunded mandates on states and localities. They strongly support providing necessary funding for programs such as No Child Left Behind," his campaign literature said.

The states are resting their efforts on the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

Mr. Brogdon said prospects for passage of his resolution are "grand," noting that a similar bill passed the Oklahoma House by a 97-3 vote last year and that Republicans captured a majority of the Oklahoma Senate in the 2008 elections. He predicted that the Legislature would easily override a veto from Gov. Brad Henry, a Democrat.

Mr. Obama proposed a slew of expensive programs during his presidential campaign, ranging from health insurance to policies addressing alternative energy and climate change. "The states are worried that these programs would increase the overall regulatory burden without providing the funding," Mr. Alt said.

Some analysts dispute the financial impact of recent unfunded mandates on state budgets.

Tad DeHaven, a budget analyst at the Cato Institute who recently completed a two-year stint in Indiana's budget office, said he hasn't "heard states clamoring about unfunded mandates the way they were during the 1990s. What you hear more today are states begging for federal money."

The reality is that states are being "hypocritical," he said, noting that about a third of average total state spending comes from the federal government.

The biggest federal grants involve Medicaid, the federal-state program that provides health care for the poor.

"States were adding Medicaid benefits when times were good. Now the federal government must bail the states out through the so-called stimulus bill because the states' revenues have taken a hit and they must operate under a balanced-budget mandate," Mr. DeHaven said.

In 2007, according to the Congressional Budget Office, states collectively spent $1 billion for unfunded federal mandates from programs enacted since the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, said Brian Riedl, a budget analyst at the Heritage Foundation.

"To a large degree, states are scapegoating their budget problems on Washington," Mr. Riedl said. "It's tough to be sympathetic for states and local governments when they got $467 billion in federal grants last year," he said.

Mr. Riedl also rejected the notion that the No Child Left Behind Act constitutes an unfunded mandate. States are free to opt out of this and many other federal programs by not accepting federal money in exchange for federal regulations. States have effectively decided that the federal dollars are worth the strings attached to them, Mr. Riedl concluded.

Mr. Riedl acknowledged that Medicaid, which was created in 1965, does represent a major unfunded mandate. But he said that "a majority of state Medicaid spending is on populations and benefits that states have voluntarily added and could reduce at any time."

The other major unfunded federal mandate that predates the 1995 law is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, federal funding for IDEA has grown 71 percent faster than inflation since 2001, Mr. Riedl said.

Many of the sovereignty resolutions under consideration in the states will not have the force of law. Even if they did, said Mr. Alt, "through the supremacy clause in the U.S. Constitution, so long as a federal statute is constitutional, it would trump state law."

Mr. Brogdon of Oklahoma did not take issue with that. "Federal law does not trump the Constitution," he said.

He suggested that if he becomes governor, the federal courts likely will get a case involving the 10th Amendment and congressional powers.

American Minute - Feb. 20 - Colonel William Prescott & the Battle of Bunker Hill

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

A Revolutionary War Colonel, he built the fortifications at Breed's Hill and commanded the militia at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775.

He fought in the battles of Long Island in 1776 and Saratoga in 1777.

His name was William Prescott, born FEBRUARY 20, 1726.

After the Boston Tea Party, where colonists threw 342 chests of British East India tea overboard, Parliament passed the Boston Port Bill, blockading the harbor and starving the inhabitants.

The Committee of Correspondence sent word to the other Colonies, who called a Day of Fasting and Prayer, June 1, 1774, "to seek divine direction and aid."

In August 1774, William Prescott led the men of Pepperell, Massachusetts, to deliver many loads of rye, telling Boston's inhabitants:

"We heartily sympathize with you, and are always ready to do all in our power for your support, comfort and relief, knowing that Providence has placed you where you must stand the first shock.

We consider that we are all embarked in (the same boat) and must sink or swim together."

Prescott continued:

"Let us all be of one heart, and stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.

And may He, of His infinite mercy, grant us deliverance of all our troubles."

Coffee Appoints Ethics Commissioner

President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee announced Thursday that he is appointing Bob McKinney as a new Ethics Commissioner.

McKinney and his wife Marguerite have been married for 21 years and have three sons. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Finance. McKinney has served as Senior Executive Vice President at RCB Bank in Claremore since 2002, with over 41 years of banking experience.

McKinney is a community leader in Claremore, including Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Claremore Regional Hospital.

“I am proud today to announce the appointment of a new Ethics Commissioner,” said Coffee. “Commissioner McKinney brings a wealth of experience to the Ethics Commission and we are glad he has agreed to offer his time and talents for the betterment of our state.”

Sen. Ellis Pleased Feds Upheld His Second Amendment Protection Law

State Senator Jerry Ellis called Wednesday’s ruling by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals a major victory for second amendment rights and the rights of Oklahomans. The federal panel’s ruling upheld state law that allowed workers to have legal firearms in their locked vehicles. Ellis, D-Valliant, filed the original legislation when he was a freshman member of the House of Representatives.

“Having a gun for hunting or for protection is simply a way of life for most people in rural Oklahoma. When a major employer in my district started firing people for having their firearms in their vehicles, I was outraged,” Ellis said. “I was elected to the Legislature soon after this happened, and I knew I had to do whatever I could to stop this assault on our second amendment rights.”

Shortly before Ellis’ legislation was set to become law, it was challenged by various corporations who had argued against the statute claiming it was a workplace safety issue. A lower court had ruled that safety rules established by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act trumped state laws, but the 10th Circuit Court disagreed.

“I see this as a major victory for Oklahoma citizens. We’ve succeeded in protecting their second amendment rights, and this has also been a victory for states rights as well,” Ellis said. “When all is said and done, I believe this will have been one of the most important measures I will have passed in my legislative career.”

American Minute - Feb. 19 - Adoniram Judson, First American Foreign Missionary

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

The groans of a dying man kept him awake in the little inn outside New York.

He was hardened to the cries because a college friend at Brown University had persuaded him to be an atheist.

The next morning he learned the man who died in the night was none other than his college friend.

This rude awakening led him to become America's first foreign missionary to the Orient.

His name was Adoniram Judson, born in Massachusetts, August 9, 1788.

At age 23, and his wife 22, they sailed from New England on FEBRUARY 19, 1812, for Calcutta, India, but were forced by the British East India Tea Company to Rangoon, Burma.

They preached in Burmese, translated Scriptures and started schools.

Enduring hardships, Adoniram was imprisoned during the Burmese War.

He later gained respect from the Burmese and British officials, translating his English-Burmese Dictionary and the Bible.

By his death, there were 63 churches, 123 ministers and over 7,000 baptized Christians in Burma.

Adoniram wrote:

"How do Christians discharge this trust committed to them?

They let three fourths of the world sleep the sleep of death, ignorant of the simple truth that a Savior died for them."

Peter J. Rudy (KTOK Capitol Reporter) to Join Oklahomans for Responsible Government

Oklahomans for Responsible Government is pleased to announce that KTOK State Capitol reporter Peter J. Rudy has been hired to serve as Communications Director for the organization effective Monday, February 23rd.

"Peter has been covering Oklahoma's state government for more than two years and will be a valuable asset to our staff," said Brian Downs, Executive Director of OFRG. "Peter has seen the government process up close. His relationships with lawmakers and the capitol media will help OFRG communicate our message of transparency, accountability and responsibility in government to the public."

Rudy has been in radio news for 12 years in Arizona, Iowa, California and Oklahoma. He came to KTOK in July of 2006 and has been covering the State Capitol since the start of the legislative session in 2007.

"I love going to work at the State Capitol every day and explaining how what goes on there affects the lives of the listeners," said Rudy. "Now I will be able to take that to another level by using new technology to reach more people who are still interested in how their tax dollars are being spent."

A Rare Buff Accident (July 2008)

An improper stabilizer trim setting caused the July 21 crash of a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft northwest of Guam, according to an Air Combat Command accident investigation board report released Feb. 13.

Analysis of aircraft parts found during salvage operations revealed the aircraft's stabilizer trim was set between approximately 4.5 and 5.0 degrees nose-down at impact. According to the investigation board, this indicates an improper stab trim setting of an aircraft in a nose low descent at low altitude.

The stabilizer trim is a control function used in conjunction with the aircraft's elevator to control the pitch of the aircraft. Pilots will first push or pull on the aircraft yoke to use the elevator to change pitch. They will then use stabilizer trim to ease handling of the aircraft. The stabilizer trim moves the stabilizer so that the desired pitch is held with the elevator in a neutral position.

Through extensive interviews, and using radar data with simulator and computer modeling, the accident board was able to simulate the turn, descent and aircraft crash. With this modeling, they were able to rule out multiple other causes and scenarios due to lack of supporting evidence.

Based on the generated profile and recovered aircraft parts, the board focused on possible problems with the stabilizer trim function. With no surviving aircrew members, no emergency radio calls and with minimal recovered aircraft control systems or instruments, the specific reason the stabilizer trim was mis-positioned could not be determined by the AIB.

The AIB president also found that the combination of low altitude with a descending left turn of the mishap aircraft and late recognition of the serious nature of the situation by the aircrew contributed to the mishap. The board noted that any experienced aircrew could have found it difficult to recognize, assess and recover from the rapidly developing situation involving the stabilizer trim setting.

Six Airmen perished in this accident: Maj. Christopher Cooper, aircraft commander; Capt. Michael Dodson, copilot; Maj. Brent Williams, radar navigator; 1st Lt. Joshua Shepherd, navigator; 1st Lt. Robert Gerren, electronic warfare officer; and Col. George Martin, flight surgeon. Their remains were laid to rest in a ceremony Nov. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery.

The B-52 aircrew was flying a training mission that included a flyby in support of the Guam Liberation Day celebration. The B-52 was assigned to the 20th Bomb Squadron, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and temporarily assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam. The aircraft was deployed to Guam as part of the Department of Defense's continuous bomber presence mission in the Pacific.

All the crewmembers were assigned to Barksdale AFB, except Colonel Martin, who was assigned to the 36th Medical Group, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, at the time of the accident.

For the AIB report click here

Ryan Leonard announce run for AG

Ryan Leonard announce, He is intending to run for Oklahoma Attorney General.

Leonard, an Oklahoma City attorney, former state prosecutor and former legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Don Nickles, is a Republican.

"I intend to be a candidate for the office of attorney general in 2010," Leonard said in a statement. “My top priority will be to keep Oklahoma families safe. Oklahoma needs an effective advocate who will work tirelessly to fight illegal drug use, keep our children safe from internet predators and stand up for victims of crime.”

A Beaver native, Leonard recently served on the executive committee of the anti-methamphetamine "Crystal Darkness" campaign. Leonard also serves as one of Oklahoma's national commissioners on the Uniform Law Commission.

He is a member of the Oklahoma and American Bar Associations, and has served on the boards of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Central Oklahoma Red Cross and the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals.

Leonard is a past president and co-founder of the Downtown Club of Oklahoma City, and a member of Leadership Oklahoma.

In 2008, Leonard co-chaired the finance team for Sen. John McCain in Oklahoma, and co-chaired Lawyers for McCain.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, is also said to be looking at running.