State Auditor Race

Yes, we're at the cusp of election day and  most of us have already realized that the Republicans are going to have a clean sweep.  There are a couple races that the state GOP needs to get more involved in - such at the State Auditor race and the Labor Commissioner race as well, but I have spoken to Matt Pinnell personally, and he has assured me that the GOP will be doing something to ensure we don't have another four years of a Henry-appointed Auditor.

Think about it:  If Gary Jones does not receive the help necessary from the GOP and loses to a Henry-appointed Democrat, and the Republicans sweep other races, Gary's opponent will have something to prove and he will expend untold energy toying with the other statewide office holders.  It is critical that Matt Pinnell and the new leadership team at the GOP focus time and energy on this race otherwise, Burrage will be a proverbial bee in the bonnet of every statewide Republican-controlled office.

Conventional wisdom dictates that the GOP will be laser focused on the Governor's race, but in this climate, the Governor's race probably requires the least amount of attention.  Mary Fallin has a pretty damned good team around her and she has incredible financial resources at her fingertips.  Not only that, but the RGA (Republican Governor's Association) has spent a bunch of money in this market as well.  So, you see, Fallin doesn't need Pinnell nor the Victory Fund to waste untold dollars on her race - Jones, Doak and Costello need the help.

I consider Gary Jones to be a friend and though we have not agreed on every finer point of political dogma, Gary is probably the best suited candidate for State Auditor we Republicans have seen in many years.  Gary has uncovered more corruption and fiscal shenanigans in state government than the last three auditors combined - and he's not even our State Auditor yet.

I highly recommend you vote for Gary, November 2nd.  We need a State Auditor who will work hard for the people of Oklahoma and not spend $350,000 of our hard-earned dollars to redecorate their office.

Gary's website.

"I'm You." Again.

The new Christine O'Donnell ad. She didn't go to Yale, by the way.  Nor did she inherit millions.

I don't care what you say about Christine...she's a little hottie. And though she's not doing well in the polls right now, this ad makes her seem approachable and not the loon many have made her out to be. Of course, she is a little nutty, but we like our hotties to be just a little crazy, don't we?

Perfect Example of Government Disaster

Michael McNutt knocked it out of the park with his story in the Oklahoman about a House panel investigating legal costs for two of my favorite government money-suckers:  The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.  Gorilla Rants has brought to your attention previously the deplorable condition of much of the Department of Human Services and if you've been alive and breathing in Oklahoma, you know for a fact that the Oklahoma Department of Transportation needs an audit as badly as Obama needs a teleprompter.

Concerning DHS, McNutt writes:

Charlie Waters, general counsel for the Department of Human Services, said his agency has paid about $2 million the past two years to a Tulsa law firm to defend a major class-action case filed in federal courts by attorneys from Children's Rights, a national child advocacy group, and four other law firms. The lawsuit seeks to place the state's foster care and child welfare system under a federal court order because of alleged violations, he said.

Waters said the firm, Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison and Lewis, was paid $958,455 during the 2010 fiscal year.

This is a very telling story...look at the names mentioned of the above mentioned law firm.  Sound familiar?  DHS is a disaster.  While some branch offices seem to run rather well - in spite of the lack of efficacious leadership from Howard Hendrick (a Frank Keating appointee, mind you), the news is replete with stories of children who have been placed in danger and some have lost their lives as a result.  Oklahomans should, in my opinion, be supportive of any legislative move to audit DHS and eventually, get rid of current leadership with impunity.

And then the story moves on to ODOT, where we find Gary Ridley (probably the state's highest paid bureaucrat) basically whining about the House panel where he feels "ambushed."

Gary Ridley, who serves as director of both the Transportation Department and the Turnpike Authority, was in the meeting but not given a chance to respond. He said after he left the meeting he felt he was ambushed.

"We certainly were not advised ahead of time that they were going to bring up specific cases," he said.

It's hard being Ridley...accountability is not something I would argue he is used to.  With Oklahoma being at the bottom of the infrastructure totem pole, Ridley and the administrative staff have a long way to go before they can whine about being "ambushed."  You would be hard-pressed to find anything of value where ODOT is concerned, with the exception of perhaps the men and women on the front lines, working their asses off during the hot summers while Ridley and his entourage make excuses.  And I find it absolutely fascinating to find out the Ridley also works for the Turnpike Authority.  The way I look at it, Ridley must have some dirt on someone in high places to be able to keep both jobs...Oklahoma is well known for its horrible infrastructure.

Kudos to Representative Mark McCullough for putting the screws to these bureaucrats who seem to think that taxpayer dollars are an entitlement to them, and a hat-tip to one of the only reasons anyone actually buys the Oklahoman any more - Michael McNutt.

Read the entire story here.

Term Limits? Yes, Please.

Term limits.  In Washington, it just isn't going to happen because the Supreme Court has ruled it unconstitutional for federal candidates.  But that isn't the case for state candidates and I think there are two things that could potentially clean up some of the mess we find ourselves in right now.  They are not the "silver bullet," but it's a start.  Term limits and meaningful campaign finance reform right here in Oklahoma.

1.  Term limits.  Sure, we have term limits in Oklahoma.  Two terms for the Governor, 12 years for the House and the Senate.  We need term limits for every statewide office and those term limits should include time already served.  If a candidate has served for 12 years in the House or Senate (or any combination therein), it should apply to whatever office they seek.  For example, a candidate who served 6 years in the House and runs for Governor, that candidate will only get to serve for 6 years if elected.  Pretty damned simple if you ask me.  And yes, elected officials who have already served for 80 years should be included as well.  Don't give me the crap about "we have term limits opportunities every election cycle" either because the system itself favors the incumbents.  They weild the power, and their consultants have their hands on the lobbyist and insider money.  It is a ridiculous argument, left for the purists at the 50,000 foot level who can't see what's going on down here on planet earth.

2.  Campaign finance.  I believe there should be no limit to campaign contributions whatsoever, however, any campaign contribution should be listed within 24 hours and made public.  If the Chickasaw Tribe wants to give $500,000 to Congressman Cole, they should be allowed to - but we need to know about it.  If trial lawyers want to give Brad Henry $500,000, they should be allowed to - but we need to know about it.  

We're in a mess, people, but we just don't see it.  The average voter is so pissed off at Obama and his insane policies that they are willing to get behind just about any Republican candidate regardless of whether or not that candidate's brain generates enough electricity to keep his/her heart going.  Realistically, it's all cyclical.  I predicted on WKY after the last Bush election that Democrats would take over if Republicans didn't fulfill their campaign pledges, and it happened.  The Democrats have not fulfilled their campaign pledges and now, the cycle of political life continues.  After Republicans sweep this election cycle, their promises will not be kept and after we elect a Republican to the White House in 2012, 2014 will be a Republican massacre.

Until we get some real candidates with real experience from within the private sector to run for office, until we stop believing the hype from either party and start looking at facts ourselves, we're participants in this train wreck we call politics.  But we kind of like it this way right now, don't we?

Biggest Endorsement Yet

United States Senator Jim Inhofe has endorsed Congresswoman Mary Fallin for Governor and without question, this is the biggest endorsement and probably the most significant for Fallin to date. 

People say that Democrats don't like Senator Inhofe - they are wrong.  This is a monster of an endorsement.  Period.  Jari is done with this one.

Perhaps it's time to start addressing Fallin as Governor Fallin...

Mary Ain't Jari and Jari Ain't Mary (Glad We Have That Settled)

It was really only a matter of time, folks, before the GOP lashed out against all of the independent websites against Mary Fallin and it appears as though the best and the brightest in the Oklahoma GOP has done their level best to draw distinctions between Fallin and Askins.

Fortunately, most of us with more than 50 functioning brain cells left know the differences between Mary Fallin and Jari Askins, but there are a few points brought out in this one-page website that I found very interesting.

First, on "Energy," the distinction is made this way:

Jari:  When given the chance, Askins didn’t stand up to Washington and issue a strong statement against Cap & Trade, legislation that would devastate the energy industry in Oklahoma.

Mary:  Unquestionably the most qualified candidate when addressing Oklahoma energy issues. Her 20 years of legislative experience both here and in Washington have prepared her to both fight back against Washington cap and trade policies and protect energy jobs in Oklahoma.

Maybe I missed something, but Jari Askins didn't generate her wealth through government paychecks, but as I recall (and I could be wrong), but I thought Jari Askins was/is a mineral owner and has made money through the oil and gas industry.  So, because Jari didn't hold a press conference bemoaning cap-and-trade, she is somehow not qualified on the issue?  One could argue that since Mary Fallin did virtually nothing about illegal immigration (as she promised during her 2006 and 2008 campaigns) that she is also unqualified as governor.  Which leads to...

Second, "Immigration."

Jari:  Refuses to support Arizona’s illegal immigration law. Supports the DREAM Act, an amnesty law backed by Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

Mary:  Supports the Arizona illegal immigration law and tough, common sense reforms to cut down on illegal immigration. Cosponsored a bill in Congress to beef up border security.

Now it gets fun.  Jari's support of the DREAM act is most assuredly problematic, but in many ways, it resembles the amnesty Ronald Reagan granted illegal immigrants.  And whether Jari supports the Arizona law or not is not a big deal to me...why?  Because each state is now putting together a patchwork of laws because the federal government has failed to do its job.  Istook was slammed by Henry for the same thing that Mary should be criticized for during her four years in Congress.

Yes, Mary "cosponsored" legislation, but I remember that Mary promised (yes, promised) that she would author (not cosponsor) legislation that would deal with the biggest issue, motivator for illegal immigration:  The 14th Amendment.  To "beef up border security" is political-speak for "let the next Congress deal with it." 

Look, let's be honest here.  Jari Askins scares the crap out of the GOP because she has the money to run a serious race and she will do just that.  I have already predicted that Mary will win the race and ironically, it will be because of the "anti-Washington" sentiment right now.

Congrats to the new GOP Chairman, Matt Pinnell, for leading the charge and putting forth some serious effort for a statewide candidate who will probably win.  Now, he needs to concentrate on other statewide candidates wherein the offices hold serious power and where we need accountability - like the State Auditor and Inspector, or Labor Commissioner.  We're waiting, Matt...

Wednesday (Not So) Happiness

The mainstream media has been labeled as deplorably negative, wickedly biased and often blamed for influencing the negative attitudes Americans have towards pretty much everything in life.  But negativity knows no political boundaries and today, let's share some of the unbelievable headlines from the Drudge Report - a decidedly conservative news catch-all:

"Private Sector Hiring in Sept. Falls 39,000"
"POLL:  Working-class whites shun Dems"
"Middle Class Slams Brakes on Spending"
"GOLDMAN SACHS:  Economy 'fairly bad' or 'very bad' over next 6 months"
"New Yorkers' Income Falls for 1st Time in 70 Years"
"More:  25 NATO fuel tankers attacked in Pakistan"
"Murder Captured By GOOGLE Street View Car"
"Tourist dies after he was pulled from water ride at SEA WORLD"
"Limbaugh Calls President Obama 'Jackass'"
"Saudi Prince strangled servant at London hotel"
"UFO closes Chinese airport"

I don't know about you, but that's some doggone depressing news. 

Have a great day!

Christine Responds

Here is the latest Christine O'Donnell ad....
"I'm You."

Lankford Disappointed - But In Whom?

I wasn't really sure how to take a recent story in the Oklahoman concerning the 5th District Congressional candidates and their dialog at Oklahoma City Community College.  On one hand, camp counselor-turned Congressional candidate James Lankford expressed his disappointment about Congress adjourning without a budget deal.  On the other hand, faulted Congress for not doing anything about the Bush tax cuts.  Here's a snippet:

The Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District seat Monday criticized the Democrat-controlled Congress for adjourning last week without approving a budget. He also faulted Congress for not dealing with tax cuts that are scheduled to expire by the end of this year.

"If something doesn't occur when this lame-duck Congress comes in November or December, all of our tax rates go up,” said James Lankford, of Edmond. "It's one of the most basic things to be able to deal with. Those are issues we're going to have to deal with in the coming Congress.”

Though he blames a "lame-duck Congress," it was Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District Representative who missed the vote that very possibly could have changed the outcome.  The story continues...

Lankford said Congress has known about the tax-cut deadline since 2001, when Republicans inserted a provision in the bill that said the cuts would expire at midnight Dec. 31 unless extended.

I don't understand who he is disappointed in more - "lame-duck Democrats," or the Republicans in Congress who have apparently been too busy campaigning to do that which we elected them to do.  And how will James be any different?  These are the questions Republicans like me want answers to, but have resigned ourselves to realize that the answers will not come in this election cycle.

Kudos to the Oklahoman for covering a story in a race where the outcome is pretty much a fait au compli. 

Cooler Temperatures, Hotter Campaigns

During the summer months, it is the true believers who get out and knock doors.  I've seen volunteers over the summer for former Congressional candidate Mike Thompson, former Independent Congressional candidate Dave White, former Treasurer candidate Owen Laughlin and even some for Mary Fallin out knocking doors and bearing the brunt of the humid summer heat for their candidates.  But with the cooler temperatures, one can expect a deluge at the door.

On the Republican side, I've seen supporters of Gary Jones for Auditor out and about already this past weekend, I've heard reports from Tishomingo that the Breechen campaign against Jay Paul Gumm has hit high gear, I've heard reports from Tulsa that the Doak campaign is full-tilt and of course, the cooler temps this weekend also brought out some of the Billy Coyle supporters as well.

November 2nd will have record numbers at the polls and October will see record numbers of door-knockers in key precincts throughout the state.

Opening Day

It's the day deer hunters have looked forward to all year long...it's opening day of deer archery season.  Many Oklahoma hunters have been scouting, getting food plots together, watching their trail cameras and ready to let loose with the string and stick in the hopes of bagging that trophy buck.

Or smacking down a doe or two for the freezer.

For more information about deer archery hunting and open public areas, check out the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website.

The Oklahoma Way...Blast From The Past

Henry kicked rear-end with this ad...remember?

Jari Askins - Best Ad So Far

By posting this, I'm sure that there will be some brainless, walking, talking drum of Massengill with legs come out and say that I'm endorsing Jari Askins.  They would be wrong, of course.  But seriously, this is one damned good political ad and is an excellent response to all the attacks being leveled at Askins by the Fallinistas.   

Congresswoman Mary Fallin's New Ad

She has a plan...

Times Being What They Are...

Times have been exceedingly tough for many in this jacked up economy and it isn't the environment taking it hit...it's the human race itself.  People are checking out emotionally and physically under the stress.  According to a report from Rutgers University and Emory University, baby boomers are committing suicide at alarming rates.  From the article:

Middle-aged people usually have a relatively low risk for suicide as they seek to support their families, but baby boomers are bucking this trend, sociologists Julie Phillips of Rutgers University in New Jersey and Ellen Idler of Emory University in Atlanta found.

Probably old news, but it is rather alarming, isn't it?

Duffe Campaign Stalled?

Running as an Independent/Libertarian is a tough cookie in Central Oklahoma.  The perception of Libertarianism is not very favorable, but Clark Duffe has been a well known commodity - a very nice and wickedly intelligent man who, once you talk to him, you get to like him.

But it appears as though his campaign has stalled.  On the Broadway Extension, no less.

Clark, I feel your pain.  As the not-so-proud owner of a Chevy Avalanche that has been possessed from a demon residing on the 7th plain of hell, it happens.

Here's to hoping that the campaign and automotive difficulties go away.

Gary Jones Lands Coveted Coburn Endorsement

Gary Jones, Republican candidate for State Auditor and Inspector hit a home run this week.  He received the endorsement of United States Senator Tom Coburn - the guy who is the epitome of the "government watchdog" axiom. 

From Gary's website: 

"Gary Jones is the watchdog Oklahoma voters need as our next State Auditor and Inspector. When it comes to exposing fraud and corruption in state government, Gary has proven himself to be up to the task.

Gary Jones understands that just as important as exposing corruption, we must also address the issues of waste, duplication and inefficiencies in our state. Oklahoma citizens work too hard to see their tax dollars wasted.

Gary knows that we must make tough decisions today if we expect to give our children and grandchildren the same opportunities we were given by our parents and grandparents."  ~ Senator Tom Coburn

This is huge for a number of reasons.  First, there is no one in Oklahoma (or national) politics more in tune with small, responsible government as Tom Coburn.  Secondly, the man is wickedly popular with Republicans and Democrats alike who are all about fiscal conservatism. 

Congrats to Gary.

Fait Au Compli: Fallin/Republicans Win (Unless...)

I can remember what it was like serving in the United States Navy under Ronald Reagan and Bush (41).  It was a remarkably different time and though my fellow sailors were facing a carrier-load of trouble for $400 toilet seat (ouch), it was an amazing experience.  The mere thought of Ronald Reagan coming to one of our military installations was enough to get the troops fired up, ready to take on just about anything.

Since that time, it's as though our expectations have been diminished and have lowered our standards.  We're just not excited about our candidates for public office like we were back then.  While I supported George W. Bush quite emphatically and opposed the candidacy of John Kerry, I did so with a great deal of consternation.  It wasn't that I was in love with "W," but really the thought of John Kerry in the White House made me incontinent.

I remember my fellow talk shows hosts who celebrated with reckless abandon after the victory, whereas I opened my show with Mozart's Requiem Mass (Kyrie) and encouraged my fellow Republicans not to kiss each other on the mouth too deeply because my GOP had made numerous promises that we were duty-bound to fulfill or within a few short years, control would be relinquished and the pendulum would swing so far to the left that we would scarcely even recognize Washington.

Guess what?  I was right.

Here in Oklahoma, we have bucked the trends and not only have we (Republicans) dominated in the House and Senate, but we became owners of arguably one of the most powerful posts in all of Oklahoma - the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.  The demise of Oklahoma democrats has been written on the wall with the election and horrific policies of President Obama, as well as the impotence of Congress.  The frustration has reached epic proportions and now, the Republicans will have virtually a clean sweep in November.

Republicans will maintain the House and the Senate, will win the Labor Commissioner seat, probably the Superintendent of Public Instruction post and Gary Jones will defeat Burrage, the Brad Henry appointee for State Auditor and Inspector.

And, Mary Fallin will defeat Jari Askins to become the first woman governor of the great state of Oklahoma.

No doubt, this blog has been tough of the Fallin campaign at times and yes, I have taken some much-deserved shots at the Askins campaign as well.  The feedback received has been phenomenal and exceptionally entertaining.  But at the end of the day, Oklahomans love Mary Fallin.  The Oklahoman even commented about her "charm" and her exceptionally personable manner.

We live in very different times and our desire to consider the rule of unintended consequences just doesn't factor in whatsoever.  We're not interested so much in elected the most "qualified" candidates and we haven't been really for a few years.  We elect the candidates with the catchy tunes, the impressive commercials and the best catch-phrases.

We're ready for change from the change we experienced this last election cycle (Obama and the borderline Socialist regime that has taken over Washington).  It would take a miracle or an "October surprise" from the Askins campaign that would make the Iran-Contra scandal look like an episode of Big Brother.  Askins has the money, the desire and the ability put together some pretty creative advertisements to re-introduce herself to the majority of Oklahoma voters, but the undercurrent of anti-Washington/anti-Democrat sentiment will eventually be just too much for her campaign staff to handle.

It has been the perfect storm - and the RGA (Republican Governor's Association) ads have given Fallin a golden surfboard to ride the wave to the Governor's Mansion.  Coupled with Mary's smiling, charming anti-Washington ads and her state travel via rail, people may not be overjoyed with the choices, but they will line up excited to cast their vote for Mary.  Mary has received the support of virtually every political blog dealing with Oklahoma politics, and the support of the uber-popular Republican hottie Sarah Palin certainly didn't hurt Mary. 

Unless Askins can generate news about a Fallin scandal of Biblical proportions, the election is a fait au compli - a done deal, my friends.   Mary is a 2nd Amendment supporter, a very outspoken pro-life advocate and she supports Oklahoma's hunting and fishing industry enthusiastically.  All of those issues have been important to me personally.  There are some questions about Mary's credentials on the issue of illegal immigration and yes, it is largely a federal issue - I don't care what the spin doctors try to tell us.  And that certainly is not to say that Askins would be any better, by the way.

Whether Oklahoma becomes a virtual Nirvana (mythical location, not the band) for business is doubtful, but the Republicans will once again have the opportunity to fulfill some promises and get the ship headed on the right course.  Wouldn't it be nice to experience once again the excitement we did back when Reagan was president?  Wouldn't it be spectacular for us to live in a country once again where freedom was was all-important and government intrusion was only a pipe dream for hardcore liberals?

We have a lot of work to do and it begins by getting voters enthusiastic about voting.

Good News: Underworld 4 Is Set

Kate Beckinsale will be back and she will be back to kill the bad vampires though she herself is a vampire.  Kind of like Karl Rove attacking Republicans though he is one himself.  But I digress.

For movie buffs (particularly male), the Underworld series was a good one, coupling great CG with a great cast of characters, the most prominent being Kate Beckinsale.  The petite Beckinsale, clad in her form-fitting leather/something outfit with all types of firearms and wicked vampire-killing ammo is splendid.

It's really the way the Twilight series should have ended - with Kate showing up on the scene making short work of Edward and whatever that creepy other dude's name is.

Coming to theaters whenever they find a director for the film, it will be the fourth of the series.

Read more here.

3 Card Monte From the Fallin Campaign

I have written blogs that went after candidates in the past and one campaign in particular has asked me to contact them if there were any questions before I published.  So, I did.  I had a question of the Fallin campaign and before I wrote a word, I received a response.

In truth, what I received was a game of 3 Card Monte with the truth.

In a story that actually broke on Demookie.com, an Askins staffer was asked to leave an event sponsored by the Regents for Higher Education because if he didn't leave, Congresswoman Fallin would not take the podium.  Who was this staffer for Askins?

A former State Senate leader, Mike Morgan.

This is what was written on the Demookie.com website:

Fallin Wont Take the Podium Until Opposition is Removed from the Room

Yesterday the Jim Thorpe Museum was host to the annual President’s Forum, a gathering of University and College Presidents, the Board of Regents, and a handful of other dignitaries and invited guests. Speaking before this distinguished audience were the two candidates for governor, Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, and Congresswoman Mary Fallin. The format for the event was that Fallin would first deliver remarks, then take questions, and then Askins would do the same.

However, just before she was to begin, Fallin made a strange request of the event organizers; she didn’t want the Lieutenant Governor in the room while she spoke. Nor did she want any of Jari’s staff in the room. In fact, she even scanned the crowd for faces that might be unfriendly, to see who else she could have ejected. Apparently she didn’t like the look on State Senator Mike Morgan’s face, because she told the event organizers she would not take the podium until he had left the room.

Senator Morgan was a guest of the event. He was seated at a table enjoying his lunch, until he was unceremoniously asked to gather up his things and leave the room until it became Jari’s turn to address the crowed, at which point he was welcome to re-take his seat.

This kind of behavior, from a candidate for governor no less, is both paranoid and more than a little ridiculous. As a public official she’s going to have to get used to being in a room full of people who agree and those who disagree with her. To petulantly refuse to take the podium until everyone who might be unfriendly to her way of thinking has been ejected from the event isn’t the kind of behavior this blogger is willing to accept from an elected official. This isn’t Soviet Russia, it’s Oklahoma.

As a side note, if memory serves, one of the issues Fallin primary opponent Randy Brogdon was most passionate about was transparency in government. Hopefully his supporters have noticed that Fallin is no fan of transparency, going so far as to have people thrown out of a forum because they might not like what it is she has to say. For shame!

When the story broke on the Democratic forum, I sent Alex Weintz, spokesperson from the Fallin campaign, an email asking one simple question:  Is this true?

His response on September 22, 2010, 2:25pm...  "That is absolutely not true.  Who wrote this?"

This is the story in the Tulsa World (Here) (emphasis, mine): 

Askins staffer asked to leave lunch

by: BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
Friday, September 24, 2010
9/24/2010 7:10:12 AM

OKLAHOMA CITY - Former state Senate leader Mike Morgan said Thursday that he was embarrassed after being prodded to leave an event at which U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin was scheduled to speak.

Morgan, a Democrat from Stillwater, said he was attending an event sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education on Tuesday in Oklahoma City. The event included a lunch at which gubernatorial candidates Fallin, a Republican, and Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a Democrat, were speaking.

Morgan said he was scheduled to participate on a panel after the lunch.

Morgan, who is affiliated with the Askins campaign and has spoken on her behalf, said he was approached by a member of the regents staff and told that there was an agreement between the two candidates that no staff members from Askins' campaign would be present when Fallin was speaking and vice versa.

Morgan said he was told that Fallin would not speak if he was in the room.

"I took my sandwich and went to the lobby," he said. "I was embarrassed. I complied because I didn't want to make a scene."

Regents spokesman Ben Hardcastle said, "We simply advised him of what we were told was the agreement between the two campaigns."

Askins' campaign manger, Sid Hudson, said there was no agreement regarding opposing staff members' attendance. Hudson used to work for Morgan in the Senate.

Fallin spokesman Alex Weintz said someone with the Fallin campaign brought the issue to the attention of the regents' staff.

"We went there thinking an agreement had been made with the regents and the Askins campaign," he said. "If there wasn't, then it was a misunderstanding."

Weintz said the issue had nothing to do with the fact that Morgan might disagree with Fallin.

"We don't always have agreements like that," he said. "Sometimes, when you know you are going to speak to a group, you can address their issues and speak candidly."

Feeling as though I have been bamboozled, hoodwinked and flim-flammed, I contacted the young man from the Fallin campaign and this was Alex sent me:

You asked me earlier this week if a blog post bashing Mary was true. I obviously disagree with the spin and the interpretation of events that were conveyed in that post and I still do. 

After the Tulsa World and the Oklahoman contacted me yesterday I circled back around and tried to get all the facts straight (I was not actually at this event). I conveyed those facts to their reporters as accurately as I could and this is the first contact I've had with you since then. I did not lie to you, never have and never will.

Spin.  He didn't like the spin so his initial response was, "That is absolutely not true." He "circled back around" to get the facts straight after the mainstream media contacted him about the stories that were sourced, more than likely, from the Demookie website.  Classic establishment Republican responses from people who want us to believe the hype their candidate is pushing down our necks.

To me, this kind of crap is what was expected from the Gene Stipe-era Democrats, not from this new, bold and beautiful Republican establishment posing as Constitutional conservatives.

So, you tell ME.  Did Alex lie to me or not? 

How did the story change so significantly in the last 24 hours?  I know I'm just a former talk show host, blogger and all around annoying guy...and I probably don't deserve the truth from a spokesperson from the Fallin campaign.  I'm just a regular guy like you.  I don't work for the Oklahoman nor do I work for the Tulsa World. 

But if Alex is willing to put some serious spin on a story like this, imagine what the campaign will do when the rest of us regular Joe's ask some questions...

But, I suppose this is what statewide campaigns have come down to, haven't they? 

Askins A-Million

News Radio 1000, KTOK, is reporting that Jari Askins has loaned herself $1 million for her gubernatorial bid.  Some politicos are finding it a point of contention.  I find it to be laudable.

The fact that Jari Askins has that kind of money to loan her campaign shows that she is self-made, has made wise investments and after all, isn't that what we "conservatives" really desire?  Aren't we all trying to reach that financial brass ring on the carousel of life? 

Contrasted with Congresswoman Fallin, Jari Askins is exceptionally wealthy.  Which would explain, in part, why the attacks against Askins have been so aggressive.

Non-Politics: American Idol Off The Radar

Simon Cowell was the lifeblood of American Idol.  His grumblings, his back-and-forth with Paula, his witty retorts...all made American Idol the show that it was for the last few seasons.  This year, Simon Cowell is replaced with Steven Tyler from Aerosmith and Paula Abdul is replaced with Jennifer Lopez.

While Lopez is certainly easier on the eyes than Paula and arguably more talented, there is no way in hell Tyler will be more catty and delightfully annoying than Cowell.  And you can lie to yourself all you want - we all watched AI to see and hear Cowell take someones face off.

Randy Jackson will be there this season, providing us with his insight and the ridiculously annoying "Yo, dawg," commentary but it will hardly be enough to save the show. 

American Idol has produced some amazing talent, including the likes of Oklahoma's very own Carrie Underwood...who is a vegetarian and supports PETA (sorry to burst your Underwood bubble, guys). 

Hell's Kitchen Tonight

Tonight marks the beginning of the 8th season of my favorite show on television.  Hell's Kitchen.  It has humor, intensity and of course, Chef Ramsay.  This new season looks more intense than ever and yes, the Gorilla will be plopped down to watch.  Join me on FB to share thoughts about the season premier - aired locally on Fox 25.

Coyle Gets Switzer/Henry To Host Fundraiser

Billy Coyle is the Democratic candidate for Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District where he faces Republican James Lankford and Independent Libertarian Clark Duffe.  And Billy Coyle has pulled out a couple of the big guns to help with his campaign in Governor Brad Henry and Coach Barry Switzer.

Hosting a fundraiser this very evening in the backyard of country club Republicans (Nichols Hills), Coyle looks to walk away from the fundraiser with a ton of cash and photo opportunities that will make his campaign team giddy with excitement.  Unfortunately, thus far, the only people who really know about Coyle are the Democrats who are pinning their desperate hopes on a guy who is probably one of the best candidates the Democrats have put forth in years.  Coyle is running at the wrong time - a time when the anger and ire against Washington Democrats.  We have already seen the GOP fire shots at Jari Askins in the gubernatorial race, comparing her to President Obama. 

I think that was in the Republican campaign talking points memo that went out nationwide because that's what all the campaigns are doing.

And Coyle's opponents are tough.  Clark Duffe, the Libertarian, is wickedly intelligent and knows the "red meat" issues better than anyone in the race.  He is a perpetual candidate, true, but he is a bright fellow.  But electing a Libertarian in pro-life, anti-drug Central Oklahoma is about as likely as Matt Pinnell hosting a fundraiser for Al Franken.

Which leads us to the Republican boy-wonder, James Lankford.

Lankford is the red-haired "New Moses" of the Republican Party, a Baptist camp program director who will lead the 5th District Republicans into the promised land of milk, honey and s'mores.  Lankford's popularity  in Central Oklahoma rivals only that of Hannah Montana, only without the singing.  Lankford came from nowhere to defeat the armies of Pharaoh (establishment Republicans) and is poised to be the first-ever Baptist camp counselor to serve in Congress.  Oklahoma truly is a trend-setting state.

Will Switzer be able to help Coyle increase his name identification?  It's hard to say.  Switzer helped pull off an upset for Jari Askins against Drew Edmondson, but this is decidedly a higher mountain to climb.  And in Central Oklahoma, Brad Henry might as well be Barbara Boxer.  He did, however, voice his opposition to SQ744 which shocked many in the conservative universe.  Coyle is going to have to get up on media quickly because he sure as hell is losing the battle on the Internet and on social networking sites.

Lankford's site.

Coyle's site.

Duffe's site.

McCarville Lays Out The Gubernatorial Gunk

Mike McCarville has an excellent expose' on his blog today about some of the negative websites dedicated to the two gubernatorial candidates and he paints a very unflattering picture.  As is the case every election cycle, some nerdlingers with far more time on their hands than sense come out with websites that take shots at various candidates.  Some of the sites are funded, some are not.

Read Mike's story here.  It's worth the time.

Kudos to Oklahoma State University

For any of you who have frequented this blog (and there are more and more of you every day - thank you), you know that I am a veteran and have supported veteran's causes for a long time. Whether it be the Mid-America Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Hugs Project, I believe we could all do more to support our men and women in uniform.

And you also know, I am not a Burns Hargis fan.  But now, Oklahoma State University has given us a reason to cheer them on beyond just their football team.

According to this outstanding article in the Oklahoman (here), OSU has teamed up with Pepsi and Waste Management to put together a recycling program that will provide revenues for a boot camp program for veterans with disabilities.

Read the whole article here.  Please.

Between A Rock and Hard Place

The McCarville Report simply dominates the blogosphere right now and he is to be commended for running his story about the RGA/Fallin connections.

This part of the story says it all:

Goeas, an Oklahoma native, is the primary consultant to Fallin's campaign. Goeas also is the primary consultant to the RGA's chairman, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, and counts the RGA itself as a client.

Game, set and match.  If you're part of the Askins campaign, you know that you have been handed a gem that could potentially end the Fallin campaign, IF used properly.

But again, this is Oklahoma politics...

OMG! Seriously? Like, No Way, Dude!

Wait staff are critical to the success of any restaurant.  Service needs to be prompt, courteous, knowledgeable and enjoyable.  I know many people who have made a good living working as a waiter or waitress, so what you're about to read is in no way a discredit to those in the service industry.  But this really happened.

Decided to make a call to the local Buffalo Wild Wings locale in Edmond (not known for their prompt OR courteous service) to see if my Seattle Seahawks game or the Washington Redskins game would be broadcast on their big screens.  The conversation kind of went like this:

BWWW (Buffalo Wild Wings Waitress):  Buffalo Wild Wings.
Me:  Hey there.  I was wondering if you would be airing either the Seattle Seahawks against the Denver Broncos or the Washington Redskins against the Houston Texans this afternoon.


BWWW:  What?
Me:  Will you be showing the Seahawks or Redskins on your widescreens this afternoon?


BWWW:  Right now we have Cincinnati on and I think Dallas or something.
Me:  I meant later this afternoon.


BWWW:  What teams?  
Me:  Seattle Seahawks playing the Denver Broncos or Washington Redskins playing the Houston Texans.


BWWW:  Is that football?
Me:  Um, yes.

[At this point, my wife is laughing, asks for my cell phone.]

Wife:  Can I talk to a manager, please?
BWWW:  Sure!


BWW Manager:  This is _____ can I help you?
Wife:  Yes, will you be airing either the Seahawks or the Redskins this afternoon.


BWW Manager:  Absolutely.
Wife:  Thank you!

What a day.

Speaking of Sunday...

Seahawks.  My beloved Seattle Seahawks take on the Denver Broncos...should be an interesting game and the hope is that they will be victorious.  I remember growing up in Seattle, watching the games with unbelievable enthusiasm because they were OUR team.  I miss that atmosphere.

Fallin/Askins Flap.  This gubernatorial race has been exceptional to watch.  The RGA launches against Askins, Askins responds appropriately - calling for Mary to denounce the ads, Mary goes on the attack and blames Askins for going negative.  THEN, Mary's campaign says how they are running a positive campaign and will continue to run a positive campaign - at the very time that their consultants are putting together a negative ad to air.  When the Fallinistas are asked about how they feel regarding their fearless leader going back on their word...they follow the talking points memo to a fault and say, "But Mary didn't have anything to do with the RGA ad."  Classic avoidance.  This is only going to get better.  Jari Askins won't put up with the double-talk for very long and for the first time in her political career, she is facing a general election opponent who is well liked and has the money to get out her message.  Jari beat Drew Edmondson in a tough race, Mary needs to be very, very careful or that whistle stop train ride she's on will land her in the caboose.

Good Lobbyist/Bad Lobbyist.  I heard some talking head nutjob on Fox News the other evening talking about how bad lobbyists are and really, it's easy to hate lobbyists.  But there are two sides of the coin.  The NRA, for example, has lobbyists on the payroll.  The National Right to Life operation has a lobbying arm.  Even former governor Frank Keating is a lobbyist for the insurance industry and lest we forget, gubernatorial candidate and Congresswoman Mary Fallin's daughter is now a lobbyist - and her mom is quite proud of that fact.  Lobbyists are what they are and ultimately, we get to be lobbyists too.  Every time we head to the polling place, we get to decide which candidate will be wined and dined by lobbyists.  Exciting, isn't it?

Wronged Man.  Watched a very poorly produced film about a horrific story down in Louisiana where an African-American man (Calvin Willis) was arrested for allegedly raping a 10 year-old girl and spent 20 years in prison, only to be found innocent after the Innocence Project conducted DNA testing.  It reminded me of the Jeffrey Todd Pierce case here in Oklahoma and I often wonder why there isn't prosecution of those who knowingly sent to trial and convicted a man who clearly was not guilty.  How does that happen in this culture and society?  Jeffrey Todd Pierce's story is much like others and frankly, underscores why I am no longer a fan of the death penalty in the state of Oklahoma.  If we put to death one innocent man, it's one too many.  Jeffrey Todd Pierce received a settlement from the city of Oklahoma City, but how can we realistically think that money will cover the loss of family, loss of dignity, loss of career and God knows what kind of brutality he experienced in prison?  Based on what I know and have seen, Bob Macy and Joyce Gilchrist should be in prison themselves.   But I digress.

More Sunday thoughts later...

Something About Jari

Not one, not two but three attack ads against Lt. Governor Jari Askins from the RGA.  Three from the Republican Governor's Association, one from the Fallin campaign itself.  These things aren't arbitrary - there is a reason for the onslaught of these ads.

There's just something about Jari.

But what is it?  What is it about Jari Askins that has the Fallin campaign and the RGA so determined to knock Jari down a peg or two?  So far, the attacks have been a little misleading - as in the first RGA ad.  The Tulsa World and the Oklahoman alike (as did the majority on a few online polls) agreed that it was a ridiculous attack ad with little or no merit whatsoever.  But what was the response?  More attacks from the RGA and Fallin campaign.

So, I leave it to you...ask yourself, "Why?"  Is Jari Askins that well-liked in Oklahoma that there has to be attacks to lessen her favorable ratings?  Why is the Fallin machine afraid of Jari Askins? 

Mary Fallin spent $1.9 million to defeat State Senator Randy Brogdon.  How much will she and her supporters spend to defeat a legitimate statewide candidate?  Or rather, how much will they HAVE to spend?

You make the call.

POW/MIA Day & Constitution Day

I believe it to be more than appropriate that today is POW/MIA Recognition Day AND Constitution Day in this great country.  Men and women have raised a right hand, sworn an oath to defend the Constitution and many gave all so we could have these freedoms.  The oath means something, it has depth and transcends fraternal associations.  Here is the oath I took:

I (Name) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. I swear (or affirm) that I am fully aware and fully understand the conditions under which I am enlisting.

In many ways, our country has failed our veterans and their families.  They are morbidly underpaid (at least enlisted men and women are), their families forgotten and our missing in action get only compulsory recognition once a year.

Hell, there are candidates for public office bellowing right now about the Constitution, but have said nothing about the men and women who are or have been prisoners of war or have been classified as missing in action.  But we shouldn't be surprised...most politicians are narcissistic sociopaths who spend more time in front of a mirror in a week than most of us do in a lifetime.

Today, let's all take a moment to remember our POW/MIA military and civilians who have given all - and let us not forget their families.

Fallin v Askins: The Rumble is ON

Today, the Fallin for Governor campaign launched a new salvo on the Web with not one but two ads.  The first being a positive, "fight Washington" ad that shows Mary smiling and happy.  But the second is, well, aggressive as hell. 

Here is the link to the ad itself.


All the photographs you've seen of these two posing together, smiling and pretending like they actually like each other must have been horribly misleading because the haymakers are coming full stride. 

The fight is ON.

Mary's New Ad - The Pink Elephant In the Room

Mary Fallin has a new ad entitled "Stand Up."  In the ad (below), Mary talks about her willingness to "fight Washington" as Governor.  There are questions, however, that the ad simply begs.  Every molecule in the universe cries out for an answer to one very simple, yet critical question that is the big pink elephant in the room:

Mary, if you couldn't fight Washington as an insider and serving as a damned Congresswoman, what makes you think we believe you can or will here as Governor? 

There, I asked it.  Mary Fallin didn't fight anyone in Washington, except to fight for an autograph from the President...but I digress. 

The ad is brilliant, actually.  It doesn't say a doggone thing about the actual role of governor in the great state of Oklahoma and what Mary would actually be charged with AS governor.  It pleasantly avoids the fact that Oklahoma has one of the weakest governors in the country and it is so by design.  We let the legislature screw things up, not the governor.

Here's the ad.  Let me know your thoughts.



I'm With Jari

I have no clue what they ever did to us and why the RGA and Republicans in general are so upset with Jari Askins.  It seems like everytime you turn around, someone is designing a new hit/attack ad to slam Jari Askins about her support for this or her lack of support for that.  Personally, I agree with Jari Askins...

I support the Dreamsicle Act.

I don't know what it is or how it works, but Dreamsicles are delicious and a critical part of American history and culture.  There are differences between Creamsicles and Dreamsicles, but to me, they need to simply get along.  The Dreamsicle has the same sherbet shell as the Creamsicle, but the iced milk inside the Dreamsicle is clearly more healthy for all Oklahomans.

And in particular, Oklahoma children.

We need to get behind Jari Askins and her fight against the horrible attacks coming from special interests across this nation.  Join me and Jari in supporting the Dreamsicle Act.

Whatever the hell it is.

10 Reasons To Stay Away From The Polls November 2nd

Blogger Steve Fair has published "10 Reasons Why Conservatives Should Not Vote For Jari Askins," and it is very well thought out, very well researched and without a doubt, exceptionally partisan.  Which is pretty much what we have come to expect these days anyway.  It's all about the party for some but for me, as stated previously, it's about the hotness. 

So, for those of you who are tired of the same old rhetoric and talking points as to why you should or should not vote for one candidate over another, I've decided to compile my list of reasons we should just stay away from the polling places altogether and let the chips fall where they may.

10.  Grumpy Polling Volunteers.  I don't know how the election board does it, but somehow they are able to round up the most angry, pissed off and generally grumpy geriatric volunteers to check our name on their handy little list, toss us our little voting sheet and spew forth a round of instructions.  Where they find these troglodytes is anyone's guess but more than likely, recruiting takes place at the DMV - and not just from behind the counter either.  If we want abuse, we can just as easily sit home and watch American Idol Rewind and hear the melodious tones of Simon Cowell barking at wanna-be superstars.  We don't need the ghosts of Archie Bunker telling us we're douchebags if we forget our "I Voted" sticker.

9.  Hunting Season.  Deer archery season begins October 1 and goes through January 2011 and if you have archery hunted in Oklahoma during the beginning of the season, you know it's pretty hard work.  I would suggest you go on vacation beginning October 1, set up camp and wait for the big buck to come by your treestand.  About the time blackpowder season begins, you'll have at least seen a big buck or two and not had to worry about number 10, above.

8.  Partisan Poop.  At this stage of the game, anyone voting in Oklahoma should come to realize that Democrats in Oklahoma are infinitely more conservative than most of the Republican presidential nominees we've seen in the last few years.  Anyone who believes W was a true conservative probably can't even spell the word "conservative" and has kissed a final farewell to their minds shortly after Ronald Reagan died.  By the time November 2nd rolls around, you'll hear the words "liberal" and "conservative" tossed around like a salad at Souper Salad but with far less care and the excrement you'll have to wade through on television and what is left of talk radio will make you long for the elephant stalls at the Oklahoma City Zoo.  If you want to wade through poop, come by my house and I'll let you meet my Rottweiller, Cletus, and he can show you some poop.

7.  It Is Not The End Of the World.  Contrary to what Rush, Sean, Keith, Rachel, Glenn and Oprah have told you, November 3rd is not the date set for the end of humanity as we know it.  Granted, it is tempting to live in the bus buried in the back yard after listening to 15 minutes of Glenn Beck's program wherein he informs us that God is really, really pissed off that the country elected Obama as president, but it just isn't the case.   Equally difficult is listening to Sean Hannity (who thinks he IS God) tell us that he was/is right about everything ranging from the correct temperature of brownies to the fate of the IRS - but as Sean would say, "let not your heart be troubled," because while politicos are running around kissing each other on the mouth about how brilliant their candidates are, God is busy going about saving the eternal souls of those who are created in His image. 

6.  Newt Gingrich.  The fact that we somehow allowed this guy to be Speaker of the House at any time in human history should be enough to teach us that our decision-making power at the polling places are woefully lacking.

5.  Jimmy Carter.  Much like Newt, Carter was an example of everything that is wrong with the system, the way we elect leaders.  Some of us still remember the lines at gasoline stations...

4.  Absentee Voting.  Each state has rules and regulations pertaining to absentee/early voting and Oklahoma is included.  Rather than dealing with the barbarians at the polling gates, we can fill out our little voting cards and ship them to the election board wherein they will get lost, be used as toilet paper or even be utilized as art forms at the Oklahoma History Museum.  For the rich and famous living in gated communities, you need not miss your golf vacation in Florida the first week of November, you simply follow the instructions and mail in your ballot.  For the not-so-rich-and-famous, you won't have to lose your place in line at the DMV.  

3.  Mary, Todd & Ken Won't Be There.  Sorry, kids, but none of the Bold and Beautiful will be at the polling place awaiting your arrival and no, they won't be signing autographs either.  And you're not allowed to bring your Sarah Palin blow-up doll either. 

2.  Liquor Stores Open.  Liquor stores are now open in Oklahoma on election day.  Think about it - would you rather be surrounded by vintage bottles of chardonnay, merlot and pinot or would you rather be surrounded by vintage men and women whose ire is surpassed only by the scent of medicated rubs?  Exactly.

And the number one reason you should not go to the polls November 2nd....

1.  It Just Doesn't Matter.  We are polishing the brass on the Titanic, kids.  We gave Democrats control of the House and Senate and they screwed it up.  Then, we gave Republicans control of the House, the Senate and the Oval Office and they screwed it up.  At the end of the day, we get all excited about this party or that party and their myriad of "solutions" to problems they themselves have created.  We show up to the polls, draw the little line for this "conservative" or that "liberal" only to find out a few months later that they have all been manufactured at the same plant by the same people who are feeding us the same line of crap, but packaging their candidates differently - and they and their consultants gather at the Wormy Dog for drinks and an after-party at our expense.  We've been hoodwinked, we've been bamboozled and we seem to like it that way.

Enjoy!  Of course, this was largely satire...if you don't "get it," please, for the love of God don't go to the polls ever and don't breed.  Thank you for your service to our community.

Told Ya. It's about the HOT.

Christine O'Donnell.  She won.  She's hot.  Enough said.

I'm excited too, Christine. 

Mary Needs Help

RGA launches a salvo against Jari Askins that pretty much everyone believed was a pile of steaming horse manure, Jari responds quickly and decisively, encouraging Congresswoman Mary Fallin to tell the RGA to pound sand and throws a little jab about the TARP bailout. 

Now, Mary Fallin needs help in combating the response to the RGA ad.  From Mary's Campaign Manager:

Dear Friend,

It didn't take long for our opponent to launch her first attack against Mary. As soon as someone started asking tough questions about her statements and votes on illegal immigration, Jari Askins attempted to change the subject by launching an attack on Mary.

And on top of her attack, she's now claiming to be a conservative! A conservative doesn't oppose tax cuts, vote against "concealed carry" or refuse to take a stand against the big-government takeover of health care. All of which Jari Askins has done.

We need your help TODAY to fight back! Click here to support Mary with a donation to our campaign so we can go on the air with our campaign ads ASAP!

Our opponent has spent her millions trying to win elected office in Oklahoma. And she's at it again with her first attack against Mary. Please help us respond to this attack by giving to our campaign TODAY!


Thanks for all you do!


Sincerely,

Denise Northrup
Campaign Manager

I had no idea Jari opposed "concealed carry."  Fascinating what you learn from emails and press releases.

Conservative Hotness Wins

Time for some brutal honesty here, my friends.  Conservative candidates are going to be the rage in November and again in 2012 because they are better looking than their opponents.  It doesn't really matter whether or not they can be considered intelligent, able to grasp the real issues facing this country, nor does it matter whether or not they have the ability to complete one or two coherent sentences.  They are hotter and hotness always wins.  The breaks are out, no point in steering.  If we're going down like the Titanic, we might as well have something pretty to look at on the way down...

Lest we forget, John McCain was clearly a more qualified candidate for President, but B-Rock Obama's charm and what some considered to be good looks won the day.  McCain's running mate, Palin, is hotness personified but she wasn't at the top of the ticket and we want the hotness on top in this country.

Even here in Oklahoma, no one would argue that Randy Brogdon was somehow lacking in intellect nor in his grasp of Constitutional issues.  Mary was just hotter.  She wears skirts everywhere she goes, she has a pretty face, a warm and welcoming smile...Randy just looked pissed off.  The hotness quotient overcame Randy and there was no looking back.  It's part of the Oklahoma "vayues."

Now, we look to Delaware where the Tea Party candidate is giving the Republican establishment candidate fits.  Christine O'Donnell is a conservative Tea Party candidate who has championed the cause of hardcore conservatism and a social conservative message that tickles the fancy of the religious community and her smile and attractive features appeal to the rest of the Delaware GOP electorate.  She is much hotter than her opponent - which goes without saying - and he knows it.  The GOP establishment is intensely pissed off about the fact that a candidate with some real experience may be beaten by a hottie who has difficulty putting thoughts together without cue cards.  In Delaware, real experience matters to the GOP.  Not so much in Oklahoma...but I digress.  Christine is adorable, though, and would make a great running mate for Sarah Palin in 2012. 

Speaking of Sarah...she has been endorsing candidates, appearing at $250/per person events with radio/television host Glenn Beck and doing as many Fox News interviews as humanly possible.  Why?  Duh.  She is gearing up for her run for President in 2012 and I, for one, will vote for her in a heartbeat.  I realize that she's not exactly America's brain-trust, but as I mentioned previously, real qualifications for office don't mean squat these days and the electorate are tired of "real issues" anyway.  Never before in the history of this great country have we had a potential candidate for the Oval Office who has legs that could rival Angelina Jolie (yes, I used Palin and Jolie in the same paragraph).  Sarah is approachable, which adds to the hotness factor because in our twisted minds, men tend to relate approachability to opportunity.  She hunts (hot).  She isn't a member of Mensa (hot - see statement on "opportunity").  And she isn't really afraid to speak her mind about what she perceives as evil in the world - red meat for the John Birchers.  And she's from Alaska - the last frontier of the Americas and you know she's rugged and it's cold there, so she probably likes to snuggle.  Who wouldn't want to do some snuggling with Sarah?  I mean, really.  Sarah is, by far, the most attractive person in the Republican Party and it will make her the nominee.  I mean, think about it...Romney is handsome and has a hotness quotient, but he is too polished and that scares us.  Newt is losing his mind and reports are that he doesn't even believe his own hype and Republicans haven't completely checked out intellectually just yet on a national level.  I want Palin/O'Donnell on the ticket in 2012.

Now, we turn to Oklahoma where the hotness factor applies in state races, not Congressional races.  Take the Bold and Beautiful of the statewide races, for example.  Ken Miller and Todd Lamb are polished, handsome and could easily be on the cover of Political GQ Magazine.  They have warm smiles, look good in photographs and have surrounded themselves with hotties in their campaigns as well.  They are the new, the fresh, the young and the attractive of the Oklahoma GOP.  In a debate with his rival Kenneth Corn, Lamb could easily respond to every question with a smile, a wink and say, "Yeah, but I look gooood," and women in the audience would swoon.  Much the same for Ken Miller who has similar charm.  Ken doesn't even really have an opponent - his good looks scared off even Scott Meacham from running for re-election.  Meacham probably came to the realization that the hotness factor would pimp-slap him come November.  It scared him so much that the long time Democrat came out and actually endorsed Miller.  Now that is hotness personified. 

So, that's my take on how the hotness factor comes into play this November and again in 2012.

Enjoy. 

Note:  There was some sarcasm included in the above blog entry...so, don't take it (or yourself) too seriously.

Prediction: Lankford Sails

Bottom line:  Oklahoma will elect its first ever Baptist Church Camp Program Director as a Congressman.  Coyle is an attorney and a Democrat and even the Blue Dogs will have a tough time getting behind giving the Democrats another seat in the House.

Dave White, former Navy SEAL and former Republican, announced today that he is supporting James Lankford - and that will help with some of the veteran's votes and will probably take some of the veterans away from Coyle, who is a Marine.

We live in strange times, friends.

Lankford came out of nowhere and no one planned for his meteoric rise to fame in the GOP.  No one.  He brings to the table enormous support from the Baptist community in Oklahoma and those resources have proven to be invaluable. 

But hey.  Looks like the Sooners and Cowboys both are going to have stellar seasons.

Dave White Endorses Lankford

At a joint press conference at the GOP headquarters, former Indpendent candidate for Congress Dave White pulled out and endorsed Republican James Lankford and may even do some public appearances on behalf of James.

White plans to switch his registration back to Republican.