Beware 2nd Amendment Wolves In Sheep's Clothing

Yes, the elections are almost upon us and like members of the media who proclaim their commitment to the 2nd Amendment, so there will also be those who desire our votes this November who argue their desire to see "shall not be infringed" remain intact.  However, there are a few facts you need to realize...

1.  Candidates are often very well prepared by their handlers on broad spectrum Constitutional issues.

2.  Just because someone is a veteran doesn't necessarily mean they are 2nd Amendment warriors by default.

3.  Spending a couple hours at the gun range/gun club for photo opportunities can be misleading.

So, here are a few questions to ask candidates who say they support our right to keep and bear arms:

1.  What impact has the Heller decision had on 2nd Amendment rights?


2.  What is the difference between single-action and double-action firearms?


3.  What is required to possess a fully automatic firearm in the United States?


4.  What is your position on background checks?

5.  Do you support the NRA or the GOA or both and why?

There is really only one correct answer for each of the questions posed and their ability to answer them quickly and without hesitation will tell you whether or not they are part of the flock or a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Shocking Development: NFIB Endorses Fallin

From the Press Release (Emphasis, commentary, completely mine...):

OKLAHOMA CITY– The state office of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business association, has endorsed Mary Fallin in her campaign for governor of Oklahoma.

“Mary Fallin clearly understands the problems facing small business owners, and her commitment to solving them resonates with Oklahoma’s entrepreneurs and family-run companies,” said Benny Vanatta, state director of NFIB/Oklahoma.

[Q:  How does she "understand the problems facing small business owners" not being one herself?]

“Mary Fallin has demonstrated her leadership as lieutenant governor and, since 2007, as a member of Congress,” Vanatta said. “She has shown our members that she understands the challenges and concerns facing Oklahoma and the state's small businesses.”

[Understanding in the abstract is one thing...]

“It’s important that we elect a candidate who understands the critical roll small businesses play in Oklahoma’s economy—someone who will make it easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses to lead our state out of this recession and create jobs,” Vanatta said.

“As governor, I will focus like a laser beam on job creation and economic recovery,” Fallin said. “That means helping small businesses, which provide the vast majority of employment opportunities in Oklahoma. It also means standing up to Washington and its job-killing ‘tax and spend’ policies.

[Q:  How?  Focusing like a "laser beam" on job creation doesn't create jobs.  How will Mary help small business and in what way?  How?]

“I know Oklahoma has the potential to be one of the best places to do business in the country and in the world,” she said. “But first we need a leader who is going to fight for the kind of pro-business, common-sense reforms that create jobs and spur investment. I’m ready to be that leader, and I’m proud to have the support of the NFIB in my campaign for governor.”

[Q:  Such as?  What "pro-business, common-sense reforms?"  Without answers, these are mere platitudes.  we deserve more.]

NFIB’s political support is based on the candidate's position and record on small business issues. The endorsement comes from the NFIB/Oklahoma Save America's Free Enterprise Trust, the political action committee for NFIB/Oklahoma’s membership.

Today's endorsement puts the considerable grassroots support of the state's small businesses behind Fallin’s campaign. Small business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for recruiting friends, family members and acquaintances to vote. According to NFIB polling data, small business owners and their employees make up 43% of registered voters in America.

NFIB will encourage its 3,111 members in Oklahoma to help turn out the influential small business voting bloc on Election Day.

[Q:  Will that include the Democratic business owners as well?  What if those small business owners decide to vote for Askins? Will they lose their membership credentials?]

And We Thought Book Burning Was A Thing Of The Past

What happened on 9-11 was tragic, horrific and nothing we Americans could ever have imagined taking place on our soil.  We stood in wonderment as airplanes crashed into buildings and later, the buildings falling resulting in the death of 3,000 American citizens.  And it was at the hands of Islamic extremists.

We went to war as a result.  We toppled the demonic Hussein regime in Iraq, we killed terrorists in Afghanistan and we continue to be a beacon of light, a paragon of freedom to the rest of the world.

So, what has possessed a group of Americans at a little-known church to decide that burning copies of the Koran on the anniversary of 9-11?

The truth of the matter is that we do, in fact, live in a free country wherein our freedom of religious expression allows such book-burning.  It is well within the Constitutional rights of this little 50-member church in Gainesville, Florida to do just what it plans to do.

But there are unintended consequences to those actions.  Even the top United States Commander of our troops in Afghanistan has said that it would be intensely problematic for our troops and already, Islamic nations have responded with threats and members of radical Islam have promised retaliation.

It doesn't make sense to me that members of a Christian community would do something so outrageous, knowing full well that it increases the probability of our troops being in exceptional danger - embolden the terrorists who desire their deaths - and to do so with such disregard.  With their American flag held high, the members of this little Christian church will get what they have desired.  They will get lots and lots of attention.

Isn't it ironic that the name of the church is World Outreach Center?
UPDATE:  And the church just doesn't care.

Fallin & Askins Ready To Debate At OIPA Forum

The Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association is hosting a candidate forum in Tulsa for the two candidates for Governor.  The forum will take place during their OIPA Fall Conference.

For more information, go here.

Missed Labor Day Opportunities

Not everyone heads to the lake, spends time at the cabin or cruises around Grand Lake in their $2 million yacht.  Most Oklahomans either go camping or just stay home over the Labor Day weekend.  Many candidates missed golden opportunities to reach out to voters who are at the middle of the road in the socioeconomic highway of life. 

Knocking doors, making phone calls.   These are the staples of effective campaigns.  Today, the thought is that if a candidate can spend a bazillion dollars on television, he/she doesn't have to really work that hard.  He/she can go to the parades, wave at adoring fans and not have to do the grunt work of campaigning.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

It was hard not to notice the lack of campaign activity with a few exceptions, of course.  Gary Jones was out and about with his Jones for Auditor trailer and Mary Fallin was hard to miss as well.

But the lesser known, down-ticket candidates are flying under the radar.  More missed opportunities.

Monday (Labor Day) Musings

Dog Days:  Cletus, our Rottweiler, is an interesting specimen.  Regardless of the number of toys purchased for the critter or the amount of time spend playing with the fella, his appetite for lawn mowers, patio furniture and tree limbs seem insatiable.  Big dogs have big appetites.  Just a warning.

Losing Technology Race:  Yes, it's true.  America is losing the technology race and part of the reason is horrific American engineering - yes, I said that out loud.  Recently, there were a few conversations from the CEO of Intel where he stated quite clearly that taxes on American corporations are forcing research and development out of the country.  I am convinced that part of that R&D loss is evident in my Chevy Avalanche.  It has gone through four diagnostic tests about the "reduced engine power" problem and no one has found any decisive problems, except to prove that yes, a problem exists.  We've replaced the battery at the dealer suggestion and it worked for about three days and then again, the problem rears its ugly head.  No one seems to know what the causal factors are, so the next step is to call an exorcist - both for my truck as well as for the federal tax code.

Back To The Game Tomorrow:  My "fast" from politics ends tomorrow and as we approach the November election, there is much to discuss and much to determine about the efficacy of messages from candidates.  It's going to be fun.

Cost Of Homelessness:  According to a story in the Oklahoman (here), the cost of homelessness in Oklahoma City is a little over $27 million per year.  The story includes commentary from City Rescue Mission and others who have their own motivations...but the truth of the matter is that the issue of homelessness could be largely solved if the faith community got involved more aggressively.  For example, a study conducted and provided to Congress a few years ago by the Trinity Foundation determined that for each mosque, church and synagogue in this country, there exists a homeless person or family.  If each faith community took on a homeless person and provided needed transportation, job training/assistance, medical care and housing, the homeless problem as we know it would cease to exist.  Sure, we'd still have the chronically transient, but the problem would no longer be a problem but rather a way to serve. 

Weekend Music

Great day to get the guys together for some jamming, but alas, it's the weekend...Labor Day weekend and everyone is super busy.  So, here's a taste of what I got to experience this weekend. 

Skillet's sound is phenomenal and incredible live.  Enjoy

Great Concert in Dallas

Superpages Center in Dallas is an excellent facility for concerts.  Period.  Oklahoma City would do well to have a venue such as this.  It's an outdoor theater with spectacular seating, large monitors on either side of the stage as well as video monitors for the lawn seating area.  Granted, we have the Ford Center, but it is either too large a venue for some bands and generally, the sound there stinks.

As you can see from the photo (right), there really isn't a bad seat in the house.  The sound is phenomenal and as mentioned, this would be a great facility for the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.  But, hardly likely that such a venue would ever be built because we have far too much invested in the Ford Center.

For my birthday, my wife purchased concert tickets for me to see probably my favorite band of all time, Creed.  Opening for Creed was a new band out of California (Theft) followed by Skillet - a very overtly spiritual band with an amazing sound and incredible chops.  Of course, the headliners were amazing.

You either love Creed or you hate Creed.  Their history is interesting, shocking and somewhat sad.  Scott Stapp (vocals) has had his issues over the years, but after seeing them live, it was clear that this is a man and a band who has seen dark days, stared them down and survived with unsurpassed humility.  The whole concert will be one I won't soon forget and Creed is by far one of the best live bands I have ever seen - and I've seen a lot.

Thank you to my wife, Shawnnessy, for getting these tickets.  And thanks to Theft, Skillet and Creed for putting on an incredible show.

Around Town Labor Day Weekend

Bored?  Looking for something to do?  Believe it or not, there is plenty to do in the great state of Oklahoma.  Here are just a few ideas...

Dove Season Opens.  This is opening weekend of dove season in Oklahoma and if you're a hunter up for a challenge, this could be for you.  Dove hunting isn't like some of the more high-brow game bird hunting such as quail or pheasant.  Dove hunting is a serious challenge as those birds are like rockets with wings when they come in.  It's not a stalk, it's a sit-and-wait game but when they come to you, you had better be ready.  It's a blast (pun intended).

OCCC Arts Festival.  Crafts, art, cars and even some food are available at the Arts Festival at Oklahoma City Community College.  If you've driven I44 on the south side, you've no doubt seen the massive tents that are set up in the parking lot.  From what I understand, it's a big one and a lot of fun too.  Jeff Gullet, a friend of mine and former producer of talk radio on KTOK will be there with his glass art - something you really need to see.  He has an amazing talent. 

Community Walk for Suicide Prevention.  While it may not be as fun as the arts festival or slaying a few dove, there is a very worthwhile cause hosting a walk Saturday morning.  The Out of the Darkness Community Walk for Suicide Prevention takes place tomorrow morning and the weather looks good.  It starts at 8am at the Oklahoma City Zoo.  For more information, go to www.outofthedarkness.org. 

There are three things to keep you busy and out of trouble!

More On The Kelsey Briggs Case

We all remember the sweet face of Kelsey Briggs.  We remember the heartache and the thought of an innocent losing her life at the hands of the abusers.  We also remember public officials fighting over media opportunities as well.

But the stories were confusing, the accusations tough to follow and at the end of the day, Kelsey's mother and step-father were convicted - not of murder, but of something else.

The Oklahoman has ongoing coverage of the case and the most recent story (here) adds fuel to the embers still smoldering over the case.  Raye Dawn Smith, Kelsey's mother, is appealing her conviction and the latest story is that of juror misconduct. 

The stories are compelling and there are plenty of websites out there providing different sides of the stories.  There are some common factors though with other tragic cases and again, you find the Oklahoma Department of Human Services right in the middle of it.

Personally, I find myself convinced that there are a plethora of problems with this case - whether it be the District Attorney's statements leading up to the case or the grandparents involved in the middle of the whole mess, there is something horribly wrong here. 

Was Raye Dawn Smith wrongly convicted?  She was not there when the abuse that led to her daughter's death took place.

Was there a conspiracy against Raye Dawn because DHS had been involved prior?  No one with any functioning brain cells can say that DHS is one of our more effective arms of state government.

Here is a very interesting discussion on a paralegal chat board.

I hope we can find some answers.

Another Platform Explosion

Most mainstream media outlets are reporting on the most recent explosion in the Gulf of Mexico and thus far, reports are that the 13 men on the rig are all accounted for, one injured.

The rig was/is owned by Mariner Energy, and was not a a producing rig at the time of the explosion.

What does this mean?  First, it means that there will be more calls for ceasing exploration and development of energy resources offshore.  Second, it means that the NYMEX has cause to raise crude oil prices once again and lastly, we can expect gasoline prices to edge slightly higher at the pumps.

Happy Labor Day weekend, folks.

We should be thankful no one was killed.

Political Fast...Until After Labor Day

Throughout this campaign season, I have been up to my neck in it and frankly, I've missed too much of what's going on around the house.  Rather than hanging out with the kids and spending some much-needed face-time with them, I have been on the phone with this reporter or that reporter or this candidate or that candidate or this legislator or that legislator...and have missed some pretty interesting happenings in the interim.

Something I swore I wouldn't do again after the last couple campaign cycles.

This is technically the last real weekend of summer, the beginning of the hunting season as we see the dove begin their migration.  Of course, I won't be out in the field doing any hunting myself but many Oklahomans will be loading up their shotguns to down a few of the winged rockets this weekend.  Other Oklahomans will be hanging out at the lake, enjoying a three-day weekend. 

I am supposed to be heading to the Creed concert Friday night and if all goes as planned, it will be a night to remember.  From there, it's meat + fire and just some relaxing time around the house.  May even have the guys over to put together new set lists for the band.

So...I'm taking a break from politics for a few days - I'll be posting some art and entertainment oriented garbage for your reading enjoyment.

Enjoy...

Things I Miss Most

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest was really a blessing in many ways and though the rain can wear one completely slick (not to mention the exceptionally liberal political environment), there is a great deal I miss and pray that my two youngest and my stepchildren can see someday.  Here are just a few of the things I miss...

Family.  I miss my uncles, aunts and I miss my oldest, Matthew.  Haven't met my grandson yet and before I kick the proverbial bucket, would like to see him.

Ocean.  The ocean in Washington is not like what you think - the images of California beaches are just not what the Washington coastline offers.  It too is beautiful, but quite different.  The smell of the salt in the air, watching the fishing boats coming in...it's a different and marvelously refreshing visage.

Seafood.  I miss Ivar's Clam Chowder, fresh flounder and of course, the smoked salmon. 

The mountains.  Seattle is nestled between two mountain ranges and just a short drive away from the epicenter of urban life, you can find yourself surrounded by massive evergreen trees and be at the base of one of the most amazing mountains in the country - Mt. Rainier.

Pike Place Market.  You've seen the commercials of the fish throwers, no doubt, but I worked at the Market growing up for a short time and the fresh vegetables, the fresh fish and the shops therein are not only a tourist "must," but they are a staple of life in Seattle. 

Pioneer Square.  Clubs, coffee shops and turn-of-the-century architecture makes the whole environment at Pioneer Square breath-taking. 

Seattle Seahawks.  'Nuff said.

I love Oklahoma, don't get me wrong.  This is a magnificent place to raise a family, to work as well as a great place to hunt.  There's just something about the Pacific Northwest, however, that I miss very much.

Bush Beats Obama In Louisiana. Whodathunkit?

As the anniversary of Katrina comes and goes, there's some interesting surveying going on out there in Creole Country...

An excerpt:

As the five year anniversary again summons up memories of Katrina's devastation of the Gulf Coast, Louisiana voters are giving higher marks to former President George Bush for handling of the storm's aftermath and dealing with crisis than they do for President Obama's handling of the BP oil spill, according to a Public Policy Polling survey conducted Aug. 21-22.

Read the rest for yourself.

Where's Mary? She's over there...

Public Itinerary for Mary Fallin: 8/30 – 9/4
The public itinerary for Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate Mary Fallin is below. Please contact Communications Director Alex Weintz at Alex@MaryFallin.org or at 405-535-7317 to request an interview, to acquire photos or for other information.


• Monday, August 30: Perry, Ponca City, Medford, Cherokee

• Perry Public Meet and Greet

• 9 AM

• Ditch Witch Atrium, 1959 W Fir Street, Perry

• Mary will be attending a public meet and greet to talk with supporters and Perry residents

• Dorada Poultry Grand Opening

• 11:00 AM

• City Hall, 516 East Grand Avenue, Ponca City

• Mary will be attending the grand opening ceremony of Dorada Poultry to celebrate their beginning in the Ponca City community

• Ponca City Rotary Luncheon

• 12:00 PM

• 2301 N 14th Street, Ponca City

• Mary will be attending and speaking the Ponca City Rotary luncheon

• Medford Public Meet and Greet

• 2:00 PM

• City of Medford Building, 615 N Front, Medford

• Mary will be attending a public meet and greet to talk with supporters and Medford residents

• Cherokee Public Meet and Greet

• 4:00 PM

• Cherokee City County Library, 123 N Grand, Cherokee

• Mary will be attending a public meet and greet to talk with supporters and Cherokee residents


Tuesday, August 31: Okemah

• Okfuskee County GOP Meeting

• 6:30 PM

• Brickstreet Café, 104 S 2nd, Okemah

• Mary will be attend and speak at the Okfuskee County GOP meeting


Thursday, September 2: Edmond, OKC

• Edmond Republican Women Headquarters Grand Opening

• 10:00 AM

• 3409 Broadway Extension Suite 600, Edmond

• Mary will be attending the Edmond GOP Women HQ grand opening

• Tour KIPP Reach College Preparatory School

• 11:30 AM

• 1901 NE 13th St, OKC

• Mary will tour KIPP reach and meet teachers and students in their classrooms


Friday, September 3: Coalgate, Tishomingo

• Coalgate Meet and Greet

• 12:30 PM

• Community Center, 1 East Post St., Coalgate

• Mary will be attending a public meet and greet to talk with supporters and Coalgate residents

• Tishomingo Meet and Greet

• 3:00 PM

• Johnston County Library, 116 West Main Street, Tishomingo

• Mary will be attending a public meet and greet to talk with supporters and Johnston County residents



Saturday, September 4: Elk City, Norma

• PRCA Rodeo of Champions Parade in Elk City
• 2:00 PM
• Downtown Elk City (7th and Main)
• Mary will be marching in the rodeo parade

• OU vs. Utah State
• 6:00 PM Norman, Oklahoma
• Owen Field, Norman, Oklahoma

• Mary will be attending the game (the Fallin for Governor tailgate will be at Jenkins and Lindsey)

Dave White Hosts 2nd Amendment/Veteran's M&G

My good friend and fellow Navy Veteran, Dave White, is hosting a Meet & Greet this Thursday at 6:30pm at his house in Deer Creek to talk about issues important to veterans and 2nd Amendment supporters. 

Dave is a Naval Academy graduate with an economics degree (gee, kinda helpful with the economy being what it is), a Navy SEAL officer, decorated Desert Storm Veteran, a business owner who is debt-free and has a patent to his name.  Dave has been, and will continue to be, a champion of the 2nd Amendment and unlike other candidates for public office, actually knows which end of the barrel to hold.

I support Dave - not because I don't like any of the other candidates, of course - because he is probably one of the most qualified candidates we've seen running for the 5th District in ages.  His record of leadership is unmatched and with some of the garbage we're facing right now in this nation, we need someone who not only talks about the issues, but has solutions that he himself has lived and proven that can and will work. 

If you're available, you should come by this Thursday evening and meet him and his wife, Lisa (who was a reserve officer in the Air Force).  I make no bones about the fact that I am supporting and working with Dave on his campaign for Congress because when you strip away all the hyperbole, the campaign rhetoric and the partisan pabulum, you realize that Dave is the guy we need to send to DC.

What A Weekend.

My daughter's 13th birthday, my birthday, a candidate forum, friends from out of town and the Back To School Blues Jam all came bearing down over the weekend.  And it was all a phenomenal success.

My lovely daughter, Madison, is now 13 years old and it is amazing to watch how she has become so mature and caring.  She is truly incredible and is so in spite of the fact that I am her father.  She was born the day before my birthday and is the best birthday present any father could ever ask for.

Then, it was my birthday and my awesome wife not only busted her rear getting the Back To School Blues Jam off without a hitch, but she got me tickets to see my favorite band in the world...Creed.  Will be seeing them this weekend.  Absolutely amazing!

Went to a candidate forum at the Oklahoma History Center with my friend, Dave White, and he knocked it out of the park.  It was a sight to behold, I tell you.

The Back To School Jam went exceptionally well, raising almost $700 for the Hugs Project - and there were lots of folks who donated items to send to our troops.  It was a blessing to have the opportunity to play a little music, but really focus on the men and women who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms.  Thank-you to Pat Paradise for donating her property for the event, to Ruth Ann and her husband for coming out and representing the Hugs Project, to all the volunteers who help set up and tear down the gear and of course, to everyone who attended and donated.

Dave White Completes Biz Move

From Dave White's press release:

(EDMOND, OK) -- Independent conservative candidate for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District finalized the relocation of his company, Laminating Services, Inc., from its Florida location to its new home in Central Oklahoma. White explained that the process, though long and tedious, has been worth the effort.


“Anyone who has owned a business understands the importance of location and accessibility to infrastructure,” said White. “For over a year now, I’ve been developing plans for a new facility in Central Oklahoma that meets my company’s needs in both location and distribution networks. The timing is perfect.”

Laminating Services, Incorporated (LSI) is a company founded by White in 1992 with a simple idea: To create laminated maps that fold easily. Having been a Navy SEAL, White developed a process that allows articles and maps to fold flat and today, White is named on the patent for the process. White’s experience as a Navy SEAL and as a business owner makes him uniquely qualified to run for Congress—he thrives on the pressure related to both.

“When the voters of the 5th District take a long, hard look at the candidates for Congress in November, they will see some very stark contrasts,” said White. “Being a business owner responsible for profit and loss statements, taxes, equipment and making payroll is not an easy task in this economy but I have done it successfully. I can, and will, take my experience and record of leadership to Congress.”

Relocating LSI in the midst of a campaign was no easy task and required flexibility and the passion to stay on task and accomplish difficult goals. White believes it underscores his credibility as a candidate for Congress.

“Think about it: I have a degree in economics from the United States Naval Academy. I am an entrepreneur with a patent to my name. I am a former Navy SEAL officer and Desert Storm veteran,” said White. “Relocating my business to Central Oklahoma took planning, strategy and desire. I accomplished all of this while spending time with my six children and my amazing wife, maintained my F1 Rocket aircraft, redesigned my hangar and am running for Congress. When elected to Congress, dealing with the bureaucrats and special interests therein will be a challenge, but nothing I can’t handle decisively.”
The successful history and transformation of Laminating Services, Inc. can be found at http://www.laminatingservicesinc.com/. It is the fulfillment of the “American Dream.”

Dave White's campaign website is located HERE.
 
Note:  Yeah, I'm working with Dave - and I'm damned proud to be doing so.  I like both conservative candidates for CD5, but clearly, Dave is the dude.

August 24th - Much More Than A Runoff

My mother would have been 65 today, but she died of cancer at the at of 33 over thirty years ago and days like today make it seem like yesterday.  I was 14, on the downhill slide to the ripe old age of 15, when she died and as I look back at my life thus far, I can see how the loss at such an impressionable age has impacted my decisions and some of the choices I have made.  Some good, some horrific.

I don't blame her death for my bad behavior and the silly things I've done, but there is no doubt that the loss has greatly influenced who I am - rather, the loss and how I dealt with that loss has greatly influenced who I am.

Today is also the runoff election.  The two GOP candidates have spent the last week giving us just what we've come to expect from runoff elections in Oklahoma.  A bunch of he said/she said garbage that at the end of the day leaves the voters less educated about the candidates and how they would deal with the important issues facing Oklahomans right now. 

If my mother were still alive, she would have been ashamed of "both those boys."

I am still befuddled as to whom I will vote for as I enter the polling place for this runoff, but I am darned sure whom I will vote for in November.

Woke up this morning and mom was the first thing on my mind today.  How she would have taken me to the woodshed countless times over the past thirty years, how she was truly a rock in my life - a consistent source of love and admonishment when I needed it most (but often when I liked it least).  She had an amazing way of letting slide the things that truly didn't matter much, but accentuating the issues of importance in a way that drove home the underlying truth and reality of the situation.

I guess it's a "mom" thing. 

She's missed and will be until I get to meet her on the other side.  In the meantime, we have some voting to do, I suppose.

Odd Company

Since the Brogdon/Fallin war left Mary Fallin the victor, there have been numerous questions about where the volunteers would end up hanging their hats.  There was even some banter about whether or not some of the Brogdonites would end up supporting Jari Askins in her race against Congresswoman Fallin.

**Ran into one former Brogdonite at Crest who was clearly in the Pruitt camp.

**Heard from another Brogdon supporter who was so angry, he's putting together a "Republicans for Jari" group - or at least he was threatening to do so. 

**My friend Cheryl Williams who was arguably one of the most staunch supporters of Randy Brogdon is now touting the efficacy of the Lankford machine...which is very interesting because Randy and James are not exactly on the same page politically, but are both Baptists, I believe.

**A handful of others have already decided to throw their support behind my friend and conservative Independent, Dave White in the OK5 general.

This general election cycle will be one for the record books and whether they realize it or not, the supporters of Randy Brogdon will have a lot to say about who gets elected.  While Randy was beaten by Mary Fallin, let's not forget that it cost her $1.9 million to do so.

But then again, what do I know?