Chalkboard Math
State Treasurer Scott Meacham has challenged his Republican opponent's simple math skills as outlined in this story in the Oklahoman today.
In addition, Meacham's chalkboard television ad, which began airing yesterday, points out that it's not just simple math that the GOP candidate can't handle. If you haven't seen the commercial yet, check it out later today on Meacham's website at www.votemeacham.com.
Friday, October 27, 2006
State Employee
One would think that if you receive a monthly paycheck from the State of Oklahoma that you would be considered a state employee. Nothing partisan about that analysis to be sure. But there is a statewide office holder, who draws a monthly paycheck from the state, who alleges he's not a state employee and thus is exempt from certain administrative and operational checks and balances within his office.
Developing story. Details coming later today.
One would think that if you receive a monthly paycheck from the State of Oklahoma that you would be considered a state employee. Nothing partisan about that analysis to be sure. But there is a statewide office holder, who draws a monthly paycheck from the state, who alleges he's not a state employee and thus is exempt from certain administrative and operational checks and balances within his office.
Developing story. Details coming later today.
Senate Democrats Lead in Key Races
Democrat Sean Burrage leads his Republican opponent in Senate District 2 by 48.7% to 39.2% with 12.2% undecided. This has been a great campaign run by a great candidate, good luck Sean!
Democrat John Mark Young has earned a 7.8% lead over his Republican opponent in the race for Senate District 12. Keep up the good work John Mark, Oklahoma needs you in the State Senate!
Democrat John Sparks has a commanding double digit lead over the Republican in Senate District 16. Not to rub it in or anything but the Republican is polling barely over 30%. Way to go John!
Democrat incumbent Senator Mary Easley has a double digit lead over the Republican challenger in Senate District 18. Thanks Senator for your leadership and sensitivity to your constituents!
Democrat Tom Ivester has a 25 point lead over the Republican in Senate District 26 in western Oklahoma. Tom's a fabulous candidate, a veteran, an attorney, and a farmer. He'll be a great voice for western Oklahoma.
Democrat Sean Burrage leads his Republican opponent in Senate District 2 by 48.7% to 39.2% with 12.2% undecided. This has been a great campaign run by a great candidate, good luck Sean!
Democrat John Mark Young has earned a 7.8% lead over his Republican opponent in the race for Senate District 12. Keep up the good work John Mark, Oklahoma needs you in the State Senate!
Democrat John Sparks has a commanding double digit lead over the Republican in Senate District 16. Not to rub it in or anything but the Republican is polling barely over 30%. Way to go John!
Democrat incumbent Senator Mary Easley has a double digit lead over the Republican challenger in Senate District 18. Thanks Senator for your leadership and sensitivity to your constituents!
Democrat Tom Ivester has a 25 point lead over the Republican in Senate District 26 in western Oklahoma. Tom's a fabulous candidate, a veteran, an attorney, and a farmer. He'll be a great voice for western Oklahoma.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
ODP Media Release: Hunter Supports Smart Science; Fallin Denies Life-Saving Research
Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Lisa Pryor today said Democratic 5th Congressional District candidate, Dr. David Hunter will support smart science and support funding for embryonic stem-cell research if elected to Congress on Nov. 7th. His opponent, Mary Fallin has said she would follow party lines and not support this life-saving research.
“Democrats like Dr. Hunter, a long-time health provider, support this life-saving research. Oklahomans in the 5th District have a choice between a candidate who believes in crafting public policy based on extremist, limiting ideological beliefs, and one who believes in making decisions based on the best evidence available and the advice of experts,” Pryor said.
Pryor said voters can elect Hunter, a forward-thinking health professional committed to improving health care for all Oklahomans.
Stem cell research could open doors to new and improved solutions to medical problems and be the answer to curing diseases that effect millions of Americans living with ailments that scientists believe can treated or cured based on stem cell research.
“The extreme ideology of Republicans like Fallin is standing in the way of public policy,” Pryor said. “Americans overwhelmingly support expanding federal funding for stem cell research, and yet, Republicans continue to cater to their extreme right-wing base. We derserve a Congressman in the 5th District who understands the need to find new and creative solutions to our health care problems.”
Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Lisa Pryor today said Democratic 5th Congressional District candidate, Dr. David Hunter will support smart science and support funding for embryonic stem-cell research if elected to Congress on Nov. 7th. His opponent, Mary Fallin has said she would follow party lines and not support this life-saving research.
“Democrats like Dr. Hunter, a long-time health provider, support this life-saving research. Oklahomans in the 5th District have a choice between a candidate who believes in crafting public policy based on extremist, limiting ideological beliefs, and one who believes in making decisions based on the best evidence available and the advice of experts,” Pryor said.
Pryor said voters can elect Hunter, a forward-thinking health professional committed to improving health care for all Oklahomans.
Stem cell research could open doors to new and improved solutions to medical problems and be the answer to curing diseases that effect millions of Americans living with ailments that scientists believe can treated or cured based on stem cell research.
“The extreme ideology of Republicans like Fallin is standing in the way of public policy,” Pryor said. “Americans overwhelmingly support expanding federal funding for stem cell research, and yet, Republicans continue to cater to their extreme right-wing base. We derserve a Congressman in the 5th District who understands the need to find new and creative solutions to our health care problems.”
Mary Fallin Opposes Breast Cancer Research;
Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre At Home Recovering
Last week, the Oklahoma Democratic Party exposed Mary Fallin's votes against breast cancer research, click here for the press release.
Today, Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre released a statement about her fight against breast cancer. Her doctors found it in August and after a double mastectomy she's in good spirits recovering at home.
Here at the Oklahoma Democratic Party, our prayers are with her. Click the link below to read her statement.
Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Sen. Eason McIntyre Says Faith Got Her Through Breast Cancer;
Urges Women to Get Screened
Urges Women to Get Screened
State Senator Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa, had always been careful to have an annual mammogram, and had always gotten a clean bill of healthuntil this past August. When she saw the cluster of white flecks on the mammogram image, she knew something was wrong. A couple of weeks later a biopsy confirmed it was cancer.
"Emotionally, I went from shock, fear, denial, a feeling of helplessnessI started really thinking funeral plans," Eason McIntyre said.
But the Tulsa senator soon turned her energy and emotions into approaching the cancer pro-actively. She read everything she could about breast cancer and talked to women who had lived through it and she turned to her faith.
"While the physicians and everyone related to the medical team can do wondersat least for me, if I didn't give it to a higher being, I would probably swim in the same negative thoughts over and over again which will not do you any good during this process," Eason McIntyre said. "I put it in the hands of the good Lord."
Eason McIntyre first underwent a lumpectomy, but learned the cancer was invasive, which meant a mastectomy would be needed. Once again, she opted for a pro-active approach.
"I had already decided that if the cancer was invasive, I would have the other breast removed as well, rather than risk the cancer returning," Eason McIntyre said. That was three weeks ago. Recovering at home, Eason McIntyre said she felt just great and was looking forward to returning to the Capitol.
Because she opted for the double mastectomy and the cancer had not spread to the lymph nodes, Eason McIntyre will not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments. However, she will be on a five-year regime of the medication Tamoxifen to help keep her cancer-free. Now Eason McIntyre wants to use her experience to help other women
I really see this as an opportunity to help other women who are afraid and let them know they can get through this," Eason McIntyre said. "I want women to know even though they may be frightened, early detection can save their lives."
Hunter ad hits Fallin on Hastert visit
October 26, 2006 Thursday
By RON JENKINS, Associated Press Writer
A new television ad that began running Wednesday by Democrat David Hunter attempts to tie Republican congressional opponent Mary Fallin to the "moral crisis" in Washington because she is accepting fundraising help from House Speaker Dennis Hastert. ...
Hunter, the underdog in the 5th Congressional District race to replace Istook, began airing a 30-second TV spot in which he says: "Washington is broken and Mary Fallin's part of the problem. She's raising money with the politician who protected a sexual predator.
"That's wrong. This is not a political crisis, it's a moral crisis, and we deserve better."
The commercial spotlights headlines cobbled from newspaper accounts of Hastert's response to the congressional page scandal and his planned fundraising event in Oklahoma City on Monday on behalf of Fallin.
"It's time to give up on the politicians, fix the mess that they made of jobs and health care and get back to living our values, not just talking about them," Hunter says to end the ad.
Hunter had previously criticized Fallin for accepting money from GOP congressional political action committees and called on the three-term lieutenant governor to cancel the fundraiser with Hastert.
At least two incumbent Republican congressmen, Ron Lewis of Kentucky and Don Sherwood of Pennsylvania, canceled Hastert appearances after the page scandal broke. Hastert said he had no knowledge of sexually suggestive text messages that were reported to have been sent by disgraced Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., to congressional pages.
An aide said Fallin was in northeast Oklahoma on Wednesday campaigning for legislative candidates and could not be reached for comment. ...
ODP Media Release: Desperate Hiett Latches on to Democratic Party Success
Lisa Pryor, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman, said today the GOP’s candidate for Lt. Governor, Todd Hiett, is misleading Oklahoma voters by running ads that suggest a strong connection between Hiett and popular Democratic Governor Brad Henry. She said the advertisement is a thinly veiled attempt to distract voters from the Republican’s failed record in the last legislative session.
“This is a simple act of desperation by a Republican trying to plug into the success of a an extremely popular Democratic Governor. If House Speaker Todd Hiett spent more time working for Oklahoma families and less time obstructing progress and playing partisan games, the last legislative session would not be remembered as one of the least productive in Oklahoma history,” Pryor said. “Republicans like Hiett are so desperate to win, they will do and say anything to distract voters from their deceitful and divisive legacy of pay to play."
Pryor said Democrats have a real leader in Lt. Governor Jari Askins. A Lt. Governor candidate who can truly work with Governor Henry and who will get Henry’s vote on Nov. 7. Hiett, in two head-to-head debates with Askins, has avoided answering who he will vote for in the Governor’s race – Henry or challenger Ernest Istook, a fellow Republican.
“He avoids answering a simple question. What else is he hiding from Oklahoma voters? We deserve a Lt. Governor who cares about education and health care access for all Oklahomans,” Pryor said. “Jari Aksins, a candidate committed to job creation and fiscal responsibility, can honestly team with Governor Brad Henry and lead our state forward.”
Lisa Pryor, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman, said today the GOP’s candidate for Lt. Governor, Todd Hiett, is misleading Oklahoma voters by running ads that suggest a strong connection between Hiett and popular Democratic Governor Brad Henry. She said the advertisement is a thinly veiled attempt to distract voters from the Republican’s failed record in the last legislative session.
“This is a simple act of desperation by a Republican trying to plug into the success of a an extremely popular Democratic Governor. If House Speaker Todd Hiett spent more time working for Oklahoma families and less time obstructing progress and playing partisan games, the last legislative session would not be remembered as one of the least productive in Oklahoma history,” Pryor said. “Republicans like Hiett are so desperate to win, they will do and say anything to distract voters from their deceitful and divisive legacy of pay to play."
Pryor said Democrats have a real leader in Lt. Governor Jari Askins. A Lt. Governor candidate who can truly work with Governor Henry and who will get Henry’s vote on Nov. 7. Hiett, in two head-to-head debates with Askins, has avoided answering who he will vote for in the Governor’s race – Henry or challenger Ernest Istook, a fellow Republican.
“He avoids answering a simple question. What else is he hiding from Oklahoma voters? We deserve a Lt. Governor who cares about education and health care access for all Oklahomans,” Pryor said. “Jari Aksins, a candidate committed to job creation and fiscal responsibility, can honestly team with Governor Brad Henry and lead our state forward.”
Things Are Looking Up In Kansas
As previously mentioned on this blog, many Kansas politicians are abandoning the Republican Party and now running as Democrats. Most say that the GOP moved away from them with their hard-right politics that don't benefit the country. One newspaper editorial tells their own story quite nicely.
From the Overland Park, Kansas, newspaper, THE JOHNSON COUNTY SUN:
Why our shift?
Steve Rose, Chairman
October 05, 2006
As we prepare ourselves to make political endorsements in subsequent issues, I can tell you unequivocally that this newspaper has never endorsed so many Democrats. Not even close.
In the 56 years we have been publishing in Johnson County, this basically has been a Republican newspaper. In the old days, before the Republican civil war that fractured the party, we were traditional Republicans. That is, we happily endorsed Jan Meyers for Congress, Bob Dole for U.S. Senate, Nancy Kassebaum for U.S. Senate; virtually every Republican state legislator from here, with a few rare exceptions; and most governors, although we did endorse the conservative Democrats George and Bob Docking and John Carlin.
The point is, I can name on two hands over a half century the number of Democrats we have endorsed for public office.
This year, we will do something different.
You will read why we are endorsing Kathleen Sebelius for governor and Mark Parkinson for lieutenant governor; Dennis Moore to be re-elected to the U.S. Congress; Paul Morrison for Kansas attorney general; and a slew of local Democratic state legislative candidates. These are not liberal Democrats. They are what fairly can be described as conservative Democrats, and we can prove that in our forthcoming endorsements.
But I could not help but put in perspective a more global phenomenon that has led us to re-evaluate our traditional support for Republicans.
This change may come as no surprise to our most cynical conservative readers who would dismiss me (and others on the editorial board) as being a moderate Republican and, therefore, the same as a Democrat. To them, there is no difference.
But the shift, frankly, shocks me, because I have pulled the lever over and over since my first vote in 1968 for Republicans. If I was a closet Democrat, I must have hidden it well, especially from myself, since I always beat up on Democrats in my columns. I have called them leftists, socialists, and every other name in the book, because I thought they were flat-out wrong.
And, for the most part, I still do. I am opposed to big government. I have little use for unions. I never liked the welfare plans. I am opposed to weak-kneed defense policies. I have always been for fiscal prudence. I think back to the policies of most Democrats, and I cringe.
So, what in the world has happened?
The Republican Party has changed, and it has changed monumentally.
You almost cannot be a victorious traditional Republican candidate with mainstream values in Johnson County or in Kansas anymore, because these candidates never get on the ballot in the general election. They lose in low turnout primaries, where the far right shows up to vote in disproportionate numbers.
To win a Republican primary, the candidate must move to the right.
What does to-the-right mean?
It means anti-public education, though claiming to support it.
It means weak support of our universities, while praising them.
It means anti-stem cell research.
It means ridiculing global warming.
It means gay bashing. Not so much gay marriage, but just bashing gays.
It means immigrant bashing. I'm talking about the viciousness.
It means putting religion in public schools. Not just prayer.
It means mocking evolution and claiming it is not science.
It means denigrating even abstinence-based sex education.
Note, I did not say it means "anti-abortion," because I do not find that position repugnant, at all. I respect that position. But everything else adds up to priorities that have nothing to do with the Republican Party I once knew.
That's why, in the absence of so-called traditional Republican candidates, the choice comes down to right-wing Republicans or conservative Democrats.
And now you know why we have been forced to move left.
From the Overland Park, Kansas, newspaper, THE JOHNSON COUNTY SUN:
Why our shift?
Steve Rose, Chairman
October 05, 2006
As we prepare ourselves to make political endorsements in subsequent issues, I can tell you unequivocally that this newspaper has never endorsed so many Democrats. Not even close.
In the 56 years we have been publishing in Johnson County, this basically has been a Republican newspaper. In the old days, before the Republican civil war that fractured the party, we were traditional Republicans. That is, we happily endorsed Jan Meyers for Congress, Bob Dole for U.S. Senate, Nancy Kassebaum for U.S. Senate; virtually every Republican state legislator from here, with a few rare exceptions; and most governors, although we did endorse the conservative Democrats George and Bob Docking and John Carlin.
The point is, I can name on two hands over a half century the number of Democrats we have endorsed for public office.
This year, we will do something different.
You will read why we are endorsing Kathleen Sebelius for governor and Mark Parkinson for lieutenant governor; Dennis Moore to be re-elected to the U.S. Congress; Paul Morrison for Kansas attorney general; and a slew of local Democratic state legislative candidates. These are not liberal Democrats. They are what fairly can be described as conservative Democrats, and we can prove that in our forthcoming endorsements.
But I could not help but put in perspective a more global phenomenon that has led us to re-evaluate our traditional support for Republicans.
This change may come as no surprise to our most cynical conservative readers who would dismiss me (and others on the editorial board) as being a moderate Republican and, therefore, the same as a Democrat. To them, there is no difference.
But the shift, frankly, shocks me, because I have pulled the lever over and over since my first vote in 1968 for Republicans. If I was a closet Democrat, I must have hidden it well, especially from myself, since I always beat up on Democrats in my columns. I have called them leftists, socialists, and every other name in the book, because I thought they were flat-out wrong.
And, for the most part, I still do. I am opposed to big government. I have little use for unions. I never liked the welfare plans. I am opposed to weak-kneed defense policies. I have always been for fiscal prudence. I think back to the policies of most Democrats, and I cringe.
So, what in the world has happened?
The Republican Party has changed, and it has changed monumentally.
You almost cannot be a victorious traditional Republican candidate with mainstream values in Johnson County or in Kansas anymore, because these candidates never get on the ballot in the general election. They lose in low turnout primaries, where the far right shows up to vote in disproportionate numbers.
To win a Republican primary, the candidate must move to the right.
What does to-the-right mean?
It means anti-public education, though claiming to support it.
It means weak support of our universities, while praising them.
It means anti-stem cell research.
It means ridiculing global warming.
It means gay bashing. Not so much gay marriage, but just bashing gays.
It means immigrant bashing. I'm talking about the viciousness.
It means putting religion in public schools. Not just prayer.
It means mocking evolution and claiming it is not science.
It means denigrating even abstinence-based sex education.
Note, I did not say it means "anti-abortion," because I do not find that position repugnant, at all. I respect that position. But everything else adds up to priorities that have nothing to do with the Republican Party I once knew.
That's why, in the absence of so-called traditional Republican candidates, the choice comes down to right-wing Republicans or conservative Democrats.
And now you know why we have been forced to move left.
Very Short Stories
Recently, Wired magazine asked many authors to submit a short story written with only six words. Several of the authors used the task to comment on our current political situation - those are listed below. Read the rest here.
Parallel universe. Bush, destitute, joins army. - Steven Meretzky
Democracy postponed. Whence franchise? Ask Diebold... - David Brin
Three to Iraq. One came back. - Graeme Gibson
Bush told the truth. Hell froze. - William Gibson
K.I.A. Baghdad, Aged 18 - Closed Casket - Richard K. Morgan
Recently, Wired magazine asked many authors to submit a short story written with only six words. Several of the authors used the task to comment on our current political situation - those are listed below. Read the rest here.
Parallel universe. Bush, destitute, joins army. - Steven Meretzky
Democracy postponed. Whence franchise? Ask Diebold... - David Brin
Three to Iraq. One came back. - Graeme Gibson
Bush told the truth. Hell froze. - William Gibson
K.I.A. Baghdad, Aged 18 - Closed Casket - Richard K. Morgan
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
What's Your Personal Platform?Take the CNN Quiz here, as part of their America Votes 2006, and then share your platform and views with others...
Oklahoman Profiles HD 98 Candidate Rae Weese
Rae is dedicated to improving Oklahoma schools and is doing a great job in her race against incumbent John Trebilcock, the kind of Republican we need to send home.
Read the Full Story....
Candidate puts high priority on interaction
By John Estus
The Oklahoman
BROKEN ARROW -- Rae Weese grew tired of hearing her fellow House District 98 constituents complain about not being able to reach Rep. John Trebilcock, R-Broken Arrow, on the phone.
Her solution? File for office and unseat the incumbent herself.
Weese, a Democrat, said voters need to elect somebody who interacts with the community. She said Trebilock doesn't.
"He's not accessible," Weese said.
Trebilock wasn't accessible to The Oklahoman, either. He did not return repeated phone calls during a four-day period.
Living in District 98 for 30 years has helped Weese get to know the people there better than most, she said.
That's why campaigning against someone with a larger bankroll doesn't worry her.
"I don't know that we need all that much money. I think sometimes people spend an obscene amount of money on campaigns.
"The secret is talking to people one-on-one. Walking down Main Street and meeting all the merchants. Going house-to-house, business-to-business," Weese said.
Weese never has run for elected office but was a delegate for Sen. John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign and said she regularly volunteers for state candidates.
Her children attended Broken Arrow Public Schools, and Weese spent much of her time volunteering at the schools. She said it gave her first-hand knowledge of struggles faced by educators.
She said while teachers received admirable raises of $3,000 this past year, she would like to see all school workers get a raise.
"The support staff got nothing. They're equally important, from the janitor to the cafeteria to the office workers," Weese said.
She said she won't vote party line if elected and said her opponent has done so too often during his term.
Weese's husband, Dennis, is the Democratic candidate for Senate District 36.
Rae is dedicated to improving Oklahoma schools and is doing a great job in her race against incumbent John Trebilcock, the kind of Republican we need to send home.
Read the Full Story....
Candidate puts high priority on interaction
By John Estus
The Oklahoman
BROKEN ARROW -- Rae Weese grew tired of hearing her fellow House District 98 constituents complain about not being able to reach Rep. John Trebilcock, R-Broken Arrow, on the phone.
Her solution? File for office and unseat the incumbent herself.
Weese, a Democrat, said voters need to elect somebody who interacts with the community. She said Trebilock doesn't.
"He's not accessible," Weese said.
Trebilock wasn't accessible to The Oklahoman, either. He did not return repeated phone calls during a four-day period.
Living in District 98 for 30 years has helped Weese get to know the people there better than most, she said.
That's why campaigning against someone with a larger bankroll doesn't worry her.
"I don't know that we need all that much money. I think sometimes people spend an obscene amount of money on campaigns.
"The secret is talking to people one-on-one. Walking down Main Street and meeting all the merchants. Going house-to-house, business-to-business," Weese said.
Weese never has run for elected office but was a delegate for Sen. John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign and said she regularly volunteers for state candidates.
Her children attended Broken Arrow Public Schools, and Weese spent much of her time volunteering at the schools. She said it gave her first-hand knowledge of struggles faced by educators.
She said while teachers received admirable raises of $3,000 this past year, she would like to see all school workers get a raise.
"The support staff got nothing. They're equally important, from the janitor to the cafeteria to the office workers," Weese said.
She said she won't vote party line if elected and said her opponent has done so too often during his term.
Weese's husband, Dennis, is the Democratic candidate for Senate District 36.
ODP Media Release: Oklahoma Republicans Must Change Course Not Rhetoric
Lisa Pryor, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman, today said the Republican philosophy of “stay the course” continues to hurt America and Oklahoma. The Center for American Progress Action Fund today released a report card on the Bush Administration's failing record in Iraq. The report gave the Republican Administration two D's and three F's on their inability to create security and stability, governance and democracy, economic reconstruction and the impact on U.S. national security. The report comes out at the same time as a story in the Washington Post which says the Administration will no longer use the phrase "stay the course" in talking about their failed strategy in Iraq.
“President Bush needs to provide Americans a plan, not more rhetoric, which is carefully crafted in response to plummeting poll numbers on the eve of Election Day,” Pryor said. “Oklahoma soldiers, their families and the American people deserve better. We want to defeat the enemy in Iraq and keep America safe. But, the Bush Administration's failed Iraq policy is feeding terrorism, not fighting it.”
But President Bush isn't the only one who has advocated the stay the course strategy even in the face of evidence of its failure. Oklahoma Congressional Republicans Tom Cole, John Sullivan, Frank Lucas, as well as nominee Mary Fallin, have continued to spout Washington Republican talking points, refusing to admit that the Bush Administration's current policy on Iraq, the war on terrorism, and the economy is just not working. Now that even the Bush Administration has backed off from their failed rhetoric, will Oklahoma Republicans flip flop too?
“Oklahomans already know that staying the course in Iraq is not an option," said Pryor said. “The rubber-stamp set of Cole, Sullivan and Lucas must do more than just change the way they talk about Iraq, they must change their permanent commitment to a failed strategy on the economy, the war on terror, privatizing social security and failing to fund education."
Lisa Pryor, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman, today said the Republican philosophy of “stay the course” continues to hurt America and Oklahoma. The Center for American Progress Action Fund today released a report card on the Bush Administration's failing record in Iraq. The report gave the Republican Administration two D's and three F's on their inability to create security and stability, governance and democracy, economic reconstruction and the impact on U.S. national security. The report comes out at the same time as a story in the Washington Post which says the Administration will no longer use the phrase "stay the course" in talking about their failed strategy in Iraq.
“President Bush needs to provide Americans a plan, not more rhetoric, which is carefully crafted in response to plummeting poll numbers on the eve of Election Day,” Pryor said. “Oklahoma soldiers, their families and the American people deserve better. We want to defeat the enemy in Iraq and keep America safe. But, the Bush Administration's failed Iraq policy is feeding terrorism, not fighting it.”
But President Bush isn't the only one who has advocated the stay the course strategy even in the face of evidence of its failure. Oklahoma Congressional Republicans Tom Cole, John Sullivan, Frank Lucas, as well as nominee Mary Fallin, have continued to spout Washington Republican talking points, refusing to admit that the Bush Administration's current policy on Iraq, the war on terrorism, and the economy is just not working. Now that even the Bush Administration has backed off from their failed rhetoric, will Oklahoma Republicans flip flop too?
“Oklahomans already know that staying the course in Iraq is not an option," said Pryor said. “The rubber-stamp set of Cole, Sullivan and Lucas must do more than just change the way they talk about Iraq, they must change their permanent commitment to a failed strategy on the economy, the war on terror, privatizing social security and failing to fund education."
THE 10 WORST CONGRESSMEN
Is anyone else surprised that 9 out of the 10 worst Congressmen belong to the Republican Party? Check out the list by Rolling Stone here, and prepare to be shocked by number 1 - he's only the leader of the Republicans in the House. He's their leader, no wonder the entire delegation is full of corruption!
Let's change things - vote Democratic on November 7!
Is anyone else surprised that 9 out of the 10 worst Congressmen belong to the Republican Party? Check out the list by Rolling Stone here, and prepare to be shocked by number 1 - he's only the leader of the Republicans in the House. He's their leader, no wonder the entire delegation is full of corruption!
Let's change things - vote Democratic on November 7!
A Note From President Bill Clinton
Our way works. Their way doesn't.
That isn't just a theory anymore - it's historical fact.
Under Democratic leadership, we created millions more jobs; we lifted millions more people out of poverty and gave them health care; we expanded the middle class and raised the incomes of our families.
The Republicans who control the White House and the Congress have led us down a very different path. They've chosen ideology over community, harsh politics over good government, and personal destruction over common ground. They've left ordinary Americans to fend for themselves, and left the United States isolated around the world when we should be leading it instead.
Democrats have already won the battle of ideas. By a large majority, Americans are ready for a change. But now we need to win the battle on the ground - and that's where you come in. With your help, we can take back the House and Senate and move America forward.
Opportunities like this one come once in a lifetime. The far-right wing that is running the Republican Party has never been more vulnerable.
We are going to pick up seats in the Senate in November. The only question is how many: will we merely narrow the difference between us and Republicans, or will we elect a Democratic majority that gives us a chance to start putting our government back in our hands?
If you see the polls and read the newspapers, you know that every day, more and more Americans from all sorts of backgrounds and every corner of the country are demanding change in Washington.
Republicans are seeing it, too. And they're turning to one of the oldest and dirtiest tricks in the book: they're trying to scare people. They want folks to stop thinking. So when they spread fear, we need to spread facts.
Democrats across the nation are helping candidates all over the country to do just that. Already, they have knocked on hundreds of thousands of doors and made millions of phone calls. They've reached out to thousands of new voters every day. But we need to do more.
I am going to do everything I can over the next 13 days to reelect Democrats across our country to the House and Senate.
The races are close, and in these final days, your help makes all the difference. Americans are turning against the Republicans and are thinking for themselves. They're not afraid. They're hopeful.
If we have the resources to answer Republican fear-mongering with Democratic truth-telling, we are going to win this election.
That isn't a theory either - and with your help, the days of Republican control in Washington will be history.
Jackson County Democratic Party Headquarters
I just spoke with Sweet Pea Abernathy on the phone this morning, and she and the other Jackson County Democrats are working hard for our victory in 13 days. They opened their headquarters about a month ago, and have it stocked full of signs and supplies. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and or just give them a call at 580.480.0044, and thank them for all the hard work they've done this year.
I just spoke with Sweet Pea Abernathy on the phone this morning, and she and the other Jackson County Democrats are working hard for our victory in 13 days. They opened their headquarters about a month ago, and have it stocked full of signs and supplies. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and or just give them a call at 580.480.0044, and thank them for all the hard work they've done this year.
Partnership Project Staff
On November 7th Oklahoma Democrats will reap the benefits of the hard work of our three DNC Partnership Project staffers Teresa Hill, Jason McCarty, and Courtney Ruark. These three are part of the project envisioned and funded by DNC Chairman Howard Dean to build up the state parties in all 50 states.
Teresa, Jason, and Courtney have been working throughout the year to develop precinct and county organizations and to provide a positive message and image to the work of the party -- they have provided dozens of trainings, made thousands of phone calls, knocked thousands of doors, provided creative messages and communications to voters, and developed new networks of Democrats in places where there were none.
Please let them know how much you appreciate their hard work. Call them at 405.427.3366. Better yet, make a contribution to the DNC to support the good work of the Partnership Project.
On November 7th Oklahoma Democrats will reap the benefits of the hard work of our three DNC Partnership Project staffers Teresa Hill, Jason McCarty, and Courtney Ruark. These three are part of the project envisioned and funded by DNC Chairman Howard Dean to build up the state parties in all 50 states.
Teresa, Jason, and Courtney have been working throughout the year to develop precinct and county organizations and to provide a positive message and image to the work of the party -- they have provided dozens of trainings, made thousands of phone calls, knocked thousands of doors, provided creative messages and communications to voters, and developed new networks of Democrats in places where there were none.
Please let them know how much you appreciate their hard work. Call them at 405.427.3366. Better yet, make a contribution to the DNC to support the good work of the Partnership Project.
Special Thanks to Kitti
Special thanks to Kitti Asberry, Oklahoma County Democratic Party Chair, for her dedication and support to the ODP staff and officers. Kitti's smile and energy are contagious! She has a great group of volunteers working out of the ODP HQ to help our GOTV efforts. Call her at our office, 427.3366 and thank her for all she's doing to help elect Democrats.
Special thanks to Kitti Asberry, Oklahoma County Democratic Party Chair, for her dedication and support to the ODP staff and officers. Kitti's smile and energy are contagious! She has a great group of volunteers working out of the ODP HQ to help our GOTV efforts. Call her at our office, 427.3366 and thank her for all she's doing to help elect Democrats.
Mayflower Candidate Forum
Last night's forum at Mayflower Congregational Church in OKC was a breath of fresh air and civility. Sponsored jointly with the Temple B'nai Israel, organizers invited Democratic and Republican candidates for local, congressional, and statewide offices. Participants and audience members were welcomed by Dr. Robin Meyers who prefaced the evening with a strong admonition of the importance of the separation of church and state. Meyers clearly stated the ground rules, including no distribution of campaign literature, then invited the audience to listen carefully to the candidates. The audience was polite and obviously very serious about their politics and their faith. Candidates running as Democrats on the ballot who were present included CD5 nominee Dr. David Hunter, Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth, SD40 nominee Pat Potts, HD85 nominee Jennifer Seal, HD87 nominee Dana Orwig, and SD38 nominee Andrew Rice. Sheriff John Whetsel attended but was not on the program.
Last night's forum at Mayflower Congregational Church in OKC was a breath of fresh air and civility. Sponsored jointly with the Temple B'nai Israel, organizers invited Democratic and Republican candidates for local, congressional, and statewide offices. Participants and audience members were welcomed by Dr. Robin Meyers who prefaced the evening with a strong admonition of the importance of the separation of church and state. Meyers clearly stated the ground rules, including no distribution of campaign literature, then invited the audience to listen carefully to the candidates. The audience was polite and obviously very serious about their politics and their faith. Candidates running as Democrats on the ballot who were present included CD5 nominee Dr. David Hunter, Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth, SD40 nominee Pat Potts, HD85 nominee Jennifer Seal, HD87 nominee Dana Orwig, and SD38 nominee Andrew Rice. Sheriff John Whetsel attended but was not on the program.
Congressional Endorsement - New York Style
Today's NY Times carries an endorsement for the Democratic Party's Diane Farrell. Their endorsement changes course from long time support of Republican Chris Shays. While this is a New York race, the arguments to elect the Democratic candidate, individuals aside, hold up across the board from state to state. A vote for Republican incumbents, no matter their local stature, is a vote to continue the egregious failures of the GOP. So, in Oklahoma, a vote for incumbents Sullivan, Lucas and Cole is a vote in favor of failed policies in Iraq and failure to bring "oversight to a reckless White House." Read the story below from the Times. Then encourage all your friends and families, neighbors and coworkers to vote for Democrats on November 7th. It's not personal, it's politics and it's about a new direction for America. Vote for Alan Gentges in CD1. Vote for Dan Boren in CD2. Vote for Sue Barton in CD3. Vote for Hal Spake in CD4. Vote for Dr. David Hunter in CD5.
October 25, 2006
Editorial
A Congressional Endorsement
The most fundamental rule of democracy is that when elected officials fail repeatedly, voters throw them out of office. If the polls are anywhere near accurate, most Americans have concluded that the Republican Party — particularly the Republican majority in the House of Representatives — has failed egregiously. On Iraq. On ethics. On oversight of a reckless White House. But that conviction sometimes comes into conflict with the feeling that a good representative should be rewarded with re-election, without regard to party.
All of that brings us to Representative Christopher Shays, a Republican from Connecticut’s Fourth District. Mr. Shays has been in office for nearly 20 years, during which his state has grown increasingly Democratic. This year his race with Diane Farrell, a former first selectwoman of Westport, is regarded as one of the tightest in the nation.
The Times has endorsed Mr. Shays in every race in which he has faced a serious opponent. While this page has disagreed with him on many issues — from tax cuts for the wealthy to warrantless wiretapping — we have admired his independence and respected his leadership on issues like campaign finance reform.
Still, as his party has moved to the right, Mr. Shays has taken more and more stands with which we have profound disagreement. His position on immigration reform is far closer to the crabbed, xenophobic stance of the House Republicans than the fairer, bipartisan approach of the Senate. During the campaign, his remarks about the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison — which he minimized as “something less than torture” — were disturbing.
Ms. Farrell, Mr. Shays’s opponent, is an excellent candidate. After eight years as first selectwoman, she has a better understanding than most legislators of the impact of federal mandates and tax policy on local government. She is smart and articulate, and her positions on the issues are extremely well thought-out.
When Ms. Farrell first challenged Mr. Shays two years ago, The Times chose to endorse him as a rare voice for moderation within a Republican caucus that seemed bent on distracting the electorate with assaults on gay marriage, flag burning and abortion while running up the deficit, encouraging a ruinous war in Iraq and supporting a White House bent on exalting the power of the president at the expense of the Constitution.
Now it is time to draw the line. Mr. Shays may be a beacon of integrity, but if he is re-elected, he will vote to continue House control by a party that has repeatedly sold out the country to special-interest lobbyists. His position on Iraq, which has gone through tortuous re-evaluations, now seems basically sensible. But if he is re-elected, he will support a Republican leadership that has refused to question even the most ruinous decisions by George Bush, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld about the conduct of American foreign policy.
Mr. Shays has been a good congressman, but not good enough to overcome the fact that his re-election would help empower a party that is long overdue for a shakeup. This decision is painful, but not difficult, given the high caliber of his opponent. With due respect for Mr. Shays’s service, we strongly endorse Diane Farrell for Congress.
Today's NY Times carries an endorsement for the Democratic Party's Diane Farrell. Their endorsement changes course from long time support of Republican Chris Shays. While this is a New York race, the arguments to elect the Democratic candidate, individuals aside, hold up across the board from state to state. A vote for Republican incumbents, no matter their local stature, is a vote to continue the egregious failures of the GOP. So, in Oklahoma, a vote for incumbents Sullivan, Lucas and Cole is a vote in favor of failed policies in Iraq and failure to bring "oversight to a reckless White House." Read the story below from the Times. Then encourage all your friends and families, neighbors and coworkers to vote for Democrats on November 7th. It's not personal, it's politics and it's about a new direction for America. Vote for Alan Gentges in CD1. Vote for Dan Boren in CD2. Vote for Sue Barton in CD3. Vote for Hal Spake in CD4. Vote for Dr. David Hunter in CD5.
October 25, 2006
Editorial
A Congressional Endorsement
The most fundamental rule of democracy is that when elected officials fail repeatedly, voters throw them out of office. If the polls are anywhere near accurate, most Americans have concluded that the Republican Party — particularly the Republican majority in the House of Representatives — has failed egregiously. On Iraq. On ethics. On oversight of a reckless White House. But that conviction sometimes comes into conflict with the feeling that a good representative should be rewarded with re-election, without regard to party.
All of that brings us to Representative Christopher Shays, a Republican from Connecticut’s Fourth District. Mr. Shays has been in office for nearly 20 years, during which his state has grown increasingly Democratic. This year his race with Diane Farrell, a former first selectwoman of Westport, is regarded as one of the tightest in the nation.
The Times has endorsed Mr. Shays in every race in which he has faced a serious opponent. While this page has disagreed with him on many issues — from tax cuts for the wealthy to warrantless wiretapping — we have admired his independence and respected his leadership on issues like campaign finance reform.
Still, as his party has moved to the right, Mr. Shays has taken more and more stands with which we have profound disagreement. His position on immigration reform is far closer to the crabbed, xenophobic stance of the House Republicans than the fairer, bipartisan approach of the Senate. During the campaign, his remarks about the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison — which he minimized as “something less than torture” — were disturbing.
Ms. Farrell, Mr. Shays’s opponent, is an excellent candidate. After eight years as first selectwoman, she has a better understanding than most legislators of the impact of federal mandates and tax policy on local government. She is smart and articulate, and her positions on the issues are extremely well thought-out.
When Ms. Farrell first challenged Mr. Shays two years ago, The Times chose to endorse him as a rare voice for moderation within a Republican caucus that seemed bent on distracting the electorate with assaults on gay marriage, flag burning and abortion while running up the deficit, encouraging a ruinous war in Iraq and supporting a White House bent on exalting the power of the president at the expense of the Constitution.
Now it is time to draw the line. Mr. Shays may be a beacon of integrity, but if he is re-elected, he will vote to continue House control by a party that has repeatedly sold out the country to special-interest lobbyists. His position on Iraq, which has gone through tortuous re-evaluations, now seems basically sensible. But if he is re-elected, he will support a Republican leadership that has refused to question even the most ruinous decisions by George Bush, Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld about the conduct of American foreign policy.
Mr. Shays has been a good congressman, but not good enough to overcome the fact that his re-election would help empower a party that is long overdue for a shakeup. This decision is painful, but not difficult, given the high caliber of his opponent. With due respect for Mr. Shays’s service, we strongly endorse Diane Farrell for Congress.
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