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The 5th District Fur Is Flyin'

Kevin Calvey and James Lankford are taking off the gloves and putting on lighter gloves (not bare-fisted yet) and taking some shots at each other and the blogosphere, social networking pages and even the Edmond Sun are chiming in on the slap-fight. 

From the Edmond Sun (article here):

“We as a company do not have a problem when persons pull quotes from articles that we have reported in our newspaper and attribute them to us when they are verbatim. What we report becomes part of the public record,” said Steve Paterson, Edmond Sun publisher. “We as a company do have a problem, when they are used out of context and used to make a point or argument, which is not based on the information reported.

“What Mr. Calvey’s campaign has done is just that in two different incidences. They have structured quotes from our newspaper and interlaced their comments and thoughts then placed it on the postcard in such a way as to purport that this was a report made by The Edmond Sun. One has to just look at the dates the articles were published and review the stories to see that what was printed on the postcards is not what was published in our newspaper,” Paterson said.

“We want to assure our readers who will be voting in the Republican runoff that these were not quotes from this newspaper and do not in anyway reflect the opinion of this newspaper. We encourage our readers who will be participating in the Republican runoff to examine all the facts about the two candidates before they enter the polls,” he said. “One more thing I want to be totally clear on, we have never said in print that James Lankford is not ready to serve in Congress. That decision is made by individuals expressing their freedom to vote at the polls. They will always be the ones who will make that determination.”

The Sun attempted to get a direct comment Wednesday morning from Calvey on the issue but was deferred to Trebor Worthen of the Calvey campaign after The Sun left a message on Calvey’s cell phone.

From the McCarville Report (article here):

The battle escalated earlier this week as Calvey mounted his attack on Lankford, sending a postcard message to voters claiming Lankford disrespected his military record, a line that apparently has become Calvey's closer in his campaign.


Lankford released a statement in which he said Calvey "invented a story" as a straw man and is guilty of "deception."

Lankford's strongly-worded critique of Calvey came as their battle entered its final week.

McCarville quotes the Lankford "note" on Facebook where Lankford tells his faithful to "stay positive," but then goes on to rip Calvey himself.  From the Facebook note:

“If you do not have good character in Oklahoma, you will not gain better character when you go to Washington. Clearly, Kevin Calvey has demonstrated that he is willing to deceive the voters of the 5th District in order to gain a seat in Congress. If he will deceive us now for his personal gain, what will he do in Washington DC.?”

My question is how do either of these guys expect to survive Washington if they can't handle this little bit of heat.

No doubt, Calvey completely misinterpreted the Edmond Sun article in question and Lankford's statements but rather than do what the Scriptures would require of these two "good, Christian men" (If your brother sins against you, go to him...), they both use statements for political gain.  Calvey takes personally what Lankford supposedly said in an article, distorts it, and then goes after Lankford rather than simply calling him on the phone and simply asking, "What was your intention?" 

Lankford, the former Falls Creek Program Director, does exactly the same thing - rather than just calling Kevin on the telephone and asking him why he would do that and then go public with whatever response he received, he tries to portray himself as a victim  and uses it for political gain.  All the while, telling his flock to "be positive" while ripping Calvey a new one - very much a status quo political tactic.

Remember:  It is Lankford who is campaigning as a Christian man of high moral character...

Calvey believed early on that Lankford was "attacking" him by his statements in the March Edmond Sun article and simply waited until now to come forward with it.  Lankford, on the other hand, probably knew this was coming and was just waiting to paint himself as a victim.

On Tuesday, this mess comes to a close and the real race begins.  If you want to know why I'm supporting Dave White, just take a step back and look at this disaster and you'll understand.

 

Update: Ersland Trial Is On

The Oklahoman is reporting (again) that the update is Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater will, in fact, continue with the trial against Jerome Ersland.

Read the story and watch the video here.

Ersland Case...Charges To Be Dropped?

The Oklahoman reported today that Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater is re-evaluated the medical evidence on the Jerome Ersland case and that there is a distinct possibility that charges may be dropped.

Story is found here.

Ersland was charged after a group of thugs entered his pharmacy and he shot one, chased the others out of his location, came back, grabbed another gun and pumped more lead in the thug who was down from a shot to the head.  Ersland was charged with 1st degree murder.

Enter:  The Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office.

The ME's office is a train wreck and as the story from the Oklahoman indicates, there are massive problems over there and it should be a priority for the state legislature this next session and we need voices to speak up.  Justice cannot be served when the system is prostituted and the very office created to review evidence from an objective standpoint fails to do what it was intended to do.

It's time to replace the whole lot of them.

What To Do With $2.7 Million?

According to the McCarville Report, Congresswoman Mary Fallin has raised a whopping $2.7 million in her race to be Oklahoma's first female governor and there is more money to come her way before it's all over with.

She presently has about $800,000 cash on hand, which should be just enough to cover the recent acquisition of American Majority's Trait Thompson, an A&M alum. But in all seriousness, Mary's opponent, Lt. Governor Jari Askins, has shown that she's not a bit afraid to cash in her chips and invest in her own campaign.

Which brings up another question - why would anyone frown upon a candidate willing to spend his/her own money on a campaign? In my estimation, many of the regular donors to campaigns are wore slick from the primaries. Energy companies and their executives were hammered by Thompson and Calvey as well as Fallin during the primaries and there is only so much revenue to go around.

Fallin has never had difficulty raising money for any of her campaigns and it is not unreasonable to expect that before November 2nd, Fallin will have had about $4 million in her coffers for this political seat. Will it be enough to beat Jari Askins? It's anyones guess but I have learned recently that Jari has taken a very different approach to campaigning...she was seen at the Watermelon Festival this week and the talk is that she's knocking doors with her team, precinct by precinct as she hits the events.
This is going to be fun to watch.

Support Jones for Auditor

Gary Jones and I go way back.  I met him the first time when I was on the air with the legendary first lady of Oklahoma radio, Carole Arnold on the station formerly known as KOMA 1520.  Gary and I have not agreed on everything political, neither have we agreed about how campaigns are to be run.  But there is one thing we do agree upon - that he would make an exceptional State Auditor and Inspector.

The Governor's appointee to the post hasn't really screwed anything up and in Oklahoma, that goes a long way, but the fact is that it was Gary who has consistently uncovered corruption and misuse of government resources. 

There are Republicans and Democrats alike who have grown sick and tired of the oligarchy in Oklahoma running the show and misusing taxpayer dollars and this November, people will be shocked at how Gary will have received bi-partisan support.

I highly recommend you take a long, hard look at Gary Jones for State Auditor.  It's not one of the "sexy" campaigns to be involved with, but it is an important one.

Gary's website.

The Endorsement That Explains It All

The Oklahoman has endorsed James Lankford and it should really come as no surprise.  The following statements say it all (emphasis, mine):

Last year, Calvey took a position on MAPS 3, joining an anti-progress chorus that failed to defeat the initiative. Calvey was on the wrong side of the issue and it was ill-advised for a congressional candidate to take any stand on MAPS 3.

Lankford believes local political issues should be left to local leaders and citizens, while a member of Congress concerns himself with national and international affairs. He appears well-versed on the major issues of our day and could become an excellent, hardworking congressman. The last leg of his journey from Falls Creek to Congress starts with the runoff against another good candidate. The Oklahoman recommends that Republicans choose Lankford and set the stage for his victory in November.

As I have said, the minute Lankford hired the Thompson team of SAGAC, he became the darling of the Chamber crowd and his reputation of being an "outsider" ceased to exist.

This endorsement comes from the same people who supported Jim Roth - a man who had no experience in the energy sector whatsoever, but was appointed to the Corporation Commission by Governor Brad Henry. 

Read the rest of the endorsement here.

Friday Freedom Moment of Zen

One of the greatest rock songs ever written and performed...

Where's Jari?

Jari Askins surprised pundits by defeating the uber-powerful Drew Edmondson in the Democratic gubernatorial primary but now, she has vanished into the Bermuda Triangle of politics.  Daily messages on social networking sites have all but vanished, and it's leaving people wondering just what happened to our Lt. Governor.

Conversely, Congresswoman Mary Fallin has been on the airwaves, sending out press releases and has even taken a shot at Jari Askins and her record on concealed carry - painting her as an anti-gun candidate.  In the press release questioning Askins' record, there is a statement about the Lt. Governor's Turkey Hunt, implying perhaps that Askins hasn't supported or participated.  It's false, of course, but Jari never responded.

So, if you see Jari Askins anywhere, remind her that she is running for Governor.  It appears as though she may have forgotten.

Calvey Cash

Target of bloggers and the mainstream media alike, Kevin Calvey, has finally caught a break from the Oklahoman wherein the headline reads:

Kevin Calvey Has Major Cash Advantage Over James Lankford In Congressional Runoff.

Calvey has a lot more cash on hand and many are asking questions as to why he hasn't been using it up in widespread media coverage, responding to attacks from Lankford's supports.  Well, part of the answer could be that his wife just had a baby last week and contrary to popular belief, that takes up more than just a little bit of time and emotional effort.

As I have stated previously, Calvey wants this job and his campaign team wants this win more than just about any other in recent history so don't expect him to end the runoff with cash left over.

Stand by...

The Show Must and Will Go On

Hot weather, sickness, equipment issues and other maladies have crossed the path of those of us putting together the Back to School Blues Jam and Wail, but nonetheless...the show will go on August 28th, Paradise Farm.  Sometimes, there are things bigger than the mere individual, the collective good as it were and the Blues Jam and Wail will benefit the Hugs Project of Oklahoma.

The Hugs Project sends care packages to our troops and have these really fascinating cooling wraps they send to the men and women in the heat of the Middle East.  There are many non-profits working to help our men and women of the Armed Forces and the Hugs Project clearly stands out as one of the finest.

There will be musical guests including an incredible acoustic set with a good friend of mine, Tink and his cohort, the band we've put together (Blackened Blues Band) will play and then, it's an open jam for all to be a part of and we even have a massive karaoke system too.  We'll have hot dogs, plenty of shade and all you're required to bring is yourselves, your lawn chairs, beverage of choice and a few bucks to donate to the Hugs Project.  Also, I'll be posting a list of "need" items that the Hugs Project needs donated to send to our troops. 

We've been through a lot here in Oklahoma over the last couple years and it is important to note that it is nothing contrasted with what our troops are facing each and every day in the Middle East.

It's FREE.  It's FUN and it is required attendance for all who appreciate amateur musicians and great fellowship.  If you'd like to volunteer or get involved, send me a message here.

Tough Economy For Oklahoma Outfitters

The economy has turned tough for many Oklahomans and this is why so many political candidates are talking about job creation.  One of the toughest hit industries in Oklahoma has been, and continues to be, tourism.  If you notice, you'll find many advertisements on Oklahoma television stations for Branson, Vegas and even Wyoming - many of the deals struck between Chambers of Commerce to ensure a steady flow of tourism revenues streaming through our state.

But the truth of the matter is that for hunters, we have some of the finest hunting available in the country, we're just not doing a good job promoting it.

Oklahomans come from a hearty stock of hunters and anglers and in many cases, the tradition has been passed down from generation to generation.  But with the down-turn in the economy, many hunters and anglers have been selective about spending their hard-earned money and in some cases, have gone for the sexy Wyoming or Alaska hunting trips where the appeal of the exotic supersedes the inward desire to support that which is local.

I can honestly say that I have only been on one trip outside the state of Oklahoma and that was a pronghorned antelope hunt in Marfa, Texas with Ted Nugent.  It was purchased as a gift and "Bob" the antelope is usually displayed with a great deal of pride on my wall.  But what I am truly most proud of are the numerous hunts I went on right here in the great state of Oklahoma.

Killed a Corsican ram at Chain Ranch in Canton.

Killed doe and dove at J&J Ranch in Arnett. 

Killed a nice buck on a lease in Commanche.

Slayed dove and quail in Altus.

Grilled a doe from Honobia Creek.

Slaughtered a monster hog at No Mercy in Gracemont.

Shot my first feral hog with a bow in Binger.

Turkey hunted with the PVA in Miami, Oklahoma.

And the list goes on...

Oklahomans are encouraged to spend their dollars in the state of Oklahoma.  We have some of the best hunting and angling in the country right here, all within a reasonable driving distance. 

Together, we can save our outfitters.

Charlie Meadows Defends Calvey

From the OCPAC email today (emphasis, mine)...

Early on, Kevin Calvey was the front-runner in the 5th District Congressional race. Talking with Kevin months ago, he indicated he knew he would be attacked, he just didn’t know from how many directions the attacks would come.

I have believed for some time that the Oklahoman would be against Kevin. In my opinion, the multiple news articles in Sunday’s Oklahoman regarding Kevin was just the start of a subtle effort to raise doubts in the minds of voters regarding Calvey. Particularly the totally irrelevant article about stopping to help a vagrant in a driving rain storm near a park known to be a bee hive of activity for homosexuals and the fact that the vagrant told Kevin about a dead body in a vacant building… yada, yada, yada.

Here is the deal, Mark Shannon asked Kevin on air during the controversial debate regarding Maps III if he supported the extension of the sales tax? Kevin’s answer was no because he believed that during a recession, the citizens could best benefit from a tax cut. I am of the opinion, that Clay Bennett, a member of the family who owns the Oklahoman, is probably out there urging the business community to oppose Calvey and support James Lankford for Congress. It is also my understanding that former Mayor Kirk Humphreys is going to host a fund raiser for James Lankford. If that information is correct, you couldn’t have a better picture of the central planning establishment working to capture the ear and service of Lankford and thus begin their efforts to be served by a Congressman.

Even though OCPAC endorsed Kevin Calvey, I have had a great deal of respect for James Lankford and the campaign he has conducted. Up until now, his campaign has primarily been financed by people who have never before contributed to political races. He has truly brought a whole new group of people into the process, at least to a deeper level of commitment than just being a voter.

I know how seductive these powerful central planners can be and am very concerned as to whether or not James can be independent with their support should he win? Will he have the ability to say no when they want some pork for a pet project? Will James continue to care about excessive spending and huge deficits? This is where is gets really tough to be in elected office.

During the debate on Maps III, all of the then known candidates were against the proposition except Mike Thompson who told me he had a strong opinion but wouldn’t dare share it with anyone and James Lankford who wouldn’t say if he were against or for the measure as he didn’t believe a person in Congress should interject himself into local matters. I always struggled with that answer as I don’t believe that to be leadership. I suspect James’ answer was partly determined based on advice from a political consultant. Real leadership will always get out front and lead. Kevin did that and now is at risk from those special interests who may be the primary beneficiaries from the extension of the sales tax.

This run-off election could go either way, so please consider these perspectives and consider as to why the Oklahoman may not support Kevin Calvey. It is all the more reason for me to want to support Kevin as I believe he is not the candidate of what I might suggest are the OKC central planners.

Charlie has a number of good points here...

Lankford Love-In Continues, Jett Joins In

Attacks on Kevin Calvey mount and at the same time and at the same pace, James Lankford is racking up the endorsements.  Today, he added another...State Representative Shane Jett.

From the McCarville Report:

Jett said today, "On August 24th, voters have the opportunity to choose the republican nominee who will likely become our next U.S. Congressman. That day, Ana and I will be voting for James Lankford. Throughout the campaign and today, James has had only one interest in mind: to serve the residents of the 5th Congressional District.

"James has been truthful about his work experience, transparent about his motivations and never misled anyone about his professional background. With James, what you see is what you get. His sincerity, honesty and candor gives me confidence to say unequivocally and emphatically that James Lankford is the best choice for this Republican run off on August 24th. For me and my family, it comes down to one fundamental ingredient: character and more to the point integrity. My wife, Ana, and I hope you join us in supporting James Lankford with your vote, your finances and your volunteer time."

Not exactly what the Calvey campaign was expecting, I'm sure.  Calvey has been hit and hit hard by the ongoing reports in the Oklahoman and it is bordering on the bizarre.  And the fact that two legislators with whom he worked endorsing Calvey's opponent tells me that there is something horribly amiss that the average Joe like you and I are not aware of at this point.

And I don't care what anyone says, the timing for the Oklahoman stories are suspect at best.

More to follow...

The (Calvey) Hits Just Keep Coming

It started (sort of) in the primary with Rick Flanigan taking shots at Calvey for his violation of DOD directives by using his uniform in ads and Calvey survived.  Now that Lankford is the darling of the media in the run-off, Calvey is under attack yet again by the Oklahoman.

Lankford responded quickly to alleged robo-calls that have been rumored to be sent out in Northwest Oklahoma City and he did so quickly, making himself appear like a victim right off the bat and it is a brilliant political tactic.  Voters immediately feel sorry for him and it has Calvey's team scrambling to deny that they have any part in the calls.  [Read McCarville's Report on this one.]

In what is rumored to be "just the beginning" in attacks from the Oklahoman, Calvey's campaign contributions have been called into question and it all points to an equity firm run by Calvey's brother.  [Read the story here.]

Lankford has thus far campaigned as an "outsider," but he has a plethora of insiders working with his campaign and hiring the Thompson team has clearly benefited him financially and now with attacks on his opponent.  The interests of the Oklahoman are very much that which the business group supporting Thompson did as well.  More than likely, the never thought Lankford would make the run-off and that Thompson would face Calvey where thousands of dollars would be spent to defeat him.

Lankford is now their "guy."  And when special interests adopt one candidate over another who has more experience in business, you have to ask yourself why.  

But will Lankford get a "free pass?"  Will the Oklahoman call into question Lankford's experience?  His record?  Many Lankford supporters thought he was/is the CEO at Falls Creek, rather that Program Director.  Will the Oklahoman or Tulsa World take a look at some of the contributions for Lankford?  Probably not.  It doesn't serve their interests to do so.

But you can expect Calvey's team to fight back.  They don't like losing and they will hit back and when they do, it won't be pretty.  While the mainstream media is jumping on the Lankford bandwagon and ignoring the real questions of qualifications, the Calvey team will level the playing field and they have the money to do it.  If there is any dirt on Lankford, expect it to be revealed in the next 10 days.

My Predictions For OK5

I've been bombarded with emails and questions regarding the 5th District GOP race and to be honest, not sure what to think at this point.  Many have asked my opinion on the runoff and thought that I would give my analysis here, rather than answer every email individually.

Sorry.

James Lankford is right now the media darling.  He's "new" and fresh and though his talking points are not much different than his opponent, his use of social networking as well as the emotional database (not LITERAL database) from Falls Creek are a big help to his campaign.  Being a stalwart in the Baptist Convention doesn't hurt one bit either.  He has amassed quite the list when it comes to political insiders working for his campaign that range from SAGAC (formerly with Mike Thompson) to Neva Hill.  James will have to be more aggressive in radio and television and Mike Huckabee spots won't be enough to put him over the top.  There have been rumors flying around that State Senator Randy Brogdon may endorse him and if that's the case, he brings with him an army of activists who are eager to serve and put their efforts into a "fresh" voice.

Kevin Calvey, on the other hand is aggressive and has, in my opinion, been preparing for this race at this time for the last four years.  I've heard that he has even been out to Washington to look at real estate.  Calvey wants this job and believes he is the right guy for the job.  His campaign team has the reputation of doing whatever necessary to get their guys in office and this race will be no exception.  They don't like to lose and the loss to Lankford in the primary has got to have them up at arms right now.  But, how do they go after Lankford who is perceived by many to be the 2nd coming of the Apostle Paul himself?

Very carefully.

Right now, Lankford has to do two things to win:  First, he has to develop a campaign war chest and buy much more traditional television and radio and even some print.  The message has to be laser-focused on his goals for the office and how he intends to do what he says.  Second, he is going to have to show that he can reach out to the non-Baptists. 

Calvey can win too, but he's going to have to get his hands dirty a little bit.  He's going to have to provide stark contrast between he and Lankford and do so in a positive way that isn't perceived as negative.  Lankford has already shown that he has relatively thin skin because just the rumor of a "push poll" sent the press releases flying and even blogger Mike McCarville picked up the story that Lankford thought it to be deceptive.  Calvey will have to push harder at the grass roots level, knocking doors and his people are no rookies where grass roots campaigning is concerned - Trebor Worthen, working for the firm handling Calvey is also on the state GOP "Victory" committee and is involved in the well known House PAC for the state house of representatives.  They know how to go district by district and get people to support their candidates at the doorstep.

The new Calvey ad provides a bit of a contrast between Calvey and Lankford, but he's going to have to do better than that, present a stronger message.  And Rick Flanigan is applying some pressure on the DOD regulations on Calvey's non-stop use of his uniform in all of his ads.

But then again, what do I know?  I'm just a former talk show host, a blogger, media consultant and marginally functional guitar player...

Finally Friday

There is far too much going on in the political world than I care to even begin to discuss. So, instead, here's a little moment of Friday Musical Zen for you.

Sales Tax Holiday Starts Friday

It's back to school and that means time to load up on gear for the kids.  Whether it be pencils and pens or some new clothing items, this weekend looks to be a busy retail weekend for Oklahoma business owners.

And it is much needed in this tough economy.

During the sales tax break, most clothing items and shoes under $100 are tax-free and it isn't optional for retailers - they are required to participate.

These days, clothing is not cheap and I've actually seen shoes that retail well over the $100 threshold.  But there is no way in hell my kids are getting shoes that expensive.  Unless the shoes can do algebra and fold laundry, there is no casual shoe worth $100.