Carol Hefner Robocalls And Response

The race that no one really believed would get much attention is finally getting some much-needed attention.  Beginning with an article in the Oklahoman this week, followed by robocalls, the Senate District 47 race is heating up.

Here are two of the many robocalls sent out this week, including the "attack" on Carol Hefner and her very heated and audibly frustrated response:

Carol Hefner Finances, Goza Hot Rod

The Oklahoman's John Estus provided voters of Senate District 47 with an interesting look at two of their candidates.  Carol Hefner and Kenny Goza are remarkably different people with remarkably different backgrounds.  Hefner is, well, a Hefner and Goza is a self-made man who grew up in the foster care system.  But the Oklahoman does a pretty good job of being fair.

From the article (here):

Hefner said she decided to stop paying her credit card bill because of fees she disagreed with.
“This is an issue of fiscal responsibility. People have to hold these large debit and credit corporations accountable for good practices and that's what I chose to do,” Hefner said.
Hefner said she stopped paying the credit card bill for about three months.

And:

In addition, a foreclosure against Hefner and her husband was dismissed last year when they refinanced the $319,580 mortgage on their Edmond home, court records show.
“It's just big dogs trying to push you around. That's all that was,” Hefner said.
A 2009 lawsuit against the Hefners regarding unpaid car payments on a 2006 Land Rover was dismissed within a few days of it being filed.
Hefner said the Land Rover was her husband's car and she didn't know about the lawsuit.

Hefner is touting herself as the family values candidate in the race, but how in the heck does she NOT know about a lawsuit against her husband?  Doesn't make sense to me.

Goza has some issues too, but they are from 1994 - not recent and are polar opposites.  While Hefner gets attention for not paying for her toys, Goza gets attention for protecting his:
Senate District 47 candidate Kenny Goza, 41, and another man, Jason Long, filed protective orders against one another in 1994 in Cleveland County, court records show.
Goza, who is now an attorney, said the filings were the result of a dispute about his hot rod.
“Back in those days, I had a hot rod and I didn't like anybody being around my hot rod and I was very protective of it,” Goza said. “(Long), I guess, was jealous, and had threatened to slash my tires once and I didn't take that too lightly.”

Bottom line:  With the exception of perhaps James Lankford, no candidate for public office is lily-white, but the contrast between these two Senate District 47 candidates could not be more stark.  Of course, career political insider Greg Treat is probably liking this more than just a little bit.  Treat is well-liked by GOP staffers because, well, Treat has been one his whole adult life.  But I digress.

Read John Estus' story in its entirety here.

2011 Accountability Tour Schedule

The 2010 elections threw down the proverbial gauntlet for fiscal conservatism, economic development, support for Constitutional freedoms and with that comes unprecedented accountability for elected officials.  Promises made and subsequently broken will not be tolerated in this political climate - regardless of party affiliation. 

Here is a list of issues and campaign promises made that We The People will be watching in 2011:


2nd Amendment:  The National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America and the Oklahoma Rifle Association supported candidates who embraced the right to keep and bear arms.  Many candidates used their desire for open carry or even campus concealed carry expansion as their mantra and this legislative session will set the tone for the 2012 election cycle. 

Illegal Immigration:  HB1804 set the Oklahoma media on fire a few years ago and the aggregate result was a rift within the ranks of the Republican party.  The conservatives desire to see illegal immigration and the subsequent costs to be curtailed through tougher laws yet the moderate Republicans feel as though tough immigration laws are detrimental to economic development and sends a message that Oklahoma is an intolerant state.  The cost to Oklahoma taxpayers where illegal immigration is concerned increases every year and has also impacted our education system.  Members of the House of Representatives have vowed to author "Arizona-Plus" illegal immigration legislation because the federal government has failed to fulfill their Constitutional duty of dealing with the issue.  This will result in a showdown of epic proportions, pitting the Chambers of Commerce against Constitutional conservatives and the 80% of Oklahomans who believe illegal immigration to be problematic.

MAP3:  City Council elections kick off and there is still a groundswell of opposition to the MAPS3 projects.  The establishment will be facing more aggressive opposition than ever and based on the emails and messages I have received, the opponents of Mayor Mick Cornett are kicking it up a notch or two and actually have some funding.  Keep your eye on this one.

FOP/Firefighter Voices:  Law enforcement received a slap in the face as a result of the MAPS vote last year wherein Oklahoma City voters were told public safety would receive financial benefits from the MAPS vote only to learn that they had been bamboozled.  With the political climate being what it is right now, the FOP and firefighters will have the ear of high propensity voters this year and their organizations will no loner be considered the paper tigers they have in the past.  2011 may very well be the year for public safety.

Goza Family

Senate District 47:  Lt. Governor Todd Lamb decided not to step down from his senate seat, costing taxpayers more money for a special election.  Candidates for that seat have been out and about, knocking doors and a couple are even up on radio already.  Carol Hefner has been the name to beat because of her name.  There are, however, some questions that have come up regarding her fiscal conservatism and a look at some court documents seem to bear that out.  During tough economic times, a lot of people are having difficulty, but not everyone is running for the State Senate either.  You can decide (here).  Then, there's Greg Treat.  Treat worked for Fallin, worked for Coburn and was the Victory director - a perfect stepping stone for the State Senate race.  Treat is a nice man with a great family, but with virtually no private sector experience whatsoever.  Coburn endorsed him for the race, which should come as no surprise whatsoever to anyone, but unlike Coburn, Treat has worked as a political insider his whole life.  Which leads us to the guy I like:  Kenny Goza.  Honestly, Goza is a self-made man with private sector experience and is a veteran.  Republicans say that they want candidates who are veterans, who are fiscal conservatives and who understand business.  If the people of SD47 really want that kind of candidate, they'll vote for Goza.  If they want more of the same, they won't.  Goza has even said that he will take his senate salary and give it to veterans and to the foster care system.  He's the real deal and doesn't NEED the job unlike his opponents.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs:  Every Republican candidate who won their elections included in their talking points the concept of "job creation."  Anyone who understands the proper role of government knows full well that government cannot create private sector jobs, but rather can create a regulatory environment conducive to private sector job creation.  Unfortunately, most voters don't understand that and it will serve to be a double-edged sword for elected officials because now, if they don't see an increase in jobs in Oklahoma, the same voters who put them in office will be intensely dissatisfied that these elected officials broke their promises.

Happy New Year.

First Week In December 2010 In Review

This has been a hectic, wicked, wild and exceptionally revelatory week in pop culture as well as politics in the great state of Oklahoma.  Let's take a trip down memory lane...

Match made in heaven.  Steele (right), Kelley (left).

Steeley Kris:  Kris Steele, Representative from the wonderful little metropolis of Shawnee has been under fire and it has been more than justified.  While the Oklahoman try as they might to belittle those of us who believe in Constitutional government, most of us have seen through the journalistic bullsh*t.  In a piece (of crap) today, Steele defends his so-called 2nd Amendment support and steers clear of the big issue of illegal immigration reform, perhaps leaving it to the Governor-elect to do something.  Steele is not what he is trying to portray and soon enough, he's going to learn that We The People will not be bamboozled by his chief apologist, Ed Kelley.  In the story today, they again use the term "social conservatives" to spit in the face of all who believe in Constitutional government and Steeley Kris apparently believes that to be just fine with him.  Read the tripe here.

Conservative Grassuprooting:  Kaye Beach and her radio partner in truth had me onboard their radio show Friday evening to talk about the grassroots in Oklahoma and what we need to do to push the conservative, Constitutional agenda forward.  It was fun, entertaining and hopefully enlightening for the listeners.  Kaye was one of the first to break the stories about the doggone highway camera scam being pushed on the Oklahoma legislature a while back.  Here is Kaye's website. 

Kenny Goza

SD47:  Announced candidates have been working hard to take over where Todd Lamb left off and this is going to continue to be one of the more exciting races we have seen in a long time.  We have the following candidates:
1.  Greg Treat:  Political insider who has worked in politics his whole life with little or no private sector experience.  Worked for Coburn, Fallin and even Fred Morgan - the current President of the State Chamber who, by the way, filed suit against the State of Oklahoma for its law allowing law-abiding citizens the right to keep their firearms in their vehicles.  How Treat feels about this is yet to be determined.  He lists among qualifications..."Faithful Husband to Maressa."  As though it would be hard to be faithful to her...but I digress.  Here is Treat's website.
2.  Carol Hefner:  You know the name, the face is remarkably attractive.  Carol has hired Fount Holland, Trebor Worthen and Chad Alexander's operation so you know for a fact that she is in this race to win.  Hefner has charisma, but no real platform that is discernible from her website. 
3.  Kenny Goza:  Yes, he is an attorney.  He is a self-made business man who has public sector experience, is a veteran, but has also grown his business to five separate offices throughout Oklahoma.  The thing I like about Kenny and Carol both is that neither of them actually need this job, unlike Treat.  However, Kenny has said that he will donate his paycheck to veterans and the foster care system.  You have to love that.  Check out his website here.

Harry Coates and the Lobbyist of Fire:  The story broke about State Senator Harry Coates recently about an affair with a lobbyist.  In my estimation, Coates had problems long before the affair issue came about and I believe that the issue of the affair is between the parties involved and not really our business.  It's the whole "he who is without out sin, cast the first stone" thing - the issues to me is the fact that the spokesperson for local business entities who opposed HB1804 (immigration reform) has questions now about procurement of government contracts because of the affair.  Coates is a business owner in Central Oklahoma and was, for a while, considered the odds-on favorite to be the Senate President Pro Tempore.  So much for that...

More to follow....

Guns & Borders

The talk radio legend, Mike McCarville, put together an interesting analysis of the situation Speaker-elect Kris Steele has found himself.  In the analysis, he quotes the Oklahoman and Steele himself and the picture it paints is not good for Steele.  Any time the media is allowed to be dismissive about Constitutional issues like immigration and guns, there is trouble in River City.

Mike asks the question, "Who is picking this fight and why?"  Excellent question, but the answer is not easily identified.  As for my involvement, I've never been a fan of Steele and it goes back to the Briggs death and if you look Steele in the eye and do a little research, you will probably come to the same conclusion I did about how Kelsey's Law came into play.  Steele is not a conservative and simply does not represent the thoughts and passion of Oklahomans who voted strongly Republican in this last election cycle.

And then we turn to the puppeteer himself, Fred Morgan.  Let's take a look at his commentary very closely.  Mike has this quote from Fred Morgan, the head cheese whiz at the State Chamber of Commerce:

Steele said many business groups in the past have opposed such hot-button issues. 'Where it negatively impacts business, we will speak up,' said Fred Morgan, president of The State Chamber. 'We'll try to educate legislators on how something that while well intended might have some negative consequences to the business climate.'"

Fred Morgan ran for Congress and lest we forget, his claim to fame was a "frivolous" bill to control video games in Oklahoma that was later found unconstitutional.  And that was his calling card during the whole campaign - the fact that his wife is/was a judge, the fact that he tried desperately to make himself look conservative and the reality that Fred Morgan now wants to "educate legislators" is ridiculously offensive.  The Oklahoman and Fred Morgan forget that the issue of illegal immigration and firearms are Constitutional - these are not feel-good social legislative issues.  Unlike Fred Morgan's silly video game law that was ruled unconstitutional, the people of Oklahoma voted for Republicans to accomplish what they promised.

And remember, Fred Morgan was once on the list of nominees for OCPAC's RINO (Republican In Name Only) Award.

Treat, Morgan's Boy

Fred Morgan probably wouldn't know the difference between Constitutional and "social" if the two jumped up and bit him on the ass.  And he has proven that fact by his record in the State House and as the overpaid legal counsel under Glen Coffee in the Senate.  Unfortunately, Greg Treat may be one of the casualties of this RINO gathering because Greg Treat was Fred Morgan's campaign manager and political insider, responsible for part of the messaging for the GOP.  Did the GOP lie to the voters of Oklahoma by saying there would be a conservative agenda?  Or is there a conspiracy that Greg Treat knew exactly what his former boss would be doing with the legislature?  Did the GOP and Greg Treat pull a little "bait and switch?"  Looking at Treat's bio on his campaign it's clear that he is just another political hack, desirous of another political, taxpayer-funded paycheck.

The goal of Steele, the Oklahoman, Fred Morgan and perhaps even the former Victory director, Greg Treat, has apparently been to make Oklahoma voters believe that the right thing to do was to vote Republican because they would get the whole package - conservative governance, a pro-business agenda and maybe, just maybe the hot issues Mary Fallin ran on such as illegal immigration and the 2nd Amendment would get some attention and the legislature would begin to turn to the Constitution for guidance.

Bamboozled, friends.  We have been lied to.

There was a time when Republicans and conservatives from both parties said what they meant and meant what they said about the Constitution.  Today, it's used as campaign fodder and cute little slogans for bumper stickers. 

Fortunately, November 2012 Steele is term-limited and we can get rid of some of his lackeys and prepare for the big fight in 2014.  That, my friends, is when things get very, very interesting.

Special Election Dates Set

McCarville Report is reporting that the dates have been set for the special election for Senate District 47:

Primary - January 11, 2011
General - February 8, 2011

Read the details here.

Goza Announces Candidacy for SD47

From Michelle Evans:

BUSINESSMAN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SENATE DISTRICT 47

Kenny Goza announced his candidacy today for the special election to fill Lieutenant Governor Elect – Senator Todd Lamb’s seat representing Edmond and North Oklahoma City.  Goza is a businessman, husband and father who wants to change how government does business.  “I am a bootstrap Republican.  I believe that more government is not the answer to our problems.  Government spends far too much of our hard earned money.  It is time that we use our common sense and conservative values to make our state government reflect the values of Oklahomans.”  Goza said.

Kenny Goza understands the problems with government.  He has dealt with them since he was eight years old when he was placed in the state foster care system.  He was one of the lucky children and was adopted by a kind, hard working family where he learned the values of honor, integrity and faith.  This experience shaped Kenny into the person he is today.  He believes that it is vital that we serve others and give our children the best opportunity for success through strong families and excellence in education.

Kenny Goza is a public servant – not a politician.  He served our country in the United States Army in Germany behind the Iron Curtain of Communism and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.  He is a veteran, lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion.  He served our state as a former staff member to Governor Frank Keating, and he spearheaded the growth of Oklahoma’s Amber Alert – Child Abduction Program.

“We must get our values back into government so that Oklahoma can prosper.  I believe we must stand strong against illegal immigration.  I support gun rights, lower taxes, strengthening families, strong work ethic, smaller government, and more money in the classroom so our children can get the education they deserve.”  Goza said. 

Kenny Goza understands the difficulties government places upon business owners.  He has established five offices across the state to provide legal services to hard working Oklahomans.  He understands making a payroll and the importance of job creation for the future of our state.

“If elected, I promise to work hard to rid public service of the career-minded politicians that work for special interest groups and recklessly spend our hard earned tax money.  I want to return the “public” back to public service by volunteering my time and energy to serve as your State Senator.  I will donate my pay to foster children and veteran programs.”Goza said.

Kenny Goza is a husband, father and Main Street businessman.  He has two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Oklahoma in History and International Area Studies of Latin America, a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University. 

Lamb's Seat Warming Up

State Senator Todd Lamb hedged his bets before winning the post of Lt. Governor and now, the race is beginning to heat up with Carol Hefner announcing on her Facebook page that she will be receiving the endorsement of some pretty well-known names.  Her opponent, Greg Treat, has launched his website (here).

Hefner has acquired the assistance of Fount Holland and his A&H Strategies as her consultant, though she claims exceptional independence.  Fount Holland and his crew ran Kevin Calvey's campaign for Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District as well as Rob Johnson's attempt for Corporation Commissioner, then his successful bid for the State Senate.

Greg Treat, who recently ran the 2010 Oklahoma GOP "Victory Campaign," will more than likely run his race on his own - he has plenty of experience.  He's worked with the legendary Senator Tom Coburn, was the campaign manager for former State Representative Fred Morgan's 5th Congressional District race and most recently working for the Oklahoma GOP.  Greg has been in politics pretty much his entire life.  On his website under the "Who is Greg Treat? heading, it lists the following:

*Devoted Christian
*Faithful Husband to Maressa
*Proud Father of Mason (3) and Cooper (5 months)
*Hard worker, dedicated leader and lifelong conservative
*Passionately advocated for pro-life issues
*Working HARD to be your next Senator!

All wonderful qualities and for the GOP-insiders, Greg is well known and very well respected - though the lack of a bio on his page is quite the glaring omission.

Carol Hefner and Greg Treat both appear to feel a "calling" on their life and part of said "calling" is to run for public office.

[Sidebar:  Times certainly have changed...there was a time when God "called" people to minister, to care for the poor, for the widows and orphans in their time of need.  Today, God calls people into politics, it appears.]

This is going to be an exceptionally fun race to watch and oh yes, we'll be watching.