Plan to Use Cameras to Catch Uninsured Drivers Raises Privacy Concerns

Mike McCarville @ http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/ has done a GREAT job putting some light on this...

DPS Doesn't Have A Clue Where Highway Traffic 'Spy' Camera Revenue Estimate Came From

The Department of Public Safety admits in a solicitation for vendors bidding on Governor Henry's new statewide system of highway traffic "spy" cameras that it doesn't have a clue where an estimate of $50 million in new revenue for the state from the system came from.

That revelation is found in reading questions submitted by bidders, and the DPS response to them (Bid #5850000395). The DPS response to the questions is somewhat surprising given that it is the entity that has been in charge of requesting information from bidders.

Two bidders asked for the source of the revenue estimate; in both cases, DPS replied, "Unknown."

Reading the proposals also reveals that initially, the estimate of new revenue was $95 million. The income would flow from fines assessed against those without vehicle insurance. Even at $50 million, the sum listed in Henry's budget, it is estimated that more than 750 motorists without insurance would have to be fined per day to produce that much money for the state given that the vendor would be paid 25 to 30 percent of the fines collected. DPS reports there are 3.9 million vehicles in the state with 3.5 million of them being properly insured.

A DPS source told The McCarville Report Online he believes the first estimate came during one of the initial discussions about the Oklahoma system. He named the person he believes made the estimate, but TMRO was unable to contact that person during the Memorial Day holiday for confirmation.

The system, which would place 220 cameras across the state to photograph the license plates of passing vehicles, is designed to catch insurance scofflaws, those without the mandatory vehicle insurance.

But privacy advocates and civil libertarians see a much more sinister use of the information that would be gathered by the cameras. They note the apparent ease of tracking the movements of motorists, and the ability of the state to harvest unrelated information about the vehicle owner and place it into a computer database. That fear appears to be reinforced by advocates of the "Automated License Plate Recognition" (ALPR) system.

Governor Henry proposed the system as part of an effort to raise new revenue.

Spy Cameras: Is it about Money? Is It Public Safety? Or is it just Political Payback?

Mike McCarville @ http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/ has done a GREAT job putting some light on this...

Former OU and Dallas Cowboys football coach Barry Switzer, credited by some as being responsible for Governor Henry's upset victory in the 2002 governor's race, apparently is connected to a company that may benefit from Henry's plan to use highway traffic cameras to identify those without vehicle insurance.

While there's been no announcement that InsureNet will be the company chosen to process information obtained through the highway cameras, it has won contracts in other states as a "sole source provider," meaning it is the only firm able to perform the service.

Former Republican House member Wayne Pettigrew of Edmond is a national officer of the firm.

Switzer was a fundraiser for Henry in 2002 and again in 2006. His endorsement of Henry in the 2002 race, many believe, propelled Henry to victory. Switzer also was responsible for placing a last-minute series of Henry radio commercials with a jingle that became the hallmark of the campaign.

Bulletin ~ The House Transportation Committee heard a presentation last Wednesday on InsureNet, which provides paperless verification of motorists’ insurance status. Former University of Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer, who implemented the program in Oklahoma, was present at our meeting.

Following the thread of disjointed information about InsureNet's efforts to bring the controversial cameras to Oklahoma highways also shines light on the involvement of others, including Republican Rep. Ken Miller of Edmond, the chairman of the powerful House Appropriations and Budget Committee and a candidate for state treasurer.

Miller authored House Bill 3326 in the 2008 session which authorized creation of the new license plates, which apparently became the first step in instituting the system and was a member of the committee that designed the plates. Miller, however, says the system would have worked with the state's previous license plates.
And, as with Henry, there's a political connection between Switzer and Miller.

Oklahoma Ethics Commission reports show Switzer donated $2,500 to Miller's 2010 reelection campaign.

In Henry's reelection campaign in 2006, Switzer repeated his 2002 donation generosity to Henry; he donated the maximum, $5,000.

Mexican Government Targets Oklahoma; State Lawmaker Calls for Tough Response

UPDATE

“Obviously, we have struck a nerve. No telling how many millions of dollars have been flowing to Mexico out of Oklahoma; a large portion of it, due to narcotics trafficking and illegal aliens who work for cash, pay no taxes, and then send it by wire straight to Mexico. Our state’s new regulations on the wire transfers of money have obviously put a dent in this flow of cash to Mexico, and serve as a great tool for law enforcement to identify those engaged in such activity.”
- Oklahoma State Senator Anthony Sykes (R-Moore/Duncan)


In response to the Mexican government’s efforts to “bully” the people of Oklahoma through a trade war, state Rep. Randy Terrill today called for imposing “much tougher sanctions on illegal aliens.”

“This represents an attempt by a foreign nation to interfere with the sovereign actions of a U.S. state,” said Terrill, R-Moore. “We clearly not only have the right, but the responsibility to legislate for the public health, safety, morals and welfare of our citizens – not theirs.

“The Mexican government should know that the people of Oklahoma will not be bullied or intimidated by anyone, anywhere.”

This week the Mexican House of Representatives passed a resolution denouncing U.S. states that impose remittance taxes and calling upon the Mexican government to take trade measures against those states.

The resolution specifically targets Oklahoma, saying remittance legislation enacted in this state is an “immoral, abusive and harmful” act against “immigrants’ rights.”

The resolution calls on the Mexican Foreign Affairs Ministry to ask Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry to eliminate the fee (which he does not unilaterally have the authority to do) and urges the Mexican Government to suspend all of its purchases of products originating in Oklahoma.

Last year, Oklahoma lawmakers voted to assess a 1-percent fee on funds wired out of the state. Revenue collected from the fee is deposited in a “Drug Money Laundering and Wire Transmitter Revolving Fund.”

The fee does not single out any one group of individuals

Terrill noted the proposed sanctions on Oklahoma appear to be a violation of the NAFTA agreement that could result in U.S. countermeasures on Mexico as provided under the NAFTA accords, and that Oklahoma lawmakers also have the ability to respond at the state level.

“If they want to talk about trade sanctions, then they need to first start by cutting off all the dope coming into Oklahoma from Mexico and the disaster of Mexican citizens who are being pushed into Oklahoma by the shamefully dysfunctional Mexican government, where they are draining tax dollars in the areas of health care, education, welfare and corrections,” Terrill said

“On a daily basis, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics investigates cell groups tied to some of the most powerful drug cartels in Mexico. Annually, millions of dollars in illegal drugs are coming into Oklahoma from these Mexican cartels for nationwide distribution, and millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds are smuggled or wired back to the Mexican bank accounts of drug traffickers. Law-abiding citizens are not negatively impacted by The Wire Transfer Fee. These individuals are able to redeem the fee on their income taxes,” said Darrell Weaver, director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

“A huge share of the drug problem in Oklahoma is clearly tied to narcotics exported from Mexico along the I-35 corridor,” Terrill said.

He said Oklahoma lawmakers would be fully justified under international law to respond to the Mexican government’s provocations with improved countermeasures against drug and alien smuggling from Mexican states.

“If they really want to pick this fight with Oklahoma, then I will be happy to immediately introduce or amend legislation calling for the state’s current asset-seizure and drug-forfeiture laws to be extended to all immigration-related offenses,” Terrill said. “I’d also like to have good cause to advance legislation denying state-issued birth certificates to children born to illegal-alien parents. And we should restrict the actions of Mexican consulars in Oklahoma who often assist illegal aliens attempting to establish permanent residence and find employment in the United States.

“I do however, urge the Mexican Congress to support a labor ‘boycott’ of Oklahoma by investing in sustainable job creation at home,” added Terrill. “I will encourage our in-state development experts to assist them. It will help improve the employment rate for U.S. citizens and law-abiding immigrants during this national recession.”

Oklahoma Governor misusing the State Airplane?

Last month Governor Brad Henry office announced that revenue for the State of Oklahoma is down almost 20 percent. It is a staggering number; we are more than $1 billion short of balancing the budget.

And that is why this latest case of state-dollar spending is particularly concerning.

But, Governor Brad Henry can uses a State Aircraft for personal vacations; at least once to attend a wedding in Pensacola, Florida.

The governor presided at the wedding. The groom was an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper and the bride was the First Lady's assistant.

The cost to Oklahoma taxpayers totaled about $5,700; not including the salaries of the pilot and co-pilot.

In a partisan move, Senate Democrats put political posturing over "Doing the Right Thing"!

Democrats Lock Up on Program
They Didn’t Fund During Last Budget Crisis

In a partisan move, Senate Democrats put political posturing over jobs for employees in the Departments of Corrections, Highway Patrol, and common education today, as well as other vital state services today, in direct opposition to Governor Henry, who negotiated the bipartisan budget agreement which they opposed today.

“It’s a curious decision by the Democrats today,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee. “They are fighting for restoration of a line item, senior nutrition, which they cut in the 2003 budget crisis.”

In a budget vote on the Senate floor today, Democrats locked up to deny funding for common education, corrections, the state Emergency Fund which pays cities and towns after ice storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters, the state School for the Deaf, state School for the Blind, Department of Public Safety, Military Department, Agriculture, Conservation and other agencies.

“I find it curious that these Democrat political leaders will jeopardize the jobs of troopers, prison guards and education in an election year, under the guise of protecting Oklahoma’s seniors, yet forgot all about those same seniors in a past budget crisis when they had unfettered control of the Oklahoma legislature,” Coffee continued. “The hypocrisy meter is spinning out of control.

“They complain about not having a seat at the negotiating table, yet the governor and his budget negotiator, the Democrat State Treasurer, negotiated this bipartisan agreement on their behalf,” Coffee added.

“And I recall the Senate Democrat Leader saying earlier this session that he would stand with his governor on matters such as this during the budget crisis.

“The Democrat Leader and his caucus have been unwilling to stand by the governor on this deal,” Coffee concluded.

Coffee pointed out that the Democrats’ demand of “only $2.5 million” in the budget for senior nutrition is a blatant act of deficit spending, modeled after their Democrat counterparts in Washington.

“Senators Laster and Corn say all they want is a mere $2.5 million for senior nutrition, yet it would require another $7.5 million next year, creating a $10 million hole in the 2011 budget,” Coffee said. “As the governor recognizes, this is irresponsible.”

It is disappointing that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are adopting the partisan approach of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in that they need to come to grips with the fact that our state is in an unprecedented budget crisis, and that more tough decisions will be made before this is over,” Coffee continued.

“I hope they join the governor’s bipartisan approach and abandon the election year grandstanding.

“I urge them to do the right thing for Oklahoma taxpayers,” Coffee concluded.

The Voter got CON! Oklahoma lottery money in the classroom??

Former Oklahoma State Representative Forrest Claunch (R- House101) is right!

The Oklahoma Voter got CON!

Oklahoma lottery money in the classroom, now that a joke!!

Thanks Gov Brad boy!!

Gov. Brad, You LIE to the Good People of Oklahoma!

Bill Would Overhaul Appointment of Replacement Officeholders

Lawmakers have voted to change the way vacancies in statewide offices are filled.

House Bill 1322, by state Rep. Mike Reynolds, would allow Oklahoma voters, not the governor, to choose the person who fills any vacated statewide office.

Reynolds filed the legislation to prevent any scandals from occurring similar to the one experience recently in Illinois, where Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was accused of trying to “sell” an appointment to the then-vacant U.S. Senate seat.

“The appointment power can easily be abused and Oklahoma has seen more than its share of corruption already,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “My bill will simply remove that temptation and ensure the people of Oklahoma choose the people they want to serve in office.”

If any major office is vacated before the end of the officeholder’s current term that position would remain unfilled until the next general election under the proposal. Currently, the governor is allowed to appoint a successor.

Reynolds noted that Gov. Brad Henry actually endorsed a similar course of action when former State Auditor Jeff McMahan was under federal investigation. During that controversy, Henry urged McMahan to step aside during the investigation. McMahan later resigned from office after being convicted.

Reynolds also noted that vacancies in the state Legislature are filled through the election process and not by gubernatorial appointment.
In recent years, two major statewide officeholders have resigned due to legal troubles: McMahan and former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Other vacancies have occurred in the offices of State Treasurer and Corporation Commissioner.

House Bill 1322 passed out of the House Rules committee and now proceeds to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Henry Names New Adjutant General

Governor Henry today appointed Army National Guard Major General Myles Deering to serve as the state’s top military officer.

As Oklahoma Adjutant General, Deering will serve as military advisor to the governor and commander of the Oklahoma Air and Army National Guard.

He succeeds Lt. General Harry “Bud” Wyatt III, who was recently promoted to serve as the director of the Air National Guard at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

“During his lengthy military career, Gen. Deering has distinguished himself as a dedicated solider and a seasoned leader capable of handling any and all challenges that come his way,” said Henry. “Oklahoma will be in good hands with Gen. Deering as its top military officer.”

From December 2004 to November 2008, Deering served as commander of Oklahoma’s famed 45th Infantry Brigade. He led the 45th in recent deployments to Iraq and in 2005 served as task force commander of 15,000 National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty troops in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Deering, 56, was recently assigned as the Director of Manpower and Personnel at the National Guard Bureau in Washington, DC, but will be reassigned back to Oklahoma in order to serve as Oklahoma’s State Adjutant General.

“It is a great honor to serve my home state and my country as adjutant general,” said Deering. “I appreciate the governor’s confidence in me, and I look forward to serving in this new role.”

Deering’s military career has spanned almost four decades.

He entered the service in 1971 and was commissioned as an infantry officer upon completing Officer Candidate School.

He has held numerous leadership positions in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and has earned numerous medals and citations, including the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

A native of Ada, Deering holds a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He has also earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in Natural and Applied Science from Oklahoma State University.

He is a 1970 graduate of Ada High School. Deering and his wife, Pam, reside in Norman. Pam is the Assistant Superintendent of Fiscal Services for the Midwest City-Del City Public Schools. Their son, Daniel, is a former Oklahoma National Guard member who served in Bosnia and Iraq.

Ok Gov Henry TRASH Blogger in 2009 State of State

Oklahoma Governor Brad "I'm Late" Henry, pop off and TRASH Blogger and Talk Radio, in his 2009 State of the State Address.

Being 1 of maybe 2 or 3 blogger that spend anytime at the State Capitol, I think its funny. I will have to blog more about Gov. "I'm Late"

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM COFFEE RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

“As always, the governor’s speech was positive and forward looking, and we appreciate his willingness to work with the legislature to see our state through our current challenges.

“We all know our nation’s economy is struggling, and states across the nation face tight budget years. While we’re fortunate that Oklahoma does not face the cataclysmic crisis of many other states, we face some very real issues. We stand ready to work with the House and the Governor to provide Oklahomans a balanced budget that is efficient, provides the essential services we need, and moves our state forward.

“During these tough economic times, it is encouraging to see that the governor agrees we should avoid raiding the Rainy Day Fund, but he was light on specifics on how he plans to deal with the budget shortfall. I do endorse his position of holding Public Safety, Transportation and Education harmless in the budget process, which will make our challenge all the greater regarding other areas of need this year.

“In the current financial scenario, we have an opportunity to look at various areas of government and determine the efficiency and effectiveness of agencies and their responsibilities. Our job as legislators is to be efficient with taxpayer’s money, and I believe the Office of Accountability and Innovation will be a good step in that direction.”

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.

Gov. Garrett, and after that Gov Edmondson????

State School Superintendent Sandy Garrett will be acting governor of Oklahoma for a short time this week.

Gov. Brad Henry and Lt. Gov. Jari Askins will be out of state to attend tomorrow's BCS National Championship game between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Florida.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee and House Speaker Chris Benge will also attend the game and Attorney General Drew Edmondson is out of the country.

That leaves Garrett as the top elected official.

Edmondson is due back in the state tomorrow night and will then become acting governor.

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%

Oklahoma Governor Burrage ? Governor AWOL ?

Although he has never been elected to a statewide office, State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage on Monday found himself running the state.

Gov. Brad Henry, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Senate Pro Tem designate Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, and House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, were all out of town.

Thus, the duties fell to Burrage, a Democrat. But Burrage doesn't have any big plans in mind.

"I am just going to keep doing what I am supposed to do," Burrage said.

Burrage said he was told he will be in charge until Wednesday.

In July, Henry appointed Burrage to fulfill the remaining term of Democrat Jeff McMahan, who resigned the office after he and his wife Lori were convicted of one count of conspiracy and two counts of bribery. They await sentencing.

Democrats Henry and Askins were in San Diego to attend the Holiday Bowl featuring Oklahoma State University and Oregon. Coffee was also attending.

Burrage plans to attend the Jan. 8 BCS National Championship Game in Miami featuring the University of Oklahoma and Florida.

Oklahoma State Energy Secretary is resigning

Oklahoma Energy Secretary David Fleischaker is resigning to return to the private sector.

Gov. Brad Henry is expected to appoint Deputy Energy Secretary Bobby Wegener of Oklahoma City to take over the department.

Wegener has served as deputy secretary for three years after working as an attorney in the oil, gas and public utilities field.

Fleischaker will return to the oil and gas exploration company Jolen Operation where he is president and chief executive officer.

llinois Scandal Prompts Oklahoma Reform Proposal

In light of allegations that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich effectively tried to “sell” an appointment to the now-vacant U.S. Senate seat in that state, one Oklahoma lawmaker is filing legislation to ensure similar corruption cannot occur in Oklahoma.

State Rep. Mike Reynolds said today he will file legislation that would allow Oklahoma voters, not the governor, to choose the person who fills any vacated statewide office.

If any major office is vacated before the end of the officeholder’s current term that position would remain unfilled until the next general election under the proposal. Currently, the governor is allowed to appoint a successor.

“The Illinois scandal makes clear that the appointment power can easily be abused and we’ve had more than our share of corruption in Oklahoma already,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “My proposal will simply remove that temptation and ensure the people of Oklahoma get to choose the people they want in office.”

Reynolds noted that Gov. Brad Henry actually endorsed a similar course of action when former State Auditor Jeff McMahan was under federal investigation. During that controversy, Henry urged McMahan to step aside during the investigation. McMahan later resigned from office after being convicted.

Reynolds also noted that vacancies in the state Legislature are filled through the election process and not by gubernatorial appointment.

In recent years, two major statewide officeholders have resigned due to legal troubles: McMahan and former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Other vacancies have occurred in the offices of State Treasurer and Corporation Commissioner.

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.

Garrison say Henry need to grows a backbone and Demo will be Infighting this Session

Hat Tip to The Musings of a Muskogee Politico

Dem legislator hopes governor
will veto GOP reforms
By Liz McMahan
Assistant City Editor

Republicans have control of the state House and Senate for the next two years — what is uncertain is whether Democratic Governor Brad Henry will stand up to them, Sen. Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee, said Friday.

Garrison was one of several speakers addressing the Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce’s Paul Revere Committee’s legislative breakfast.

“Republicans have enough votes to pass any workers’ compensation or tort reform you want,” Garrison said. “We have a governor and if he grows a backbone, we will have some vetoes. Miracles happen everyday.

Changes in the legislature for next session can already be seen in the reassignment of staff and office space, Garrison said as he joked about where his new office would be.

The Democrats may be found in the west parking lot, he said, adding that he will be in his red pickup and hopefully will have enough money to pay for the diesel to keep warm.

Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee, first brought up the Republican majority in the legislature as he talked about his hopes for “some very conservative dynamics” in the House during the coming session.

He also brought up that he will have an assistant this session instead of having to share one with another legislator.

The House and Senate vote essentially the same 90 percent of the time, Garrison said.

Workers’ compensation reform, tort reform and health care reform are usually what separates Democrats and Republicans, Garrison said. Democrats are criticized for being against workers’ compensation and tort reform because they receive most of their large campaign contributions from attorneys. Republicans get their biggest campaign contributions from health care special interests, he said.

Both legislators encouraged the chamber and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame to take their case for more funding for the museum to the state capitol this year.

The bulk of funding for such projects go to Tulsa and Oklahoma City, said Sue Harris, Hall of Fame president.

The Music Hall of Fame is not just a Muskogee museum, but one for all of the state and should be funded as such, Harris said.

The chamber is joining with 10 or 12 other cities of similar size to form a lobby group to campaign for more equitable funding to cities of more than 25,000 population but not as large as Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Terrill take on ODOT, Mayor McCheese and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce

The closing of a small section of railway in downtown Oklahoma City by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail company has attracted the interest of State Representative Randy Terrill.

Terrill recently wrote to the federal government's Surface Transportation Board objecting to BNSF's abandonment of a rail line due to the relocation of the I-40 crosstown.

The State Representative argues the abandonment will worsen the blockage of traffic by trains across South 4th and Main Streets in downtown Moore. "Clear security concerns are also raised by this plan," wrote the legislator. He cited Altus Air Force Base and Fort Sill as well as Tinker Air Force base as being at risk due to the closing of the tract.

Meanwhile, El Reno Tribune editors have sided with other towns in central Oklahoma who are asking for an investigation of the relocation project by Governor Brad Henry.

"The rail supporters made their case to the councils in each of the four communities (El Reno, Norman, Chickasha and Shawnee) and apparently their argument must have been convincing," stated the Tribune in a recent editorial.
The editors argue that a huge amount of federal funding is being spent on the relocation of Interstate 40--thus it's being funded by taxpayers. "Cities around the nation, many similar in size to Oklahoma City and the surrounding area, have developed commuter rail service, so why shouldn't we in central Oklahkoma be talking to one another about this regional issue?'

Democrat Party Chair Indicates Governor has Broken Law

The recent comments of the chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party indicate Gov. Brad Henry has made illegal contributions, state Rep. Mike Reynolds said today.
Reynolds urged the governor to publicly address the campaign finance controversy.

“State Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes recently said the Young Democrats of Oklahoma are an official affiliate of the state party, which means Governor Henry has illegally exceeded the maximum donation allowed to a state party under Oklahoma law,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “It’s time the governor publicly addresses this issue or seeks the return of the contributions.”

Earlier this month, Reynolds questioned the legality of Henry’s contributions to the Young Democrats of Oklahoma. Campaign reports show that Henry donated $5,000 from his surplus campaign funds to the Young Democrats of Oklahoma in 2007 and again in 2008 – a combined total of $10,000.

However, it is illegal for a candidate to give campaign funds to any partisan organization other than a state party and its affiliates (which are normally just county parties).

In an Oct. 2 article in the Tulsa World, Holmes claimed the Young Democrats are an official affiliate of the state party.

If Holmes is correct, Gov. Henry has violated annual state limits on campaign contributions to a political party once his gifts to the Young Democrats are combined with separate donations to the official state party, Reynolds noted.

“It appears the governor has either violated contribution limits or illegally donated surplus funds to a partisan group that is not a party affiliate,” Reynolds said. “If Chairman Holmes’ comments are true, the governor’s actions would either be illegal or unethical.”

Reynolds also noted that other Democratic lawmakers have made similar contributions from surplus funds to non-party affiliates. At least nine Democratic legislators have given in excess of $26,000 from their surplus campaign funds to a Democratic legislative PAC (WIN PAC).

“Apparently, Chairman Holmes has advised these lawmakers that WIN PAC is also a party affiliate,” Reynolds said. “He seems to have a pattern of violating or skirting state laws and willing to facilitate illegal activity. Oklahomans deserve better.”