OK Blue Notes

2007-09-26T14:52:00.001-05:00

Oklahoma Democratic Party Calls on
House Republican Leadership to
Come Clean about Ethics Violations

OKLAHOMA CITY – Dr. Ivan Holmes, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, called on Speaker Lance Cargill and House Republicans to do the right thing by coming forward with the truth about allegations of illegal campaign contributions and expenditures. Revelations about tens of thousands of dollars being funneled from the accounts of Republican lawmakers into the Oklahoma County Republican Party to assist Republican House candidates all over Oklahoma come at a time when the GOP has been plagued by scandal after scandal.

“Despite lip service about family values and morality, the culture of corruption in the Republican Party goes from the State House to the White House. Time and again they have broken the law and violated ethics rules in pursuit of power for the Republican Party, not for the good of Oklahoma or their constituents,” stated Holmes. “It is time they come clean and place statesmanship ahead of partisanship.”

Gary Jones, Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, has confirmed repeated reports that the Oklahoma Ethics Commission is investigating House Republicans for diverting checks written to the Oklahoma State Republican Party to the Oklahoma County Republican Party for use by their targeted House candidates. Sources have named House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, and Rep. Trebor Worthen, R-Oklahoma City, chairman of the House political action committee that raises money for candidates, as the targets of this investigation.

Even former Republican Speaker of the House Todd Hiett has called on Speaker Cargill to come forward with the truth, "Cargill obviously felt like he was on solid ground. I honestly hope he would come forward with the legal ground that supports that action."

“Not only did Cargill and Worthen mislead the voters of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, but they also misled their own legislative members who believed they were legitimately donating to the State Republican Party,” stated Holmes. “I hope Republican Representative David Dank will join me in calling for his House Republican Leadership to step down as he did for other elected officials who are currently under investigation.” Dank announced he will introduce ethics reform legislation similar to legislation introduced previously by Representative Lucky Lamons, D-Tulsa, that had been killed in committee by Republican leaders.

2007-09-24T12:01:00.000-05:00

Inhofe Rejects Chance to Help
Troops and their Families, Again

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe is risking the health and welfare of America’s soldiers and their families when he rejects bipartisan efforts to ensure a fair deployment rotation policy, State Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Ivan Holmes said today.

“Senator Inhofe votes consistently against policies that would benefit American soldiers and their families,” Holmes said. “He supports the war but his voting record makes it hard for him to claim that he supports the troops.”

Holmes was referring to an amendment before the U.S. Senate last week that Inhofe helped defeat for the second time this year that would establish rotation policies guaranteeing that most troops spend time at home between deployments equal to the duration of their last deployment.

Known as the “dwell-time” amendment, it had support of both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate along with the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and several veterans groups.

“Our men and women in uniform and their families have been pushed to the breaking point by these unreasonable deployments and redeployments,” Holmes said. “Regardless of his stubborn refusal to change course in Iraq after four and one-half years, Inhofe should at the very least, reconsider the toll on Oklahoma parents, children, and troops that the pace of the war is taking on America’s all-volunteer force.”

Holmes said that American ground forces are serving unprecedented periods in combat, which is leading to increased mental health issues among the troops and their families and a falling retention rate of experienced combat veterans. Most Army units today deploy for 15 months with 12 months at home. Most Marines have even less time at home. By contrast, British troops enjoy two years at home for every six months in combat.

The amendment’s author, Senator Jim Webb, D-VA, had cooperated with the Secretary of Defense to include a 120-day enactment period so the Pentagon could plan and organize the new rotation policy and he exempted Special Operations Forces because of the erratic nature of their mission.

“If Senator Inhofe doesn’t want to listen to me and other Oklahomans, he should listen to the Military Officers Association,” Holmes said in reference to a letter by MOAA President which stated: ”If we are not better stewards of our troops and their families in the future than we have been in the recent past, MOAA believes strongly that we will be putting the all-volunteer force at unacceptable risk.”

Holmes also noted that Article One, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress clear authority to “make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces.”

“Congress has mandated military personnel policies in the past, even during war time,” Holmes said. “It’s too easy for war cheerleaders in Congress to say they’re following the advice of the Pentagon. They also have a responsibility to look out for the welfare of our troops and their families.”

2007-09-24T11:28:00.000-05:00

"Everyone, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, is entitled to equal justice under the law. The quotation "All men are created equal" is arguably the best-known phrase in any of America's political documents. Therefore, as stated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, an injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere," stated Kitti Asberry, Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, speaking on the steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol on September 20, 2007 at the Jena 6 Rally.

2007-09-21T11:23:00.003-05:00

September 19, 2007

Retired OK Col Katherine Scheirman
Travels To Washington DC to Push
For Iraq Mission Worthy of
Troops Sacrifices

Oklahoma City, OK —Democratic Senators and Congressmen joined 40 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, including Dr. Katherine Scheirman, USAF (ret.), an Oklahoma City physician, in Washington DC on Tuesday to discuss Democrats’ ongoing efforts toward a strategy that protects our troops, supports our veterans when they return home and keeps America safer while finding a political solution in Iraq.

Dr. Scheirman, who retired in October of 2006 after 20 years of active duty, served as Director of Medical Operations at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where casualties from Iraq are evacuated. She stated, “I enjoyed this tremendous opportunity to meet other military veterans who speak for the troops in Iraq. We delivered their message that we need a responsible redeployment of our troops from Iraq in order to rebuild our military and go after the real Al Qaeda, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our national security is damaged by our occupation of Iraq.”

Said Jon Soltz, an Iraq veteran and the Chairman and Co-Founder of Vote Vets: “The President and his supporters continue to present no plan for Iraq. What the President has presented will not move Iraqis towards national reconciliation, or allow us to begin our overextended troops home, to refit and rearm and take the fight to al Qaeda. His plan is nothing but politics, trying to run down the clock and offer some political cover to vulnerable members of his party. This is not supporting the troops, and it is certainly not protecting America.”

“President Bush has pushed America's military to the limit,” Senator Dick Durbin said. “By forcing current troop levels until he leaves office, the President fails to acknowledge that lengthy deployments in a war without a strategic plan is not only unrealistic but unfair to our soldiers and their families.”

Said Senator Charles Schumer: “Despite the President's military surge and the valiant efforts of American soldiers, Iraq’s central government is weaker than ever, undermined by warring factions who have shown little interest in working together to bring a stable and peaceful government to their country. Without political reconciliation between the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds, peace cannot be brought to the country no matter how many troops there are. We should be doing all we can to change the course in Iraq.”

“Our troops are stretched thin, their equipment is deteriorating, and the patience of our nation is waning,” Senator Patty Murray said. “My colleagues and I are committed to changing the mission in Iraq, giving our troops more time at home, and taking care of our troops when they come home. But we need Republicans to join us. Many have begun to talk the talk. Now they have a chance to walk the walk.”

Said Senator Bernie Sanders: “All across the country there are veterans and their families who, as a result of their service to the nation, are experiencing health problems or financial problems. As a nation, we owe it to them to provide them the health care and benefits they have earned. The good news is that the Congress is making great strides in the effort to keep faith with our veterans.” On Iraq, he added, “it is not acceptable that the Bush administration still has no exit strategy.”

“It’s an outrage that the President and the Secretary of Defense are talking about vetoing what their own generals recommend,” Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher said. “Secretary Gates says this is about ‘force management.’ I think good management is a military that is rested and ready as opposed to over-stretched and strained. My legislation does this by making sure our troops are getting enough time to rest and retrain between deployments.”

For more information:

Dr. Katherine Scheirman, VoteVets.org 405/209-6101 katherine.scheirman@cox.net

2007-09-20T17:08:00.001-05:00

The revolt of the generals

by: GEORGIE ANNE GEYER Universal Press Syndicate
9/13/2007

WASHINGTON -- This is the week of the generals. "Oh," you say, "you mean the generals who have been serving in Iraq and are now testifying before Congress about our troops staying there?" Nope. I mean the growing "revolt of the generals," as some are calling it, against the war and against the entire war policy.

They are, of course, almost all retired generals. Anthony Zinni, Barry McCaffrey, Wesley Clark, Paul Eaton, James Jones, John Batiste and others, in addition to some influential colonels like Ralph Peters. One might wonder why those generals and other officers still in service when the war began didn't speak out a little earlier (as some of these did), when it might have spared us what many knew even then was going to go down as the greatest military disaster in American history.

Those who did speak out and continue to do so are brave men, with more important messages for Americans today than any that come from Iraqi commanding Gen. David H. Petraeus.

From retired Col. Ralph Peters, writing in USA Today: "The generals point out that they don't control the strategic decisions, that all they can do is to follow orders, that then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld wouldn't listen to anyone, that Congress undercut the military, that the media's behavior has been pernicious and that Iraq's political leaders have failed their country."

"No matter the mitigating circumstances and political restrictions military leaders face, there is no 'gentleman's C' in warfare. The course is pass-fail."

From retired Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, testifying before the House Armed Services Committee on July 31, 2007: "The U.S. armed forces are in a position of strategic peril. Congress must act."

"However, the purpose of my testimony is not to talk about the ongoing tactical operations . . . but instead the disastrous state of America's ground combat forces. Congress has been missing-in-action during the past several years while undebated and misguided strategies were implemented by former secretary Rumsfeld and his team of arrogant and inexperienced civilian associates in the Pentagon. The JCS (Joint Chiefs of Staff) failed to protect the armed forces from bad judgment and illegal orders.

"They have gotten us in a terrible strategic position of vulnerability. The Army is starting to crack under the strain of lack of resources, lack of political support and leadership from both the administration and this Congress, and isolation from the American people who have now walked away from the war."

Finally, retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, speaking on his book, "The Battle for Peace," in a "Meet the Press" appearance, describes the administration's behavior in the war as ranging from "true dereliction, negligence and irresponsibility" to "lying, incompetence and corruption."

In short: (1) Our military officer corps has become so bureaucratized, and thus is easily cowed by an obnoxiously dominating and humiliating figure like former secretary Rumsfeld, that we can never expect independent thinking from them if it is going to cost them their pensions. (2) The mindset of American officers is so rigidly conventional that they are simply incapable of understanding the Third World mentalities that they blithely -- and ignorantly -- fight. (3) Our military officers can understand only conventional warfare -- tank battles across the belly of Europe -- even though that threat barely exists in today's world.

Think about it. Every war we have fought (and too many of them!) since World War II has involved an "irregular" or guerrilla opponent. Especially Vietnam. Yet our military discovered "counterinsurgency" only three years into the Iraq war. The rather obvious thing to learn from this is, if you cannot do something well or at least understand it, then don't do it! That lesson most definitely has not been learned at the Pentagon, at enormous cost to America.

It is surely good that these retired generals (and a few others) have been speaking out, but where does it go? Even today, after Vietnam and Somalia and Bosnia and Lebanon and Central America, there is no one in the Pentagon who can analyze histories of foreign cultures well enough to predict what a society would do in response to an occupation. Our officers are treating counterinsurgency like something brand new when in fact it is millennia old.

We will have to watch carefully what happens to the officer corps after Iraq, whenever that might be. And we will have to thank these generals for the clarity that they are bringing to this clouded picture.

2007-09-20T17:04:00.000-05:00

Thanks from the Troops
for the Care Packages

2007-09-14T12:01:00.000-05:00

College Students Get Needed Help,
Inhofe One of Twelve to Vote No!

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe should explain why he chose to protect wealthy bankers when he could have voted for a popular bill to increase financial aid for college students, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Ivan Holmes said today.

Inhofe was one of only twelve U.S. Senators who voted against a bill that President Bush says he will sign to expand access to college student loans and grant assistance for thousands of low income students. The expanded assistance is paid for by cutting almost $20 billion in excessive fees to banks and other lenders who make student loans. The Senate approved the measure, 79-12, and it passed the House of Representatives, 292-97.

“By making the student loan program about college students instead of the banks, the Democratic Congress has made a big difference for parents and students who struggle to put enough money together to pay for college,” Holmes said.

The bill that was sent to the President reduces interest rates on federally backed student loans to poor and middle-income students from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent over the next four years. It also increases the maximum Pell grant, which goes to the poorest college students, from $4,310 a year to $5,400 by 2012. It also establishes a loan forgiveness program for college graduates who work for ten years in certain public service professions, such as teaching or nursing.

The student assistance package also reduces the federal deficit. By cutting generous subsidies to banks and other lenders that were contracted by the Bush Administration to administer the student loan program, the bill offsets costs of the student loan expansion and dedicates approximately $750 million for deficit reduction.

“Inhofe continues to paint himself as a ‘true’ conservative and deficit hawk, but his rhetoric doesn’t match his actions and this vote once again proves it. Inhofe could have voted to reduce the deficit and help average families, but instead he sided with the banking industry,” said Holmes. The latest Federal Election Commission report indicates that Inhofe received $10,000 from the American Bankers Association PAC so far in 2007.

“More Oklahoma students will have access to a college education in the years ahead no thanks to Jim Inhofe,” Holmes said. “Oklahomans demand to know when Jim Inhofe is going to stop pandering to special interests and start helping working families.”

2007-09-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

Giuliani Continues to Duck
Responsibility for Health of 9/11
Firefighters and Recovery Workers

OKLAHOMA CITY – While he often evokes 9/11 on the campaign trail, Rudy Giuliani has yet to take responsibility for his role in exposing firefighters and recovery workers to debilitating toxic air at Ground Zero. When he campaigns in Oklahoma today, Giuliani should finally answer questions about this serious health issue, which has led to thousands of firefighters and first responders being treated for serious respiratory problems.

“The way Rudy Giuliani has bucked responsibility for this serious health issue speaks volumes about his shabby brand of leadership,” said Dr. Ivan Holmes, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. “Giuliani should truthfully answer the concerns of the firefighters and 9/11 families who have sacrificed so much.”

Records show that Giuliani’s administration was aware of the toxic levels of asbestos in air samples of Ground Zero but he “sidelined” federal agencies with “extensive disaster response experience”. Giuliani's administration assigned clean-up to an unknown city agency and re-opened sections of Manhattan “despite knowing the air was toxic,” “overruling” the city's Department of Environmental Protection which found high levels of asbestos in 27 of 38 tests conducted before Giuliani refuted concerns about the air quality and said the “air quality is safe and acceptable.” [The New York Times, 5/14/07; UPI, 9/7/06; Giuliani, 9/28/01; New York Post, 9/7/06; Daily News, 9/6/06]

Thousands of firefighters have developed illnesses and what has become known as World Trade Center cough. “Beyond all doubt” the deaths of at least four responders were “a direct consequence of their service” at the WTC site according to the Daily News. [New York Times, 2/27/07; 5/14/07; Newsday (New York), 1/31/07; Daily News (New York), 7/25/06]

Firefighters and 9/11 family members have been angered by Giuliani's lack of accountability. As they noted in a recent video, Giuliani has not taken responsibility for neglecting the needs of city firefighters or his poor decision to put the emergency command center in the shadow of the World Trade Center. [www.rudy-urbanlegend.com]

After Rudy Giuliani recently claimed that he was at Ground Zero “as often, if not more” than the recovery workers at the site, The New York Times proved that claim to be factually inaccurate. The reality is that for the period of September 17 to December 16, 2001, Rudy logged a total of 29 hours at Ground Zero, while many brave rescue and recovery workers worked 12-hour shifts every day.

2007-09-12T15:40:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to

Oklahoma County Commissioner

Willa Johnson!

Governor David Walters, County Commissioner Willa Johnson,

First Lady Rhonda Walters and Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth

2007-08-31T11:26:00.000-05:00

Rice to Announce

Candidacy for U.S. Senate

Please join us to kick off his campaign!

State Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, will formally announce his candidacy for U.S. Senate on Wednesday, Sept. 5. Rice has scheduled press conferences in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

“I have listened to folks all across this state about their hopes for the future and their opinions about Washington and one thing has become clear to me,” Rice said. “Oklahomans are ready for a change. “They believe Washington is broken and they deserve a clear choice for U.S. Senate in 2008.”

Since announcing that he was considering the race earlier this year, Rice has received an outpouring of support from all over the state, including many Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

TULSA DETAILS

Who: Sen. Andrew Rice, introduced by State Sen. Sean Burrage (D-Claremore)

What: Sen. Rice’s announcement of his candidacy for U.S. Senate

When: Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 10:15 am

Media must arrive by 10:00 am

Event will conclude by 11:00 am

Where: Tulsa Press Club – (918) 583-7737 / tulsapressclub.org

415 S. Boston Ave., Tulsa, Okla.

Other info: Sen. Rice will be available for questions or media interviews following his statement.

OKLAHOMA CITY DETAILS

Who: Sen. Andrew Rice, introduced by his father, Hugh Rice and joined by his mother, Cindy Rice, his wife Dr. Apple Newman Rice, and his two sons Noah and Parker

What: Sen. Rice’s announcement of his candidacy for U.S. Senate

When: Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at 4:30 pm

Media must arrive by 4:15 pm

Where: Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters – (405) 427-3366 / okdemocrats.org

George Krumme Center, 4100 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, Okla.

Other info: Sen. Rice will be available for questions or media interviews following his statement

2007-08-29T12:05:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Democratic Party
Embraces New Veterans Federation
Chairman Holmes applauds accomplishment
and praises veterans for their service to our country.

Oklahoma City, OK - The Oklahoma Democratic Party State Central Committee officially accepted the by-laws of the Oklahoma Democratic Party Veterans Committee making ODPVC the first federation of Democratic veterans to be officially recognized in Oklahoma. The meeting, held on Saturday, August 18 in Oklahoma City, was host to numerous veterans who came to show their support for the effort.

“As a veteran of Vietnam and a Democrat, I believe it is important to remind the brave men and women of our military that Democrats are the only party fighting for military pay increases, fighting to protect our benefits, and fighting to keep VA hospitals open,” said Calvin Rees, who serves as Secretary of the Fifth Congressional District Democrats and as a member of the ODP State Central Committee. Rees presented the by-laws on behalf of the Veterans Committee, which were unanimously accepted.

The ODPVC submitted the necessary State By-Laws amendment to make the group an official federation with a voting representative on the ODP State Central Committee. The amendment will be considered at the February 23, 2008 State Convention in Oklahoma City. In the interim, the State Central Committee unanimously passed a motion to seat a non-voting member on the Committee until the ODP By-Laws are amended by the State Convention.

“As a veteran, I am proud of the actions the Oklahoma Democratic Party took to recognize the tremendous sacrifice our military personnel and veterans have made for this country,” said Ivan Holmes, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. “For too long Republicans have tried to convince voters we don’t support the troops, but nothing could be further from the truth”.

Following the historic move, the Oklahoma Democratic Party hosted a “Support the Troops” event on August 21 to honor and thank our veterans for their service. The event participants prepared 116 care packages for troops deployed from Oklahoma to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. Over $1,500 in miscellaneous items were collected from all over the state and enough money was donated to cover all shipping costs.

“Sadly, the Bush Administration has continued to push war, while forgetting our troops and veterans,” declared Ivan Holmes, State Democratic Party Chair. “Democrats will continue to fight for the benefits veterans have earned and ensure they get the respect they deserve”.

2007-08-23T17:23:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Democratic Party and Veterans Committee
Prepare to Ship 116 Care Packages to Troops
Successful event raises items and money for shipping of boxes to troops
deployed from Oklahoma to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Oklahoma City, OK - The Oklahoma Democratic Party and Veterans Committee are proud to announce that Tuesday night’s “Support the Troops” event was a tremendous success. The Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters was host to a standing room only crowd, which included Oklahoma elected officials and many veterans who were honored and thanked for their service.

Speakers included Ivan Holmes, Oklahoma Democratic Party State Chair, Representative Richard Morrissette, Vietnam Marine Corps veteran Ron Wasson, Dr. Katherine Scheirman, retired Air Force Colonel and Mike Waggoner, an Iraq veteran and candidate for House District 95. The event was hosted by Wasson and Scheirman, who are the co-chairs of the Oklahoma Democratic Veterans’ Committee.

“The Democratic Party is devoted to political and social justice issues that affect our country’s veterans, because it is critical we stand by the brave men and women of our military,” said Dr. Scheirman.

“Democrats believe we must keep our promises to veterans by providing them with the benefits they have earned,” declared Ivan Holmes, State Democratic Party Chair. Holmes went on to ask, "what is moral about sending our soldiers into a war based on lies with no plan to bring them home?” State Representative Richard Morrissette also discussed our obligation to provide adequate healthcare, including mental heath, to our military and veterans.

“The event was organized to let members of our armed forces know we salute their patriotism and courage” said Dr. Scheirman. “Over $1,500 in miscellaneous items were collected from all over the state and enough money was donated to cover all shipping costs. “

Mike Waggoner, a veteran of the Iraq war, who has been back from deployment for less than two months, told the audience how much these gifts lift the morale of troops by providing a little touch of home to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.

Volunteers helped create 116 care packages that included prepaid phone cards and comfort items, such as snacks, toiletries, magazines, socks, books and puzzles. Thank you cards expressing gratitude and respect for the troops were included from all those that participated and Democrats across the state.

2007-08-17T12:58:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Democratic Party & Veterans Committee
to Host “Support the Troops” Event
Oklahomans Deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan
to Receive Care Packages

Oklahoma City - The Oklahoma Democratic Party is sponsoring a ‘Support the Troops’ campaign by gathering items from the ‘most wanted’ list that have been requested by our Oklahoma Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Who: Democratic Veterans, family members, elected official and Oklahomans who support our military

What: Event to pack care boxes for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

Where: George Krumme Center, Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters, 4100 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

When: Tuesday, August 21^st from 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m.

Ron Wasson, Vietnam Marine Corps veteran and Dr. Katherine Scheirman, retired Air Force Colonel, are co-chairs of the Oklahoma Democratic Veteran's Committee, which is devoted to political and social justice issues that affect our country's veterans. They have organized the event to let members of our armed forces know we salute their patriotism and courage.

The Oklahoma Democratic Veteran’s Committee will be collecting these items at the Democratic Party Headquarters until August 21^st when they will be boxed up and shipped to troops deployed from Oklahoma serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Checks will also be accepted, made out to Oklahoma Democratic Party and earmarked for ‘Support the Troops’ to pay for the cost of shipping.

"Many of these troops are living in very severe conditions, often in tents, with temperatures well over 100 degrees. Our gifts will let them know we recognize and appreciate the sacrifices they are making for our nation," said Scheirman.

Items on the most wanted list include toiletries, magazines, prepaid phone cards, socks and razors. A complete list can be found on the Oklahoma Democratic Party website at www.okdemocrats.org.

The event will include speakers from the Veterans Committee along with State Rep Richard Morrissette, Iraq war veteran Mike Waggoner and State Party Chair Ivan Holmes. Refreshments will be served and everyone is invited to participate in this important event.

2007-08-12T22:16:00.000-05:00

Inhofe, Coburn Oppose Toughest,

Most Sweeping Ethics Reform in a Generation

Oklahomans Deserve Better from their Elected Officials

OKLAHOMA CITY: Oklahoma’s two Republican U.S. Senators joined a tiny fringe minority in opposing a sweeping Congressional ethics reform bill recently, proving once again they are among the most obstructionist Senators in Congress, Oklahoma State Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Ivan Holmes said today.

“Experts call this the strongest ethics reform in Congressional history for tightening lobbying rules, imposing regulations on earmarks, banning gifts to Members of Congress and slowing the revolving door to lobbying,” Holmes said. “Of the 535 members of both Houses, Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn were among only 22 to oppose it. It doesn’t matter what their excuses are. The bottom line is they now stand on the side of corruption and cronyism.”

Forty-two percent of voters listed corruption in Washington as the most important factor in determining who they voted for in the last election after shocking revelations, such as the Abramoff scandal, criminal indictments, resignations, and the K Street project that rocked the American people’s faith in government.

Holmes went on to question Inhofe’s “twisted logic” which blamed Democrats for his no vote.

“Jim Inhofe is one of the most partisan Members of Congress,” Holmes said. “Even though these broad ethics reforms had significant bipartisan support, he refused to support them and found a way to blame Democrats in the process.”

Holmes noted that Republican Senators like Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas; Charles Grassley of Iowa; Jeff Sessions of Alabama; and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia all voted for the bill. Even Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky voted yes, he said.

The bill that passed the Senate, 83-14, and the House of Representatives, 411-8, will tighten restrictions on gifts, lobbying and travel for Members of Congress and their staffs. It also imposes new regulations on earmarking funds in legislation and extends the amount of time a Senator has to wait before becoming a lobbyist after leaving office from one to two years. The bill has been sent to the President for his signature.

2007-08-09T17:43:00.000-05:00

An Editorial from the Claremore Daily Progress

Published August 07, 2007

Chairman Holmes

— For decades Ivan Holmes was a legendary journalism professor at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. In that capacity, he turned out some of our state’s brightest journalists and taught them to think, challenge authority and seek the truth.

Holmes is now chairman of the Democratic party and is trying to do the same thing in that position. He recently challenged United States Senator Tom Coburn to be consistent. When Louisiana Senator David Vitter’s name surfaced in the telephone books of a Washington, D.C., prostitute after Vitter had previously confessed to a similar situation in Louisiana, Coburn was quick to defend him. Coburn took the position that Vitter had made a mistake and should be forgiven.

He may be right in that respect. It depends upon the facts and exactly how often Vitter has engaged in this form of a “mistake.” What Holmes, however, challenged Coburn to do was be consistent. Coburn, who offers himself up as a moral authority, has on a regular basis bashed Democrats for their shortcomings, moral or otherwise. Holmes points out that Coburn ought to do the same thing with Vitter, but Coburn obviously is taking a different approach.

If Coburn wants to show Holmes, he’ll be consistent in the future and offer that same forgiveness when members of either party have their shortcomings. Otherwise, he’ll prove that his time in Washington is showing him to become as partisan as he once said he would never become.

2007-08-08T17:04:00.001-05:00

Republicans should listen to their own rhetoric.
Ivan Holmes – Chairman, Oklahoma Democratic Party

In last Sunday’s editorial, “In the mirror”, the Oklahoman once again dusted off the old argument that Democrats do a poor job of defining themselves, but it just isn’t true.

The Oklahoma Democratic Party is a diverse party with many answers to the problems facing America. We believe a free discussion of ideas breeds good public policy and bipartisan governing. It is unfortunate that right-wingers label free discussion as a lack of direction when they should join Democrats in searching for solutions to the problems facing families.

Democrats are focused on solving the monumental problems that have piled up under seven years of the Bush administration, while Republicans are struggling with an identity crisis in the midst of the largest national deficit ever, a failing Iraq war policy, skyrocketing healthcare costs, crumbling schools and infrastructure, and a stagnant economy.

Republican operatives have been successful in the past by convincing voters that Democrats don’t care about family values or morality, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Democrats support policies that lift up the poor and middle class, while Republicans support tax cuts for the rich. Democrats fight for decent wages so working people can provide for their families with dignity, while Republicans seek to guarantee corporations and CEOs rake in record profits.

Republicans say they stand for morality, but the rhetoric simply doesn’t match their actions…

What is moral about sending our soldiers into a war based on lies with no plan to bring them home?
What is moral about making senior citizens choose between life-saving medicine and basic necessities?
What is moral about cutting funds from the schools most in need of assistance?
What is moral about robbing programs that help families survive to give the rich huge tax cuts?
What is moral about neglecting our veterans by closing VA hospitals and slashing benefits in time of war?
What is moral about allowing corrupt lobbyist to buy their way into the legislative process?

In contrast, Democrats believe we have a moral obligation to provide real solutions to the problems that face families…

Democrats believe we must find a reasonable plan to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home.
Democrats believe everyone, regardless of income, deserves access to health care.
Democrats believe every child should have a quality education.
Democrats believe everyone is entitled to a living wage and tax cuts should benefit working people.
Democrats believe we must support veterans by providing them with the benefits they deserve.
Democrats believe in government guided by personal responsibility and accountability.

It is time for Democrats to be proud. We must speak these truths to our friends and neighbors. The Democratic Party does have a clear vision for a safer, stronger and more prosperous Oklahoma. Democrats are ready to restore honor and dignity to the White House and put America back on track.

2007-08-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

Inhofe, Coburn Choose
Tobacco Lobby over Oklahoma's Kids
Senators continue to ignore their own
Republican rhetoric on family values.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Oklahoma's U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn sided with the tobacco lobby over Oklahoma's children Thursday night when they were among only 31 Senators to oppose an expansion of health insurance coverage to 3 million American kids, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Ivan Holmes said today.

"More and more Oklahoma families are struggling to find affordable health care and it should be our moral obligation to see that their children receive quality care," Holmes said. "When it comes to the needs of Oklahoma families and the 140,000 uninsured Oklahoma children, our two Republican Senators sided with big business and special interests."

The bipartisan proposal to renew the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) passed the Senate with 68 votes and includes an additional $35 billion over five years. This will preserve coverage for the 6.6 million children currently enrolled and expand coverage to an additional 3.2 million uninsured, low-income American children.

The additional cost of the program will be paid for by an increase in the tobacco tax. The bill now goes to President Bush, who has threatened a veto.

"If the Senate is called on to override a Presidential veto, I will call on Senators Inhofe and Coburn to reconsider their position and vote next time for Oklahoma's children," Holmes said.

The CHIP funding bill is a classic example of how bipartisan cooperation can get results. In order to gain passage, both sides were forced to compromise before a final agreement was reached.

A similar bill was passed by the Oklahoma State Legislature earlier this year. The All Kids Act, authored by Senator Tom Adelson (D-Tulsa) and Sen. Brian Crain, (R-Tulsa), increased the investment in our state's health care system which will be matched by increased federal Medicaid dollars.

Oklahoma currently ranks 44th among the 50 states in children's access to health care and is tied at 50th with Mississippi for our overall healthcare system according to the Commonwealth Fund, a non-partisan private foundation dedicated to increasing access to healthcare.

2007-08-02T18:17:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Democrats Announce

Unprecedented Election Protection Program

Oklahoma City, OK -- Democratic Party Chair Ivan Holmes today announced that state Democrats would participate in an unprecedented 50-state election protection program to prepare for the 2008 election. Through the Democratic National Committee’s 50 State Strategy, the DNC Voting Rights Institute and the National Lawyers Council, Democrats across America are conducting an in-depth nationwide survey to collect critical data on the often confusing and complex sets of administrative practices and decisions governing our nation’s elections. With the help of DNC-funded staffers hired through the DNC’s State Party Partnership program, Oklahoma Democrats will work with election officials throughout the State to help identify potential issues so they can be resolved well in advance of the 2008 election.

“As America prepares to mark the 42nd anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, I am honored to announce this unparalleled effort to bring the ideals of that landmark law closer to reality,” said Holmes. “When President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act in 1965, he called right to vote the ‘basic right without which all others are meaningless.’ But 42 years after the signing of this legislation, the right to vote is still under assault. Oklahoma Democrats will not rest until every single eligible Oklahoman can register to vote, cast their ballot without fear of intimidation or harassment, and have confidence that their vote will be counted fairly and accurately.”

While election laws are written on the federal and state level, they are administered and interpreted by local officials. This decentralized process can result in variations in how elections are administered supervised and how Americans register to vote, cast their ballots and have their votes counted. The fact that there will be at least 13,000 elections run by localities in 2008 leaves the potential for inconsistencies that could threaten voting rights. Oklahoma Democrats will work with local election officials to answer very specific questions about voter registration, centralized voter databases, voting systems and absentee voting, provisional balloting, polling place procedures and Election Day preparation. Data collected from the survey will be analyzed to determine the needs of each election locality and next steps for strengthening the election process in that locality.

“Nothing like this has ever been done before, and could never have been possible without the DNC's 50 State Strategy,” said Holmes. “For the first time, we have staff on the ground who can work intensively with our local election officials to make sure our elections run as smoothly and fairly as possible and that every single Oklahoman who wants to can vote and have their vote counted.”

The Democratic Party’s commitment to protecting every American's right to vote stands in stark contrast to what we have seen from Republicans across the country. From restrictive voter ID laws and voter purging to voter intimidation tactics, Republicans have placed a variety of roadblocks that keep countless Americans from exercising their right to vote. Nothing underscores this more than the recent revelations that the Bush Administration has manipulated the mission of the Department of Justice by firing US Attorneys who were unwilling to pursue phony "voter fraud" cases and politicizing the Civil Rights Division.

2007-07-31T15:46:00.000-05:00

From Daily Kos:

Rice Prepares Campaign Against Inhofe

by DocHoc

Tue Jul 31, 2007 at 08:37:33 AM PDT

After a few weeks on the road in Oklahoma and a whirlwind of meetings in Washington, D.C., it now seems likely State Senator Andrew Rice will soon be filing papers to challenge U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe in the 2008 election.

Since winning election to the State Senate from a diverse, inner-OKC district, Rice has already proven to be a skilled consensus builder who gets results. He offers a stark contrast to the right-wing curmudgeon, Jim Inhofe.

Rice still says he will make a formal announcement after Labor Day, but fundraising prospects have surpassed his expectations and sources close to him say he may be "all in" within the next 10 days. He has received encouragement on a draft Rice site and in meetings throughout the state. We also hear the DSCC now views Rice as a potential upset challenger in the style of a Jim Webb or a Jon Tester.

Rice lost a brother in the World Trade Center on 9/11 and believes that Bush and Inhofe took their eye off the ball by waging war in Iraq while Al Quaeda rebuilt its global terror network. Inhofe, who once called global warming a "hoax," boasts of being "one of the last true conservatives left in the Senate".

Go to www.runandrewrun.com to sign the online petition urging Rice to run.

Visit Doc Hoc's Diary for more on Inhofe.

2007-07-26T16:48:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Democratic Party Calls on Senator Coburn to
Denounce Hypocrisy of Republican Senator Vitter
Blind Allegiance to Republican Colleagues
Must End for the Good of the Nation

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Republican United States Senator David Vitter of Louisiana, who recently admitted his phone number appeared in the telephone records of the alleged “D.C. Madam”, Deborah Jeane Palfrey and who has been accused by the New Orleans Times-Picayune of being a client of prostitutes when he was a state legislator in the late 1990s, has found tremendous support from his Republican colleagues over the last two weeks.

Even Oklahoma’s own junior Republican, U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, who is well-known as one of the most zealous and vocal social conservatives in the U.S. Senate, has been quick to defend Vitter, despite his fondness to champion the importance of so-called Republican ‘family values’. “Have you ever done anything wrong? So have I.” said Senator Coburn, who was seen walking Vitter to and from a Republican Senate luncheon where Vitter first addressed his colleagues on the matter. Coburn went on to add, “I’m happy he’s back at work”. Senator Inhofe has continued his silence on what proves to be another Republican scandal.

“It is time for Republicans, like U.S. Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe, to denounce this immorality and stop blindly supporting Vitter because he is a fellow Republican. Republicans have fooled the American people into believing they care about family values and the sanctity of marriage, yet one after another are identified as the hypocrites they truly are,” said Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Ivan Holmes.

What is truly ironic is that disgraced former Republican Congressman Bob Livingston of Louisiana, who was in line to be the next Speaker of the House in 1998, resigned from office after his own sex scandal, which allowed Vitter to become his successor. At the time, Vitter said that Livingston’s resignation was a “very powerful argument that Clinton should resign as well and move beyond this mess,” according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Prostitution is clearly an illegal act in both Louisiana and the District of Columbia. As a result of Senator Vitter’s disregard for the law and morality, the Oklahoma Democrat Party joins with the Louisiana Democratic Party calling for the end of this hypocrisy by asking Senator Vitter to do the right thing and resign immediately.

“We cannot allow our elected officials to break the law and continue to represent the American people. Senator Vitter is not above the law and should not remain in office,” said Holmes.

Senator Vitter is not the only Republican elected official to recently face moral controversy. In September 2006, Republican Congressman Mark Foley was caught sending inappropriate emails and instant messages to under-age male congressional pages from 1995-2006. This scandal eventually led to Congressman Foley’s resignation from his congressional seat. To add to the hypocrisy, Foley was chairman of the House Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children and had previously proposed legislation targeting sexual predators against children.

“Here is yet another example of ongoing Republican immorality, corruption and hypocrisy. America cannot afford the scandals of the Bush Administration, along with Republicans in Congress, like Duke Cunningham, Tom Delay, Mark Foley and David Vitter,” declared Holmes.

“The recent actions of Republican politicians are unacceptable and Americans should not have to accept members of Congress that engage in such behaviors as prostitution and sex crimes against minors. Republicans should listen to their own rhetoric by following the law, doing the right thing and resigning,” concluded Holmes.

To join in calling for the resignation of Senator David Vitter, please sign the petition at www.ipetitions.com/petition/VitterResignation or call on Senator Inhofe and Senator Coburn to do the right thing by visiting www.senate.gov or calling (202) 224-3121.

2007-07-23T15:49:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Democratic Party Praises Democratic

Legislators for Standing Up for Consumer and Patient Safety

Challenges Republicans to End the False ‘Family Values’ Rhetoric

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – A recent report from the Oklahoma Center for Consumer and Patient Safety, a Tulsa-based non-profit consumer and patient advocacy organization, gave three Democratic lawmakers a perfect rating on their latest legislative report. The scores were based on legislative votes dealing with issues including extending health coverage to uninsured children, assisted living, identity theft, additional safety requirements for children, and legislation that waived liability for volunteer doctors at free health clinics. All votes were tracked during the 2007 legislative session, which ended at the end of May.

“We are proud of Senator Mike Morgan from Stillwater, Senator Judy Eason-McIntyre from Tulsa and Representative Jabar Shumate from Tulsa who all received a perfect rating in defense of Oklahoma consumers and patients,” said Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Ivan Holmes, “and we congratulate them for working to protect Oklahoma families.”

In addition to the three perfect ratings, the report shows that Senate Democrats had a combined score of 89% compared to the Senate Republicans combined score of 75%. The House Democrats had a combined scored of 88%, compared to the House Republicans combined score of 72%. In the State Senate, nine Democrats scored over 90% and in the House of Representatives, fourteen Democrats scored over 90%, while no Republicans scored over 90% in either chamber.

Holmes went on to add, “it is disheartening, yet not surprising, that the highest score of any Republican is still lower than the Democratic average in either house. It just highlights the fact that there are no Republicans in the legislature championing these issues, which are so critical to the future wellbeing of Oklahoma families.”

“Oklahomans are tired of the false Republican rhetoric about ‘family values’ when Republican votes prove they don’t care about protecting children or the elderly when it might inconvenience their friends in big business. It is clear that the Democratic Party is the only party that will work to make Oklahoma a safer place for our families,” added Holmes.

Democrats in the Senate who voted over 90% of the time to protect consumers and patients were Tom Adelson, Sean Burrage, Mary Easley, Connie Johnson, Debbe Leftwich, Judy Eason McIntyre, Mike Morgan, Jeff Rabon and Andrew Rice.

Democrats in the House who voted over 90% of the time to protect consumers and patients were Wallace Collins, Darrell Gilbert, Rebecca Hamilton, Wes Hilliard, Scott Inman, Ryan Kiesel, Al Lindley, Jeannie McDaniel, Richard Morrissette, Bill Nations, Eric Proctor, Paul Roan, Ben Sherrer, and Jabar Shumate.

Senator Glenn Coffee, leader of the Senate Republicans, along with five other Republican Senators, received a ‘D’ rating. Republican House Speaker Lance Cargill also received a ‘D’ rating, along with twenty-three other House Republicans. In addition, Republican House member Mike Reynolds received the only ‘F’ grade in the entire legislature.

“The Democratic Party will continue to challenge Republicans on these issues, because the citizens of Oklahoma deserve more than lip service from their elected officials. Oklahomans deserve real reform that will make their lives better each day and the Democrats are the only ones working to make that happen,” concluded Holmes.

The full report can be found at www.okccps.org.

2007-07-16T18:14:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Democratic Party

Challenges Inhofe to Denounce Bush
What about the “moral health of our Nation” now, Senator Inhofe?

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – “I think the final truth is that this President should be held to the very highest of standards,” stated Oklahoma Republican Senator Jim Inhofe, who went on to say, “[I] get many, many letters from young children, parents, teachers, and others who are deeply distressed about the President’s behavior and its impact on the moral health of the Nation.”

These words from Senator Inhofe would be a fitting response to the July 2, 2007 get out of jail free card given convicted top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney, Scooter Libby, by Republican President George W. Bush, but they are not. Unfortunately, these words were spoken in the closed-door perjury trial of former President Bill Clinton and released into the Congressional Record on February 12, 1999. Libby recently received his conviction and prison sentence after lying about national security matters to a grand jury.

Inhofe, Oklahoma’s Senior Republican Senator has remained shockingly silent on the commutation of convicted perjurer Scooter Libby, despite his four page diatribe about the importance of telling the truth, where he added, “I have a hard time reconciling the idea that there might be certain permissible exceptions to telling the truth under oath”.

Today, Dr. Ivan Holmes, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, called on Senator Inhofe to take the same stand on the Libby commutation and denounce President Bush for his actions. “Where is your outrage now about the moral health of our nation, Mr. Inhofe? It is time for Senator Inhofe and the other twenty-four Republican Senators who voted to impeach Clinton to stand behind their past rhetoric and denounce this Republican President, who has basically told the American people that his political cronies are above the law, even when it comes to obstructing justice, perjury and endangering the life of former C.I.A. agent.”

The Oklahoma Democratic Party has received an outpouring of calls, letter and emails from outraged citizens demanding that Senator Inhofe do the right thing by taking a stand against this corrupt Republican Administration. Senator Inhofe, who is up for re-election in 2008, will be facing a stiff challenge from any of a number of prominent Democrats eyeing the race.

According to the Southern Political Report from June 6, 2007, Inhofe could be vulnerable due to several factors, including, “The Democrats re-elected Gov. Brad Henry with ease in 2006, despite this state’s pro-Republican history. And although Inhofe has spent ten years in the Senate, he had a tepid approval rating in SurveyUSA’s last poll in November, 2006, with 46% approving of his performance to 41% who disapproved; he ranked a poor 86th among the 100 senators. Since then, national political trends have not favored the GOP -- indeed, they have gotten worse.”

“It is a sad day for Oklahoma when we are stuck with one of the worst U.S. Senators in the nation, especially considering Oklahoma has produced such greats as Robert S. Kerr, David Boren, Mike Monroney, and Fred Harris, which all just happened to be Democrats!”, Holmes concluded.

For more information please visit www.okdemocrats.org or www.okbluenotes.blogspot.com.

2007-07-13T13:15:00.000-05:00

Democratic Party Chairman Praises
Victory for Oklahoma Workers

Republican Plot to Strip Away the Rights

of Injured Workers is Found Unconstitutional

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma -- Dr. Ivan Holmes, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, commended the Oklahoma Supreme Court for striking down a portion of the Republican’s 2005 Workers’ Compensation Law as unconstitutional. The provision stripped away the right of an injured worker to choose their own doctor and left it in the hands of the employer.

“The Oklahoma legislature has no right to take away an injured worker’s right to present evidence from their own medical expert regarding the extent of their injuries, so this was the only logical decision the Oklahoma Supreme Court could have made,” said Dr. Holmes.

Holmes, who was recently elected to the Democratic Party post, campaigned extensively on the issue of restoring the rights of Oklahoma workers in regard to doctor choice. “Thankfully Oklahoma workers did not have to wait on the Republican legislature to restore their rights, because Republican Speaker Lance Cargill and Republican Senate President Glenn Coffee are far too busy pandering to big corporations and wealthy donors at high-dollar fundraisers.”

“When speaking to the Senate Committee about this workers’ compensation bill I asked how many Senators would be willing to give up their right to select their own doctor and not one hand went up. Yet every Republican Senator voted to take away that right for injured workers,” explained Holmes.

“It is simply incredible that these Republican legislators would so blatantly ignore the will of Oklahomans, despite polls that show a majority of our citizens believe an injured worker should have the right to select their own doctor if injured on the job. What is also amazing is that the Republican legislators passed the bill knowing it was unconstitutional, because they would rather play partisan games with our legal system than do the real work of helping Oklahomans.”

Chairman Holmes expects Republicans to launch another assault on the rights of workers in the coming 2008 legislative session, but warned that he will visit the district of every legislator that sided with the corporations at the detriment of Oklahoma workers.

“I will stand in every town square holding press conferences to remind the voters of Oklahoma that Republicans refuse to provide answers to the daily struggles of Oklahomans, like providing affordable healthcare, finding good-paying jobs and building a strong educational system,”
concluded Holmes.

-- For more information please visit www.okdemocrats.org or www.okbluenotes.blogspot.com. --

2007-07-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma Democratic Party
Announces New Focus
on Veterans Issues
All Democratic Veterans Invited to Attend Meeting

Oklahoma City, OK -- Dr. Ivan Holmes, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, is proud to announce the revitalization of the State Party’s Veterans Affairs Committee. Ron Wasson and Dr. Katherine Scheirman, Co-Chairs of the Committee, invite all Democratic Veterans to attend the first planning meeting on Saturday, July 21. The meeting will be held at the Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters in the George Krumme Center, 4100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City at 10:00 a.m.

“With the erosion of military and veteran’s benefits and the loss of life in Iraq under Bush’s Republican Presidency we believe it is now more important than ever to support our military personnel, who have fought so bravely for our country,” said Wasson.

Dr. Scheirman went on to add, “We will focus on addressing the needs of our military members and veterans who have been forgotten by the Republicans. In addition, the Veteran’s Committee will be active in helping Democrats get elected in 2008 to restore the promised benefits and ensure the troops injured in Iraq and Afghanistan wars get the medical and psychological care they need and have earned”.

The Veteran’s Committee is also planning a “Support the Troops” event, which will be held on Tuesday, August 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters. Leading up to the event the ODP will be collecting donations that will be packed and shipped to our troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please drop off your donations at the ODP or contact (405) 427-3366 for more information. You can also visit the ODP’s blog, www.okbluenotes.blogspot.com, for a complete list of requested donations.

Dr. Holmes is also proud to announce that Dr. Katherine Scheirman has been named one of eight Senior Advisors for the national organization, VoteVets.org. The mission of VoteVets.org is to elect Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to public office; hold public officials accountable for their words and actions that impact America’s 21^st century service members; and fully support our men and women in uniform. “Dr. Scheirman’s appointment gives Oklahoma Democrats a great opportunity to take the lead on desperately needed support for our troops at both the National and State level,” concluded Holmes.

-- Please visit www.okdemocrats.org for more information. --

____________________________________________________________________

Oklahoma Democratic Veterans Affairs Committee

Support the Troops Event – 21 August 2007

Item List

Food items:

Drink mix (Kool-Aid, individual packets)

Non-perishable snack foods

Brown sugar

Hygiene items:

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Dental floss

Soap/bath gel

Shampoo/conditioner

Deodorant

Baby wipes

Feminine hygiene products

Towels

Emery boards

Combs

Nail clippers

Q-tips

Disposable razors and wash cloths

Lip balm

Miscellaneous:

Magazines (sports, hunting, fishing, gaming, news, science, fashion, cooking)

Small puzzle books (sudoku, etc)

Pre-paid phone cards

Socks (white and black)

Spray and Wash solid

Blank greeting cards

Envelopes

Stationery, pens

Ziploc baggies (Large and small)

2007-07-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

“Bush’s Arrogance is a Slap in the Face
of the American People!”

Dr. Ivan Holmes, State Democratic Party Chair, Comments

on the Commutation of Libby’s Prison Sentence

Oklahoma City, OK – Today, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes criticized President Bush for commuting the prison sentence of convicted top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Jr.

“President Bush’s decision to commute the 30-month sentence for Libby illustrates that the President has no respect for the law,” stated Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Ivan Holmes.

“President Bush is telling the American people that his political cronies are above the law, even when it comes to obstructing justice, perjury and endangering the life of former C.I.A. agent Valerie Plame. This is the wrong message to send to the country and the world.”

After Bush cited his concern for the suffering of the Libby family for his reason to commute the sentence, Holmes commented, “The President’s concern for Libby’s family does not consider the pain, distress and injustice experienced by Valerie Plame and her family. Nor does he consider that Mr. Libby’s actions put many other lives in danger by outing a C.I.A. agent. These are men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect America, yet they can’t even count on their own Commander in Chief.”

“Sadly, this action is consistent with a Presidential Administration that will accept no blame for their misdeeds, like starting the war in Iraq based on false information and not being willing to withdraw our troops who are truly paying the price for Bush’s arrogance.”

“America can no longer afford the corruption that has riddled this presidency over the last seven years. Thankfully the Democrats have a strong field of candidates ready to restore honor and dignity to the White House and put America back on track.”

“By the time Bush leaves office he will have cemented his place in history as one of the worst presidents ever,” Holmes concluded.

-- ODP --

2007-06-15T16:56:00.000-05:00

Young Democrats

Make a Difference at the Polls!

The following information is provided from YDA.org - If you are an Oklahoma Young Democrat, please check it out and register with YDA.org so we can have more people getting the news from and about YD!

*Young people are giving a 20 point advantage to Democrats when asked who they will vote for in November 2006 (56% will vote for Dems, 36% will vote for Repubs).

*Young people are trending more Democratic for the first time in several years and are more Democratic than the overall electorate. Polls released by Young Voter Strategies show young adults give Democrats a 10 point advantage when asked with which party they identify. Young people are 41% Democrat, 31% Republican and 27% Independent (overall electorate, 38% Democrats, 34% Republican, 27% Independent).

*Young adults in 2006 are far more likely to identify more Democratic than two years ago, when the age group polled about evenly Republican, Democratic, and Independent.

*If someone votes for a Party three times in a row, they are likely to be a Party voter for life, indicating a need for the Democratic Party to invest and focus on young people.
By 2015, Generation Y (born between 1977 and 1994 and will be 18-38 years old then) will make up 30% of the electorate serving as a critical base and indicator of success for Democrats.

*The mere size of Generation X + Y is a critical mass that needs focus. Gen X + Gen Y, 18-35 year olds = 70 million potential voters.

*Contrary to early media reports, the 2004 election cycle marked the highest turnout of young people since 1972.

*Nearly half of all eligible young voters cast ballots in the November 2004 election, raising their turnout rate by more than twice that of any other age group resulting in an increase of 9 percentage points and an increase of 4.3 million voters.

*Over 20.1 million18-29 year olds cast ballots in 2004 (42 million were eligible to vote).
18-30 year olds were the ONLY age group to prefer the Kerry/Edwards ticket (Kerry received 54% and Bush received 44%). This is a significant gain for Democrats. In 2000, Gore only received 47.6% to Bush’s 46.2% of the youth vote.

*Before the November elections, 70% of young people said they received NO contact from a party or candidate. Post-election, this shrunk to below 40% indicating the intense focus on young people by political groups.

*64.4% of young people voted in the 10 most competitive battleground states. Only 48% of young people voted across all other states, proving young voters come out in higher numbers if targeted.

*The vast majority of young people are not in college. In fact only 25-35% of 18-35 year olds are in college. It is critical young voter outreach programs are as diverse as the generation and do not only reside on college campuses.

*Generation Y is politically active and volunteer at record numbers. 83% of college freshmen volunteer and 73% of 18-30 year olds plan on voting in 2006.

*Young people are swimming in debt. Unemployment rates for young people are two to three times higher than that of adults. Additionally, a male in 1972 with a high school degree was earning $42,000 annually and now is only earning $29,000.

*Young people are more likely than any other age group to be uninsured. About one in three young people lack health insurance compared to one in six Americans overall.

*Young people are diverse. 30% of children under 18 are racial or ethnic minorities. Latino young people make up 16% of all young people now (compared to 5% in 1976) and the number of young people who identify as white has decreased to 65% from 88% in 1976.

*Young people like any other demographic wants to listen to their peers and wants to be involved. Unfortunately, there is still a culture in campaigns that young people don’t vote and are too hard to find so we get knocked off voting lists that campaigns use to talk to potential voters. This is often called the “cycle of mutual neglect.”

*We see electoral politics as a vehicle for social change. We do not stop at volunteering in our communities or protesting; we connect our political views with elections and help candidates get elected who share our values.

*It’s not enough for young people to work on general campaigns or volunteer for them. We are doing our generation a disservice by not talking to young people and we are doing our generation a disservice by not demanding the campaigns we work with to target young people.

http://oklahomayoungdemocrats.blogspot.com/

2007-06-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

You are Invited to the

ODP Central Committee Cookout!

-- Saturday, June 16 at Noon --

Please join Oklahoma Democrats for good food, great Democratic fellowship and a chance to support our State Democratic Party!

WHAT: ODP Central Committee

Cookout Fundraiser

WHEN: Saturday, June 16 at Noon

WHERE: Oklahoma Democratic

Party Headquarters

4100 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City

DONATION: $25 per person

Thanks to the Oklahoma City Fire Fighters, Local 157 who will be grilling hamburgers, hot dogs and hot links. Soft drinks, chips and all the trimmings will also be provided.

Thanks to State Vice Chair Kitti Asberry for organizing this wonderful event!

2007-06-08T17:29:00.000-05:00

YDO Convention Update

Hello Democrats,

We are happy to announce our State Young Democrats of Oklahoma Convention has been set for Saturday, June 16th at the IBEW Union Hall located at 1700 SE 15th Street, Oklahoma City 73129. The program will begin at 1:00 pm.

All REGISTERED DEMOCRATS between the ages of 18 and 35 are encouraged to register and participate. All Democrats who are “young at heart” are also welcome to attend in support of our youth.

Registration will begin at 12:30 pm. Please email me at YoungDemocrats@cox.net to obtain a registration form. In order to make adequate arrangements, please register prior to the event. Although this is preferred, we will still accept registrations at the door.

If you have any questions or would like to help YDO defray the cost of this event and our upcoming National Convention please email me at YoungDemocrats@cox.net.

With appreciation,

Mandy Winton
President, YDO

P.S. Please share this information with all of the Young Democrats you know!

2007-06-08T09:51:00.000-05:00

Democrats in Congress Protect Voting Rights

Yesterday Democrats in Congress defeated a proposal by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) that would have required all voters to show photo identification in order to vote.

Not just identification. Photo identification.

Requiring photo identification is the equivalent of imposing a modern day poll tax. A study of Wisconsin voters found that only 22% of African American men aged 18-24 have a photo ID. A requirement like this would unfairly penalize seniors, young people, minorities, people with disabilities and other groups who are less likely to have photo identification. DNC Voting Rights Institute Chair Donna Brazile said:

"The American people were the real winners last night when Democrats stood up and defeated Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s harmful amendment. The Republican Party continues to play politics with the most fundamental right in our Democracy, the right to vote. The American people went to the polls and spoke loud and clear about their desire for change in November. Just because Republicans dislike what Americans are saying doesn’t mean they can block voters’ access to the ballot box. Democrats believe that democracy works best when all legally eligible voters can exercise their right to vote. And we believe that we should be working to make it easier and not harder for Americans to vote and have their vote counted."

New evidence emerged this week about Republican efforts to suppress votes under the guise of cracking down on voter fraud. A lot of the activity is related to the political purge of eight U.S. attorneys.

2007-05-30T19:57:00.000-05:00

Dean and DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Reiley Respond to Supreme Court Decision to Limit Equal Pay Cases

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Mame Reiley issued the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision to limit workers’ ability to hold employers accountable:

“Unequal pay has real consequences for America’s hard working families and the Supreme Court’s decision to limit workers’ ability to hold employers accountable for pay discrimination just makes the problem worse. The fact remains that women still earn 77 cents for every dollar men make. Our values tell us that men and women who do the same work should receive the same compensation. Democrats in Congress are keeping their word by taking strong action to remedy the pay gap including passing legislation to raise the federal minimum wage.”

2007-05-26T07:32:00.000-05:00

Thank You Oklahoma Democrats

When Gov. Henry asked me to work with him for the Oklahoma Democratic Party in 2005, I was honored to accept his support and committed to running a statewide campaign for the office of state party chair.

After a vigorous campaign, I was gratified to earn an overwhelming majority in the election for chair at the Democratic Party state convention in May of that year.

The challenges we faced were substantial, but we worked hard every day and reached out to Democrats across the state to help us achieve our goals of being fiscally responsible and putting on the right track.

We worked together for two years to stabilize and expand the reach of the state party.

We worked together for two years to organize, mobilize and energize Oklahoma Democrats, making difficult, but necessary, decisions to implement our strategy for success.

We worked together for two years to develop new avenues of communication for our activists, candidates and elected officials.

We started this blog a year ago to enhance our capacity to provide meaningful information to Democrats about the state party and issues of consequence. We were one of the first Democratic state parties to establish a blog written by officers and staff.

We also expanded our email list to provide consistent contact with Oklahoma Democrats. If you are not receiving our email newsletters please let the party know you want to be added to the list.

We worked together to include more and more of our neighbors in the Democratic family. From Broken Bow to Guymon, Miami to Hollis, we reached out to all who believe in the principles of the Democratic party and invited them to get involved in our efforts.

We worked together with the Democratic National Committee through the Partnership Program that brought us three full-time staff members to assist Democrats across the state with training and winning elections.

We worked together to create new partnerships and initiatives to revitalize the party and place it on a solid foundation for the future.

We re-elected Governor Henry by an astounding margin, held our other statewide offices and gained two more.

And, we did all of this while paying our bills and dramatically reducing (by 90%) the debt the party faced at the end of 2004.

Through it all we remained true to our core Democratic values of compassion, accountability, responsibility and equality, and proved that we are a party that is fair, tough and fiscally responsible.

We have shown what the Oklahoma Democratic Party can do when it unifies around the guiding principle of electing Democrats - without prefix, suffix or qualification. For in the end, majority matters and Oklahoma will be a better place with Democrats leading the way.

Time and space do not allow all the thank yous that should be made so this last blog entry from me will have to suffice as A GIANT THANK YOU to all who assisted us in establishing a stronger Oklahoma Democratic Party and electing Democrats.

So THANK YOU, Oklahoma Democrats and best wishes to the new leadership of the Oklahoma Democratic Party!

Lisa Pryor
Chair, Oklahoma Democratic Party
2005-2007

2007-05-23T10:14:00.000-05:00

Hoskin: Affordable Healthcare for Oklahomans and Small Businesses Receives Approval

Representative Chuck Hoskin, D- Vinita, released a statement today regarding the passage HB 1225, which expands the ‘Insure Oklahoma’ program.

“The passage of this bill is truly a victory for hard working Oklahomans and small businesses across the State,” said Representative Hoskin. “Senator Sean Burrage, D- Claremore, and I have been working on this issue extensively since the beginning of Session. Not only is the Insure Oklahoma Program essential to relieving the high cost of healthcare insurance premiums from Oklahoma’s families and small businesses, it also provides health insurance to a group of people who can’t afford health insurance.”

Currently, an estimated 600,000 Oklahomans do not have health insurance coverage.

The Insure Oklahoma, or O-EPIC, Program helps small businesses with 50 or fewer employees pay for health insurance coverage for workers. Participating employers and employees pay a portion of their health insurance premiums with the state picking up the rest of the tab. The federal/state government pays 60 percent of the cost, employers pay 25 percent and employees pay 15 percent.

House Bill 1225 expands the program to cover employees earning up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Currently, the premium assistance program limits eligibility to employees earning no more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill also expands the Program to include businesses with 250 or fewer employees eligible for assistance.

“I am committed to providing access to affordable healthcare to all Oklahomans,” said Hoskin. “This is a step in the right direction and allows small business to free up revenue to invest in themselves and Oklahoma’s economy. This bill will go a long ways towards ensuring that Oklahomans who work hard and play by the rules don’t have to worry about losing everything because of an illness or injury.”

2007-05-23T06:41:00.000-05:00

42,000 Kids

The State Senate passed the "All Kids Act" Monday to provide healthcare for 42,000 uninsured Oklahoma children. Senator Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, says that Oklahoma children deserve at least the minimum care that is provided to the state's prison inmates. Read about it here and here.

2007-05-22T17:32:00.000-05:00

State Convention Resolutions

On Saturday the delegates to the 2007 Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention adopted resolutions developed through a process that began with the precincts in March and moved through county and district conventions and committees to the state resolutions committee in May. The state resolutions commitee prepared the resolutions and presented them to the convention delegates in Oklahoma City on May 19th. The delegates approved the resolutions package without amendments.

To read the resolutions visit the State Convention blog here.

2007-05-22T08:05:00.000-05:00

Senate Moves Immigration Bill Forward

For a review of yesterday's action in the US Senate on the issue of immigration read today's story in the Washington Post here. The action comes weeks after the Oklahoma Legislature passed an immigration bill that some say will be dwarfed by the federal bill if it passes through Congress and lands on the President's desk.

2007-05-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to New ODP Officers

Congratulations to the new Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman Ivan Holmes, elected Saturday at the 2007 State Convention in Oklahoma City. Holmes will be working with newly elected vicechair Kitti Asberry who recently completed a third term as Oklahoma County chair. Jana Harkins was elected as treasurer. Delegates re-elected state secretary Walter Jenny, Jr. for a second two-year term.

Democratic National Committee Chair Governor Howard Dean delivered the keynote address to enthusiastic applause from te 600+ delegates. Dean said the next elections will be won by speaking simply and from the heart to the voters about our Democratic values ---- especially fairness, toughness and fiscal responsibility.

If you were there let our readers know your thoughts about the convention.

2007-05-19T16:54:00.000-05:00

State Convention Updates
Click here for State Convention Updates.

2007-05-17T11:07:00.000-05:00

Boren Will Host Telephone Town Hall Mtg

Constituents of the Second District are invited to join U.S. Congressman Dan Boren for his first-ever telephone town hall meeting. It is being held tonight, Thursday, May 17, at 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Dial toll-free 1-866-447-5149 and enter 12913 when prompted to participate in the meeting. Participants will be able to discuss local, state, and national issues. They will also be able to submit their own questions as well as answer questions by way of the touchpad.

2007-05-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

Google Nudity

While Google can continue to return thumbnail images of nudity in routine searches, this blog will not publish nude images. Read the story here.

Ann Coulter, George Bush, Lance Cargill, Sally Kern

2007-05-17T07:23:00.000-05:00

247,450

That's the number of Hispanics living and working in Oklahoma. Get data here. Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the state with a 38% increase since 2000.

How many racists live in Oklahoma? Does the census bureau collect that data?

2007-05-17T07:17:00.000-05:00

Senate Immigration Bill Close
Just days after the Oklahoma legislature passed a "draconian" immigration bill that many say is unconstitutional and unenforceable the, US Senate is close to an agreement on immigration. Chief negotiator for the Democrats is Senator Edward Kennedy. Seems that the Republicans want a debate on the issue while Democrats want a solution to the problem. Go figure. Read more here.

2007-05-17T07:11:00.000-05:00

Show me the money

Check it out....684 Oklahomans have already contributed nearly a million dollars to the 2008 presidential candidates and most of that has gone to Democrats! Get the details here.

2007-05-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

DNC ANNOUNCES DATES, MEDIA SPONSORS AND LOCATIONS FOR SANCTIONED DEBATES

The Democratic National Committee in partnership with six state parties today announced the dates, media sponsors and cities for the six DNC sanctioned debates. Additional details regarding specifics for the individual debates including additional media partners and logistics will be announced at a later time. The DNC sanctioned debate schedule will be:

DNC SANCTIONED DEBATES:

July 23, 2007: YouTube/Google and CNN in Charleston, SC

August 19, 2007: ABC in Des Moines, IA

September 26, 2007: NBC News/MSNBC in Hanover, NH

October 30, 2007: NBC News/MSNBC in Philadelphia, PA

November 15, 2007: CNN* in Las Vegas, NV

December 10, 2007: CBS in Los Angeles, CA

"Our strong field of Democratic candidates have been working hard, talking about the issues the American people care about and laying out a positive vision for America’s future," said DNC Chairman Howard Dean. "We are grateful to the media sponsors and our state parties for their role in providing important, diverse settings for the American people to hear directly from our candidates."

2007-05-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

Dean Will Address Colbert Nation

DNC Chairman Howard Dean will appear on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" tonight at 10:30 pm. Governor Dean is scheduled at 10:45 pm. The show will re-air tomorrow, May 17 at 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

2007-05-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

Alaskan Bribery Conspiracy Spreads through the GOP Ranks

Two executives from the Alaskan based oil company Veco have plead guilty to federal bribery, extortion, and conspiracy charges. Founder and Chief Executive Bill Allen and Vice President Rick Smith have taken a plea agreement on the charges which requires them to disclose full details of the bribery and extortion they have been engages in with Republican legislators so they would vote favorably for them. Veco and it's employees have given more than one million dollars to Republicans since 1990. Twenty-four thousand of those dollars went to President Bush's campaigns. Bill Allen even served as Bush's 2000 state financial co-chairman during the campaign.

The two executives admitted to bribing one current Alaskan representative, Vic Kohring, and two former representatives, Pete Kott and Bruce Weyhrauch. The legislators have all plead not guilty to federal bribery and extortion charges. Veco was looking for favorable changes in Alaskan tax laws and other legislation. The company repaid thousands of dollars in bonuses to employees for making "donations" to both state and federal Republican candidates. Both Allen and Smith could possible face up to ten years in prison and have to pay 750 thousand dollars in fines. However, since they are cooperating their penalties could be substantially reduced. More and more Republicans are being implicated in this bribery scandal as the investigation continues.

For updates and more information check out http://www.adn.com/news/politics/fbi/

2007-05-15T16:07:00.000-05:00

Convention Rules

Rules of the 2007 State Convention are posted on the State Convention Blog. Click here to read the rules.

2007-05-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

Get Your Democratic Gear
At the ODP Convention Friday night. Tigereye will have a booth with candidate and party logos and photos.

2007-05-15T12:57:00.000-05:00

Join us for the 2007
Oklahoma Democratic Party
State Convention
Friday- Sunday

For details call the ODP HQ at 405.427.3366

2007-05-15T11:02:00.001-05:00

Interdenominational Faith Service Planned

The Oklahoma Democratic Party (ODP) will host an interdenominational faith service Sunday May, 20 at 8:00 a.m. inside the Bricktown Events Center in conjunction with its 2007 State Convention.

ODP Faith Committee Chairman Rev. Jeff Hamilton said the service “is an interfaith gathering integrating an inclusive spiritual community with music and word.”

It will bring together readings from the New Testament and the Koran, as well as Hebrew scripture and Buddhist prayer and meditation. There will also be live music and a reading from a Dr. Martin Luther King sermon.

ODP Chairman Lisa Pryor said, the service is a unique experience for people from all faiths, to come together in respect for personal faith.

“By bringing these varied groups together, we hope to spread knowledge and create a greater since of tolerance throughout our Democratic family and our state,” Pryor said.

2007-05-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

Congratulations, Nicole!

Nicole Morgan, one of our returning interns from Spring 2007, just got accepted into the University of Oklahoma Honors College! Come by our office, or find her at convention, and congratulate her. We're proud!

2007-05-15T10:44:00.000-05:00

Is Michelle Obama’s Scaling Back at Work for Her Husband’s Campaign Front-Page News?

News of Michelle Obama's decision to scale back her duties as VP of community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals and hit the presidential campaign trail with her husband, Barack, has put the spotlight back on the professional and personal choices career women must often make.

The press coverage of Mrs. Obama also reveals the newfound role political spouses play in modern-day elections. Two of the presidential contenders wives -- Elizabeth Edwards and Ann Romney -- are respectively battling cancer and multiple sclerosis, and another spouse -- Bill Clinton -- is a former president.

"I think she's constantly surprised at what people chose to make news," Katie McCormick Lelyveld, communications director for Michelle Obama, told BlackAmericaWeb.com. Lelyveld said a recent front-page Washington Post story, which first announced Obama's decision, had initially misreported Mrs. Obama's intention to leave her job.

"As of May 1st, she reduced her hours to 20 percent and, as we all know in the age of Blackberries, is very hard to quantify exactly how much she is working," explained Lelyveld. "She still goes to meetings, manages her administrative responsibilities and stays on top of some of the projects that she's been working on because her career has always been very important to her. Completely leaving it at this point is not something that she's doing."

A lot of attention is being paid as Michelle Obama publicly makes a transition from her status as a private citizen with a white-collar job to possibly become America's first black First Lady. Last year, Essence magazine listed her among "25 of the World's Most Inspiring Women" while Ebony anointed the Obamas one of "America's 10 Hottest couples."

While Obama reportedly makes doubly her husband's income, she is still the primary caretaker of the couple's two young daughters. Like her husband, Obama attended Harvard Law School, and according to insiders, she is crucial to her husband's success. As a Chicago native, Mrs. Obama as been credited with introducing her husband to mainstream America. He is now the junior senator from Illinois.

Last week, Mrs. Obama made her first visit to New Hampshire, one of about a dozen solo campaign stops she has made. Since Barack Obama's formal announcement in February, she has made 16 joint appearances with him.

"Barack has given people that hope, but he's going to get tired. This is a long campaign," Michelle Obama told Democrats gathered for a house party in Windham, New Hampshire. "I joke he's not going to be able to bring people to tears with every speech that he makes. He's going to make stumbles."

She told those gathered of the sacrifices her parents made to put put her and her brother through Princeton University on a working class salary. She said that dream of supporting a family and putting children through college seems to be getting further away, even with loans.
Obama says she believes as president, her husband could change things for the better, and that if she didn't believe that, she'd tell him to do something else.

Obama told the Washington Post that she grappled with her decision to work after the birth of her daughters.

"Every other month [since] I've had children I've struggled with the notion of 'Am I being a good parent? Can I stay home? Should I stay home? How do I balance it all?'" she said. "I have gone back and forth every year about whether I should work."

Obama does not fit into the neat definition of either stay-at-home or working mom. While she is a vivid example of a full-time executive mother who is supportive of her spouse, her decision to scale back in her job duties is ultimately very personal.

"I believe you should let women decide what they're going to do, as long as they have all the options, they should do what they want," Martha Leslie Allen, Web editor for Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press, told BlackAmericaWeb.com. "Part of the problem that pushes women out of most jobs is it is hard to have all the responsibilities of a career with children when there isn't good child care, and it isn't equally divided. And those responsibilities fall onto women."

Lelyveld speculates the reason Obama's decision is front-page news is "perhaps it's because she's a woman whose maintained her own career. I don't know why that's news, but people think it is."
The more than 280 comments in the Post's "On Balance" blog late Monday reflected a variety of viewpoints on both Mrs. Obama's decision and the media's coverage of it.
"The day I read about the aspiring first husband quitting his job to support his aspiring president wife will be a great day," opined a poster named Meesh. "I think the media report on this type of stuff because our country is very partisan, and news like this is potential fodder for either side. The media thrive on controversy. Issues like these evoke strong emotions, and people want to read about it."

"I think it's clear that in America, we've come to expect the two parent household, and women are clearly in the workforce," according to Kari, who offered that "when you note that women's work is still not valued as highly as men's work in real dollars, and then take into account the backlash against strong working political figures like Hillary Clinton and the backlash against the strength the 41st First Lady Bush endured, you could see why Mrs. Obama made her decision ... Being smart and funny and articulate is wonderful, if you're a smart, funny, and articulate woman working to further her husband and family. Following your own ambitions comes at a political price."

Another comment, from Common Sense, read, "Personally, I'd like Michelle Obama to be First Lady in 2008, but politics is pressure, even for political families. It's no surprise that she has left her job. I'm certain she'll be a benefit to her husband in the campaign. Even so, she will have a high profile, and I doubt this will damage her career. By the way, I don't equate being outspoken with being 'strong.' A leader doesn't simply give orders; a leader is defined by who will follow based on personality, character and principles. Hillary Clinton is not 'strong' by that measure. Hillary is a divider, not a uniter. I'm sick and tired of dividers. That's reason enough to support Obama. I couldn't vote for Hillary Clinton at gunpoint."
---

By: Bobbi Booker, Special to BlackAmericaWeb.com
Associated Press contributed to this story.

2007-05-14T17:47:00.000-05:00

ODP Chairman Lisa Pryor Statement on Jim Roth Appointment to Corporation Commission by Governor Brad Henry on May 14, 2007:

"We're extremely excited to have Democrat Jim Roth appointed to the Corporation Commission. He will be true steward of the people of Oklahoma. I have the utmost confidence that Jim Roth's experience as an Oklahoma County Commissioner and innate sense of justice will help build a stronger Oklahoma for our citizens. The residents of Oklahoma County will have to work hard to elect a county commissioner who did as much for the people as Jim Roth did."

2007-05-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

Gov. Henry Appoints Roth to Corporation Commission

Letter From Jim Roth

Monday, May 14, 2007

Dear Friends,

It has been several months since you last heard from me or our campaign. But I have some really exciting news to share with you.

It has been such an honor to serve Oklahoma County, specifically District One, as County Commissioner. I am very proud of the many great things my team and I have accomplished for Oklahoma County. I am especially proud that each of you have invested in our vision and have invested in the good ideals of public service.

As you may, or may not, be aware, Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode submitted her resignation effective May 31. Today, Governor Brad Henry announced that he is appointing me to fill the vacancy created by Ms. Bode.

I believe this is an awesome opportunity and am so excited to serve. I am thankful to Governor Henry for this opportunity to serve the people of Oklahoma, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead on the Corporation Commission.

I pledge to approach my work as a Commissioner with balance and careful consideration. The duties of the Corporation Commission have a far-reaching impact on both businesses and consumers, and that calls for complete fairness and working to build a consensus.

I have tried to be a great steward of the public’s interest as county commissioner, and I believe that our strong record is the reason the Governor decided to appoint me to the Corporation Commission. I promise to serve with the same high ethics and honesty in this new role.

Friends matter more now than ever. We will be running for election in 2008 and will need your help. Please stay tuned for ways to help. I am honored by your friendship and support.

Sincerely,

Jim Roth

2007-05-12T07:38:00.000-05:00

EPA orders Oklahoma feedlot to Stop Polluting the Water

Democrats have long supported the protection of drinking water supplies. This story is in our own backyard -- the EPA has ordered a Watonga feedlot to clean up the local drinking water supply that has been compromised by animal waste. Read about it here.

2007-05-11T17:25:00.000-05:00

Congressman Boren Gives ODP Readers DC Update

We asked Democratic Congressman Dan Boren to write us a piece for the Blog and Yellow Dog Dispatch. Here is what he sent....

Congressional Democrats Deliver
by Congressman Dan Boren

It’s an exciting time for Democrats here in Oklahoma and across the country. The party controls Congress for the first time in a decade and we’ve got a great shot at the White House in 2008. Discontent with the current administration is working in our favor, but we know we can’t rely on that alone.

For the first six years of the Bush Administration the Republican-controlled Congress abdicated its oversight authority, allowing the administration to do what it wanted with no mechanism for accountability. The Democratic Congress is doing what the American people expect and the constitution requires: asking questions, demanding answers and holding government accountable to the taxpayers.

We are also working hard to strengthen our military, grow our economy, promote energy security and care for our families. In just four months the House has passed 37 key measures; most with broad, bipartisan support. We’ve advanced legislation for middle-class families and worked hard to rid Congress of corruption.

Never is it more important to meet and exceed our obligations to veterans than in a time of war. When news broke of the substandard care soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan were receiving at Walter Reed and other military hospitals, we held hearings and saw to it that those directly responsible were shown the door. We then got to work on legislation to make sure this never happens again. The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act passed the House by a unanimous vote of 426-0.

Congress last raised the minimum wage in 1996. Adjusted for inflation the federal minimum wage of $5.15 an hour is at its lowest rate in more than 50 years. Minimum-wage earners make up a higher percentage of the workforce in Oklahoma than any other state and it’s time their wages caught up with the increases they have seen in their expenses over the past decade. That’s why I voted in January for a bipartisan bill to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over two years.

The best investment we can make is in educating the next generation. Democrats recognize that this is the key to a vibrant economy and productive workforce. That’s why we have worked to cut in half the interest rate on federal student loans, expand and improve the Head Start program, invest federal dollars in 10,000 new math, science and technology teachers, and encourage entrepreneurial innovation.

Following the 9/11 attacks, Congress and the President created an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate government failures that day and propose changes to prevent future attacks. For more than two years, the Republican Congress left the majority of those recommendations unfulfilled. In January, the House passed H.R. 1 to improve our border, port, aviation and infrastructure security.

All 50 states, private corporations, the Veteran’s Administration and large pharmacy chains use their bargaining clout to obtain lower drug prices for the patients they serve. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services should have the same ability to lower drug prices for seniors. The House passed H.R. 4 to give Medicare the authority to use its buying power to get prescriptions at the lowest possible price.

I’m proud to call myself a member of the party that stands up for veterans, opens doors of opportunity for our children, works for middle-class Americans, and who believes that values are best exhibited by actions and rather than words.

2007-05-11T15:35:00.000-05:00

OCCC Young Dems Host Bake Sale for Body Armor

The members of the YD group at Oklahoma Community College have been making cookies and headlines with their effort to raise awareness about the lack of body armor ffor soldiers in Iraq. Congratulations to OCCC YD's and their president Jed Green. I have pasted the story from the Daily Oklahoman below...

Student bake sale benefits troops serving in Iraq
By Carrie Coppernoll
The Oklahoman

Soldiers and cupcakes don't usually go together.
But a group of students at Oklahoma City Community College mixed, baked and iced piles of cookies, cupcakes and other treats to help raise money for soldiers fighting in Iraq. Their efforts, "Bake Sales for Body Armor,” are part of a series of fundraisers nationwide designed to help men and women overseas.

"Even if we don't support the premise for the war, we support out troops,” said Jed Green, president of the OCCC Young Democrats, the group that hosted the sale. "Our troops serve and protect us, and we should serve and protect them.”
The national campaign was founded by a military wife with the help of an Iraq veteran, Green said. Though the focus of the campaign is still to buy body armor, the group has also bought other types of equipment, such as radios and medical supplies.

Last year, OCCC students raised about $2,600 from the bake sale and donations, Green said. Hundreds of dollars have come in so far this year. Some volunteers who aren't affiliated with the school donated sweets for the sale, Green said. One retired man gave about 150 cinnamon rolls to the cause. Green himself made about 80 bags of candy pretzels, which sold out quickly. The students didn't price the desserts; they simply asked for a donation. Some people gave a quarter or a dollar. Others gave $20 for a cupcake.

Green said students, staff and the community supported the sale and were glad to see students participating in such a grassroots effort. Even though the war is thousands of miles away, the fighting affects nearly everyone here at home, Green said.

"It seems like just about everyone knows someone over there,” Green said. "I think it's something that's in the forefront of a lot of people's minds.”

2007-05-11T14:59:00.000-05:00

Why Are Hospitals Charging the Uninsured More than the Insured for the Same Treatments?

More than 40 million Americans do not have health insurance. They simply can’t afford it. So, it makes no sense that, when uninsured individuals receive hospital care, they are charged more than those who do have insurance.

Why are the uninsured being overcharged? Insurance companies negotiate rates for their customers; if you don’t have insurance, you lose out on that benefit. This is just another example of how big business squeezes the most vulnerable among us. And it’s yet another sign that points to the growing need for universal healthcare in this country.

A recently released study shows that, in many cases, the uninsured are charged more than 2.5 times the rates that insured patients are charged at hospitals. There has always been a gap between what the insured and uninsured are charged, but that gap has widened considerably in the last 10 years.

Why do hospitals charge people with exactly the same injury different amounts, based on whether or not they have insurance? If the injury is the same, if the treatment received is the same, shouldn’t the cost be the same? Hospitals overcharge the uninsured to compensate for the millions of dollars they lose each year in unpaid medical bills. As a result, a person who is on shaky financial ground may receive a bill that is nearly three times higher than someone who is insured. To make matters worse, this individual could probably be subject to aggressive debt collectors; hospitals have stepped up their collections process in recent years.

Hospitals and lawmakers have been heavily criticized for this practice, and rightly so. Despite the scrutiny, no plan has been developed to level medical costs for the uninsured.

Allowing hospitals to squeeze the uninsured with marked-up rates is wrong, plain and simple. This practice must end immediately. A universal healthcare program could solve this problem for all of those involved. Universal healthcare will ensure that those in need of medical care can receive it, without having to worry about how they’ll pay the bill. It will also guarantee that healthcare providers will be paid for their services.

The current healthcare system does not work for every American. It must be fixed. Lawmakers must turn their attention to universal healthcare and explore how they can make this a reality and not just a campaign concept. Perhaps this new Democratic Congress can move this issue forward. Or maybe the crop of presidential hopefuls will breathe new life into this ongoing discussion.
---
Judge Greg Mathis is national vice president of Rainbow PUSH and a national board member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

By: Judge Greg Mathis, Special to BlackAmericaWeb.com

2007-05-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

Taking Care of Business...

The Democratic Way

Delegates of the 2007 Oklahoma Democratic Party State Convention have you purchased your Breakfast and Lunch tickets? We still have tickets available for you.

Saturday Breakfast-$10

Saturday Box Lunch- $15

Tickets available for purchase at the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Make checks payable to ODP. For convenience we accept Visa and Mastercard. For payment arrangements call 405-427-3366.

2007-05-11T07:15:00.000-05:00

Cole's Shakedown of Lobbyists

Read this story about Tom Cole's NRCC shakedown of lobbyists for contributions. It includes details from his 28-page "how to" kit.

2007-05-11T06:57:00.000-05:00

OUCH -- $3.02

Filled up the car last night at our neighborhood 7-11 and paid $3.02 per gallon for gasoline. Just a month ago it was $2.67. The Washington Post has a story today on the rising cost of gasoline and the pinch at the pump. The story discusses big oil, price gouging, refineries, drilling, and politics. We in Oklahoma have some experience with "big oil" and have become accustomed to lower than national average prices at the pump -- perhaps those days are over.

For a local view of pump prices check out this site and if you are traveling check out this one.

2007-05-10T13:12:00.000-05:00

Code Blue for the ER

Oklahomans are using their local emergency rooms for primary health care creating a critical care situation for the system. Recent legislation and debates have centered around the escalating costs of healthcare in Oklahoma and across the nation. The debate centers around healthcare delivery and so-called "frivolous lawsuits." Read this story posted yesterday by Newsweek and let us know what you think about this issue.

2007-05-10T06:57:00.000-05:00

24

That's right, 24 is the number of states holding presidential primaries or caucuses on Feb. 5, 2008. That's nearly half of all the states. Among the 24 are Oklahoma, California, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. Some states are moving their primary in an effort to gain more attention and possible campaign dollars from the candidates. Here in Oklahoma, state law mandates that our primary is the first Tuesday in February. In 2004 we were part of super Tuesday, in 2008 we will be part of super duper Tuesday. It's likely that the nominees will be locked in that night giving the predictive nominees full sway before the nominating convention in summer 2008 and making this one the longest general election campaign in modern history.

Washington Post columnist David Broder comments on the "rush to judgement" here. Leave your comments on the primary process on this blog.

2007-05-10T06:50:00.000-05:00

In the Money

Good news for the budget battle at the state capitol....there's now $175 million more than previously expected to allocate. The "spillover" is meaning remaining after filling the state's Rainy Day fund. The funds will likely be spent on one-time expenditures. Read more here.

Rumor has it that a budget agreement is imminent. The first of several "sine die" parties for state legislators was held last night and they are ready to go home, but not before they reach a budget. Expect something very soon.

2007-05-10T06:41:00.000-05:00

Williamson and the Exorcist

Our fellow Democrats over at www.demookie.com are following a story about Sen. Williamson's star "witness" in the SB714 debate debacle. It has all the makings of a tabloid hit with drugs, demons, and politics all in one story. Check it out here.

2007-05-10T06:38:00.000-05:00

Immigration Bill, Who Pays?

Now that Gov. Henry has signed the "immigration reform bill" the focus is on who will pay for enforcement and what will the actual consequences be to the state's education, healthcare, and economic development? Read more here. And leave your comments about the new law on this blog.

2007-05-10T06:28:00.000-05:00

Henry's Veto Sustained a Second Time

A second attempt to override Gov. Brad Henry's veto of SB714 failed at the state capitol yesterday.

A Tulsa World poll this week indicates that Oklahomans statewide support the Governor's position on this controversial bill. Specifically, 75% of the respondents believe that abortion is a medical decision involving the woman and her doctor as opposed to a legal ad moral decision to be decided by the government. Only 8% of the respondents said they did not know or refused to answer the question.

2007-05-10T06:10:00.000-05:00

Governors Support Hillary

Two more Governors have officially endorsed Hillary Clinton for President saying she alone can reverse the current "leadership deficit" in the White House and abroad.

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and New York Governor Eliot Spitzer are both Clinton supporters. Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is a campaign chair for Clinton and others are being added daily. Some say that governors are the real bellweather of a state's electorate and where go the governors, go the voters.

Read about O'Malley's endorsement here. If you are a Hillary supporter, add your comments to this post.

2007-05-10T05:53:00.000-05:00

Military Not Enough

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Wes Clark told students at Union College yesterday that winning the war in Iraq will be based on ideas, alliances, and respect, not sheer military might. Read about it here.

Clark has not ruled out a bid for the White House in 2008 and continues to speak out against the failed strategy and lack of diplomacy from the current administration. Clark, a centrist Democrat, was, and still is, popular in Oklahoma where he won the 2004 primary election.

2007-05-10T05:39:00.000-05:00

Generals Blast Bush

Three retired generals are blasting Bush with tough words on a new ad campaign sponsored by VoteVets. Saying that the President ignores sound military advice and surrounds himself with like-minded subordinates, the generals are speaking out loud and clear against failed policy and a flawed war that has decimated the Army and Marine Corps. Read more here. See the first ad here.

2007-05-09T16:29:00.000-05:00

Democratic Party Activist Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

The Oklahoma Democratic Party today announced that Inez Hall, Okfuskee County; the late Keith Smith, Oklahoma County; and Gladys Walters, Sequoyah County, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Democratic Party Activist Hall of Fame on May 19th in Oklahoma City in conjunction with the ODP's State Convention.
The ODP Activist Hall of Fame, created in 2002, recognizes individuals for their commitment and hard work electing Democrats and improving the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

"These inductees embody our party and the willingness we have to help people and make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family. The combined commitment of the inductees represents many years of leadership, responsibility and action in our state," said ODP Chairman Lisa Pryor.

Pryor said inductees were chosen from a statewide nomination process which fielded dozens of worthy nominations.

"These three inductees were chosen after the selection committee painstakingly reviewed numerous nominations," said Pryor. "The Oklahoma Democratic Party has such a strong history - this will be a competitive process for decades."

The 2007 Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored at a dinner at the ODP convention in Oklahoma City, on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 7 p.m. in the Cox Convention Center. In addition to the induction ceremonies, the honored activists will also be memorialized on a permanent plaque in the party's headquarters located on Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City.

This year's inductees are:

Inez Hall is an Okfuskee County Democrat with a long history of being active in local, district, and state Democratic Party politics. Her experience as the Second District Secretary and accomplishments have validated her position in the Activist Hall of Fame.

Keith Smith, who passed away in 2006, was an activist on behalf of women, children, the environment, and the GLBT community. Smith was a Yellow Dog Democrat who lobbied for the Sierra Club and Planned Parenthood. He was a compassionate and tireless advocate for civil rights in Oklahoma.

Gladys Walters is an active member of the Sequoyah County Women's Democrat Club with over 50 years of service. Also known as Ms. Democrat, Walters has set an example for Democrats in her county by being dedicated and willing to work for the party. She has served as the Sequoyah County Chair, Co-Chair, and Secretary.

2007-05-09T12:09:00.000-05:00

Representaive Anastasia Pittman, keynote speaker for up coming graduation ceremonies.

2007 John Wesley Charter School graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 11, 2007. After this graduation ceremony, the school will close its doors. The graduation will be held at the Saint Luke United Methodist Church located at 222 NW 15th Street. For more information contact Ms. Thompson at (405) 427-6800.

Rep. Pittman will be the keynote speaker at the African American Achievement Celebration for her alma matter, OU-Norman. The graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 8 p.m. the event will be held in Reynolds Performing Arts Center at the OU-Norman Campus located at 560 Parrington Oval. For more information contact, Ms. Kimberly Rutland, Assistant Director of Student Life at (405) 325-3163.

2007-05-09T11:29:00.000-05:00

Boren Talks Iraq Spending With Bush

U.S. Congressman Dan Boren and other conservative Democrats met today with President Bush and his top policy advisers on issues including energy, immigration and the war in Iraq. Boren, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, pressed Bush for a commitment to implement benchmarks that would measure progress in Iraq. The two also discussed the upcoming vote on the supplemental spending bill for the war, and Bush expressed his desire for a plan to fund the troops through September.

"The president's meeting with congressional leaders last week and with conservative members of the Democratic caucus today is a positive sign," Boren said. "Conversations like this help bridge that gap and bring us closer to a compromise that will put resources in the hands of our men and women on the ground."

Boren has continually opposed efforts in Congress to impose a timeline for troop withdrawal in Iraq. Bush vetoed a bill last week that would have required him to bring troops home in October of this year. Congressional leaders have outlined a new proposal to fund the war through July and then revisit the issue.

"My preference would be for a bill that gets us through September," Boren said. "But I will take a hard look at any proposal that gives our troops the support they need without tying the hands of our military commanders."

For the past 18 months, Boren has been calling for effective benchmarks to measure the progress of the Iraqi government. Boren asked Bush about his thoughts on such a plan which has broad bipartisan support in Congress.

"The president seemed open to benchmarks with some teeth," Boren said. "As we move forward I think this is an area where Democrats and Republicans can come together."

2007-05-09T10:58:00.000-05:00

Morality and Political Courage

Note: This message about SB 714 is from ODP Faith Outreach Committee Chairman Jeff Hamilton, an Oklahoma City minister and former state legislator.

SB 714 has produced considerable controversy and misunderstanding. As an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a former member of the Oklahoma Legislature, I wish to share my take on the issues.

First, there are legislators and theologians who feel that human freedom and individual conscience are dangerous entities. Those of this kinship feel that they must squelch freedom and conscience whenever it makes them feel uncomfortable. The most notable outrage of this mentality can be seen in the horrific actions of the President of the United States and the Congress when they wrote special legislation restricting medical compassion and the spirit of common sense in the Schiavo case. I perceive the same horrific mentality present in SB 714. The Governor's veto was morally right.

Second, there are legislators and theologians who disdain women in general and low income women in particular. The attitude evinced by them is known as patriarchy. It is common place in the Bible and asserts that women deserve to suffer, especially when sexuality is at stake. These legislators and theologians celebrate female suffering: a woman who is married cannot be raped because she is subject to her husband. Sound familiar? Therefore, restrict a poor woman's right to a medically safe abortion, for she is not much above the level of chattel. That a teacher named Jesus abrogated that point of view is lost on some theologians and legislators. The Governor was morally right in vetoing SB 714.

Finally, there are few theologians and legislators who are trained in the field of medicine; few, if any, have emptied bed pans or tended to the butchery of a botched backroom abortion. But pay that no mind if you are a member of the Oklahoma Legislature or if you fashion yourself a religious ideologue for you can feel free to practice medicine without a smidgen of training. In case you have forgotten, practicing medicine without a license is still illegal. The Governor was morally right in vetoing SB 714.

Those legislators who sustained the veto, then, have, in my view, a deeper morality on their side and a profound sense of political courage.

-- Jeff Hamilton, M.Div.

2007-05-09T10:37:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Christine Byrd

"Living life is much more than just being alive. I have chosen to jump in with both feet knowing wisdom awaits me in the depth. For within the depth, I will find my true self" -Christine Byrd

A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Christine is the mother of four children and the grandmother to three. Congratulations to Christine the newly elected Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party Fifth District. She is also the president of the Metro Federation of Democratic Women. Christine was recently honored by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Oklahoma City Alumnae Chapter. Breakfast For Milady " A Tribute To Mothers".

2007-05-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

Askins Named Small Business Advocate in Oklahoma

Gov. Brad Henry has appointed Lt. Gov. Jari Askins as Oklahoma’s Small Business Advocate, a role tasked with providing assistance to small business owners throughout the state. Read the full story.

2007-05-09T10:08:00.000-05:00

Representative Mike Reynolds' Misguided Attack

Oklahoma City State Representative Mike Reynolds has now become the latest Republican to launch a laughable, misguided attack against state Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan.

"The Republican smear pattern is to place the name of a good person in a story with someone they at one time met, knew, worked for, took a contribution from or had a contact with who may have done something wrong that was unknown at the time. This is the political version of the Kevin Bacon game," Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Lisa Pryor said. "And, as we all know from that game, you can connect anyone to anyone else in six moves or less. In the political realm it becomes a dishonest and perverse sport, which Republican political hacks seem to revel in. If they would do real work for the people of Oklahoma maybe they wouldn't have so much time on their hands. Instead, they play the Oklahoma Politics version of the Kevin Bacon game."

Look at how the game is played, using Republicans: Jack Abramoff gave tainted money to Ernest Istook; Ernest Istook was supported by Oklahoma Republican Party chair Gary Jones; Gary Jones knows Mike Reynolds; therefore, Mike Reynolds probably took tainted money from Jack Abramoff; he does not show it on his ethics report, therefore Mike Reynolds appears to have broken Oklahoma Ethics rules.

Crazy? Yes. It's also very easy to do. But, the dishonesty doesn't stop there. Mike Reynolds claims Jeff McMahan broke Oklahoma criminal laws by having his office spokesperson talk to reporters about the false charges levied against him. Yet, Mike Reynolds attacks McMahan through a press release sent by and likely prepared by employees of the House of Representatives media office, who are paid by state tax dollars. Therefore, using his own logic, Mike Reynolds has broken Oklahoma criminal laws. Wonder when he will turn himself in to the law?

On Tuesday, Reynolds claimed McMahan violated state law by having his office spokesperson answer questions from reporters about McMahan's efforts to set the record straight. In his release, Reynolds claimed, "it is indefensible to co-mingle political activity with the official state functions of the office."

Pryor said, "it is more than just a little ironic that Representative Reynolds used the state- funded House of Representatives media office to send out, if not prepare his lame political hackery." She said this proves once again, that the hypocrisy and deceit of the Republican political noise machine knows no limits. The Oklahoma Republican Party is once again led by sore loser Gary Jones, who has twice lost to McMahan in the race for Auditor and Inspector, so these kinds of attacks should also come as no surprise.

Republicans are throwing mud at McMahan because he accepted campaign donations from alleged straw donors. McMahan announced he would return the money and amend his campaign finance reports, as allowed by state law, to correct the discrepancy. McMahan accepted donations legally and properly accounted for them in his required ethics reports. The improper activity, if there was any, was done by the donors, Pryor said. McMahan had no knowledge of their behavior nor did he have any control over them.

2007-05-08T12:15:00.000-05:00

Our Troops Deserve a Strategy for Success Now

Democrats remain united in our efforts to change course in Iraq and build an Iraq strategy that makes

America

more secure. We look forward to a substantive discussion with the White House and welcome those Republicans to the debate who are beginning to realize the current path in Iraq is not sustainable. There is no time to waste. Our troops deserve a strategy for success now.

IRAQ
We are hopeful that some Congressional Republicans – including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott and House Minority Leader John Boehner – are beginning to realize that the current path in Iraq is unsustainable, and hope those who have remained silent throughout this debate will begin to put their country ahead of their political party.

We are working to craft legislation that transitions the mission because a military solution is unrealistic without a political, diplomatic and economic strategy. Nothing is off the table.

The President may be content with keeping our troops mired in the middle of an open-ended civil war and spending $8 billion a month in Iraq while problems go unaddressed at home. But the American people are not.

Our troops and the American public are the ones feeling the consequences of a failed strategy in Iraq. Until there is accountability in Iraq, this Administration and the Iraqi government are getting a free pass. That is wrong.

o Terrorist attacks are up across the globe.

o April was one of the deadliest months of the Iraq war and the White House predicts an increase in casualties.

o Our National Guard equipment is in Iraq rather than standing ready to help with disasters here at home.

o Our Air Force’s fleet is wearing out faster because of heavy use in the war.

IMMIGRATION
Senate Democrats are committed to fixing America’s broken immigration system in a tough, fair and practical way.

Instead of offering unworkable proposals, the President should work with Democrats to reach a solution both Republicans and Democrats can support.

We need bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform that strengthens border security, reunites families, creates tough and smart workplace enforcement, and brings 12 million people out of the shadows of our society.

Undocumented immigrants will have to get in the back of the line and earn their way to legalization.

We believe that our immigration laws should be realistic and reflect our nation’s values. Our immigration system should make us safer while recognizing the enormous contributions that immigrants make to our nation.

2007-05-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Whitney!!!!

The ODP's dedicated intern Whitney Denton will be spending the summer in Chicago, IL working in the campaign headquarters of Senator Barack Obama. She will do a great job and get an insider's look at a U.S. Presidential campaign. It will be invaluable training and we are all very proud of her.

2007-05-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

Breakfast for MiLady Celebrating Mothers

I would like to Thank the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Oklahoma City Alumnae Chapter for honoring me as part of there Delta May Week. I was one of sixteen women (below) that the Deltas honored in a program that they call Breakfast For MiLady "A Tribute To Mothers." The Deltas were gracious by recognizing my work in the community, in the Party and in the church. The picture at the left are all of the ladies honored, the picture at the right, honoree Teresa Hill and her escort Jason McCarty (above).

2007-05-07T20:02:00.000-05:00

How low can he go?

That's it, Bush's current approval rating, is at an all time generational 28%. The flip, of course is that 72% disapprove of the president.

Check it out here and here.

2007-05-07T14:58:00.000-05:00

Gov. Henry Signs Bill Addressing Teachers’ Pension System

Gov. Brad Henry today signed a bill that will put the Oklahoma Teachers’ Retirement System (OTRS) on the road to fiscal stability. Providing a permanent fix for OTRS was one of the top priorities outlined by the governor in his 2007 State of the State address in February.

Senate Bill 357, by Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield (D-Ardmore) and Rep. Chris Benge (R-Tulsa) will gradually increase employer contribution rates to OTRS. The measure will bring the system, currently less than 50 percent funded, up to 80 percent funded by 2026.

“Oklahoma’s teachers are some of the finest public servants in Oklahoma,” Gov. Henry said. “In serving our children, they have served all of us and they deserve a pension system that is solvent, secure and able to fulfill the state’s commitments.”

The Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System currently has an unfunded liability in excess of $7 billion and is rated one of the worst funded pension systems in the country.

State Treasurer Scott Meacham, who served as the governor's point person on OTRS reform, noted that teachers will not be the only beneficiaries of SB 357. Oklahoma’s bond rating could benefit from the action as well.

“As the unfunded liability is decreased over the next 19 years, I believe the bond rating agencies will look more favorably on our ratings, and that will ultimately save taxpayers money,” said Treasurer Meacham.

2007-05-07T14:00:00.000-05:00

BUSH APPROVAL AT 28 PERCENT

George W. Bush now has the worst approval rating of an American president in a generation. Read about the "Elephant in the Room."

2007-05-07T12:11:00.000-05:00

Democrat Breaks Down HB 1804

Oklahoma Democrat Bill Clifford provided us with this great break-down of the immigration bill -- HB 1804 -- currently on the Governor's desk for approval or veto......

House Bill 1804: 1804 is an effort by some of our State Legislators to insert Oklahoma into the Federal issue of Immigration. It seems aimed at people of Hispanic or Latino heritage. The problem with H.B. 1804 (the so-called "Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007") is the number of problem areas it creates.

Money:A House Fiscal Impact Analysis of HB 1804 (attached) declares start-up costs to be minimal. Long term considerations: "None". However, a review of a bill similar to HB 1804 by eighteen departments of Colorado's Joint Budget Committee identified over $2 million in increased state costs associated with that legislative proposal, without any savings to the state. In addition, costs to implement provisions of this bill by the Department of Public Safety and Oklahoma's local governments are not included in the analysis done on HB1804 by the Oklahoma House Staff.

Respect for the Law : Advocates for HB 1804 note that most of this bill is existing federal law. That's true. However, if the Memorandum of Understanding required in Section 10 is drawn under the Oklahoma Interlocal Cooperation Act (Title 74, O.S., 1001-1008), the bill's structure turns Oklahoma Law Enforcement Agencies at every level throughout the State into extensions of various federal agencies. Under Oklahoma's Interlocal Cooperation Act, different levels of government share powers. Once HB 1804 is linked to provisions of the Interlocal Cooperation Act by Memorandum of Understanding (as required in Section 10 of HB 1804), the federal immigration tasks delineated in HB 1804 become our responsibilities, with no reimbursement provisions in the bill. Also, legal mandates (unfunded, or otherwise) established by H.B. 1804 will continue to have the force of state law, even after new immigration legislation is enacted at the National level. And, by the way, making our police and sheriffs' departments federal enforcement agents can significantly reduce effective "community policing" efforts designed to foster cooperation among neighborhood residents and local law enforcement authorities in areas like anti-gang and drug enforcement activities.

Human Service Organizations: HB 1804 requires that agencies of the State of Oklahoma, its political subdivisions, their contractors, and their subcontractors use a "status verification system" to confirm citizenship status of persons reasonably suspected of being in this country illegally. Many of Oklahoma's charitable and non-profit human service organizations literally don't know how this affects their service-client relationships - - or how they might be able to pay the federal costs associated with obtaining the required information.

Legal Challenges: Finally, many aspects of HB 1804 appear to be unconstitutional. It attempts to force state authority into areas that the Courts have already determined to be an exclusive federal power - - the power to regulate immigration.[De Canas v Bica, 424 U.S.351 (1976)]. If passed into law, HB 1804 could involve the State of Oklahoma in an expensive court fight, as it tries to defend this legislation on its Constitutional merits. This, at a time when both the Congress and the White House are exploring a federal solution to illegal immigration through the already introduced, bipartisan STRIVE Act (HR 1645), which is currently being negotiated. Setting state-related enforcement costs aside for just a moment, passage of HR 1645 would make Oklahoma's efforts to defend the legitimacy of HB 1804 not only expensive, but also unnecessary.

"1984": Also attached is a press release, issued by a National influence group, commenting on the passage of H.B. 1804. Portrayal of this legislation by this group as a major victory for "civil rights" reminds me of the terms "newspeak" and "doublespeak" adapted from the Orwell novel "1984". In fact, if it's made law, H.B. 1804 does turn Oklahoma's private and public employers into a kind of "secret police" network, required to report to Authorities those persons "reasonably suspected" (?) as being in this country illegally - - all in the name of citizen protection.

Official Data: The U.S. Bureau of the Census shows Hispanic and Latino people to be an established and rapidly growing part of localities throughout the State of Oklahoma. These people have become part of our respective communities. We, as a People, need to reach out to them and help them fully participate in the democracy that our State and Nation promise.

That's the American Way...

2007-05-07T11:58:00.000-05:00

Gannett News Service: 'Prez on the Rez' event hailed as historic landmark

A group of Native Americans is hoping to make history by sponsoring the first major presidential forum in Indian Country. INDN's List Education Fund, which is working to place Indians on the political map, is planning a forum with Democratic candidates Aug. 23. The forum would mark the first time presidential candidates assemble together on Indian land for a campaign event.

Read the full story.

2007-05-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

Black Women Voters Mobilizing in 2008

Black women across America are meeting, mobilizing and empowering themselves as a critical voting bloc for the 2008 presidential election.

Three prominent civil rights organizations -- the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, headed by Melanie L. Campbell; the National Council of Negro Women, chaired by veteran women's and civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, led by Clayola Brown -- met in Washington D.C. and created the Power of the Sister Vote 2008 to lead a national debate about black women, the political process and the 2008 presidential election.

"Black women represent over 56 percent of the registered black electorate. In the 2004 presidential election, black women represented 58 percent of the total black vote," Campbell said in a statement. "Our voices weigh heavily in our family's civic engagement decisions."

The Sister Vote 2008 meeting represents the first in a series to draw attention to black women and young voters. More than 30 national and state-based black women leaders and opinion makers attending a session last month where they were briefed on the 2008 Republican and Democratic National Committee political process.

Donna Brazile, a Democratic political consultant, said according to the 2004 Census Bureau, black women's registration and turnout rates were 67.9 percent and 59.8 percent, both higher than the overall population figures (65.9 percent and 58.3 percent); according to the exit polls in 2004, black women were 7 percent of all voters.

"Black women are in a key position to help shape the debate and outcome of the 2008 presidential race," Brazile told BlackAmericaWeb.com last week.

The group was briefed by aides for several presidential candidates, including Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Issues discussed during the three-hour meeting included economic disparity, full funding for health care, support for affirmative action, immigration policy, access to quality education and the expected impact of the black women's vote during the 2008 elections.

"We told the attending presidential campaigns that the women's group will actively monitor the policy statements and promises made by each presidential contender," Campbell said. "Our goal is to educate and to inform. An element of our strategy includes the release of a report delineating each candidate's position on issues having an impact upon black women's lives."

According to the group’s statement, "while invitations to attend the dialogue were extended to both major political parties, only the Democratic National Committee (DNC) elected to send representation."

"Questions were raised in the invitation to each committee about convention planning. The Republican National Committee respectfully declined, citing that it was too early in their planning process to provide concrete information about their convention, slated for Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN."

Amaya Smith, a spokeswoman for the Democratic National Committee, said it appears Republicans do not take black women seriously.

"African-American women will play a key role in this next election, yet Republicans are already writing them off," Smith told BlackAmericaWeb.com. "Democrats' early commitment shows that we are not taking any vote or voter for granted. It’s too bad that Republicans have already discounted them."

Black women, much like the black community, are not a monolithic group and will likely be divided on who to support. Some will support Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), and others will vote for Obama or one of the other Democratic candidates, while some registered Republicans will support the GOP nominee.

Some black female Democrats say they remain loyal to the Clintons, adding that Hillary Clinton would make a fine president; but they also like Obama’s message and want to support a black man running for the White House. Some say Obama’s wife, Michelle, a formidable lawyer, can help attract black women -- and women of color -- to Obama’s campaign.

In fact, Michelle Obama recently created a new initiative, Women for Obama, to generate support among women and undercut Clinton’s plans to aggressively reach out to women. Several national polls show Clinton leading Obama among women voters.

"Women for Obama will forcefully and enthusiastically engage women, enlist women and empower women to recognize the difference our candidate can make in the "08 race and the world -- and the difference we as women can make for our futures," according to a satement from Michelle Obama on her husband’s website.

Last month, Women for Obama raised about $750,000 during its first fundraising lunch in downtown Chicago, attended by about 1,200 women.
"The reality is that my husband is a man who understands my struggle and the challenges facing women and families," Michelle Obama told the audience. "He actually listens to me and has the utmost respect for my perspective and my life experience."
She added that Barack Obama "recognizes that our society, our community is only as strong as our women and our families."

Aides to Obama call Michelle, 43, "the most important adviser" to the campaign, and friends say she will be one of Barack Obama’s most significant surrogates, having traveled already to Los Angeles, New York and Iowa. She plans to visit New Hampshire Monday.

"Michelle's role on the campaign is primarily, of course, as a wife and mother, and when on the road, she considers herself a surrogate ear -- to meet and listen to Americans she meets on the road and hear their concerns with and hopes for the country," Katie McCormick Lelyveld, communications director for Michelle Obama, told BlackAmericaWeb.com.

According to Newsweek, "Michelle's community ties came in handy when Barack, by then a state senator, ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004. He faced a primary dominated by some of the Democratic Party's most formidable political families. Barack won the nod, thanks to the support of influential African-American business leaders, some of whom had closer ties to Michelle than they did to him."

"She's smart, she's successful and she's well-liked and popular," Avis LaVelle, former national press secretary to Bill Clinton, told the Chicago Sun-Times. "Long before there was a Barack Obama, there was a Michelle Robinson, who was a star in her own right.''

Obama supporter Rosemary Jackson and her sister, Erma Gray Davis, said the fact that Barack and Michelle Obama have launched the women's initiative shows they recognize how much power women wield, both in their families and in politics.

Note: story from Black American Web.

2007-05-07T10:59:00.000-05:00

ODP Central Committee Member Comments on Immigration Rally in Tulsa

Sebastian Lantos, an ODP Central Committee Member, weighs in on the debate on HB 1804...

"Sebastian Lantos, a naturalized citizen and board member on the Governor's Council of Latin America and Hispanic Affairs, said the fact that people have been vocal about illegal immigration, both for and against, shows that the government must act soon.

"We agree that there has to be borders and we need a comprehensive law," Lantos said. "This (rally) is a clear message from both sides to the legislators to do something as quickly as possible. . . We've got a point, they've got a point. We just need to do this all as soon as possible."

Read the entire story from the Tulsa World.

2007-05-07T10:50:00.000-05:00

Tulsa World's "Political Notebook" Features ODP news

Tulsa state party candidates forum, Inhofe protest, new CD 1 officers and election protection fellowship profiled.

Click here to read all the news.

2007-05-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

Democrats United on Iraq and Immigration

Democrats remain united in our efforts to change course in Iraq and give our troops a strategy for success. We approach the coming discussions with the White House with an open mind and a sincere desire to move forward.

IRAQ
We are working to craft legislation that transitions the mission because a military solution is unrealistic without a political, diplomatic and economic strategy. Nothing is off the table.

The President may be content with keeping our troops mired in the middle of an open-ended civil war and spending $8 billion a month in Iraq while problems go unaddressed at home. But the American people are not.

We are hopeful that some Congressional Republicans are beginning to realize that that current path in Iraq is unsustainable, and hope those who have remained silent throughout this debate will begin to put their country ahead of their political party.

Our troops and the American public are the ones feeling the consequences of a failed strategy in Iraq - terrorist attacks are up across the globe, April was one of the deadliest months of the Iraq war and our National Guard equipment is in Iraq rather than standing ready to help with disasters here at home. Until there is accountability in Iraq, this Administration and the Iraqi government are getting a free pass. That is wrong.

IMMIGRATION
Senate Democrats are committed to fixing America's broken immigration system in a tough, fair and practical way.

Instead of offering unworkable proposals, the President should work with Democrats to reach a solution both Republicans and Democrats can support.

We need bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform that strengthens border security, reunites families, and creates tough and smart workplace enforcement.

It is time we provide the 12 million people living in the shadows of our society opportunities to pursue the American Dream.

Undocumented immigrants will have to get in the back of the line and earn their way to legalization.

We believe that our immigration laws should be realistic and reflect our nation's values. Our immigration system should make us safer while recognizing the enormous contributions that immigrants make to our nation.

2007-05-07T10:35:00.000-05:00

Jay Parmley Update

Former ODP Chair/ED Assumes Leadership Role in South Carolina. Read the AP story.

2007-05-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

5 reasons the GOP faces an uphill climb in '08

From the USA Today....

1. It's mostly about Iraq
2. Excitement is contagious
3. Fewer say they're with GOP
4. Money flowing to Democrats
5. Hunger for change growing

Read the full story.

2007-05-03T20:04:00.000-05:00

Letters

We asked you to send letters to the editor about President Bush's veto of the Iraq spending bill. See what fellow Oklahoma Democrats wrote to their respective papers.....

Dear Editor:

Finally, Congress is standing up to the President’s listless way of handling the war. I hope they don’t give up and let Bush spend more money on his unfocused shotgun approach. Our troops are saying this isn’t going to work. Or, they were and now since the Veto, it has come out that they are being told not to give their views. They’ve been saying that they are stretched too thin. Our troops and contractors deserve to come home by Christmas. Iraqi people need to be able to rebuild, but our presence keeps drawing fighters who don’t even live there. Our military presence in Iraq is preventing normalcy and stability from returning.

Jim Inhofe is stubbornly wrong about climate change. When will the U.S. government begin doing its part to slow down climate change? It’s a misplaced priority to spend money on a war instead of taking care of Katrina’s aftermath, and solving violence at home. The Virginia Tech massacre is an example—deaths are deaths whether on the streets of Iraq because of us, or on our campuses because we have misplaced our priorities.

Our Governor is doing the right thing by standing up against so-called ‘lawsuit abuse’ spin-doctors. Thanks to our state lawmakers who are helping to protect the peoples’ access to the courts from big corporations that want to take away peoples’ rights. If we didn’t have strong lawmakers who will stand up for us, these rich corporations would have whatever they want, and the people would have noting. Governments and laws should be about helping the people, not about taking away peoples’ rights and spending their money on war.

Kathy Tibbits
Stilwell, Oklahoma

----------------------------------------------------------------

To the Editor:

George W. Bush has tried to tie support for his failed policies in Iraq with support for our brave women and men who are the victims of those policies. I find this a despicable attempt to dodge his failures. It’s much like the religious leaders who tries to claim that all his actions, no matter how immoral, are sanctioned by divine authority because he is a “man of God.” Bush has tried to blame his failure on “bad intelligence.” There he is correct because many people far smarter and wiser told him that this decision was wrong. However, he choose to ignore wise counsel and listen to greedy men, sycophants, and others telling his “itching ears” what they wanted to hear.

Now as he desperately plunges deeper into the swamp that he has created in Iraq, he has the audacity to question the loyalty of women and men who, because they love their country and weep for it’s wounds, tell him that the American people have had enough wastage, enough broken bodies, more, more than enough flag draped coffins, and much more than enough of their president’s preening, posturing, and posing to last us a lifetime. Mr. President, you have lost all moral authority. We must heed those who seek an end this “war-in-search-of-a-reason”.

Mr. R. Lynn Green
Oklahoma City, OK

2007-05-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

Yes...that actually happened.

As you all know, President Bush vetoed the Iraq War Spending bill, proposed by Democrats in Congress earlier this year. In my mind, using his veto power on this bill shows yet again that George W. Bush doesn't understand Democracy. In a democratic society, government is run by the people, for the people...nothing about Bush's veto was government by the people. In fact, the people have spoken loud and clear throughout this war. We, as the people, want out! We recognize that our military presence there is not the success that was initially predicted. The amount of time, money and resources that we have put into this useless (oil) war have done nothing but set our nation back. And now we find out that even our outrage (and his 28% approval rating) is not enough to end Bush's crusade.

If you are just as upset about this veto as I am, visit this website to voice your concern to Democratic congressmen, and the President himself.

2007-05-02T14:57:00.000-05:00

Gov. Henry protects Oklahomans from irresponsible legislation:

From issues ranging from abortion to the budget- Governor Brad Henry has used his veto more times during this legislative session than the previous four years combined. This is a result of a number of measures hastily passed through the state capitol as the legislative session is set to end May 28th. The problem is that often times these bills are at best irresponsible, and at worst negligent.

Here are just some of the bloopers from the Republican congress:

Senate Bill 507- Would have had provisions in it which would prevent accountability of medical care by putting a limited dollar value on pain and suffering one experiences when they are the victims of malpractice.

House Bill 1234- How many of us would sit down to draw up a budget without knowing how much to we have to spend- or even what our bills were? This budget bill was drawn up without consultation with Governor Henry or house Democrats- nor did it have an overall budget framework to put spending in context to ensure fiscal responsibility!

Senate Bill 714- A bill which was opposed by the Oklahoma State Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Oklahoma Nurses Association. A bill that would punish women for being raped- by not allowing public funds to assist in paying for abortions in cases such as rape or incest.

Republicans have called on Governor Henry to sign bills such as these as a "sign of good faith" and chastised him for a lack of bipartisanship. Someone needs to remind Republican legislators that the effects of hasty, half-finished legislation can deeply impact the lives of all Oklahomans.

-Gregory R. Gaede

2007-05-02T11:41:00.000-05:00

Lynn Green's Speech from the 5th CD Convention

Workers' Memorial Day

Since 1989, April 28th has been designated Workers’ Memorial Day. This date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Every year, people in hundreds of communities and at worksites recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job.

Last year a series of coal mine tragedies focused the nation’s attention on the dangers faced by workers. Twelve men died after an explosion at the Sago mine in West Virginia. Within a few weeks time, disasters at 8 other mines claimed additional lives. By the end of 2006, 47 coal miners lost their lives—twice as many as in 2005.

Over the last several decades, we’ve made a lot of progress in protecting workers on the job. Fatality and injury rates have fallen dramatically in many industries. But now that progress is halting and may be reversing. Last year more than 5700 workers were killed by job injuries. Another 50,000-60,000 died from occupational diseases, including more than 10,000 deaths from asbestos-related diseases. For Hispanic and immigrant workers, the situation is much worse. Workplace deaths have increased sharply, as many of these workers work in the most dangerous industries and jobs, exploited by employers with little or no protection. More than 8 million public employees still have no OSHA coverage and no legal rights or job safety protections.

Since taking office in 2001, the Bush administration as turned its back on workers and workplace safety. Siding with its corporate friends, the administration has overturned or blocked dozens of important workplace protections including OSHA’s ergonomics standards and new protections on tuberculosis, indoor air quality, reactive chemicals and cancer-causing substances to name but a few. At OSHA, voluntary compliance has been promoted over enforcement, and industry representatives have been put in charge of government safety programs, most notably at MSHA, the mine safety agency.

George Will, conservative columnist, once wrote that workers are merely a corporation’s “commodity”. Well, Mr. Will, if so, workers are a commodity that breathes and feels and bleeds and, too often, dies. They are a commodity who have families that depend on them, who produce the goods and services that you depend on, and who make up the heart and soul of this great country of ours. Corporations must make profits to be sure, but there can be no blood on our ledger books, there must be no pain because of our profits. In fact, when workplaces are truly safe, both the worker and the employer benefit. Job safety is good for business.

We must fight to make workplaces safe and make sure that the clock is not turned back so that the US becomes a low-wage economy where safety is ignored and workers are disposable.

Workers Memorial Day is a day on which we call for an end to injustices and rededicate ourselves to make our workplaces safer and our communities stronger. We call for strengthened safety laws to provide workers the protections to which they have a right. And we call for the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, to restore workers’ rights to join a union so that they can have a real voice and be protected on the job.

Mary Harris “Mother Jones”, the great labor leader of the turn-of-the-century coal mines, called us to “Mourn for the Dead, and Fight Like Hell for the Living!” We mourn, we remember, and we will never stop fighting.

2007-05-02T11:19:00.000-05:00

Harvard University Youth Survey

A recent youth survey conducted by the Harvard University Institute of Politics revealed new information about several topics in politics. The survey included several questions in which 18-24 year olds responded. Listed below are some of the main questions and responses from the survey.

When asked whether the UN or the United States should take the lead in solving international crises 74% felt the UN should take the lead. 84% of Democrats agreed the UN should take the lead.

When asked what political party they were affiliated with, 35% said the Democratic Party, 25% Republican Party, and 40% Independent.

When ask whether the country was headed in the right direction, 59% said it was on the wrong track, 13% right track, and 28% were not sure.

When asked if it is right for all people to receive health insurance regardless if they can pay for it 61% said yes.

When asked whether or not protecting the environment should be as high a priority as protecting jobs 68% said yes.

When asked if the U.S. should work to spread freedom and democracy even if it involves significant U.S. casualties only 14% said yes.

The Following are questions with the top 5 responses:

When asked what Democratic candidate they would be voting for in the upcoming 2008 Presidential election:
Barack Obama-35%
Hillary Clinton-29%
John Edwards-9%
Other-3%
Undecided-21%

When asked what the most important issue in America is:
Iraq-29%
War (General)-14%
Economy-6%
Environment/Global Warming-5%
Foreign Policy-4%

-Cole Hines

2007-05-02T10:28:00.000-05:00

President Wrong on Veto

If the President thinks that by vetoing this bill he is ending efforts to change the direction of this war, he is mistaken. We will continue, in as many ways as possible, to force the President to see that a military solution is unrealistic without a political, diplomatic and economic strategy.

The President may be content with keeping our troops mired in the middle of an open-ended civil war and spending $8 billion a month in Iraq while problems go unaddressed at home. But the American people are not. We will always make sure the troops have what they need, but this President - and the Republicans who are letting him continue this war - need to wake up.

In the coming days, we will continue to reach out to the President. We hope the Senate Republicans who have spent more time protecting the President than listening to their constituents will work with us as well. A bipartisan majority of Congress sent the president a bill to fully fund our troops and change the mission in Iraq. The President refused to sign it. That is his right, but he now has an obligation to explain his plan to responsibly end this war and hold the Iraqis accountable for meeting the benchmarks he himself has proposed.

Our troops are the only ones facing consequences in Iraq while everyone else gets a free pass. That is wrong, and it is time to hold this Administration accountable for its failed policies and have the Iraqis take responsibility for their own future.

2007-05-02T06:50:00.000-05:00

The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus
17th Annual A.C. Hamlin Awards Banquet

I had the pleasure of attending the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus' awards banquet last night at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Those honored included Mr. Russell Perry; Dr. John A. Reed, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Goodwin (posthumously); Mrs. Thelma R. Parks; Mr. Albert Johnson; and Mr. Clyde Madden.

Current Black Caucus members include five Democrats and one Republican. They are Sen. Judy Eason-McIntyre, Sen. Constance Johnson, Rep. Anastasia Pittman, Rep. Jabar Shumate, Rep. Mike Shelton, and Rep. T.W. Shannon.

Former members of the caucus who were recognized and present included Angela Z. Monson and Vicki Miles-LaGrange. Other African Americans who have served in teh Oklahoma State Legislature include: A.C. Hamlin, John B. White, Curtis Lawson, E. Melvin Porter, Archibald Hill, A. Visanio Johnson, Ben Hill, Hannah Atkins, Bernard McIntyre, Kevin Cox, Don Ross, Freddye Williams, Maxine Horner, and Opio Toure.

Special recognition and appreciation was given to the Assistants of the Black Caucus Members including Roxanne Blystone, Gayle Brown, Trena Byas, Cathy Chamberlain, Gracie Monson, and Linda Richardson.

2007-05-02T05:22:00.000-05:00

Democrats to Challenge Inhofe?

When the reporter from "Congressional Quarterly" called yesterday I wasn't surprised. The "buzz" about the possible retirement or defeat of US Senator Jim Inhofe and the consequent "roar" about who the Democrats will put up to face him has been growing.

I was approached in early February about identifying a candidate to challenge Inhofe. At that time the big names were Gov. Brad Henry, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, and Congressman Dan Boren. All three have previously and recently stated they have jobs to complete and projects to work on, but admittedly, you never say never in this business, and they are the political "heavyweights" in the state.

Recently, two Oklahoma State Senators names have been added to the possible Senate race list --- Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City and Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau. A supporter put up a "draft Andrew" website recently and Corn made the rounds of three district conventions last Saturday. I spoke with both of them yesterday and know both have strong interest in the possibility. Another name that is circulating is that of Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth, although I understand he's very interested in the Oklahoma Corporation Commission spot being vacated by Denise Bode at the end of this month.

To read the story from Congressional Quarterly posted last evening click the CQ link or the read more label below.

Oklahoma Democrats Cultivate Rice as Possible Foe to Sen. Inhofe By Rachel Kapochunas | 6:21 PM; May. 01, 2007 |

Despite the long- and strong-running Republican trend in conservative-leaning Oklahoma, Democrats argue that Republican Sen. James M. Inhofe is vulnerable for his 2008 bid for re-election in that state.

In justifying their optimism, Democratic activists point to Inhofe’s penchant for blunt remarks — including his strongly worded skepticism about global warming as a threat to mankind. They also note Inhofe’s steadfast support for the war in Iraq and President Bush, both subjects of widespread voter dissatisfaction.

So far, the best-known potential Democratic challengers have opted out of the contest, perhaps wary of taking on an entrenched Republican incumbent in a state where Democrats last won a Senate race in 1990, hold just one of the five House seats and saw their 2004 presidential nominee, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, take just 34 percent of the vote to 66 percent for Bush.

Among the Democrats who are not inclined to challenge Inhofe are Gov. Brad Henry, the conservative Democrat whose victories for governor in 2002 and 2006 make him the party’s biggest recent success story in Oklahoma; and 2nd District Rep. Dan Boren, the state’s sole House Democrat and son of former Democratic Sen. David L. Boren. The elder Boren won the 1990 Senate race for the Democrats, and his 1994 resignation to become president of the University of Oklahoma created the vacancy that Inhofe filled by winning the special election held that November.

State Democratic Party Chairwoman Lisa Pryor said Tuesday that the names of state Attorney General Drew Edmondson and state Sen. Kenneth Corn have been floated as possible candidates, but neither has taken any affirmative steps toward running.

So the party has begun rallying behind the possible — though uncertain — candidacy of 34-year-old Democratic state Sen. Andrew Rice, whom Pryor called an “up-and-coming big name” in Oklahoma.

Pryor told CQPolitics.com that Rice is attracting the “attention of more Democrats than any of the other potential candidates at this time.” Pryor added that the race is still in its preliminary stages, but said that Rice is “more than halfway there” in terms of a campaign. She also noted the “nationwide network” he tapped into for support in his successful 2006 state Senate race.

Supporters launched a Web site, www.runandrewrun.com, to encourage Rice to wage a campaign against Inhofe in 2008. The Web site lauds Rice as a candidate who “has the right blend of real-world experience and leadership Oklahoma needs.”

Rice earned a master’s degree in theological studies at Harvard University’s Divinity School and has produced documentaries on AIDS in India.

He is the founder of the nonprofit Progressive Alliance Foundation in Oklahoma City and is active with the group September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows. He told CQPolitics.com on Tuesday that he was prompted to get involved in politics after his brother David was killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Center.

Rice said that as far as a U.S. Senate campaign is concerned, he is “not ruling it out and not deciding to do it either.” Rice confirmed that he spoke with Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York at an event in Dallas recently and has been assessing “the landscape.”

Rice said that as a newly elected state senator, he does not have major statewide name identification, and added that he might be prompted to pass up the race if one of the “formidable” candidates not currently in the running decides to get in.

“The biggest issue for me is my wife is a professional, a physician, and we have a two-year-old and a three-month-old,” Rice said. “It would just be quite a big sacrifice for my family . . . for what would be a pretty tough race.”

Inhofe automatically holds the advantage of incumbency, which translates into high name recognition and extensive support from state and congressional allies. Inhofe started April with nearly $1 million on hand in his campaign treasury, according to his first-quarter report filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Inhofe also has a long history of public service in the state as a former House member (1987-94), mayor of Tulsa (1978-84), and member of the state House and Senate. Inhofe last won re-election in 2002 with a 21 percentage-point margin over Democratic former Gov. David L. Walters, whose campaign suffered from controversies over past campaign finance improprieties.

Inhofe’s conservative positions have drawn the support not only of his constituents, but he is frequently lauded by organizations such as the American Conservative Union, the National Rifle Association and the Club for Growth.

His supporters also rally to his combative nature. Inhofe has made headlines in the past for his assertive manner, including his 2003 statement that “man-made global warming is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.”

Inhofe plays up this reputation in a video on his campaign Web site jiminhofe.com. “One man in America still has the courage to speak out. The courage to go against the tide. Until eventually, the tide is proven wrong,” the video text reads. The video contains images of former Vice President Al Gore, an environmental activist who is at the other end of the spectrum from Inhofe on global warming.

But Democrat Pryor, whether intentionally or not, dealt a global warming metaphor in describing why she thinks Oklahomans might vote for change in the 2008 Senate race.

“The climate is changing, politics is changing,” Pryor said. “I don’t think that America’s satisfied with the leadership of the Bush administration, and as far as I’m concerned, Inhofe is part of that.”

Inhofe also has an announced challenger for next year’s Republican primary in businessman Stephen P. Wallace, who has established a campaign committee with the FEC but had yet to report any funds for his campaign as of March 31.

2007-05-01T15:19:00.000-05:00

Tulsa MoveOn Emergency Veto Rally Planned

Tulsan Mike Workman sent this info to us:

Tulsa, Wed. 5-2-07 5 pm
sidewalk outside office of US Sen. Jim Inhofe
1924 S. Utica Avenue #530, Tulsa, OK 74104
02 May , 5:00 PM

MoveOn Emergency Response Veto Rally... In the next few days, President Bush is expected to veto legislation that would create a real timeline for ending the occupation of Iraq. When he does, the lines will be drawn — it will be him against the rest of us. We need to loudly let him know that he can't keep ignoring our voice—and we need to let our leaders in Congress know that they need to stand up to him and keep pushing for legislation with timelines for ending the war in Iraq.

2007-05-01T14:09:00.000-05:00

Read A Good Op-Ed

Check out this op-ed called "It's the Supreme Court, Stupid!" by Jim Nimmo of the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats.