Friday, March 30, 2007

Moore American: Lawmakers react to Governor's budget veto

Governor Brad Henry’s veto of a $7 billion budget deal drew praise from two Cleveland County Democrats.

For Rep. Bill Nations, D-Norman, the budget deal and its subsequent veto were a good example of the Legislature’s cumbersome nature. “This is my ninth year here,” Nations said. “And whether it’s policy issues or budget issues, there’s a process involved. It’s often cumbersome; in fact, almost always. There are checks and balances.”

Rep. Wallace Collins, D-Norman, said he was proud of Henry’s veto and “encouraged the governor to do so” in a letter he sent to Henry earlier this week. “While I originally voted for the bill, I thought there were many things left out,” Collins said. “Not knowing the future, I voted ‘yes’ but I held my nose doing it.”

Collins said the measure contained several problems, including a $5 million funding shortage for the Norman Veterans Center. “They have problems with water seepage, mold and outdated technology,” he said. “And their pay rate is too low. They have a high turnover rate which prevents veterans from getting top quality care. These issues need to be addressed, and vetoing the bill would be the way to take care of them.”

Read the full story.

It’s A Race for Money

As the first quarter for presidential hopefuls’ fundraising comes to a close tomorrow at midnight, Democrats hoping for the party nomination are all out to make sure the voting public knows they’re serious.

Calls for action on websites, emails sent to supporters on mailing lists, and telephone calls have been made by the candidates asking for monetary support.
“As we approach March 31, when campaigns have to file their quarterly fund-raising reports, the press and pundits start to obsess over the chase for money,” Senator Barack Obama said in an e-mail appeal that went out to potential donors on Thursday. He added, “I’m asking you to stand up and be counted — will you make a donation now?”
Since states are moving up primaries to gain attention from the hopefuls, the campaigns are forced to spend more money on staff, offices and preparing for huge television advertising budgets.

Just as campaigns have turned to grassroots methods of gaining support, they have also used this strategy to aid in fundraising. By reaching out to donors with smaller budgets, they are able to give many more supporters a chance to donate, and although they may not be able to afford the $2,300 per person private fundraisers, they have proved to be helpful to each of the campaigns.

“This Saturday is our first major test – our first end-of-quarter fundraising deadline is midnight March 31. The pundits will use the number we report to measure our campaign’s commitment to long-term success,” Bill Richardson’s website states. “We need to send a clear message that we won’t back down and have resources for the long haul.”

For more information on donating to your favorite presidential hopeful’s campaign, visit their website. There is an opportunity to donate immediately to help reach first quarter goals, and also an address where you can send a check, which will not count for the initial quarter.


--Lacey Earls

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Dean: "President Bush Should Keep His Word On Katrina Funding"

Today the Senate passed Iraq legislation to change course in the war. Democrats included a provision that would waive the 10 percent federal match requirement for areas devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and provide $1.3 billion in funding for levee repair. Unfortunately, President Bush has decided to use divisive rhetoric promising to veto the funding and refusing to waive the match requirement which has been waived in previous disaster situations.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement:
"Democrats are fulfilling our promises to make the Gulf Coast recovery effort a priority and doing what President Bush should have done in the first place. President Bush should stand with the people of the Gulf Coast and support this important funding that addresses the needs of our American families who remain homeless and displaced. President Bush's refusal to help the people of the Gulf Coast rebuild their lives and his decision to be combative will not accomplish anything. These are our fellow Americans and the President should put aside his harsh partisan rhetoric and do what's right for families in the Gulf Coast. Furthermore, he should once and for all honor the promises that he has made by leading the federal effort to help rebuild the Gulf Coast."
Democratic Caucus Chair Calls for an End to “Name Calling” and a Start to Renewed Budget Negotiations

Less than fifteen minutes after Governor Brad Henry and the House Democratic Caucus announced the veto of a $6.87 billion dollar spending package, supporters of the spending proposal began what Democratic House Leaders described as “childish name calling.”

The comments were made Wednesday afternoon during a press conference criticizing the Governor for using his veto authority and the House Democrats’ declaration that the 44-member caucus would vote to sustain the veto of much of HB 1234.

“The Governor and House Democrats have criticized the process, we’ve criticized the policy, but we have not stooped to name-calling of those we believe crafted a flawed budget bill,” said Democratic Caucus Chairman, Ryan McMullen. “We are about to embark upon a renewed round of budget negotiations. I can scarcely think of anything more detrimental to the negotiations process than firing cheap shots at those you’re about to have to sit down and negotiate with.”

“The time for selling their budget is over,” said McMullen, D-Burns Flat. “Yesterday’s announcement puts HB 1234 behind us. Despite their claims and as evidenced by its failure at this point in the legislative process, this proposal was not a legitimate bi-partisan agreement.”

“An agreement by definition would indicate all parties agree. That is clearly not the case. We simply do not believe that it adequately addresses the priorities of education and public safety,” said McMullen. “The Senate and House Republicans should move past the defeat of their budget proposal, and begin meeting with the remaining leadership to craft a truly bi-partisan budget agreement.”

“We have half the session remaining, but the clock is ticking,” said McMullen. “Folks need to quit the whining, quit the name-calling, roll up their sleeves and get to work.”
BOREN ANNOUNCES TOWN HALL SCHEDULE FOR APRIL

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The public is invited to join U.S. Congressman Dan Boren at town hall meetings across the Second District during Congress's April district work period:


Monday, April 2, 2007

12 to 1 p.m. - Grove Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Cowskin Prairie Restaurant & Motel (26301 S. 655 Road)

2 to 3:30 p.m. - Vinita Chamber of Commerce Town Hall Meeting

Vinita City Hall, Council Room (104 E. Illinois)

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Pryor Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Pryor Elk's Lodge

Monday, April 9, 2007

9 to 10 a.m. - Muldrow Town Hall Meeting

City Hall (100 S. Main)

12 - 1 p.m. - Roland Town Hall Meeting

Roland Nutrition Center / City Hall (801 S. Roland Road)
Dean On Senate Democrats' Passage Of A New Direction For Iraq

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the passage of the Iraq supplemental spending bill in the U.S. Senate:

“The Democratic Congress has done its job, and it’s now up to the President to support a new direction in Iraq. Democrats are providing support for our troops and resources for our veterans. This bill also sets a date certain for the redeployment of our forces to better fight terrorism. Our country can no longer afford an open-ended commitment to keep our troops in the middle of a civil war.”

Wednesday, March 28, 2007


Governor vetoes bulk of 2008 spending bill


The Oklahoman's Jim Lange penned the cartoon at right earlier this week. According to the Associated Press, Democratic Governor Brad Henry vetoed most of a controversial appropriations bill today at the State Capitol. Read the story below:


By The Associated Press

Gov. Brad Henry vetoed most of a $6.9 billion general appropriations bill Wednesday and renewed criticism of the ''flawed process'' in which the spending measure for 2008 was negotiated by House and Senate leaders without his input.

A day after Henry used his line-item veto authority to strike $1 million from the measure for an external audit of state prisons, the Democratic governor slashed $6.8 billion from the legislative budget plan, saying it did not represent the best interest of Oklahoma taxpayers.

The measure was passed by a wide margin in the House and unanimously by the Senate last week.

''If I had approved this as a blueprint for the final budget, our prison system would be in danger of coming under federal control, and public safety would be jeopardized,'' Henry said.

He also said college students would be facing double-digit tuition hikes and teachers ''would once again be left wondering whether their pay would ever reach the regional average as promised or whether they would have a pension when they retired.''

The bill also did not address the underfunded teacher's retirement system, Henry said. The system is underfunded by more than $7 billion and state officials have said it threatens the state's bond rating.

Henry said he signed supplemental spending measures that were inserted into the general appropriations bill that will help public schools and state prisons pay their bills through the end of the current fiscal year June 30.

Legislative leaders have said they will attempt to override Henry's veto. An override requires a two-thirds vote of both houses of the Legislature.
Party Offices

If you are a candidate for a state party office, or a congressional district office in the Oklahoma Democratic Party please use this space to provide information about your candidacy. Please limit your response to 500 words or less. Comments from candidates only, please.

You do not have to be registered on this website to comment.
Anonymous comments will not be accepted.
State Convention Rules Committee

The Oklahoma Democratic Party State Central Committee approved the following individuals to serve on the 2007 State Convention Rules Committee:

Rules Committee
Gordon Melson – Chair
• Dave Ratcliff, CD 1
• Rae Weese, CD 1
• Rep. Mike Brown, CD 2
• Cerita Morley, CD 2
• Jody Harlan, CD 3
• Sen. Tom Ivester, CD 3
• Mike Weddington, CD 4
• Laura Boyd, CD 4
• Margaret Phillips, CD 4
• Rep. Anastasia Pittman, CD 5
• Debbie Thompson, OFDW
• Kevin Cameron, YDO
• Rhonda Rudd, Stonewall
• Rep. Joe Dorman, Convention Co-Parliamentarian *
• Sen. Debbe Leftwich, Convention Co-Parliamentarian *
State Resolutions Committee

The Oklahoma Democratic Party State Central Committee appointed the following individuals to serve on the resolutions committee for the 2007 State Convention.

The resolutions committee will:
1) Review resolutions proposed to the Convention,
2) Propose resolutions on the initiative of its own members,
3) Revise and draft resolutions and
4) Recommend the adoption of resolutions in its report to the Convention.
5) All resolutions recommended by the committee shall be printed and made available to delegates at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the Convention date with copies available at the meeting site at least one (1) hour prior to convening the meeting.

2007 State Convention Resolutions Committee
Sen. Cal Hobson - Chair
• Demetrius Bereolus, CD 1
• Martha Hardwick, CD 1
• Elaine Dodd, CD 1
• Cheno Kennedy, CD 2
• Pat Frank, CD 2
• Hugh Graham, CD 2
• Don Faulkner, CD 2
• Kathy Houston, CD 3
• Carol Ruth, CD 3
• Rep. Ryan McMullen, CD 3
• Jim Davis, CD 3
• Sen. Paul Muegge, CD 3
• Billye Van Schuyver, CD 4 (2005 Committee Chair)
• Sandra Rose, CD 4
• Vicky Langford, CD 5
• Rep. Ryan Kiesel, CD 5
• Christie Breedlove, OFDW
• Kathy North, YDO
• Kevin Cameron, YDO
• Karen Parsons, Stonewall
• Jim Nimmo, Stonewall
• Carl Downing, Affirmative Action
• Ed Romo, Affirmative Action
2007 State Convention Credentials Committee

The credentials committee will
o Prepare a list of delegates certified by the State Secretary as delegates to the Convention,
o Hear challenges to any delegate’s right to be seated at the Convention meeting,
o Make prior arrangements for an orderly process in distributing credentials, including arranging credentials tables at district and state conventions to group counties in alphabetical order without regard to congressional district,
o Prepare a credential’s “badge” to present to each certified Convention delegate,
o Report to the Convention on the number of delegates issued credentials and or the resolution of any dispute,
o Review and record valid proxy statements,
o Remain open until the adjournment of the Convention meeting; and
o Make revised reports to the Convention as may be required.

2007 State Convention Credentials Committee
Vickie Williams - Chair
• Darla Howe-Pierce, CD 1
• Jack Boyte, CD 1
• Freida Wilcox, CD 2
• Sen. Jim Wilson, CD 2
• Edna Brookfield, CD 2
• Gene Moses, CD 3
• Juanita King, CD 3
• Linda Wade, CD 4
• Brent Wilcox, CD 4
• Juanita Sykes-Vasquez, CD 5
• James Baggett, CD 5
• Lillie Buckner, CD 5
• Rose Ann Jenny, OFDW
• Mark Floyd, YDO
• Victor Gorin, Stonewall
IRAQ and U.S. Attorney Scandal

Iraq

KEY POINT: Here's what America needs to know: The supplemental appropriations bill makes America more secure and makes it more likely that we will succeed in Iraq. The Democratic-controlled Congress is listening to the American people and fighting to give our troops the resources they need and a strategy in Iraq worthy of their sacrifices. We have crafted a defense supplemental bill that provides our men and women in uniform the resources they need going into combat and the care and treatment they deserve when they come home. We also offer our troops something that this Administration and Senate Republicans refuse: a plan to change course in Iraq in order to increase America's security, more effectively fight terrorism and bring our troops out of the middle of a civil war.


Support for our troops does not stop at funding. We must ensure that they have a strategy for success.

Democrats are proposing that we change course in Iraq in order to increase America's security, more effectively fight the war on terror and bring our troops home from a civil war.

Thus far President Bush has only offered a flawed policy to escalate the war, and Republicans have offered nothing at all other than support for the President.

Republicans must decide between keeping our troops mired in an open ended civil war or voting with Democrats and the American people to give our troops a strategy for success

This bill addresses some of our country's most urgent needs. Democrats are funding priorities that Republicans have long ignored:
$96 billion in war funds to ensure troops have the resources they need
$4.3 billion to ensure that returning troops receive the health care they deserve
$2 billion in port, mass transit and airport security
$6.7 billion to help rebuild the Gulf Coast and put people back to work


U.S. ATTORNEYS

KEY POINT: The Bush Administration manipulated the criminal justice system for its own political gain. They ruined the careers of good prosecutors, interfered in the criminal justice process and then tried to cover it up when they got caught. As always, Bush Administration officials refuse to be held accountable for their actions. Democrats must stand up to the White House until the truth, the full truth and nothing but the truth emerges.


Administration officials involved in the firings must openly testify, publicly and on the record. The only reason to refuse public testimony is if the administration has something to hide.

Calling this a partisan witch hunt is a distraction tactic that will not work. This is about accountability. The American people have a right to know whether its justice system acted unjustly and whether its leaders manipulated the criminal justice system for political gain.

All presidents have the right to nominate their own U.S. Attorneys. But they do not have the right to fire prosecutors for pursuing corruption cases on the merits or for other improper partisan motives.

Such political manipulation would cause Americans to lose faith in the justice system. The preservation of an independent judicial system depends on a full investigation of the facts.

The Administration was given ample opportunity to tell the truth. No one forced this Administration to mislead Congress and the American people.

But they repeatedly changed their stories about why these U.S. Attorneys were fired. They have long since lost the benefit of the doubt. Testifying on the record is the only way accurate and complete statements can be collected.

Jesse L Jackson Coming to Oklahoma This Week

Rev. Jesse Jackson will be the guest speaker for the Ninth Episcopal District Spring Convocation. The event will take place at the Sheration Midwest City Reed Conference Center, Wednesday, March 28-Saturday, March 31, 2007. 5800 Will Rogers Road Midwest City, OK . The theme for the occassion is; "From Good to Great - The Jesus Challenge: Building Leaders for Today and Tomorrow"

Guest Speakers:
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
National President of
Rainbow Push
For more information

Oklahoma Delegate Selection Plan

for the 2008 Democratic National Convention
issued by the Oklahoma Democratic Party
Lisa Pryor, Chair

Distributed for Comment March 27, 2007
(ODP State Central Committee Approveed for Public Comment March 24, 2007)



THE OKLAHOMA DELEGATE SELECTION PLAN
FOR THE 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION


Table of Contents

I. Introduction & Description of Delegate Selection Process
A. Introduction
B. Description of Delegate Selection Process

II. Presidential Candidates

III. Selection of Delegates and Alternates
A. Selection of Delegates and Alternates
B. Unpledged Delegates
C. Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) Delegates
D. At-Large Delegates and Alternates
E. Replacement of Delegates and Alternates

IV. Convention Standing Committee Members
A. Introduction
B. Temporary Standing Committee Members
C. Permanent Standing Committee Members

V. The Delegation

VI. General Provisions and Procedural Guarantees

VII. Affirmative Action and Outreach Plan
A. Statement of Purpose and Organization
B. Efforts to Educate on the Delegate Selection Process
C. Efforts to Publicize the Delegate Selection Process
D. Representation Goals
E. Obligations of Presidential Candidates to Maximize Participation
F. Inclusion Programs

VIII. Challenges
A. Jurisdiction and Standing
B. Challenges to the Status of the State Party and Challenges to the Plan
C. Challenges to Implementation

IX. Summary of Plan
A. Selection of Delegates and Alternates
B. Selection of Standing Committee Members
C. Selection of Delegation Chair and Convention Pages
D. Presidential Candidate Filing Deadline
E. Timetable

Exhibits to the Affirmative Action Plan

Attachments to the Delegate Selection Plan

SECTION I
INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION OF DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Oklahoma has a total of 47 delegates and 6 alternates. (Call, I. & Appendix B.)
2. The delegate selection process is governed by the Charter and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States, the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (“Rules”), the Call for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (“Call”), the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (“Regs.”), the rules of the Democratic Party of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma election code, and this Delegate Selection Plan. (Call, II.A.)
3. Following the adoption of this Delegate Selection Plan by the State Central Committee, it shall be submitted for review and approval by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee (“RBC”). The State Party Chair shall be empowered to make any technical revisions to this document as required by the RBC to correct any omissions and/or deficiencies as found by the RBC to ensure its full compliance with Party Rules. Such corrections shall be made by the State Party Chair and the Plan resubmitted to the RBC within 30 days of receipt of notice of the RBC’s findings. (Regs. 2.5, 2.6 & 2.7)
4. Once this Plan has been found in Compliance by the RBC, any amendment to the Plan by the Oklahoma Democratic Party will be submitted to and approved by the RBC before it becomes effective. (Reg. 2.9)
B. DESCRIPTION OF DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS
1. Oklahoma will use a proportional representation system based on the results of its Presidential Preference Primary for apportioning delegates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
2. The “first determining step” of Oklahoma’s delegate selection process will occur on February 5, 2008 with a state run Presidential Preference Primary.
3. Voter Participation in Process
a. Participation in Oklahoma’s delegate selection process is open to all voters who wish to participate as Democrats.
A person who is eighteen (18) years of age or older, a citizen of the United States and a resident of Oklahoma may register to vote by contacting their County Election Board. When a person registers to vote he or she will be required to declare his or her affiliation with a political party or as an independent. To participate in an election a person must register to vote at least 24 days prior to the day of the election. (Rules 2.A. & 2.C. & Reg. 4.3.)
b. At no stage of Oklahoma’s delegate selection process shall any person be required, directly or indirectly, to pay a cost or fee as a condition for participating. Voluntary contributions to the Party may be made, but under no circumstances shall a contribution be mandatory for participation (Rule 2.D. & Reg. 4.4.)

c. No persons shall participate or vote in the nominating process for the Democratic presidential candidate who also participates in the nominating process of any other party for the corresponding elections. (Rule 2.E.)
d. No person shall vote in more than one meeting which is the first meeting in the delegate selection process. (Rule 3.E. & Reg. 4.6.)
Oklahoma is participating in the state government-run Presidential Preference Primary that will utilize government-run voting systems. The State of Oklahoma uses accessible precinct based optical scan systems.
SECTION II
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
A. BALLOT ACCESS
A presidential candidate gains access to the Oklahoma presidential preference primary ballot, by filing with the Secretary of the State Election Board (http://www.elections.state.ok.us/; located in the Oklahoma State Capitol Building, Oklahoma City; Post Office Box 53156, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73152; (405) 521-2391) an oath stating that the candidate has filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission and has raised or expended not less than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for said office. Said oath shall be signed BY THE CANDIDATE and the signature shall be witnessed by a notary. Said filing begins 8:00 a.m on the second Monday in January (January 14, 2008) and ends at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday of that same week (January 16, 2008). The statement of candidacy must be accompanied by a petition supporting the candidate’s filing, signed by one percent (1%) of the registered voters in each congressional district, or one-thousand (1,000) registered voters in each congressional district, whichever is less, or by a cashier’s check in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($2,500.00). Candidates should review Title 26 of the Oklahoma Statutes, section 20-101 et seq. for further information.
Oklahoma election law does not allow for write-in votes in the Presidential Preference Primary, nor is there any method for a voter to cast a vote for “uncommitted”.
B. Each presidential candidate shall certify in writing to the State Party Chair, the name(s) of his or her authorized representative(s) by 5:00 p.m. on January 4, 2008. (Rule 12.D.(1))
C. Each presidential candidate shall use his or her best efforts to ensure that his or her respective delegation within the state delegation achieves the affirmative action goals established by this Plan and is equally divided between men and women. (Rule 6.I.)
SECTION III
SELECTION OF DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES

Delegates to the 2008 Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention (and congressional district caucuses held therein) are elected in the following manner:

Registered Democrats attending Precinct Meetings held on March 8, 2007 will elect three officers in each precinct who will also serve as delegates to their respective County Convention held on March 31, 2007. The delegates to each County Convention will elect delegates to the State Convention (and congressional district caucuses held therein) for the years 2007 and 2008.

There will be no secret ballots at any stage of the national delegate selection process.

A. DISTRICT-LEVEL DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
1. Oklahoma is allocated 25 district-level delegates and 4 district-level alternates. (Rule 8.C., Call, I.B. & I.I.)
2. District-level delegates and alternates shall be elected using a Presidential Preference Primary/Post-Primary Caucus system. Allocation of delegates and alternates to each district will be determined by the results of the Presidential Preference Primary held on February 5, 2008. District-level delegates and alternates will be elected at the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention held in Oklahoma City on February 23, 2008 by congressional district caucuses composed of delegates elected pursuant to the Constitution and By-Laws of the Oklahoma Democratic Party.
As the State delegates enter the State convention, they shall register their presence according to congressional district, declare their presidential candidate preference, sign a statement of support for that preference and receive a color-coded ballot (one containing the names of male delegate candidates and one containing the names of female delegate candidates which have been approved as delegate candidates by the presidential candidates or their authorized representatives). Only delegates declaring a given presidential candidate preference shall be given a ballot and may be permitted to vote at this stage for national convention delegates pledged to that preference.

The State Convention shall divide into caucuses by congressional district and then by presidential candidate preference to elect its national convention delegates.

Each presidential preference caucus will be required to elect the numbers of male and female delegates and alternates to which they are entitled. In accordance with Rule 11H, a candidate for District-level delegate or alternate may run for election only in the congressional district in which he/she is registered to vote.

Voting for District-level delegates and alternates shall be conducted separately for male and female positions. Candidates for delegate or alternate must receive a majority of those votes cast in order to be elected. The State Party will designate uniform procedures (See Below) whereby the field of candidates may be narrowed and runoff votes taken in the event enough candidates do not receive a majority of the first ballot.

The First Ballot: Any male or female candidate for delegate or alternate who receives more than 50% of the vote from the congressional district presidential caucus shall be declared elected as a national convention delegate or alternate, provided that the number of candidates receiving a majority vote does not exceed the number of delegates and/or alternates of that gender allocated to the congressional district as reflected in the allocation chart in Section I of this Delegate Selection Plan. If the number of candidates who receive 50% or more of the votes is greater than the number of delegates and/or alternates allocated for their gender, the candidates receiving the highest number of votes and those receiving the next highest totals (in descending order) shall be elected until all allocated positions of that gender have been filled.

The Run-off Procedure: If a sufficient number do not receive a majority on the first ballot, a second vote will be taken, dropping the winner(s) and those receiving less than 20% off the list. On this and subsequent ballots, convention delegates shall have only as many votes as the number of delegate positions of the appropriate gender left to be filled. This procedure shall be repeated until a sufficient number of candidates of the appropriate gender have been elected by a majority vote to fill the allocated positions for that gender.

Alternates shall be elected through the same procedures as delegates after all delegates have been chosen.

The State Party shall be responsible for preparing ballots for the election of national convention delegates.

3. Apportionment of District-Level Delegates and Alternates
a. Oklahoma’s district-level delegates and alternates are apportioned among the districts based on a formula giving equal weight to the total population and to the average of the vote for the Democratic candidates in the two most recent presidential elections. (Rule 8.A.; Regs. 4.11., 4.12. & Appendix A)
b. The state’s total number of district-level delegates will be equally divided between men and women. Because Oklahoma has an odd number of delegates, the overall variance between men and women will not exceed one. (Rule 6.C.(1) & Reg. 4.8.)
c. The district-level delegates and alternates are apportioned to districts as indicated in the following chart:

District
Delegates
Alternates

Males
Females
Total
Males
Females
Total

CD 1
2
3
5
1
0
1

CD 2
3
2
5
0
1
1

CD 3
2
3
5
0
0
0

CD 4
3
2
5
0
1
1

CD 5
2
3
5
1
0
1

Total
12
13
25
2
2
4


4. District-Level Delegate and Alternate Filing Requirements
a. A district-level delegate and alternate candidate may run for election only within the district in which he or she is registered to vote. (Rule 12.H.)
b. An individual can qualify as a candidate for district-level delegate or alternate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention by filing a statement of candidacy designating his or her presidential preference and a signed pledge of support for the presidential candidate with the Oklahoma Democratic Party (Attn: Delegate Selection), 4100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 24, 2008. (Rules 12.B. & 14.F.)
c. All candidates considered for district-level alternate positions must meet the same requirements as candidates for district-level delegate positions except that candidates who were not chosen at the delegate level may be considered at the alternate level]. (Rule 12.C.)

5. Presidential Candidate Right of Review for District-Level Delegates and Alternates

a. The State Party Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), not later than 5:00 p.m. on January 25, 2008, a list of all persons who have filed for delegate or alternate pledged to that presidential candidate. (Rules 12.D. & 12.F.)
b. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), must then file with the State Party Chair by 12:00 noon on February 20, 2008, a list of all such candidates he or she has approved, provided that approval be given to at least three (3) times the number of candidates for delegate men and three (3) times the number of candidates for delegate women, and three (3) times the number of candidates for alternate men and three (3) times the number of alternate women to be selected. (Rule 12.E.(1), Reg. 4.23.)
c. Failure to respond will be deemed approval of all delegate and alternate candidates submitted to the presidential candidate unless the presidential candidate, or the authorized representative(s), signifies otherwise in writing to the State Party Chair not later than 12:00 noon on February 20, 2008.
d. National convention delegate and alternate candidates removed from the list of bona fide supporters by a presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), may not be elected as a delegate or alternate at that level pledged to that presidential candidate. (Rule 12.E. & Reg. 4.23.)
e. The State Party Chair shall certify in writing to the Co-Chairs of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee whether each presidential candidate has used their best efforts to ensure that their respective district-level delegate candidates and district-level alternate candidates meet the affirmative action and inclusion considerations and goals detailed in the Affirmative Action section of this Plan within three (3) business days of returning the list of approved district-level delegate candidates and district-level alternate candidates as indicated in section III.A.5.b of this Plan.
6. Fair Reflection of Presidential Preference
a. Presidential Primary - Proportional Representation Plan (Rules 13.A., 13.B. & 13.D.)
The Oklahoma presidential primary election is a “binding” primary. Accordingly, delegate and alternate positions shall be allocated so as to fairly reflect the expressed presidential preference of the primary voters in each district. The National Convention delegates and alternates selected at the district level shall be allocated in proportion to the percentage of the primary vote won in that district by each preference, except that preferences falling below a 15% threshold shall not be awarded any delegates or alternates.
b. Within a district, if no presidential preference reaches a 15% threshold, the threshold shall be the percentage of the vote received in that district by the front-runner minus 10%. (Rule 13.F.)
c. Delegates to the District Caucuses held at the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention on February 23, 2008 will be required to sign a pledge of support for a presidential candidate in order to be able to participate in the election of delegates and alternates for the presidential candidate within their District Caucus. (Rule 12.G.)
7. Equal Division of District-Level Delegates and Alternates
a. In order to ensure the district-level delegates are equally divided between men and women, delegate positions within each district will be designated by presidential preference beginning with the highest vote-getting presidential preference. This assignment of delegate positions, alternating by sex as mathematically practicable, will continue with the next highest vote-getting preferences in descending order until the gender of each position has been assigned. (Rule 6.C.(1) & Reg. 4.8.)
b. The gender allocation of delegate positions shall be pre-determined so that the gender of the first position to be filled by the winning presidential candidate is pre-determined. Once the allocation of district-level delegates among presidential candidates has been calculated, the remaining delegate positions will be assigned to the presidential preference(s) in order of the vote won, alternating by gender.
c. After the delegates are selected, the alternates will be awarded, using the same process described above.
8. The State Party Chair shall certify in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) the election of the state’s district-level delegates and alternates to the Democratic National Convention within three (3) days after their election. (Rule 8.C. & Call, IV.A.)
B. UNPLEDGED DELEGATES
1. Unpledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials
a. The following categories (if applicable) shall constitute the Unpledged Party Leaders and Elected Official delegate positions:
(1) Members of the Democratic National Committee who legally reside in the state; (Rule 9.A.(1), Call, I.F., J., K., & Reg. 4.13.)
(2) All of Oklahoma’s Democratic Members of the U.S. House of Representatives; (Rule 9.A.(3), Call I.G. & K.)
(3) The Democratic Governor (if applicable); (Rule 9.A.(4), Call I.G. & K.)
b. The certification process for the Unpledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegates is as follows:
(1) Not later than March 1, 2008, the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee shall officially confirm to the State Party Chair the names of the unpledged delegates who legally reside in Oklahoma. (Rule 9.A.)
(2) Official confirmation by the Secretary shall constitute verification of the unpledged delegates from the categories indicated above. (Call, IV.B.1.)

2. Unpledged Add-On Delegates
a. Oklahoma will select 1 unpledged add-on delegate. (Rule 9.B., Call, I.I. & Reg. 5.1.)
b. The procedures to be used in selecting the 1 unpledged add-on delegate will be as follows:
(1) Selection of the unpledged add-on delegates will occur at the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention in Oklahoma City on February 23, 2008, following the election of district delegates and alternates and prior to the selection of the pledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegates. (Rule 9.B.(1))
(2) This delegate will be selected by delegates to the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention, which is the same selecting body used to select the PLEO and At-Large delegates and alternates. (Rule 9.B.(1))
(3) The equal division and affirmative action provisions of Rule 10.A. apply to the selection of these unpledged add-on delegates. (Rule 9.B.(2))
(4) Individuals are nominated for these positions from a list of persons submitted by the State Chair. (Reg. 4.14.)
(5) The list from which the selecting body chooses the unpledged add-on delegate shall contain at least one (1) name for every unpledged add-on position to be filled. (Rule 9.B.(3))
(6) Unpledged add-on delegate candidates may be selected whether or not they previously filed a statement of candidacy for a delegate position or submitted a pledge of support for a presidential candidate. (Rule 9.B.(5) & Reg. 4.14.)
c. Unpledged add-on delegates, selected pursuant to Rule 9.B., shall be certified in writing by the State Party Chair to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after the selection. (Call, IV.B.2.)
C. PLEDGED PARTY LEADER AND ELECTED OFFICIAL (PLEO) DELEGATES
1. Oklahoma is allotted 5 pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) delegates. (Call, I.D. & E.)
2. Pledged PLEO Delegate Filing Requirements
a. Individuals shall be eligible for the pledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegate positions according to the following priority: big city mayors and state-wide elected officials (to be given equal consideration); state legislative leaders, state legislators, and other state, county and local elected officials and party leaders. (Rule 9.C.(1) & Reg. 4.15.)
b. An individual can qualify as a candidate for a position as a pledged PLEO delegate by filing a statement of candidacy with the Oklahoma Democratic Party (Attn: Delegate Selection), 4100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 24, 2008. The statement of candidacy will include a place for an individual to indicate their party leader or elected official position.
3. Presidential Candidate Right of Review
a. The State Party Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), not later than 5:00 p.m. on January 25, 2008, a list of all persons who have filed for a party and elected official delegate pledged to that presidential candidate. (Rules 9.C.(3) & 12.D.)
b. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), must file with the State Party Chair, by 12:00 noon on February 20, 2008, a list of all such candidates he or she has approved, as long as approval is given to at least one (1) name for every position to which the presidential candidate is entitled. (Rule 12.E.(2) & Reg. 4.23.)
c. Failure to respond will be deemed approval of all delegate candidates submitted to the presidential candidate unless the presidential candidate or the authorized representative(s) signifies otherwise in writing to the State Party Chair not later than 12:00 noon on February 20, 2008.
d. The State Party Chair shall certify in writing to the Co-Chairs of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee whether each presidential candidate (including uncommitted status) has used their best efforts to ensure that their respective pledged PLEO delegate candidates meet the affirmative action and inclusion considerations and goals detailed in the Affirmative Action section of this Plan within three (3) business days of returning the list of approved pledged PLEO candidates as indicated in section III.C.3.b of this Plan.
4. Selection of Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official Delegates
a. The pledged PLEO slots shall be allocated among presidential preferences on the same basis as the at-large delegates. (Rule 9.C.(2), 10.C., 13.E. & F.)
b. Selection of the pledged PLEO delegates will occur at the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention in Oklahoma City on February 23, 2008, following the election of district-level delegates and alternates and the unpledged add-on delegates and prior to the selection of at-large delegates and alternates. (Rule 9.C.)
In electing pledged Party Leader/Elected Official delegates, the delegates to the state convention shall elect an equal number of males and females.

Delegates to the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention shall not be required to declare their presidential candidate preference, and the entire body of delegates shall vote for all party Pledged Leader/Elected Official delegates being selected.

Voting for delegates shall be conducted separately for each male and female slot. Candidates for delegate or alternate must receive a majority of those votes cast in order to be elected. The State Party will designate procedures (See Below) whereby the field of candidates may be narrowed and runoff votes taken in the event enough candidates do not receive a majority on the first ballot.

The First Ballot: Any male or female candidate for delegate or alternate in these categories who receives more than 50% of the vote shall be declared elected as a national convention delegate or alternate.

The Run-off Procedure: If a sufficient number do not receive a majority on the first ballot, a second vote will be taken between the top two vote-getters for that slot on the First Ballot. The candidate for delegate or alternate who receives more than 50% of the vote shall be declared elected as a national convention delegate or alternate.


Alternates are not selected at the pledged Party Leader and Elected Official level. These alternates are combined with the at-large alternates and selected as one unit. (Reg. 4.30.)
5. The State Party Chair shall certify in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee the election of the state’s pledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegates to the Democratic National Convention within three (3) days after their election. (Rule 8.D. & Call, IV.A.)

D. AT-LARGE DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
1. The state of Oklahoma is allotted 8 at-large delegates and 2 at-large alternates. (Rule 8.C., Call, I.B. & I.)
2. At-Large Delegate and Alternate Filing Requirements
a. Persons desiring to seek at-large delegate or alternate positions may file a statement of candidacy designating their presidential preference and a signed pledge of support for the presidential candidates with the Oklahoma Democratic Party (Attn: Delegate Selection), 4100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 24, 2008. (Rules 12.B. & 14.G.; Regs. 4.22. & 4.27.)
b. The statement of candidacy for at-large delegates and for at-large alternates will be the same. After the at-large delegates are elected by the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention, those persons not chosen will then be considered candidates for at-large alternate positions unless they specify otherwise when filing. (Rule 18.A.)
3. Presidential Candidate Right of Review
a. The State Party Chair shall convey to the presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), not later than 5:00 p.m. on January 25, 2008, a list of all persons who have filed for delegate or alternate pledged to that presidential candidate. (Rule 12.D.) (Reg. 4.22. & 4.27.)

b. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), must then file with the State Party Chair, by 12:00 noon on February 20, 2008, a list of all such candidates he or she has approved, provided that, at a minimum, one (1) name remains for every national convention delegate or alternate position to which the presidential candidate is entitled.
c. Failure to respond will be deemed approval of all delegate candidates submitted to the presidential candidate unless the presidential candidate or the authorized representative(s) signifies otherwise in writing to the State Party Chair not later than 12:00 noon on February 20, 2008.
d. The State Party Chair shall certify in writing to the Co-Chairs of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee whether each presidential candidate has used their best efforts to ensure that their respective at-large delegate candidates and at-large alternate candidates meet the affirmative action and inclusion considerations and goals detailed in the Affirmative Action section of this Plan within three (3) business days of returning the list of approved at-large delegate candidates and at-large alternate candidates as indicated in section III.D.3.b of this Plan.
4. Fair Reflection of Presidential Preference
a. At-large delegate and alternate positions shall be allocated among presidential preferences according to the statewide Presidential Preference Primary vote. (Rule 10.C.)
Preferences which have not attained a 15% threshold on a state-wide basis shall not be entitled to any at-large delegates. (Rule 13.E.)
a. If no presidential preference reaches a 15% threshold, the threshold shall be the percentage of the statewide vote received by the front-runner, minus 10%. (Rule 13.F.)
b. If a presidential candidate is no longer a candidate at the time of selection of the at-large delegates, then those at-large slots that would have been allocated to the candidate will be proportionally divided among the remaining preferences entitled to an allocation. (Rule 10.C.)
c. If a given presidential preference is entitled to one or more delegate positions but would not otherwise be entitled to an alternate position, that preference shall be allotted one at-large alternate position. (Rule 18.B., Call, I.J. & Reg. 4.30.& 4.33.)
5. Selection of At-Large Delegates and Alternates
a. The selection of the at-large delegates and alternates will occur at the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention in Oklahoma City on February 23, 2008 which will begin at 10 a.m. after all unpledged delegates and pledged Party Leader and Elected Official delegates have been selected. (Rule 8.D. & Call, III.)
In electing pledged at-large delegates and alternates, the state convention shall elect an equal number of males and females. In the case where the number to be elected in any category is odd, the difference between elected males and elected females cannot exceed one (1). Except that, the selection of at-large delegates will follow the selection of District-level and Party Leader/Elected Official delegates and shall be used, if necessary, to obtain an equal division of positions between men and women in Oklahoma’s overall delegation and priority of consideration will be given to other groups by virtue of race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

Delegates to the Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention shall not be required to declare their presidential candidate preference, and the entire body of delegates shall vote for all party at-large national convention delegates and alternates being selected.
Voting for delegates and/or alternates shall be conducted separately for each male and female slot. Candidates for delegate or alternate must receive a majority of those votes cast in order to be elected. The State Party will designate procedures (See Below) whereby the field of candidates may be narrowed and runoff votes taken in the event enough candidates do not receive a majority on the first ballot.

The First Ballot: Any male or female candidate for delegate or alternate in these categories who receives more than 50% of the vote shall be declared elected as a national convention delegate or alternate.

The Run-off Procedure: If a sufficient number do not receive a majority on the first ballot, a second vote will be taken between the top two vote-getters for that slot on the First Ballot. The candidate for delegate or alternate who receives more than 50% of the vote shall be declared elected as a national convention delegate or alternate.
b. Priority of Consideration
(1) In the selection of the at-large delegation priority of consideration shall be given to African Americans, Hispanics, Native Ameri¬cans, youth and women. (Rule 6.A.)
(2) In order to continue the Democratic Party’s ongoing efforts to include groups historically under-represented in the Democratic Party’s affairs and to assist in the achievement of full participation by these groups, priority of consideration shall be given other groups by virtue of race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or disability. (Rules 5.C., 6.A.(3), & Reg. 4.7.)
(3) The election of at-large delegates and alternates shall be used, if necessary, to achieve the equal division of positions between men and women, and may be used to achieve the representation goals established in the Affirmative Action section of this Plan. (Rule 6.A.)
(4) Delegates and alternates are to be considered separate groups for this purpose. (Rules 6.A.(3), 10.A. & Regs. 4.8 & 4.19.)

6. The State Party Chair shall certify in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee the election of the state’s at-large delegates and alternates to the Democratic National Convention within three (3) days after their election. (Rule 8.C. & Call, IV.A.)

E. REPLACEMENT OF DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
1. A pledged delegate or alternate may be replaced according to the following guidelines:
a. Permanent Replacement of a Delegate: (Rule 18.D.(2))
(1) A permanent replacement occurs when a delegate resigns or dies prior to or during the national convention and the alternate replaces the delegate for the remainder of the National Convention.
(2) Any alternate permanently replacing a delegate shall be of the same presidential preference and sex of the delegate he/she replaces, and to the extent possible shall be from the same political subdivision within the state as the delegate.
(a) In the case where the presidential candidate has only one alternate, that alternate shall become the certified delegate.
(b) If a presidential candidate has only one alternate, and that alternate permanently replaces a delegate of the opposite sex, thereby causing the delegation to no longer be equally divided, the delegation shall not be considered in violation of Rule 6.C. In such a case, not withstanding Rule 18.D.(2), the State Central Committee shall, at the time of a subsequent permanent replacement, replace a delegate with a person of the opposite sex, in order to return the delegation to equal division of men and women. (Reg. 4.32.)
b. Temporary Replacement of a Delegate: (Rule 18.D.(3))
(1) A temporary replacement occurs when a delegate is to be absent for a limited period of time during the convention and an alternate temporarily acts in the delegate’s place.
(2) Any alternate who temporarily replaces a delegate must be of the same presidential preference as the delegate he/she replaces, and to the extent possible shall be of the same sex and from the same political subdivision within the state as the delegate.
c. The following system will be used to select permanent and temporary replacements of delegates:
(1) The Delegation Chair chooses the alternate. (Rule 18.D.(1))
d. Certification of Replacements

(1) Any alternate who permanently replaces a delegate shall be certified in writing to the Secretary of the DNC by the State Party Chair. (Rule 18.D.2.)
(2) Permanent replacement of a delegate (as specified above) by an alternate and replacement of a vacant alternate position shall be certified in writing by the State Party Chair to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after the replacement is selected. (Call, IV.C.1.)
(3) Certification of permanent replacements will be accepted by the Secretary up to 48 hours before the first official session of the Convention is scheduled to convene. (Call, IV.C.1. & Reg. 4.32.)
(4) In the case where a pledged delegate is permanently replaced after 48 hours before the time the first session is scheduled to convene or, in the case where a pledged delegate is not on the floor of the Convention Hall at the time a roll call vote is taken, an alternate may be designated (as specified above) to cast the delegate’s vote. In such case, the Delegation Chair shall indicate the name of the alternate casting the respective delegate’s vote on the delegation tally sheet (Call, VIII.F.3.d., VIII.F.3.b. & Reg. 5.4.)
e. A vacant alternate position shall be filled by the delegation. The replacement shall be of the same presidential preference, of the same sex and, to the extent possible, from the same political subdivision as the alternate being replaced. (Rule 18.F.)
2. Unpledged delegates shall not be entitled to a replacement, nor shall the state be entitled to a replacement, except under the following circumstances: (Rule 18.E. & Reg. 4.33.)
a. Members of Congress and the Democratic Governor shall not be entitled to name a replacement. In the event of changes or vacancies in the state’s Congressional Delegation, following the official confirmation and prior to the commencement of the National Convention, the DNC Secretary shall recognize only such changes as have been officially recognized by the Democratic Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives or the Democratic Conference of the U.S. Senate. In the event of a change or vacancy in the state’s office of Governor, the DNC shall recognize only such changes as have been officially recognized by the Democratic Governors’ Association. (Call, IV.C.2.a.)
b. Members of the Democratic National Committee and unpledged add-on delegates shall not be entitled to a replacement, nor shall the state be entitled to a replacement, except in the case of death of such delegates. In the case where the state’s DNC membership changes following the DNC Secretary’s official confirmation, but prior to the commencement of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, acknowledgment by the Secretary of the new DNC member certification shall constitute verification of the corresponding change of unpledged delegates. (Call, IV.C.2.b.)
c. In no case may an alternate cast a vote for an unpledged delegate. (Call, VIII.F.3.d.)
SECTION IV
CONVENTION STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

A. INTRODUCTION
1. Oklahoma has been allocated two (2) members on each of the three standing committees for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (Credentials, Platform and Rules), for a total of six (6) members. (Call, VII.A. & Appendix D.)
2. Members of the Convention Standing Committees need not be delegates or alternates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. (Call, VII.A.3.)
3. These members will be selected in accordance with the procedures indicated below. (Rule 1.G.)
B. PERMANENT STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
1. Selection Meeting
a. The members of the standing committees shall be elected by a quorum of Oklahoma’s National Convention delegates, at a meeting to be held on February 23, 2008. (Call, VII.B.1.)

b. All members of the delegation shall receive adequate notice of the time, date and place of the meeting to select the standing committee members. (Call, VII.B.1.)
2. Allocation of Members
a. The members of the standing committees allocated to Oklahoma shall proportionately represent the presidential preference of all candidates (including uncommitted status) receiving the threshold percentage used in the state’s delegation to calculate the at-large apportionment pursuant to Rule 13.E. of the Delegate Selection Rules. (Call, VII.C.1. & Reg. 5.7.)
b. The presidential preference of each candidate receiving the applicable percentage or more within the delegation shall be multiplied by the total number of standing committee positions allocated to Oklahoma. If the result of such multiplication does not equal 0.455 or above, the presidential preference in question is not entitled to representation on the standing committee. If the result of such multiplication is 0.455 but less then 1.455, the presidential preference is entitled to one (1) position. Those preferences securing more than 1.455 but less then 2.455 are entitled to two (2) positions, etc. (Call, VII.C.2.)
c. Where the application of this formula results in the total allocation exceeding the total number of committee positions, the presidential candidate whose original figure of representation is farthest from its eventual rounded-off total shall be denied that one (1) additional position. Where the application of this formula results in the total allocation falling short of the total number of committee positions, the presidential candidate whose original figure of representation is closest to the next rounding level shall be allotted an additional committee position. (Call, VII.C.3.)
d. Standing committee positions allocated to a presidential candidate shall be proportionately allocated, to the extent practicable, to each of the three standing committees. When such allocation results in an unequal distribution of standing committee positions by candidate preference, a drawing shall be conducted to distribute the additional positions. (Call, VII.C.4.)
3. Presidential Candidate Right of Review
a. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), shall be given adequate notice of the date, time and location of the meeting of the state’s delegation authorized to elect standing committee members. (Call, VII.D.1.)
b. Each presidential candidate, or that candidate’s authorized representative(s), must submit to the State Party Chair, no later the Call to Order of the National Convention delegate’s meeting on February 23, 2008, a minimum of one (1) name for each slot awarded to that candidate for members of each committee. The delegation shall select the standing committee members submitted by the presidential candidates. Presidential candidates shall not be required to submit the name of more than one person for each slot awarded to such candidate for members of standing committees. (Call, VII.D.2.)
4. Selection Procedure to Achieve Equal Division
a. Presidential candidates shall use their best efforts to ensure that their respective delegation of standing committee members shall achieve Oklahoma’s affirmative action goals and that their respective members are equally divided between men and women. (Rule 6.I. & Reg. 4.9.)
b. Each position on each standing committee shall be assigned by gender. For example, the first position on the Credentials Committee of the presidential candidate with the most standing committee positions shall be designated for a male, the second position for a female, and the remaining positions shall be designated in like fashion, alternating between males and females. Positions for presidential candidates on each committee shall be ranked according to the total number of standing positions allocated to each such candidate. After positions on the Credentials Committee are designated by sex, the designation shall continue with the Platform Committee, then the Rules Committee.
(1) A separate election shall be conducted for membership on each standing committee.
(2) The membership of the standing committees shall be as equally divided as possible under the state allocation; if the number is even, the membership shall be equally divided between men and women; if the number is odd, the variance between men and women may not exceed one (1), and the advantaged gender must not remain constant for the three standing committees. (Call, VII.E.1.)
(3) The positions allocated to each presidential candidate on each committee shall be voted on separately, and the winners shall be the highest vote-getter(s) of the appropriate sex.
5. Certification and Substitution
a. The State Party Chair shall certify the standing committee members in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after their selection. (Call, VII.B.3.)
b. No substitutions will be permitted in the case of standing committee members, except in the case of resignation or death. Substitutions must be made in accordance with the rules and the election procedures specified in this section, and must be certified in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after the substitute member is selected. (Call, VII.B.4.)

SECTION V
THE DELEGATION
A. OKLAHOMA will select one (1) person to serve as Delegation Chair and 2 to serve as Convention Pages. (Call, IV.D., E.1. & Appendix C.)
B. DELEGATION CHAIR
1. Selection Meeting
a. The Delegation Chair shall be the State Party Chair as of February 23, 2008 (Call, IV.D.)
2. The State Party Chair shall certify the Delegation Chair in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after his or her selection. (Call, IV.D.)

C. CONVENTION PAGES
1. Two (2) individuals will be selected to serve as Oklahoma’s Convention Pages by the State Party Chair in consultation with the members of the Democratic National Committee from the state. This selection will take place on February 23, 2008. (Call, IV.E.3. & Reg. 5.5.)
2. The Convention Pages shall be evenly divided between men and women and shall reflect as much as possible, the Affirmative Action guidelines in the Affirmative Action Plan. (Reg. 5.5.A.)
3. The State Party Chair shall certify the individuals to serve as Oklahoma’s Convention Pages in writing to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee within three (3) days after the selection. (Call, IV.E.3. & Reg. 5.5.B.)
SECTION VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS AND PROCEDURAL GUARANTEES
A. The OKLAHOMA Democratic Party reaffirms its commitment to an open party by incorporating the ‘six basic elements’ as listed below. These provisions demonstrate the intention of the Democratic Party to ensure a full opportunity for all minority group members to participate in the delegate selection process. (Rules 4.A. & C.)
1. All public meetings at all levels of the Democratic Party in Oklahoma should be open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status or physical disability (hereinafter collectively referred to as “status”). (Rule 4.B.(1))
2. No test for membership in, nor any oaths of loyalty to the Democratic Party in Oklahoma should be required or used which has the effect of requiring prospective or current members of the Democratic Party to acquiesce in, condone or support discrimination based on “status.” (Rule 4.B.(2))
3. The time and place for all public meetings of the Democratic Party in Oklahoma on all levels should be publicized fully and in such manner as to assure timely notice to all interested persons. Such meetings must be held in places accessible to all Party members and large enough to accommodate all interested persons. (Rule 4.B.(3))
4. The Democratic Party in Oklahoma, on all levels, should support the broadest possible registration without discrimination based on “status.” (Rule 4.B.(4))
5. The Democratic Party in Oklahoma should publicize fully and in such a manner as to assure notice to all interested parties a full description of the legal and practical procedures for selection of Democratic Party officers and representatives on all levels. Publication of these procedures should be done in such fashion that all prospective and current members of each State Democratic Party will be fully and adequately informed of the pertinent procedures in time to participate in each selection procedure at all levels of the Democratic Party organization. (Rule 4.B.(5))
6. The Democratic Party in Oklahoma should publicize fully and in such a manner as to assure notice to all interested parties, a complete description of the legal and practical qualifications of all positions as officers and representatives of the State Democratic Party. Such publication should be done in timely fashion so that all prospective candidates or applicants for any elected of appointed position within each State Democratic Party will have full and adequate opportunity to compete for office. (Rule 4.B.(6))

B. Discrimination on the basis of ‘status’ in the conduct of Democratic Party affairs is prohibited. (Rule 5.B.)
C. OKLAHOMA’s delegation shall be equally divided between delegate men and delegate women, and alternate men and alternate women. Such goal applies to the entire delegation, which includes all pledged delegates and alternates and all unpledged delegates. Delegates and alternates shall be considered separate groups for purposes of achieving equal division. (Rule 6.C.)
D. All delegate and alternate candidates must be identified as to presidential preference or uncommitted status at all levels which determine presidential preference. (Rule 12.A.)
E. No delegate at any level of the delegate selection process shall be mandated by law or Party rules to vote contrary to that person’s presidential choice as expressed at the time the delegate is elected. (Rule 12.I.)
F. Delegates elected to the national convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them. (Rule 12.J.)
G. All delegates, alternates and standing committee members must be bona fide Democrats who have the interests, welfare and success of the Democratic Party of the United States at heart, who subscribe to the substance, intent and principles of the Charter and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States, and who will participate in the Convention in good faith. (Rule 12.H. & Reg. 4.23.)
H. Forty percent (40%) of the members of any Party body above the first level of the delegate selection process shall constitute a quorum for any business pertaining to the selection of National Convention delegates, alternates, standing committee members, and other official Convention participants. (Rule 15)
I. There shall be two types of proxies:

1) Written Proxies
a) A delegate to a convention or committee who is unable to attend a meeting may give a written proxy to a registered Democrat of the same gender from the same political unit as that from which the delegate was elected.
b) A written proxy must clearly state the name of the person giving the proxy, the office the giver holds, the name of the person to whom the proxy is given, and the date of the meeting for which the proxy is given. It must be signed and the signature must be notarized by a Notary Public or another officer authorized to administer oaths under the laws of Oklahoma.
c) A delegate of a convention or committee who gives a written proxy without attending the respective meeting shall not be counted present to satisfy the attendance requirements of Article III.
2) Recorded Proxies –
a) A delegate to a Convention who attends a meeting and leaves before adjournment may give a recorded proxy by signing before the credentials committee a proxy statement naming the person who shall hold the proxy.
b) A member to a Central Committee who attends a meeting and leaves before adjournment may give a proxy by announcing to the Central Committee the name of the individual to whom the proxy is to be given.

No person shall have the right to cast a vote on behalf of any delegate to a convention or a member of a committee who is not present unless that person holds a valid proxy credential issued by the credentials committee at a convention or a written proxy at a committee meeting.

After having been issued credentials to a convention established by the Constitution, a delegate shall have the right to give a non-transferable proxy to a registered Democrat of the same gender. The delegate giving the proxy and the person to receive the proxy must be the same gender and appear before the credentials committee or staff for the proxy to be recorded and a proxy credential issued to the person receiving the proxy.

A proxy may contain instructions concerning its use, and such instructions shall be binding on the proxy holder. If the proxy is not instructed, the holder may vote and act at the holder’s discretion. If a presiding officer knows that a proxy is instructed and the proxy holder fails or refuses to vote according to instructions, the presiding officer shall ignore the action of the proxy holder and declare the vote of the proxy according to instructions.

No individual may hold more than one proxy.

All public officials and personal representatives established in Article III of the Constitution are prohibited from either giving or holding a proxy.

A proxy shall count for only one vote.

No proxies shall be allowed at Precinct Committee meetings.

Proxies shall be counted for the determination of a quorum.
(Rule 16 & Reg. 4.28.)
J. The unit rule, or any rule or practice whereby all members of a Party unit or delegation may be required to cast their votes in accordance with the will of a majority of the body, shall not be used at any stage of the delegate selection process. (Rule 17.A.)
K. Any individual or group of Democrats may sponsor or endorse a slate of candidates for convention delegates. But no slate may, by virtue of such endorsement, receive a preferential place on a delegate selection ballot or be publicly identified on the ballot as the official Democratic Party organization slate, and all slates must meet identical qualifying requirements for appearing on a ballot at all levels of the delegate selection process. (Rule 17.B.)
L. All steps in the delegate selection process, including the filing of presidential candidates, must take place within the calendar year of the Democratic National Convention, except with respect to the implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan. (Rules 1.F. & 11.B.)

M. In electing and certifying delegates and alternates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention, OKLAHOMA thereby undertakes to assure all Democratic voters in the state full, timely and equal opportunity to participate in the delegate selection process and in all Party affairs and to implement affirmative action programs toward that end, and that the delegates and alternates to the Convention shall be selected in accordance with the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, and that the voters in the state will have the opportunity to cast their election ballots for the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees selected by said Convention, and for electors pledged formally and in good conscience to the election of these Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees, under the label and designation of the Democratic Party of the United States, and that the delegates certified will not publicly support or campaign for any candidate for President or Vice President other than the nominees for the Democratic National Convention. (Call, II.B.)


SECTION VII
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, OUTREACH AND INCLUSION PLAN
A. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND ORGANIZATION
1. Purpose and Objectives
a. In order that the Democratic Party at all levels be an open Party which includes rather than excludes people from participation, a program of effective affirmative action is hereby adopted by Oklahoma. (Rule 5.A.)
b. Discrimination on the basis of “status” in the conduct of Democratic Party affairs is prohibited. (Rule 5.B.)
c. All public meetings at all levels of the Democratic Party in Oklahoma should be open to all members of the Democratic Party regardless of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status or physical disability (hereinafter collectively referred to as “status”). (Rule 4.B.(1))
d. Consistent with the Democratic Party’s commitment to including historically under-represented in the Democratic Party’s affairs, by virtue of race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or disability, Oklahoma has developed Party outreach programs. Such programs include recruitment, education and training, in order to achieve full participation by such groups and diversity in the delegate selection process and at all levels of Party affairs for 2008. (Rule 5.C & Reg. 4.7.)
e. In order to encourage full participation by all Democrats in the delegate selection process and in all Party affairs, the Oklahoma Democratic Party has adopted and will imple¬ment programs with specific goals and timetables for African Ameri¬cans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian/Pacific Americans, women, gays and lesbians, people with disabilities, young Democrats, and women. (Rule 6.A.)
(1) The goal of the programs shall be to encourage participation in the delegate selection process and in Party organizations at all levels by the aforementioned groups as indicated by their presence in the Democratic electorate. (Rule 6.A.(1))

(2) This goal shall not be accomplished either directly or indirectly by the Party’s imposition of mandatory quotas at any level of the delegate selection process or in any other Party affairs. (Rule 6.A.(2))
2. Organizational Structure
a. A Delegate Selection/Affirmative Action Committee was appointed by the Oklahoma Democratic Party Central Committee, on the recommendation of the State Chair on February 17, 2007. (Rule 6.F.)
b. The Committee consists of members representing the Democratic constituency groups set forth in the Introduction to the Affirmative Action Plan. [See Attachment “Exhibit #1”]
c. The Affirmative Action Committee shall be responsible for:
(1) Reviewing the proposed Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plans and making recommendations to the State Party Chair.
(2) Reviewing the proposed Inclusion Programs and making recommendations to the State Party Chair.
(3) Directing the implementation of all requirements of the Affirmative Action section of this Plan.
(4) Implementing a financial assistance program for delegates and alternates. (Rule 6.G.)
(5) Ensuring, on behalf of the State Central Committee, that district lines used in the delegate selection process are not gerrymandered to discriminate against African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian/Pacific Americans and women. (Rule 6.E.)
d. Financial and staff support for the Affirmative Action Committee shall be provided by the State Central Committee to the greatest extent feasible, including, but not limited to, making available on a priority basis, the State Party staff and volunteers and covering all reasonable costs incurred in carrying out this Plan.
3. Implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan shall begin on September 10, 2007, with the distribution of the press kits, and will continue through the end of the delegate selection process. (Rule 1.F.)
B. EFFORTS TO EDUCATE ON THE DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS
1. Well publicized educational workshops will be conducted in each of the delegate districts beginning in September 2007. These workshops will be designed to encourage participation in the delegate selection process, including apprising potential delegate candidates of the availability of financial assistance. These workshops will be held in places which are easily accessible to persons with physical disabilities. The times, dates, places and rules for the conduct of all education workshops, meetings and other events involved in the delegate selection process shall be effectively publicized by the party organization and include mailings to various organizations representative of the Democratic voting populace. In addition the committee will meet in August 2007 to fully develop the workshop content and assign individuals to present the workshops in each district. (Rules 3.A. & 3.C.)
2. A speakers bureau of volunteers from the Affirmative Action Committee comprised of individuals who are fully familiar with the process, will be organized to appear before groups as needed, to provide information concerning the process.

3. The State Party’s education efforts will include outreach to community leaders within the Democratic Party’s constituencies and making sure that information about the delegate selection process is available to Democratic clubs and Party caucuses representing specific constituencies.
4. The State Party will publish and make available at no cost: a clear and concise explanation of how Democratic voters can participate in the delegate selection process; an explanation of how, where and when persons can register to vote; and delegate district maps. As well, the State Party shall also make available copies of the State Party Rules, the Delegate Selection Plan (and its attachments), the Affirmative Action Plan, and relevant state statutes at no cost. Copies of documents related to the state’s delegate selection process will be prepared and the Affirmative Action Committee will distribute them in the various delegate districts not later than October 1, 2007. (Rule 1.H.)
5. The State Party shall take all feasible steps to encourage persons to register and to vote as Democrats and will seek to ensure simple and easy registration procedures. (Rule 2.C.)
C. EFFORTS TO PUBLICIZE THE DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS
1. Special attention shall be directed at publicizing the delegate selection process in the state. Such publicity shall include information on eligibility to vote and how to become a candidate for delegate, the time and location of each stage of the delegate selection process and where to get additional information. The foregoing information will also be published in the State Party newspaper. The Party organization, official, candidate, or member calling a meeting or scheduling an event, shall effectively publicize the role that such meeting or event plays in the selection of delegates and alternates to the Democratic National Convention. (Rules 3.C. and 3.D.)
2. Newspapers, radio and television will be utilized to inform the general public how, when and where to participate in the delegate selection process. Specifically, this information should provide details as to how to qualify to run as a delegate candidate. Special effort shall be directed to the major daily newspapers, radio and television stations by the State Party Chair, Affirmative Action Committee members and staff. Regular releases during the delegate selection process to all other media sources, weekly newspapers, and wire services should complete timely coverage. [See Attachment “Exhibit #2”] (Rules 4.B.(3) & 6.D.)
3. A priority effort shall be directed at publicity among the Democratic Party’s constituencies.
a. Information about the delegate selection process will be provided to minority newspapers and radio stations, ethnic press, Native American, Asian/Pacific American, Spanish-speaking and other non-English press, radio stations and publications, and women’s organizations, student newspapers, gay and lesbian press, disability press, and any other specialty media in the state that is likely to reach the Democratic constituency groups set forth in the Introduction of this Affirmative Action Plan.
b. The State Party shall be responsible for the implementation of this publicity effort. [See Attachment “Exhibit #2”] For purposes of providing adequate notice of the delegate selection process, the times, dates, places and rules for the conduct of the Delegate Selection Process shall be effectively publicized, bilingually where necessary, to encourage the participation of minority groups. (Rule 6.D.)

4. Not later than September 10, 2007, a press kit shall be made and provided to each daily and weekly newspaper as well as to the electronic media. The press kit will include:
a. a summary of all pertinent rules related to the state’s delegate selection process;
b. a map of delegate districts and how many delegates will be elected within each district;
c. a summary explaining the operation and importance of the 2008 Convention; and
d. materials designed to encourage participation by prospective delegate candidates.
D. REPRESENTATION GOALS
1. The State Party has determined the demographic composition of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian/Pacific Americans in the state’s Democratic electorate. These constituency percentages shall be established as goals for representation in the state’s convention delegation. (Rule 6.A.)
2. The State Party has determined the demographic composition of members of the LGBT community, people with disabilities, and youth in the state’s Democratic electorate and furthermore, the State Party has chosen to establish these percentages as goals for representation in the state’s convention delegation.
The basis for calculat6ing the percentages applied for the targeted affirmative action groups is a combination of the Registered Voter File maintained by the Oklahoma Democratic Party on the Voter Activation Network, data provided by the National Committee on an Effective Congress, data from the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission, the U.S. Census, Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats in conjunction with GayDemocraphis.Org and data provided by the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. The Affirmative Action Committee agreed to target a total of four youth with the caveat that two of the four youth be representative of one of the other targeted groups.


African Americans
Hispanics
Native Americans
LGBT Americans
People with Disabilities
Youth
Minority Youth

% in Demo¬cratic Elec¬torate
6.8%
4.3%
6.7%
3%


2%

20%
20%

Numeric Goals for Delegation
4
3
4
2
1
2
2

3. When selecting the at-large portion of the delegation, the demographic composition of the other delegates (district-level, pledged PLEO, and unpledged) shall be compared with the State Party’s goals in order to achieve an at-large selection process which helps to bring about a representative balance.
4. Use of the at-large delegation to achieve the affirmative action goals established by this Plan does not obviate the need for the State Party to conduct outreach activities such as recruitment, education and training. (Rule 6.A.(3))
E. OBLIGATIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TO MAXIMIZE PARTICIPATION
1. Presidential candidates shall assist the Oklahoma Democratic Party in meeting the demographic representation goals reflected in the Affirmative Action Plan. (Rule 6.H.)
2. Each presidential candidate must submit a written statement to the State Party Chair by September 10, 2007 which indicates the specific steps he or she will take to encourage full participation in Oklahoma’s delegate selection process, including, but not limited to, procedures by which persons may file as candidates for delegate or alternate. (Rule 6.H.(1))

3. Each presidential candidate must submit demographic information with respect to all candidates for delegate and alternate pledged to them. Such information shall be submitted in conjunction with the list of names approved for consideration as delegate and alternate candidates pledged to the presidential candidate. (Rule 6.H.(2))
4. Presidential candidates (including uncommitted status) shall use their best effort to ensure that their respective delegations within the state’s delegate, alternate and standing committee delegations shall achieve the affirmative action goals reflected in the Affirmative Action Plan and that the respective delegations of each presidential candidate shall be equally divided between men and women. Furthermore, presidential candidates shall use their best efforts at the district level to approve delegate and alternate candidates who meet applicable equal division and affirmative action considera¬tions in order to achieve the affirmative action goals and equal division for their respective delegations. (Rule 6.I. & Reg. 4.9.)

SECTION VIII
CHALLENGES
A. JURISDICTION & STANDING
1. Challenges related to the delegate selection process are governed by the Regulations of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee for the 2008 Democratic National Convention (Regs., Sec. 3.), and the “Rules of Procedure of the Credentials Committee of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.” (Call, Appendix A.)
2. Under Rule 20.B. of the 2008 Delegate Selection Rules, the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee has jurisdiction over challenges pertaining to the submission, non-implementation and violation of state Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plans. (Rule 20.B.)
3. The Rules and Bylaws Committee has jurisdiction to hear and decide any challenge provided it is initiated before the 56th day preceding the date of the commencement of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. (Call, Appendix A. & Reg., 3.1.)
4. Challenges to the credentials of delegates and alternates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention initiated on or after the 56th day preceding the date of commencement of the Democratic National Convention shall be processed in accordance with the “Rules of Procedure of the Credentials Committee of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.” (Call, Appendix A)
5. Any challenge to the credentials of a standing committee member shall be considered and resolved by the affected standing committee in accordance with Appendix A of the Call for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The Rules and Bylaws Committee shall have jurisdiction over challenges brought before the 56th day preceding the date of the commencement of the Democratic National Convention. (Call, VII.B.5.)
6. Copies of the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee and/or the Call for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, including the Rules of Procedure of the Credentials Committee (Appendix A), shall be made available by the State Party upon reasonable request.
7. Any group of fifteen Democrats with standing to challenge as defined in Reg. 3.2 or the Call (Appendix A, Sec. 2.A.), may bring a challenge to this Plan or to the implementation of this Plan, including its Affirmative Action provisions.
B. CHALLENGES TO THE STATUS OF THE STATE PARTY AND CHALLENGES TO THE PLAN

1. A challenge to the status of the State Central Committee as the body entitled to sponsor a delegation from that state shall be filed with the Rules and Bylaws Committee not later than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the initiation of the state’s delegate selection process. (Rule 20.A. & Reg. 3.4.A.)
2. A challenge to the state’s Delegate Selection Plan shall be filed with the Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party and the Co-Chairs of the Rules and Bylaws Committee within fifteen (15) calendar days after the adoption of the Plan by the State Party. (Reg. 3.4.B.)
3. A challenge to a Plan must be brought in conformity with the Rules and the Regs., which should be consulted for a detailed explanation of challenge procedures.
C. CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTATION
1. A challenge may be brought alleging that a specific requirement of an approved Plan has not been properly implemented. Jurisdiction over all challenges initiated in a timely fashion shall reside with either the Rules and Bylaws Committee or the Credentials Committee of the National Convention (See Section VII.A. above). However, the Rules and Bylaws Committee may provide advice, assistance or interpretations of the Delegate Selection Rules at any stage of the delegate selection process. (Reg. 3.1.C.)
2. An implementation challenge brought before the Rules and Bylaws Committee is initiated by filing a written challenge with the State Central Committee and with the Rules and Bylaws Committee not later then fifteen (15) days after the alleged violation occurred. The State Party has twenty-one (21) days to render a decision. Within ten (10) days of the decision, any party to the challenge may appeal it to the Rules and Bylaws Committee. If in fact, the State Party renders no decision, any party to the challenge may request the Rules and Bylaws Committee to process it. The request must be made within ten (10) days after expiration of the above twenty-one (21) day period. (Regs. 3.4.C., E., & H.)
3. Performance under an approved Affirmative Action Plan and composition of the con¬vention delegation shall be considered relevant evidence in the challenge to any state delegation. If a State Party has adopted and implemented an approved affirmative action program, the State Party shall not be subject to challenge based solely on delegation composition or primary results. (Rule 6.B.) The procedures are the same for challenges alleging failure to properly implement the Affirmative Action section of a Plan, except that such challenges must be filed not later than thirty (30) days prior to the initiation of the state’s delegate selection process. (Reg. 3.4.C.)
4. Depending on the appropriate jurisdiction (see Section VIII.A. above), implementation challenges must be brought in conformity with the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee or the Rules of Procedure of the Credentials Committee, which should be consulted for a detailed explanation of challenge procedures.

SECTION IX

SUMMARY OF PLAN
A. SELECTION OF DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
Oklahoma will use a proportional representation system based on the results of the Primary apportioning its delegates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
The “first determining step” of Oklahoma’s delegate selection process will occur on February 5, 2008, with a Primary.
Delegates and alternates will be selected as summarized on the following chart:

Type
Dele¬gates
Alter¬nates
Date of Selection
Selecting Body

Filing Requirements and Deadlines

District-Level Dele¬gates
District-Level Alternates
25

4

2/23/08

Selecting Body: Congressional District Caucuses at State Convention

Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy and pledge of Support by January 24, 2008.

Unpledged Party Leader and Elected Official Delegates*
8
n/a
n/a
Automatic by virtue of respective public or Party office as provided in Rule 8.A. of the 2008 Delegate Selection Rules.

Unpledged Add-on
Delegates**
1

n/a
2/23/08

Selecting Body: State Convention

Candidate is nominated by State Party Chair

Pledged Party Leaders and Elected Officials (PLEOs)
5

***
2/23/08

Selecting Body: State Convention

Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy and pledge of Support by January 24, 2008.

At-Large Dele¬gates
At-Large Alternates
8

2

2/23/08

Selecting Body: State Convention

Candidates must file a Declaration of Candidacy and pledge of Support by January 24, 2008.

TOTAL Delegates and Alternates

47

6




* Unpledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) delegates includes the following categories, if applicable, who legally reside in the state: the Democratic National Committee Members, the Democratic President, the Democratic Vice President, all Democratic Members of Congress, the Democratic Governor, and any other Distinguished Party Leader as specified in Rule 9.A. of the 2008 Delegate Selection Rules. The exact number of Unpledged PLEO Delegates is subject to change due to possible deaths, resignations, elections or special elections.

** Add-on delegates refers to those delegates chosen according to Rule 9.B. of the 2008 Delegate Selection Rules.
*** Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (PLEO) alternates are selected with the At-Large alternates. [Applicable to most states.]
B. SELECTION OF STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS (FOR THE CREDENTIALS, PLATFORM AND RULES COMMITTEES)
Standing committee members will be selected by the state’s National Convention delegates as summarized below:

Members Per Committee
Total Members
Selection Date
Filing Requirements and Deadlines

2
6
February 23, 2008
The Presidential candidate’s representatives must submit candidates for Standing Committee members no later than fifteen (15) minutes after the Call to Order of the National Delegate meeting on February 23, 2008

C. SELECTION OF DELEGATION CHAIR AND CONVENTION PAGES
The Delegation Chair will be the State Party Chair.
2 Convention Pages will be selected by the State Party Chair in consultation with the members of the Democratic National Committee from Oklahoma on February 23, 2008.
D. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINE
A presidential candidate gains access to the Oklahoma presidential preference primary ballot, by filing with the Secretary of the State Election Board (http://www.elections.state.ok.us/; located in the Oklahoma State Capitol Building, Oklahoma City; Post Office Box 53156, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73152; (405) 521-2391) an oath stating that the candidate has filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission and has raised or expended not less than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for said office. Said oath shall be signed BY THE CANDIDATE and the signature shall be witnessed by a notary. Said filing begins 8:00 a.m on the second Monday in January (January 14, 2008) and ends at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday of that same week (January 16, 2004). The statement of candidacy must be accompanied by a petition supporting the candidate’s filing, signed by one percent (1%) of the registered voters in each congressional district, or one-thousand (1,000) registered voters in each congressional district, whichever is less, or by a cashier’s check in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($2,500.00). Candidates should review Title 26 of the Oklahoma Statutes, section 20-101 et seq. for further information (Rule 10.B.)
Presidential candidates must certify the name of their authorized representative(s) to the State Party Chair by January 4, 2008.
E. TIMETABLE
[The following example is for provided ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY, and should be adjusted and expanded to reflect each specific step in the state’s process.] (Reg. 2.2.B.)

Date
Activity

2007

February 17
Delegate Selection Affirmative Action Committee members are appointed by the State Chair. [Note: This appointment is required to be made by March 1, 2007.]

March 10
Affirmative Action Committee meets to draft proposed Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan.

March 24
Proposed Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan are tentatively approved for public comment by State Central Committee.

March 26
Public comments are solicited on the proposed Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan. Press releases are mailed announcing the public comment period.

April 25
Period for public comment on state Plan is concluded. Responses are compiled for review by the Delegate Selection Affirmative Action Committee.

May 5
Delegate Selection Affirmative Action Committee meets to review public comments and adopts revised Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan for approval by the Oklahoma Democratic Party Central Committee meeting convened just after Delegate Selection Affirmative Action Committee meeting. Oklahoma Democratic Party approves final plan for submission to DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee. Press releases are mailed announcing the approval of the Plan.

May 7
Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plans are forwarded to the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee.

September 10
State Party begins implementation of the Affirmative Action Plan. Press kits, as described in the Affirmative Action Plan, are sent to all state media.

September 10
Deadline for each announced presidential candidate to submit a statement specifying steps the candidate will take to encourage full participation in the delegate selection process. (Individuals who announce their candidacy after this date must provide this full participation statement to the State Party not later than 30 days after their announcement.)

October 1 Delegate and alternate candidates may obtain the statement of candidacy and pledge of support forms and filing instructions from State Central Committee Headquarters, in person, by mail, or from State Party’s web site at www.okdemocrats.org.

State Party will publish and make available at no cost: a clear and concise explanation of how Democratic voters can participate in the delegate selection process; an explanation of how, where and when persons can register to vote; and delegate district maps.

The State Party will also make available copies of the State Party Rules, the Delegate Selection Plan (and its attachments), the Affirmative Action Plan, and relevant state statutes at no cost.


2008


January 4
Presidential candidate deadline for certifying the name(s) of their authorized representative(s) to the State Party.

January 16
Presidential candidate deadline for Presidential Preference Primary ballot access.

January 24
Deadline for filing statement of candidacy and pledge of support forms for district level, PLEO, and at-large delegates and alternates with State Party.

January 25
State Party provides list of district-level, PLEO, and at-large delegate and alternate candidates to the respective Presidential candidates.

February 25
Presidential Preference Primary.

February 15 ????
State Party announces allocation of district-level delegates and alternates according to presidential preference.

February 20
Presidential candidates provide list of approved district-level, PLEO, and at-large delegate and alternate candidates to State Party.

February 23
Oklahoma Democratic Party District Caucuses convene to elect district-level delegates and alternates. State Convention convenes to elect Unpledged add-on, pledged PLEO, and at-large delegates and alternates. Following selection of PLEO delegates, presidential candidates provide approved list of at-large delegate and alternate candidates to State Party. State Convention selects at-large delegates and alternates.


February 23
National Convention Delegation Meeting. No later than the Call to Order of meeting, presidential candidates submit lists of candidates for standing committee members to State Party.

February 26
State Party Chair certifies elected district-level, Unpledged Add-On, PLEO, and at-large delegates and alternates to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee.
February 26 State Party Chair certifies Delegation Chair, standing committee members, and pages to the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee.




EXHIBITS TO THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN
A. MEMBERS OF THE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE
Name Qual. Level
Diane Anderson AA District Elected
Sue Barton F,LGBT Appointed
Rep. Scott Bighorse M,NA Legislative
Edna Brookfield F,AA Appointed
Lillie Buckner F, AA Appointed
Philip Busey M,NA,Y Appointed
Jason Campbell M,NA,Y Appointed
Cara Cowan F,NA Appointed
Cissie Crusoe F District Elected
Louise Darrington F,AA State Elected
Carl Dowing M,NA District Elected
Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre F, AA Legislative
Pete Estrada M, HA Appointed
Lois Felder F,AA Appointed
Kalyn Free F, AA Appointed
Chris Gentges HA Appointed
Todd Goodman M,NA,Y Appointed
Danny Goodwin M Appointed
Margo Gray F,NA Appointed
Alan Harder F,NA Appointed
Matt Harney M,Y Appointed
Earl Hatley M, District Elected
Marcus Hayes M, AA Appointed
Teresa Hill F,AA ODP
Krista Hodges-Eckhoff NA Appointed
Rep. Chuck Hoskin M,NA Legislative
Dana Jim M,NA Appointed
Sue Johnson F,NA,D State Elected
Edward Kearns M,D Appointed
Sebastian Lantos M,HA State Elected
Rep Al McAffrey M,NA,LGBT Legislative
Earl Mitchell M, AA Appointed
Bernice Mitchell F, AA Appointed
Allen Moss M,Y, HA District Elected
James Nimmo M, LGBT Appointed
Karen Parsons F,LGBT Appointed
Rep. Anastasia Pittman F, AA, Legislative
Rev. John A. Reed Jr M, AA Appointed
Wilfredo Rivera M,NA Appointed
Ed Romo M,HA Appointed
Rep. Jabar Shumate F,AA,Y Legislative
Brant Solomon District Elected
Sen. John Sparks M, NA Appointed
Juanita Sykes-Vasquez F,HA District Elected
Jacquelyn Thomas F,AA District Elected
Speaker George Tiger M, NA Appointed
David Wilson M,NA Appointed
Angela Wilson F,NA,Y Appointed


B. MEDIA OUTLETS TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS
1. Major Daily Newspapers, Radio and Television Stations

Television Stations

KSWO TV (Lawton)
KGBN TV (Ponca City)
KOCO TV (OKC)
OETA TV (OKC and Tulsa)
KOKH TV (OKC)
KWTV TV (OKC)
KFOR TV (OKC)
KSBI TV (OKC)
KDOR TV (Tulsa)
KJRH TV (Tulsa)
KTUL TV (Tulsa)
KOTV TV (Tulsa)
KOKI TV (Tulsa)

Radio Stations

KXOO KECO KADS Radio - Elk City
KIMY FM Radio - Watonga
KSEO KLBC Radio - Durant
KRMP Radio -Anadarko
KVSO KKAJ KTRX KYNZ Radio - Ardmore
KICM Radio - Ardmore
KEOK KTLQ Radio - Tahlequah
KITX FM Radio - Hugo
KGOU KROU Radio - Norman
KBZQ FM Radio - Lawton
KVRW FM Radio - Lawton
KCCU FM Radio - Lawton
KMGZ FM Radio - Lawton
KWEY KCDL KQMX Radio - Weatherford
KCRC KXLS KMMZ - Enid
KGWA/KOFM Radio - Enid
KBLP FM Radio - Lindsay
KOOL AM Radio - Chickasha
KLOR FM Radio - Ponca City
KPNC FM KOKB AM Radio - Ponca City
WBBZ AM Radio - Ponca City
KTIJ KTJS Radio - Hobart
KBEL Radio - Idebel
KKBI KQIB Radio - Broken Bow
KCSC FM Radio - Edmond
KVSP AM Radio - Oklahoma City
KJYO FM Radio - Oklahoma City
KHBZ FM Radio - Oklahoma City
KTOK AM Radio - Oklahoma City
KXXY KTST Radio - Oklahoma City
KATT KYIS KSYY KQOB FM WKY AM Radio - Oklahoma City
KKWD FM Radio - Oklahoma City
KOMA/KRXO Radio - Oklahoma City
KOKL AM Radio - Okmulgee
KGFY/KVRO/KSPI Radio - Stillwater
KOSU Radio – Still - Cushing
KNED KMCO KTMC Radio - McAlester
KTLS KKFC Radio 1188 N. Hills Center Ada
KKEN KXCD KDDQ Radio - Duncan
KKBS Radio - Guymon
KGYN Radio - Guymon
KYBE Radio - Frederick
KJMM FM Radio - Tulsa
KTFX AM Radio - Sand Springs
KVOO KXBL KFAQ Radio - Tulsa
KMYZ FM Radio - Tulsa
KBEZ FM Radio - Tulsa
KJSR FM Radio - Tulsa
KRAV FM Radio - Tulsa
KRMG AM Radio - Tulsa
KWEN KRTQ Radio - Tulsa
KYFM KWON KRIG Radio - Bartlesville
KALV KTTL Radio - Alva
KSIW KWFX KWDQ Radio - Woodward
KOSB KOKP Radio – Perry

Daily Newspapers

Ada Evening News
Altus Times
Alva Review-Courier
Anadarko Daily News
Daily Ardmoreite
Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
Blackwell Journal
Broken Arrow Daily Ledger
Chickasha Star-Express
Claremore Daily Progress
Clinton Daily News
Cushing Daily Citizen
Duncan banner
Durant Daily Democrat
Edmond Sun
Elk City Daily News
Enid News and Eagle
Garfield County Daily Legal News
Grove Sun Daily
Guthrie News Leader
Guymon Daily Herald
Hugo Daily News
McCurtain Daily Gazette
Lawton Constitution
McAlester News-Capital
Miami News-Record
Muskogee Phoenix
Norman Transcript
Journal Record
Daily Oklahoman
Okmulgee Daily Times
Pauls Valley Daily Democrat
Perry Daily Journal
Ponca City News
Poteau Daily News
Pryor Daily Times
Sapulpa Daily Herald
Seminole Producer
Shawnee News-Star
Stillwater News-Press
Tahlequah Daily Press
Tulsa Daily Commerce
Tulsa World
Vinita Daily Journal
Weatherford Daily News
Woodward News

Other
Associated Press
CNHI News Service
Oklahoma Observer
Oklahoma Guardian
Oklahoma City Gazette
Yellow Dog Dispatch

2. Other “Non-Minority” Media Outlets

Weekly Newspapers

Stilwell Democrat Journal
Westville Reporter
Cherokee Messinger & Republican
Atoka County Times
Beaver Herald Democrat
Sayre Record & Beckham Dem.
Watonga Republican
Geary Star
Canton Times
Okeene Record
Bryan County Star
Hinton Record
Apache News
Country Connection
Carnegie Herald
Cyril News
Mustang News
Yukon Review
Piedmont Surrey Gazette
El Reno Tribune
Healdton Herald
Wilson Post Democrat
Lone Grove Ledger
Oklahoma Legend
Choctaw County Times
Boise City News
The American
Noble Free Press
Coalgate Record Register
The Cache Times
Fletcher Herald
Fort Sill Cannoneer
Walters Herald
Drumright Gusher
Bristow News & Record Citizen
Mannford Eagle
Thomas Tribune
Delaware County Journal
Dewey County Publisher
Taloga Times Advocate
Ellis County Capital
Gage Record
Northwest Oklahoman & Ellis County News
The Vici Vision
Garber-Billings News
Maysville News & Stratford Star
Wynnewood Gazette
Lindsay News
Rush Springs Gazette
Wakita Herald
Medford Star & Grant County Journal
Pond Creek Herald
Mangum Star News
Hollis News
Laverne Leader Tribune
Harper County Journal
Stiegler News Sentinel
Holdenville Tribune
Hughes County Times
Eldorado Courier
Waurika News Democrat
Ryan Leader
Ringling Eagle
Johnston Cy. Capital Democrat
Tonkawa News
Newkirk Herald Journal
Hennessey Clipper
Kingfisher Times
Mountainview News
Kiowa County Democrat
Hobart Democrat Chief
Latimer County Today
Latimer County News Tribune
Talihina American
Spiro Graphic
Heavener Ledger
Meeker News
Stroud American
Prague Times Herald
Lincoln County News
Marietta Monitor
Fairview Republican
Madill Record
Chronicle of Grand Lake
Blanchard News
Newcastle Pacer
Purcell Register
Southeast Times
McCurtain County News
Valliant Leader
Indian Journal
McIntosh County Democrat
Sulphur Times Democrat
Davis News
Fort Gibson Times
Haskell News
Nowata Star
Okemah News Leader
Weleetka Weleetkan
Black Chronicle
Capitol Hill Beacon
The Downtowner
The Tribune
Oklahoma County Newspapers
Oklahoma Banker
Baptist Messenger
Midcity Advocate
Eastern Oklahoma County Today
Harrah News Today
Durocher's OKCBUSINESS
Tinker Takeoff
Friday
Vision
OKC Business
Edmond Life & Leisure
Oklahoma City Gazette
Morris News
Fairfax Chief
Barnsdall Times
Hominy News Progress
Shidler Review
Pawhuska Journal Capital
Skiatook Journal
The American
Perkins Journal
Pawnee Chief
Cleveland American
Yale News
Hartshorne Sun
Allen Advocate
Tecumseh Countywide News
Pottawatomie County Democrat
Shawnee Sun
Clayton Today
Antlers American
Cheyenne Star
Oologah Lake Leader
Verdigris Voice
Inola Independent
Chelsea Reporter
Catoosa Times Herald
Konawa Leader
Wewoka Times
Muldrow Times Star
Vian Tenkiller News
Sequoyah County Times
Marlow Review
Comanche Times
Hooker Advance
Big Pasture News
Frederick Leader
Frederick Press
Tulsa County News
Jenks Journal
Glenpool Post
Sand Springs Leader
Bixby Bulletin
Oklahoma Eagle
Urban Tulsa
Collinsville News
Guffey's Journal
Tulsa Business Journal
Owasso Reporter
Coweta American
Wagoner Tribune
Washita County Enterprise
Sentinel Leader
Cordell Beacon
Freedom Call
Woods County Enterprise
Mooreland Leader
Roland Register

High Education Publications
Bacone College - The Baconian
Cameron University - Collegian
Carl Albert State College - Viking Banner
Connors State College - The Collegian
East Central University - The Journal
Eastern Ok State College - Statesman
Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College - Insight
Langston University - Gazette
Northeastern A&M College - Norse Wind
Northeastern State University - The Northeastern
Northern Oklahoma College - The Maverick
Northwestern Oklahoma State Univ. - Northwestern News
Oklahoma Baptist University - The Bison
Oklahoma Christian University - Talon
Oklahoma City Community Coll. - Pioneer
Oklahoma City University - The Campus
Oklahoma Panhandle State Univ - The Collegian
Oklahoma State University - The Daily O'Collegian
Oral Roberts University - University Oracle
OSU-Okmulgee - The OSU-Okmulgee Life
Rose State College - 15th Street News
Seminole State College - Collegian
Southeastern Oklahoma State Univ - The Southeastern
Southern Nazarene University - The Echo
Southwestern Oklahoma State Univ - The Southwestern
St. Gregory's University - The Chant
Tulsa Community College - TCC Connection
University of Central Oklahoma - The Vista
University of Oklahoma - The Oklahoma Daily
University of Science & Arts of OK - The Trend
University of Tulsa - The Collegian

Blogs
Policy Forum
The Left End of the Dial
Existential Ramble
Life and Deatherage
Okiedoke
The Practical Progressive
Women in Black Oklahoma City
Cutting to the Chase
Oklahoma Committee for Conscientious Objectors
This is Class Warfare
The Oklahoma Law Blog
Mainstream Babtist
Okie Funk
Daily Kos (Oklahoma)
Blue Oklahoma
Jim Inhot Water
Oklahoma Lefty
Capitol Talk (Oklahoma)

3. Constituency and Specialty Media Outlets and Targeted Groups
Native America
Native American Times
Inside Native America (TV)

African American
Oklahoma Eagle
Black Chronicle
Oklahoma City Herald

Hispanic American
El Nacional
Nuestra Comunidad
El Latino American
Univision Oklahoma (TV)

Asian American
Dan Quyan

GLBT
Gayly Oklahoman

Attachment Outlining District Level Delegate/Alternate Allocation Formula

CD Gore Kerry CD Allocation Delegates Delegates Alternates Alternates
2000 2004 Pop Factor w/o Rounding Allocated w/o rounding Allocated
1 99464 109255 699783 0.207994746 5.20 5 0.83 1
2 111323 114345 681402 0.215234942 5.38 5 0.86 1
3 85458 82640 660052 0.183404063 4.59 5 0.73 0
4 91580 96131 697604 0.197731601 4.94 5 0.79 1
5 86426 101595 694655 0.195634648 4.89 5 0.78 1

Total 474251 503966 3433496 1 25.00 25 4.00 4










ATTACHMENTS TO THE DELEGATE SELECTION PLAN
[As specified in Reg. 2.2, the following documentation must accompany the state’s Delegate Selection Plan at the time it is formally submitted to the Rules and Bylaws Committee.]
1. A summary of the process for selecting delegates, alternates, standing committee members, the delegation chair and convention pages, along with related deadlines. [It is recommended that this information be incorporated as part of the state’s Delegate Selection Plan - see Section IX. of the Model Plan.] (Reg. 2.2.A.)
2. A timetable reflecting all significant dates in the state’s delegate selection process. [It is recommended that this information be incorporated as part of the state’s Delegate Selection Plan - see Section I. of the Model Plan.] (Reg. 2.2.B.)
3. A statement from the State Party Chair certifying the Plan as submitted to the RBC was approved by the State Central Committee. (Reg. 2.2.C.)
4. A copy of the press release distributed by the State Central Committee announcing its adoption of the Plan and summarizing the major components of the Plan. (Reg. 2.2.D.)
5. A statement from the State Party Chair certifying compliance with Rule 1.C. which requires a 30 day public comment period prior to the adoption of the Plan by the State Party. (Reg. 2.2.E.)
6. Copies of all written public comments on the Plan [Include information identifying each person and/or organization making the comment and where appropriate, a description of the person or group so represented, if such information has been provided or is available to the State Party.] (Reg. 2.2.F.)
7. A blank copy of forms to be filed with the state or the State Party by delegate candidates. (Reg. 2.2.G.)
8. A statement from the Chair of the Affirmative Action Committee certifying compliance with Rule 6.F., which requires that the Affirmative Action Committee has reviewed the proposed Affirmative Action outreach plan (Reg. 2.2.H.)
9. Copies of all state statutes reasonably related to the Delegate Selection Process [For example, include any and all state statutory requirements related to: ballot access for presidential candidates; filing requirements for delegate and alternate candidates; timing of the presidential primary, caucuses, and/or the state convention; participation in the state’s presidential primary or caucuses, including Party registration or enrollment provisions; and any other stipulations made by the state regarding the selection process or the role of National Convention delegates.] (Reg. 2.2.I.)
10. A copy of all qualifying forms to be filed with the state or the State Party by presidential candidates. (Reg. 2.2.J.)