R.I.P. David "Coach" Myers

Day starting off on a very sad note, getting word that Oklahoma State Senator David "Coach" Myers passed away early this morning.

Senator David F. Myers serves Senate District 20, which comprised of all or portions of Alfalfa, Garfield, Grant, Kay and Noble Counties.



He was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in November 2002. 

Senator Myers was a retired Chemical Engineer from ConocoPhillips in Ponca City, having worked in the oil refining industry for 33 years. 

He was an independent consultant for the oil industry.

Senator Myers' authored legislation:

• To help keep children safe by keeping sex offenders out of their schools.
• To help keep families safe in their homes in case of a fire.
• To help fund and improve roads and bridges in Oklahoma.
• To improve public safety by introducing juvenile drug courts.

“Today Oklahoma has suffered a significant loss.  Senator David Myers was a pillar not only at the State Capitol but also among the Oklahomans he served diligently in Senate District 20.  A hardworking man full of compassion and conviction, Senator Myers had a powerful impact on the state he loved.  Serving alongside Senator Myers in the State Senate was truly an honor and he will be greatly missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sara and family.”    
Lt. Governor Todd Lamb

"The loss of Senator David Myers is one that will be deeply felt by so many at the State Capitol and across Oklahoma. He was the standard by which any public servant should be measured: humble, selfless, and dedicated beyond question. But most important of all, he was a great friend.  David's strength of conviction and uncompromising values will be remembered by all who had the honor of serving alongside him. Simply put, Senator Myers made a difference. The thoughts and prayers of the state Senate are with David's wife, Sara, and his family. He will be greatly missed."
Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman

(I Sleep a lot) Henry has set a date for a special election to fill Sen. 47

(I Sleep a lot) Henry has set a date for a special election to fill the Oklahoma State Senate seat currently being held by Lt. Governor-Elect Todd Lamb.

Lamb was elected November 2 and will be sworn into office January 10. He announced Monday he would vacate his Senate seat on that date.

Gov. Henry announced a primary election for Oklahoma State Senate District 47 will be held January 11.

Voters will go to the polls for the general election February 8. A filing period for the office will be held December 13 - 15.

Republican Kenny Goza, Steven Dobbs, Greg Treat, Carol Hefner have file SO-1 with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to run so far

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%

Maybe some 'Print Media' and so call Blogger should understand how things work...

Maybe some 'Print Media' and so call Blogger should understand how things work at the Oklahoma State Capitol. They probability think Conference Committee have real meeting. LOL

When a bill go to a Conference Committee, only the people on the Conference Committee and Staff can add or take out language on that bill.
And it look like Demo Scott Meacham hand pick boy, Rep. Ken Miller (Who want to be our 'Republican' State Treasurer) is out campaigning for GOP votes.Rep. McDaniel, Trust the House Staff?

Most of the Lobbist, Media, and other insider at the Oklahoma State Capitol think that, unlike the State Senate Staff, the House Staff RUN the House and control the flow of information in the House.

Three Vital Pro-Life Bills Set for Vote in Committee Thursday; Support Urged

Hat Tip to Tony Lauinger

Three critically important pro-life bills will be voted on by the Oklahoma state Senate Health and Human Services Committee this Thursday morning, Feb. 11.

Please immediately contact these key pro-life committee members and request their strong support for the pro-life bills:

Senator Clark Jolley jolley@oksenate.gov

Senator Sean Burrage burrage@oksenate.gov

Senator Jim Halligan halligan@oksenate.gov

Senator Brian Crain crain@oksenate.gov

Senator Dan Newberry newberry@oksenate.gov


SB 1902 (Sen. Todd Lamb / Rep. Skye McNiel), regulating the use of the dangerous chemical abortion pill RU-486, which kills an unborn child who is about two months old

SB 1890 (Sen. Todd Lamb), prohibiting abortions that are done for the purpose of sex-selection

SB 1891 (Sen. Todd Lamb / Rep. Pam Peterson), protecting health care professionals' freedom of conscience by affirming their right to refuse to participate in the taking of a human life

Rose Day to Focus on Passing Pro-Life Laws

The enactment again of pro-life laws that have been blocked from going into effect by courts will be the focus of lobbying efforts surrounding Rose Day at the Oklahoma Capitol this Wednesday, February 3.

The annual pro-life lobbying day at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City will be devoted to urging lawmakers to enact seven bills which embody the components of pro-life legislation enacted in 2008 and 2009. Oklahoma County district courts have blocked enforcement of the laws. Pro-abortion activists claim that the laws violate the single-subject rule of the state constitution.

Though both laws 2008's SB 1878 and 2009's HB 1595 deal with the subject of abortion, lawyers for the abortion industry claim that the abortion provisions are not closely enough related to meet the nebulous single-subject requirement. As a result, our efforts this session will be devoted to enacting seven separate bills to reclaim the pro-life gains of the past two legislative sessions. This year's bills are:

SB 1890 (Sen. Todd Lamb), prohibiting abortions that are done for the purpose of sex-selection;

HB 3284 (Rep. Pam Peterson), reporting abortions performed in Oklahoma, the reasons abortions are sought, and the complications that result;

HB 2780 (Rep. Lisa Billy), providing a woman an ultrasound of her unborn child which she may view prior to undergoing an abortion;

HB 3290 (Rep. Skye McNiel) and SB 1902 (Sen. Todd Lamb), regulating the use of the dangerous chemical abortion pill RU-486, which kills an unborn child who is about two months old;

HB 2656 (Rep. Dan Sullivan), fostering respect for babies with disabilities by disallowing wrongful-life lawsuits that claim a baby would have been better off being aborted;

HB 3075 (Rep. Rebecca Hamilton), ensuring that a mother's consent to an abortion is truly voluntary and safeguarding against coerced abortions;

SB 1891 (Sen. Todd Lamb) and HB 3110 (Rep. Pam Peterson), protecting health care professionals' freedom of conscience by affirming their right to refuse to participate in the taking of a human life.

Dr. Alveda C. King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be the featured speaker at Rose Day. The program begins at 11:45 a.m. in the House Chamber.

Please contact your own state senator and state representative, urging their support for these pro-life bills. You can identify your legislators by going to our website, www.OkForLife.org. On the left side, click on ID Your Legislators. Type your address, then scroll down to the fourth and fifth entries for names and contact information.

Thank you for speaking out to defend the unborn child.

Schwartz drop out of GOP Lt. Governor race

Got this from Colby Schwartz today...

“Over the last 90 days it has become obvious to me that the current economic climate has hindered my ability to raise the needed financial resources to effectively fund a statewide race for Lt. Governor. Therefore, I am removing my name from consideration for the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor of Oklahoma.”

“During my past campaigns for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, my support has always come from everyday, hard-working Oklahomans. It is these same supporters who have felt the pinch of the economic downturn the hardest; and now have less disposable income to contribute to a political campaign.”

“I remain as passionate about Oklahoma and its future as I did when I entered this campaign; but I understand the political reality that an effective statewide bid for public office requires sufficient funds to communicate my message to the entire state.”

“I will continue to diligently serve the citizens of the Yukon and Mustang communities, as I have throughout my service to the House of Representatives. This is a humbling honor that has always remained my top priority even during the course of exploring a bid for Lt. Governor.”

“My wife Brenda and our family would like to thank everyone who has offered their prayers and thoughts throughout this process. I have made many new friends across this great state and will continue to work with them to move Oklahoma forward.”

“As a fourteen-year Republican Party activist, I look forward to fully supporting the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor, as well as the other slate of Republican candidates.”

Judicial Reform Praised in Committee

Senate Bill 609 by Senator Todd Lamb, passed out of the Judiciary committee today.

The provisions in Senate Bill 609 reduce the number of judges on the Workers’ Compensation Court from ten to seven. Four of the judges will be permanently assigned to the Oklahoma City Workers' Compensation Court, and three permanently assigned to the Tulsa Workers' Compensation Court.

Senate Bill 609 also brings reform to the judicial nominating process by requiring Senate confirmation of appointments to the Workers Compensation Court and appellate courts.

“Senate Bill 609 will remove politics from the judicial nominating process by promoting a system that reflects more checks and balances just as our founding fathers intended,” said Lamb. “One of the goals of Senate Republicans this session was to bring reform to Oklahoma’s legal system. Through the support of Senate Bill 609 today, I am encouraged to see the beginning of that process and the accomplishment of that goal.”

“Within the first year, the provisions in Senate Bill 609 will yield a cost savings to the taxpayers of over $400,000,” added Lamb.

Senate Bill 609 will now go before the full Senate for consideration.

What will be the 2009 GOP Senate Agenda ?

Oklahoma State Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Glenn Coffee and Majority Floor Leader Sen. Todd Lamb, talk about what will be the 2009 GOP Senate Agenda ?

Oklahoma State Senate GOP designated leader

State Senate Republicans, as expected, voted Thursday to designate Glenn Coffee of Oklahoma City as the first GOP president pro tem in state history.

Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, was picked to be majority floor leader.

Republicans seized a 26-22 majority in Tuesday's election, the first time since statehood that Republicans have controlled the 48-member chamber.

Before the election, Democrats and Republicans were tied with 24 members each and operated under a power-sharing agreement the past two years.

Designation by the majority's caucus is tantamount to election. Coffee will be formally installed by the entire 48-member Senate during an organizational meeting in January.

Republicans grabbed control of the Senate when their candidates ousted one incumbent from Tulsa and won the seat Morgan is vacating.

Republican Dan Newberry of Tulsa defeated Sen. Nancy Riley, who switched from Republican to Democrat after she was an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor in 2006.

Her switch prevented Republicans from becoming the majority party that year and she was targeted early for defeat by the GOP leadership.

Coffee pledged that Republicans will "work nonstop to enact pro-jobs economic reforms, to make government more accountable to the people, to improve education and to protect the public safety."

"I am honored to be elected by my colleagues to be the first Republican to lead the Senate," he said.

Coffee was elected to the top GOP post for the third time. Before Coffee, Republicans had passed around the No. 1 leadership post every two years.

Lamb is best known as the principal sponsor of a bill to require a woman planning to have an abortion to undergo an ultrasound. The measure required the ultrasound monitor to turned so a woman could view it and required the doctor to describe the dimensions of the fetus.

Gov. Brad Henry's veto of the bill was overridden, but an abortion rights group has won a court order preventing the law from taking effect.

School Security Act Signed by Governor

Sen. Todd Lamb on Wednesday praised Gov. Brad Henry for taking action to make Oklahoma schools some of the safest in the nation by signing Senate Bill 1941, the Oklahoma School Security Act.

“The signing of this measure is good news for Oklahomans. It’s incumbent upon us to do everything in our power to mitigate risks at our schools and ensure they are safe environments for students and staff,” said Lamb, R-Oklahoma City. “This law gives us the opportunity to make numerous security improvements and reduce instances of violence and bullying in our schools.”

Under SB 1941, schools will be required to practice lockdowns twice each year. The bill additionally places school administrators on regional Homeland Security Advisory boards, guaranteeing their voices are heard on important security related concerns.

The measure also incorporates language regarding electronic communications under the state’s bullying statues. Under previous state law, electronic communications could not be considered bullying.

Lamb noted that effectively policing and preventing bullying is a critical component to reducing the risks of school violence.

“Studies have shown that an overwhelming majority of students who perpetrate school shootings have been the victims of bullying,” Lamb said. “It was important that we provide administrators with tools to combat bullying.”

Lamb said the Legislature has both a moral and legal obligation to ensure that no parent has to fear their child may be the victim of violence in Oklahoma schools.

“I’m pleased the Governor has joined with the Legislature in approving a bill that will help keep our children and educators safe,” Lamb said. “I look forward to its implementation, and remain committed to doing everything in my power to make our schools the nation’s safest.”

Senate Approves School Security Act

The state Senate on Wednesday approved a comprehensive measure intended to make Oklahoma schools safer. Senate Bill 1941, the Oklahoma School Security Act, includes numerous provisions to secure school facilities, reduce school violence and bullying and involve school administrators in making their schools safer places for students and staff.

Sen. Todd Lamb, author of the bill, said it was imperative that the Legislature take action to reduce the frequency of violent crime and bullying in schools.

“Passage of this bill is an important first step toward making our schools safer,” said Lamb, R-Edmond. “We have a responsibility to ensure our schools are safe environments for students and educators. Parents should never have to worry for the safety of their children when they are at our schools.”

SB 1941 would require that schools practice lockdowns two times each year. Under current law, schools are only required to practice lockdowns once each year. The bill would also ensure that school administrators have a place on regional Homeland Security Advisory boards.

Additionally, the measure includes provisions to reduce, and more effectively police, bullying. The Oklahoma School Security Act would add electronic communications to the state’s bullying statutes. Electronic communications cannot be considered bullying under current law.

Lamb said the safety and security of the state’s most vulnerable citizens should be the first priority of any government, and that the Legislature must do everything in its power to reduce the risk of tragedy.

“After the Columbine tragedy several years ago, the United States Department of Education conducted a study and found that 71 percent of school shootings were perpetrated by victims of bullying,” Lamb said.

“Given those findings, it’s important that we give local school districts the chance to address the issue. I’m pleased the Senate voted in favor of the bill and look forward to its implementation in our schools.”

SB 1941 now advances to the Governor’s desk.

A VICTORY FOR LIFE by Sen. Todd Lamb

The Oklahoma Legislature won a major victory for life last week by overwhelmingly voting to override Governor Brad Henry’s ill-advised veto of Senate Bill 1878, a bipartisan pro-life bill.

This legislation protects health care workers from being forced to assist in performing an abortion and prohibits minors from being coerced into having an abortion.

SB 1878 ensures that strict safety guidelines are followed in the dispensing of the dangerous abortion pill RU-486 and prohibits frivolous lawsuits that claim a baby would have been “better off” if aborted.

The bill also provides every woman with an ultrasound of her unborn child prior to an abortion, along with information about the unborn baby’s measurements and heartbeat.

Ultrasounds are already conducted in 99 percent of abortions. SB 1878 guarantees that a mother gets the information from the ultrasound and has the opportunity to view her baby on the ultrasound monitor. (Governor Henry erroneously wrote in his veto message that this provision requires a woman to view the ultrasound. This is factually inaccurate. No woman is forced to view the ultrasound.)

It’s the first time since former Governor David Walters was in office that the Legislature has successfully overturned a governor’s veto.

The Oklahoma Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of the Legislature to override a veto. This requirement was easily surpassed: Seventy-seven percent of state senators voted to overturn the governor’s veto, along with eighty percent of the House.

SB 1878 will become law on November 1. These new regulations are necessary to ensure that women have the information they need to be fully informed about their life-or-death decision. More information will hopefully result in more moms choosing life for their unborn babies.

It’s interesting that abortion providers so strongly opposed these common sense reforms – especially the requirement that a woman be allowed to view the ultrasound of her baby and be given information about the baby’s size and heart rate. Many of us suspect it may have to do with profit margins. Unfortunately, the abortion business is very lucrative. Is it any surprise that some abortionists would oppose a proposal that might lead more women to choose life instead of abortion?

It has been 14 years since a governor has been this out of touch with voters on such an important issue. I am not sure who Governor Henry was listening to when he vetoed SB 1878, but it certainly was not the people of Oklahoma. We have a representative form of government, and given the overwhelming support illustrated in the override, it is no doubt the people of our great state have spoken. Loud and clear.

As the author of Senate Bill 1878, I was very disappointed that Governor Henry opposed this common sense legislation. I’m very thankful to my colleagues in State Senate and House of Representatives – Republicans and Democrats alike – for taking a stand for the rights of the unborn and for the sanctity of life by overturning the governor’s unconscionable veto.

The Sykes Update for April 17, 2008

Senator Sykes talk with Senator Todd Lamb about overriding the Governor veto.

State Legislature Overrides Henry Veto of Bipartisan Pro-Life Legislation

The State Senate voted overwhelmingly Thursday to override Gov. Brad Henry’s veto of Senate Bill 1878, a bipartisan pro-life bill, by a vote of 37-11. Thirty-two votes were required to override the veto in the Senate. The House of Representatives voted 81-15 to join the Senate in overriding the veto.

It is the first gubernatorial veto overridden by the State Legislature since the administration of former Gov. David Walters.

“I want to thank my Senate and House colleagues for taking a stand for the unborn and for the sanctity of life by overriding this unconscionable veto,” said Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, author of Senate Bill 1878.

Lamb said he wanted to correct a factual error that was contained in the governor’s veto message that was sent to the Legislature Wednesday night.

“Gov. Henry was factually inaccurate in his assertion that this bill forces victims of rape and incest to view an ultrasound of their unborn baby. The bill in no way forces a woman to view the ultrasound that is conducted before an abortion,” Lamb stated.

Senate Bill 1878 is authored by Senator Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, and Representative Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa.


Summary of SB 1878:


Creates the Freedom of Conscience Act which protects the rights of healthcare providers to refuse to take part in the destruction of human;

Regulates the use of the dangerous chemical pill RU-486, used when the unborn child is about two months old;

Ensures the mother’s consent to abort is truly voluntary, and protects against coerced abortions;

Provides a woman with an ultrasound of her unborn child which she can view, but is not required to view, prior to undergoing the abortion;

Cultivates respect for disabled children by banning the wrongful-life lawsuits that claim a baby would have been better off aborted.

Henry Urged to Sign Pro-Life Legislation Before Midnight Deadline

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – The State Senate’s author of a an omnibus pro-life bill that overwhelmingly passed the State Senate and House of Representatives urged Gov. Brad Henry to sign the bill before tonight’s midnight deadline for gubernatorial action on the bill.

“I strongly encourage Gov. Henry to join the Oklahoma Legislature in taking a stand for the rights of the unborn and for the sanctity of life by signing this bill before tonight’s deadline,” said Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, author of Senate Bill 1878.

Senate Bill 1878 by Senator Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, and Representative Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, passed both houses of the Legislature by veto-proof margins: 38-10 in the Senate and 80-12 in the House.

Summary of SB 1878:

Creates the Freedom of Conscience Act which protects the rights of healthcare providers to refuse to take part in the destruction of human;

Regulates the use of the dangerous chemical pill RU-486, used when the unborn child is about two months old;

Ensures the mother’s consent to abort is truly voluntary, and protects against coerced abortions;

Provides a woman with an ultrasound of her unborn child which she can view prior to undergoing the abortion;

Cultivates respect for disabled children by banning the wrongful-life lawsuits that claim a baby would have been better off aborted.

Pro-Life Legislation Passes Senate

Pro-Life Legislation Passes Senate

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – An omnibus pro-life bill passed the Oklahoma State Senate Wednesday with a bipartisan vote.

Senate Bill 1878 by Senator Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, and Representative Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, contains several pro-life initiatives, passing the Senate with a vote of 38-10.

By combining various pieces of legislation from Senator Lamb and members of the House of Representatives, Senate Bill 1878 now does the following:

creates the Freedom of Conscience Act which protects the rights of healthcare providers to refuse to take part in the destruction of human life (SB 1878—Sen. Lamb, Rep. Peterson);

regulates the use of the dangerous chemical pill RU-486, used when the unborn child is about two months old (HB 2181—Rep. McNiel);

ensures the mother’s consent to abort is truly voluntary, and protects against coerced abortions (HB 3059—Sen. Williamson, Rep. Hamilton);

provides a woman with an ultrasound of her unborn child which she can view prior to undergoing the abortion (HB 3144—Sen. Lamb, Rep. Billy);

cultivates respect for disabled children by banning the wrongful-life lawsuits that claim a baby would have been better off aborted (HB 2814—Sen. Crain, Rep. Sullivan).

“The provisions spelled out in this legislation are critical pro-life advances,” said Senator Lamb. “Working with pro-life members of the House and Senate to protect the sanctity of life and develop this comprehensive bill has been an honor. I am encouraged by the bipartisan support to protect innocent life today in the Senate.”

The next stop for Senate Bill 1878 will be the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Senate Passes Pro-Life Legislation

The Oklahoma State Senate passed key pro-life legislation that provides protection to pro-life healthcare providers.

Senate Bill 1878 by Senator Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, creates the Freedom of Conscience Act, which protects the rights of healthcare providers to refuse to take part in the destruction of human life.

Protection under this legislation is provided to employees or prospective employees who have objections, based on their religious conviction or moral code, to such scenarios as participating in or performing an abortion, stem cell research, or euthanasia.

“The bipartisan effort made to allow this legislation to pass is to be applauded,” said Senator Lamb. “Pro-life healthcare providers deserve protection for their moral or religious convictions, and Senate Bill 1878 does just that.”

Senate Bill 1878 will now move to the House for consideration.

Hoo-ah: State Senate Approves Operation Iraqi Freedom License Plates

The Oklahoma State Senate has given unanimous approval to legislation creating special vehicle tags for Oklahomans who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The author of Senate Bill 1138 is Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond.

“I was first approached about creating this special license plate by a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. We’ve lost more than 70 Oklahoma soldiers in this cause, including 19 year-old Pfc. Micheal Phillips of Ardmore just this past weekend,” Lamb said. “It is important for us to honor all of the Oklahomans who have risked their lives for our country in Iraq.”

Lamb said approximately 21,182 active duty or reserve soldiers have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. About 5,500 Oklahoma Air and Army Guard have served two to three tours of duty.

“I think the fact that this measure was passed unanimously in both committee and on the floor shows that the State Senate supports our troops and believes this is an appropriate way to honor the thousands of Oklahoma men and women who are serving our country in Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Lamb said.

SB 1138 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

For background see - Lamb Wins Committee Approval for Operation Iraqi Freedom License Plates

Hoo-ah: Lamb Wins Committee Approval for Operation Iraqi Freedom License Plates

The Senate Finance Committee has given unanimous support to legislation creating special license plates for Oklahomans who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. State Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, is author of Senate Bill 1138.

“Approximately 70 Oklahoma soldiers have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 5,500 Oklahoma Air and Army Guard have served two to three tours of duty…and approximately 21,182 active duty or reserve soldiers have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Lamb said.

Lamb said the request for this legislation had actually come from a constituent who was a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“I think it is very important for the State of Oklahoma to make a statement that we support our veterans, especially when you consider how many of our young men and women have stepped forward to defend our nation,” Lamb said. “This is just one small way that we can honor their service on our behalf, and I am grateful we had unanimous support in committee for this effort.”

SB 1138 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.