Is this just the tip? OU Foundation may face possible ethics probe for unreported gifts

From Today OU Daily 

OU Foundation may face possible ethics 

probe for unreported gifts

Nicholas Harrison/The Daily

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

The OU Foundation may be under investigation by the Oklahoma State Ethics Commission for failing to report gifts to university officers and employees.

The Daily submitted a complaint to the commission Dec. 13 stemming from the OU Foundation’s denial of an open records request first reported Dec. 7.

Although the foundation invoked a statute that allows them to keep donor information confidential, the state attorney general’s office had issued an opinion in 2002 that indicated it must still comply with all applicable state ethics laws.

In his 2002 opinion, Attorney General Drew Edmondson wrote, “The authority of a public body to keep donors’ identities confidential is tempered by the rules of the commission.”

Edmondson noted state officials and employees are required to be independent and impartial and to exercise their powers and prerogatives without prejudice or favoritism.

Anyone who does business with a state entity is required to report any gift to a state officer or employee with a cost of more than $50, according to state statutes.

 

On its official website, the foundation’s audit report indicates it has several contracts with the university and provided $21,644,682 in salary supplements in 2010 and $28,824,589 in 2009. However, when The Daily contacted the commission, no reports were filed by the foundation.

At its regular meeting Dec. 21, the commission acted on two complaints, voting unanimously “there was a reasonable basis to believe that a violation of constitutional ethics rules had occurred.”

Immediately after the meeting, Marilyn Hughes, executive director for the commission, confirmed an investigation had been opened on the OU Foundation. 

 However, when contacted by The Daily on Tuesday, Hughes said she could neither confirm nor deny the investigation.

All information regarding ongoing investigations is kept confidential in accordance with state law. After a complaint is submitted it is presented to the commission by the executive director during a closed executive session, said Rebecca Adams, general counsel to the commission.

If the commission determines rules have been violated, there is no guarantee the findings will be available to the public.

At its discretion, the commission may resolve a possible rules violation by issuing a private reprimand which remains confidential. They may also issue a public reprimand, reach a settlement or bring a lawsuit to court, Adams said.

A the time this story was written, OU Foundation President Guy Patton and OU Press Secretary Chris Shilling said they had not been contacted by the commission. They were not aware the foundation was the subject of an investigation and could provide no comments.

ATTORNEY GENERAL DREW EDMONDSON TURNS TO PRIVATE PRACTICE WITH GABLEGOTWALS AFTER TERM ENDS

 

Attorney General Drew Edmondson today announced he will join the law firm of GableGotwals as a shareholder in the firm’s Oklahoma City office after his term in public office ends in January 2011. Edmondson has served as the state’s attorney general since his election in 1994 and served as the president of the National Association of Attorneys General from 2002-2003.

“Drew Edmondson has been a powerful and principled force as Oklahoma’s attorney general,” said David Keglovits, GableGotwals president. “We are excited about bringing his talents to bear on behalf of our clients.”

During his term, Edmondson was one of eight attorneys general asked to serve on the negotiating team for states involved in a multi-billion dollar lawsuit filed against the tobacco industry. The suit resulted in a national settlement in excess of $200 billion with the industry and will bring more than $2 billion to Oklahoma over a 25 year period.

Under his leadership, the attorney general’s office has helped reform the death penalty appeals process, established victims’ services and vigorously represented rate payers in telephone, gas and electric rate cases. On his watch, the attorney general’s office finally ended the Battles prison case, the Terry D. juvenile justice case and the Hissom class action lawsuit. He was instrumental in creating the constitutional Technology Trust  and the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust.

“Although it will be hard to leave public service after 16 years in office, I look forward to working in private practice,” Edmondson said. “I could not be more excited to become a shareholder in a firm that has such a great reputation and long history of serving public and private companies and individuals throughout the United States.”

Before his election as attorney general, Edmondson was elected, unopposed, to three consecutive terms as Muskogee County District Attorney in 1982, 1986 and 1990. He served as president of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association and was selected as Outstanding District Attorney for the State of Oklahoma in 1985 and the Outstanding Death Penalty Prosecutor in the 9th and 10th Circuits.

Edmondson served one term in the Oklahoma Legislature before entering the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1976. His undergraduate teaching degree is from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, which he attended after graduating from Muskogee Central High School.

Edmondson is a Navy veteran with a tour of duty in Vietnam. He is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

About GableGotwals
GableGotwals is a full-service law firm representing a diversified client base in Oklahoma, the Southwest and across the nation. The firm has offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. With more than 60 attorneys on staff, the firm handles complex litigation in all areas of state and federal courts as well as representation in compliance matters before state and federal administrative agencies and regulatory authorities, energy-related disputes and transactions, sophisticated business transactions and administrative matters for many different clients including individuals, corporations, regulated entities, financial institutions, insurance companies, estates and trusts, inventors, employers and employees.
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(REP) FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION 2244 OF 2244

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Governor and State Schools Superintendent candidates discussion and AG forum

Oklahoma City University will host a candidate forum for governor and state schools superintendent candidates. The free event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. June 16 at the Meinders School of Business.

The forum is sponsored by the Oklahoma Academy, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that encourages public discussions of state policies.

Gubernatorial candidates invited to participate are Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson — both Democrats, state Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, and businessman Roger Jackson, a Republican.

Invited state schools superintendent candidates are Republican Janet Barresi, Democrat Jerry Combrink and state Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada.

The Oklahoma City University School of Law will host a forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday for candidates running this year for attorney general.

The free event will be in the Homsey Family Moot Courtroom of Sarkeys Law Center. Republicans Ryan Leonard and Scott Pruitt, and Democrat Jim Priest have been invited to attend. Seating is limited.

Visit the Oklahoma Lawyers Association website at www.oklawyers.org to reserve a seat

Tulsa World: Poll puts Fallin in lead for governor

Poll puts Fallin in lead for governor
Among Democrats, Drew Edmondson leads Jari Askins.

By RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer
Published: 1/10/2010 2:24 AM


Fifth District Congresswoman Mary Fallin has a clear lead in the 2010 Oklahoma governor's race, a new Oklahoma Poll has found.

Fallin, an Oklahoma City Republican, was the overwhelming choice of GOP voters surveyed and was the pick of the majority of respondents in head-to-head matchups against Democrats Drew Edmondson and Jari Askins.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY

Senator Clark Jolley Files Paperwork to Seek GOP Attorney General Nomination

With a clear record of promoting a pro-growth environment in Oklahoma, Edmond State Senator Clark Jolley has filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to begin the process of soliciting support for election to the office of Oklahoma's Attorney General.

The position is an open seat being vacated by Attorney General Drew Edmondson, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Governor. "We desperately need a pro-jobs, pro-growth Attorney General in Oklahoma," said Jolley. "People in our state have lost their jobs because of an Attorney General's decision to sue companies in our state.

As a Senator who has a proven record of supporting job creation and reducing needless litigation in Oklahoma, I believe those qualities are needed in the next Attorney General."

Jolley also stated his intention to see vigorous prosecution of those who hurt the most vulnerable of our citizens–the elderly and children: "Oklahoma's Senior Citizens have been the targets of crime through identity theft and fraud. Our children are being hunted on the Internet and abused by those they trust.

I will ensure the Attorney General's office responds quickly and decisively against those who prey on those who have very little protections of their own.

I have stood for the rights of the victim in the State Senate and I will stand for their rights in our courthouses as well."

As a staunch opponent of increased regulations and higher taxes on businesses and individuals, Jolley also will champion the freedom of Internet use from greedy bureaucrats wanting to tax bandwidth usage and services. "We can't afford to allow the economic downturn we face turn into an opportunity for bureaucrats to invent new taxes on vital services such as Internet use.

With other countries blowing past the United States in broadband speeds and access, we can't let government discourage growth, especially for rural areas of our state."

Jolley has been honored as an inductee in the Child Advocates Hall of Fame under two categories, Child Health & Safety and Education. He has also been recognized for his leadership by DNA Saves, a national victim's rights organization. He has been honored by the Research Institute for Economic Development for his support of business issues in the state and has been selected by his fellow Senators to serve as one of their Assistant Majority Leaders in the present session.

Jolley was elected to the Senate in 2004 by a large margin and was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2008.

His wife, Verlyne and two children live in Edmond. Jolley also named Edmond CPA James R. Hale as his campaign treasurer.

Contact: info@clarkjoll 405.650.1582

Brogdon number 2 in TMRO Governor's Race Poll

Hat Tip to Mike @ The McCarville Report Online

From TMRO:

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

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

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

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.

The Oklahoman said what...

Monday Morning Quarterbacks
Published: January 5, 2009

Wrong, wrong, wrong
The Wall Street Journal recently took Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson to task for going after three people he has accused of violating a state law that forbids using out-of-state signature gatherers on Oklahoma initiative petitions. The petition in question was the TABOR spending limits proposal that never made it to a ballot.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, couldn’t miss an "I told you so” moment on his blog at randybrogdon.com when a federal appeals court found the residency requirement unconstitutional. "The courts have told him three times he is wrong on this issue. One must wonder if he understands the gravity of those rulings,” Brogdon wrote.

"For the top law enforcer of this state to have such a cavalier attitude on the First Amendment is troublesome to say the least.”

Ed Kelly must be gone,
He would NEVER have let this
be put on the Opinion page,
LOL
But its great to know that the
Oklahoman read randybrogdon.com

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%

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.

Edmondson named chief justice of Oklahoma Supreme Court

James Edmondson from Muskogee, who was the vice chief justice, will serve as chief justice for the years 2009 and 2010.

Justice Steven Taylor also was elected to serve as vice chief justice.

Both terms begin Jan. 1, 2009. The swearing-in ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 15.

Edmondson was appointed to the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Dec. 2, 2003, by Governor Brad Henry. Before that time, he served as an assistant district attorney in the Muskogee County District Attorney’s Office from 1976 to 1978 and as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Oklahoma from 1978 to 1980. He is the brother of state Attorney General Drew Edmondson.

James Edmondson is a 1963 graduate of Central High School. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Northeastern State University and in 1973 earned his law degree from Georgetown University.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Edmondson is married to Suzanne Rumler Edmondson. They have two children.

Governor Henry appointed Justice Steven Taylor to the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Sept. 23, 2004. Taylor served as a district judge from 1994 to 2004 and as an associate district judge from 1984 to 1994. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law and Oklahoma State University.

He had been a district judge in McAlester for nine years and also served as an associate district judge from 1984 to 1995.

Taylor was the judge who presided over the murder trial of Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols.

Reynolds say Governor Involved in Illegal Contributions

Gov. Brad Henry has apparently funneled $10,000 in illegal contributions to a partisan organization according to ethics records uncovered by state Rep. Mike Reynolds.

Campaign reports show that Henry donated $5,000 of his surplus campaign funds to the Young Democrats of Oklahoma in 2007 and again in 2008.

However, it is illegal for a candidate to give his or her campaign funds to any partisan organization other than a state party and its affiliates (county parties).

As a result, the Young Democrats of Oklahoma are not an official party affiliate under campaign finance law and cannot legally receive the governor’s surplus funds.

“These transactions are an obvious violation of state law,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “Our state leaders must be held to high ethical standards that ensure fair and legally funded elections in Oklahoma. The governor’s actions do not pass that test.”

After the Young Democrats of Oklahoma received Henry’s contributions, Reynolds said that money may have been illegally used to fund the campaigns of Democratic candidates.

However, the Young Democrats of Oklahoma have failed to file any reports with the state Ethics Commission since early 2008, missing several legally required reporting deadlines that would have revealed how Henry’s money was expended.

“I don’t know why the Young Democrats would repeatedly fail to file reports in advance of the election if they have nothing to hide,” Reynolds said.

The Oklahoma City lawmaker suggested an official investigation should be launched, but noted Attorney General Drew Edmondson has also been involved campaign finance controversies. In 2007, officials learned Edmondson had given thousands of dollars in apparently illegal contributions he claimed were the result of a misunderstanding.

Edmondson also failed to investigate former State Auditor Jeff McMahan’s use of illegal straw donors in political campaigns – actions that resulted in a federal investigation and conviction for McMahan.

AG names DA to handle Blogger cases

McAlester Watercooler

Background - District Attorney Subpoena Blog for Identities Of Anonymous Posters

AG names DA to handle
‘Watercooler’ cases
By James Beaty
Senior Editor

Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson has appointed a prosecutor in another part of the state to look over allegations revolving around the McAlester Watercooler Web site and an alleged assault upon its operator.

Edmondson’s office has assigned District 8 District Attorney Mark Gibson, whose district includes Kay and Noble counties, to look over five different police reports filed in connection with the issue.

Edmondson’s office assigned the new prosecutor to look over the allegations after District 18 First Assistant District Attorney Richard Hull sent letters to the attorney general.

Hull asked that District 18 District Attorney Jim Bob Miller’s office at the Pittsburg County Courthouse be disqualified from further involvement in the cases “to avoid the appearance of impropriety.”

Now, it will be up to Gibson or some of his assistant district attorneys to review the information in the cases.

Among the cases Gibson will be considering:

• A complaint by Miller against Harold King, operator of the Internet site known as the McAlester Watercooler, accusing King of committing criminal libel.

• A complaint by King contending he was assaulted by Wayne Stipe outside a McAlester grocery store.

Hull asked that Miller’s office be recused from the other cases involving King because of the case where Miller claims he is the victim of criminal libel in a case where King is listed as the suspect.

• Gibson is also to look at three more complaints, including one alleging criminal libel for “imputing unchastity,” another complaint for allegedly “knowingly making a false report of a crime” and yet another alleging “ offers forged or false instruments for record in any public office.”

Edmondson’s letter to Gibson directs him to evaluate all of the material gathered by investigators and to decide whether any criminal prosecution should be taken.

If Gibson decides to file any charges in any of the complaints, then the charges would be filed in Pittsburg County District Court — but would be prosecuted by Gibson’s office.

In his letter to Gibson, Edmondson directs him to contact Miller’s office “for the relevant materials concerning this matter.”

Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.

Edmondson issues opinion on HB 1804 issue

Attorney General Drew Edmondson said in an opinion issued Thursday that applicants for professional licenses issued by the state must complete an affidavit swearing that they are lawfully present in the United States.

The opinion was in response to a request by Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, and Rep. Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah, who sought clarification on the recently enacted House Bill 1804, also called the "Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizens Protection Act of 2007," which cracked down on illegal immigration in the state.

The opinion states that a U.S. citizen would be required to complete the affidavit only once unless their status were to change or the person otherwise becomes ineligible for licensure.

However, a "qualified alien" who is lawfully present in the country must complete an affidavit at each renewal.

State agencies or political subdivisions are required to verify the affidavit of "qualified aliens" through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program or through an equivalent program designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Oklahoma tests on river show low levels of harmful bacteria

Oklahoma tests on river show
low levels of harmful bacteria

BY ROBERT J. SMITH

Samples pulled from the Illinois River on May 21 by the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission showed low levels of fecal matter in the water.

The samples taken at six sites on the Illinois River and at two tributaries showed low levels of enterococci and Escherichia coli, known as E. coli.

Such samplings will take place each Sunday and Wednesday this summer as a way to determine the necessity to protect those who recreate in the river, said Ed Fite, director of the scenic rivers commission.

The commission will spend about $ 6, 000 on sampling this summer and use the results to determine whether advisories should be issued to warn the public about bacteria.

The tests aren’t connected to the federal lawsuit filed by Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson against eight Arkansas poultry companies, Fite said. Edmondson alleges in U. S. District Court in Tulsa that fecal bacteria in poultry litter threatens human health in the Illinois River watershed.

Oklahoma believes poultry farmers are responsible for the bacteria in the river that causes diarrhea and other illnesses.

“This may overlap with the lawsuit, but it’s not intended to fuel the lawsuit,” Fite said. “It’s intended to show what the river is like when people are using the river.” The low levels of the two types of fecal bacteria were discussed cautiously by officials in Edmondson’s office who didn’t want to make too much of the samples.

Edmondson, during a nineday hearing that ended in March, asked a federal judge to ban poultry litter spreading in the watershed.

“The bacteria levels in the river change from day to day depending on the flow and recent rains,” said Charlie Price, an Edmondson spokesman. “During the motion hearing, we presented a history of U. S. Geological Survey samples that proved high levels of dangerous bacteria in the water.

“ If the tests are accurate, it’s good news for that day and location,” he said. “We are pleased the regulatory agencies have taken the testimony of our experts to heart and will be testing the river twice weekly.” But a poultry company spokesman on Wednesday used the samples to rebut the information presented by Edmondson during the hearing.

“The reports of these sampling results appear to be consistent with the evidence that we presented to the court at the preliminary injunction hearing which showed that Mr. Edmondson’s claims of unsafe bacteria levels in the Illinois River are unfounded exaggerations,” said Jackie Cunningham, a spokesman for the Poultry Community Council, an Oklahoma organization created by the poultry companies in the lawsuit to educate the public about the poultry industry.

Gerald Hilsher, a scenic rivers commissioner, was reluctant to make too much of the first samples.

“We need a few weeks of sampling before we should be making any suggestion of what this means,” Hilsher said.

Fite on Wednesday wasn’t about to get drawn into a conversation about what the first results mean, either.

“I’m going to be the only person pulling the samples for the most part,” Fite said. “I want to make sure it’s done right and done consistently.”

Lawmaker questions school board appointment

A state lawmaker from Oklahoma City is questioning whether former Mayor Kirk Humphreys can immediately take over as the chairman of the city's school board.

Democratic Rep. Al Lindley has requested an opinion from Attorney General Drew Edmondson's office to clarify the timing of Humphrey's appointment.

Gov. Brad Henry recently signed a bill that would remove the waiting period before a school board chairman can serve in that role. However, the bill doesn't take effect until 90 days after the end of the legislative session.

The Legislature adjourned its session late Friday night.

Senate Dems Reject Term Limits Compromise, So Vote to Occur on Current Bill

State Senate Democrat leaders have refused a request to help bring compromise language for a referendum on term limits for statewide officials to a vote in the State Senate. So, the Senate will have to vote on the existing proposal, the bill’s authors said Monday.

“Senate Democrat leaders have refused to help us bring the bill out of a conference committee with the changes that were suggested by the Attorney General. So instead of sending this bill to conference, we plan to push ahead for a Senate vote on the bill as it is written. We’re not going to allow the Senate Democrat leadership to quietly kill this issue in a conference committee. There will be a vote,” stated Brogdon, R-Owasso.

“The intent of the current language is that the term limits apply prospectively, not retroactively. We have made a good faith effort to help reassure the attorney general and others that the term limits won’t be retroactive by agreeing to incorporate General Edmondson’s legislative language in our proposal. So it is very disappointing that Senate Democrat leaders aren’t interested in working with us to make that happen,” Brogdon said.

"All along we have said the intent of this bill is not for it to apply to any seated statewide office holder retroactively, and that is still the case," said Worthen, R-Oklahoma City. "We made a good faith effort to work with the attorney general to allay his concerns with the bill, but the Senate Democrats have made it clear they are not willing to continue to work on the language in conference. The people of Oklahoma deserve to have a voice on this issue, so we will move forward with a vote on the bill in its current form."

Brogdon said he is hopeful a majority of senators will support the SB 1987. Seven Democrat senators voted for the term limits bill in March.

“Term limits are good public policy, so I remain hopeful a majority of senators will agree to send this to a vote of the people. It’s hard to envision seven senators flip-flopping just to help the Democrat leadership kill term limits on a partisan, party-line vote,” Brogdon said.

Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, was the Senate author of SB 1987, but has transferred the bill to Brogdon. It was Brogdon who authored an amendment to the bill on the Senate floor in March to include the term limits referendum. Worthen is the House author of SB 1987.

If approved by the Senate, the people would vote this November whether to apply a 12-year term limit on statewide offices such as lieutenant governor, attorney general, state auditor, and corporation commissioners.