By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau
Tulsa World
8/24/2008
Last Modified: 8/24/2008 2:37 AM
http://tinyurl.com/5jus8k
Obama set to make history
DENVER — Oklahoma Democrats arrived Saturday for their party's national convention, which is unusually rich in symbolism and ready to make its mark in history.
"It is going to be exciting to be here and see it in person,'' Gov. Brad Henry said of the convention, which officially begins Monday.
One of the convention's so-called superdelegates, Henry stressed the historical significance of Barack Obama becoming the first black candidate to accept a major party's presidential nomination.
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complete copyrighted story at link above
Oklahoma delegates may cling to Clinton
By Chris Casteel
Washington Bureau, Daily Oklahoman
Sun August 17, 2008
http://newsok.com/article/3284529
WASHINGTON — Many Oklahoma Democrats pledged to support Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton at the national convention still strongly back the former first lady and want to see her chosen as the vice-presidential nominee, even though that seems unlikely.
Several of Clinton's delegates from Oklahoma said they wanted her name placed in nomination at the convention, which begins Aug. 25 in Denver, before it was announced Thursday that she would be part of the traditional roll call of the states.
"I was elected to vote for Hillary, and there is not any reason at all that her name should not be put in nomination,” said Jacque Tomsovic, a delegate from Tulsa.
Ron Dye, a Clinton delegate from Midwest City, said, "Senator Clinton must be included in the roll call vote. Why would you not? She has more popular votes nationwide. Why would you exclude her?”
But Stuart Price, a Clinton delegate from Tulsa, said he didn't think a roll call vote was necessary at a convention that will nominate Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois to be the presidential nominee.
- complete copyrighted story at link above
It was 50 years ago, on August 19, 1958, that twelve Negro children and their youth advisor, Clara Luper, walked from what was then the Calvary Baptist Church to what was then Katz Drugstore in downtown Oklahoma City. The children ranged in age from six to seventeen. They took their seats at the drugstore lunch counter and ordered thirteen cokes. They wanted to drink their cokes while sitting at the lunch counter. At this time, this action was against the law.
This movement against discrimination in Oklahoma City was repeated from 1958 into 1964 and, in the process, became the Nation's longest, recurring, uninterrupted, peaceful civil rights demonstration in the history of the United States. Read More »
Senate's 'Dr. No' Spurs Showdown Over Spending
By Paul Kane
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, July 28, 2008; Page A01
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/27/AR2008072701441.html
Instead of a keepsake photo of a political hero or his family, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) has a large framed picture next to his desk that serves as a constant reminder of his political ideology. Inside the black frame and matting is a single word, in large white letters: "No."
Coburn has become best known as the lawmaker who says no -- no to increased funding for unsolved civil rights crimes, no to creation of a national registry for victims of the disease ALS, no to more money for child pornography prosecutions.
Using every parliamentary tactic at his disposal, Coburn has tied the Senate in so many knots that Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) has decided on an extraordinary tactic: He will devote most of the Senate's time this week to breaking the one-man stranglehold.
Rolling 35 bills into one omnibus package, Reid will try to leap all of Coburn's parliamentary hurdles at once and win approval for dozens of programs worth more than $10 billion.
"For those of you who may not know this," Reid told reporters recently, "you cannot negotiate with Coburn. It's just something that you learn over the years... is a waste of time."
Most of the bills, including a child pornography law that passed the House 409 to 0 in November, are so noncontroversial that they would normally sail through on voice votes, with no roll call taken.
But not while "Dr. No" is in the Senate.
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complete copyrighted story at link above
Friday, July 25, 2008
Ivan Holmes
Chair, Oklahoma Democratic Party
For Immediate Release
July 25, 2008
Democratic Chair Responds to Republican Ethics Threat
As Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party I feel that it is necessary that I respond to the Republican Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriations and Budget Committee appearing before the Ethics Commission and asking the commission to not file a lawsuit to secure adequate funding for the Ethics Commission.
There is no question that the Ethics Commission, created by the people of Oklahoma through an approved constitutional amendment, has not been adequately funded so it can do the job it was intended to do.
As Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, I attended a recent Ethics Commission meeting and went on record as supporting adequate funding for the commission. I told the commission it was a sad day when the Oklahoma House had surplus funds for additional furniture for their offices but not enough money to fund the Ethics Commission.
I believe this issue has largely become a Democrat versus Republican issue with a large majority of Democrats supporting adequate funding of the Ethics Commission while a large majority of Republicans do not favor properly funding the commission. Read More »
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release: Monday, July 14, 2008
Andrew Rice for US Senate, Inc.
U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Rice announced his best fundraising quarter to date, raising $451,783.18 from April 1 to June 30.
"We continued to receive great support from Oklahomans across the state during the second quarter," Rice said. "We are thrilled to be having this sort of fundraising success, but we know we will need more throughout the campaign to challenge an incumbent who has the support of Washington special interests."
Rice said he was proud that 94 percent of his total campaign donations have come from individuals.
"Our average donation in the second quarter was about $129 per donor," Rice said. "We are getting a lot of grassroots support, and I believe that is the surest way to victory in Oklahoma."
For his entire campaign, Rice has raised $1,423,115.74, and he now has $748,190.65 cash on hand. Just over 60 percent of his donations have come from Oklahomans.
"We are in a great position to be competitive come November," Rice said.
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Paid for and Authorized by Andrew Rice for US Senate, Inc.
http://www.andrewforoklahoma.com
Governor appoints new state auditor
By BARBARA HOBEROCK World Capitol Bureau
7/11/2008
Last Modified: 7/11/2008 2:41 AM
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080711_16_A9_spancl707066
OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Brad Henry appointed Antlers banker Steve Burrage on Thursday to fill the unexpired term of former state Auditor Jeff McMahan, who resigned after being convicted of federal fraud counts.
"Steve Burrage has impeccable credentials and a reputation above reproach," Henry said.
"He is without question the best person to serve as auditor and restore public trust in that important position."
McMahan resigned June 16 after he and his wife, Lori McMahan, were convicted of one count of conspiracy and two counts of bribery. They await sentencing.
Burrage, 56, will serve the rest of McMahan's term, which ends in January 2011.
Burrage was sworn in Thursday morning by Supreme Court Justice Steven W. Taylor and began his duties immediately.
Burrage, a Democrat, said that if he is successful in restoring trust, confidence and integrity to the office, he will run for the post in 2010.
He has run successfully in the past for the City Council and school board in Antlers.
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complete copyrighted story at link above
Chatting with Oklahoma State Senator Andrew Rice
Judd Morse Staff Writer
Published: July 09, 2008
Ada Evening News
http://www.adaeveningnews.com/local/local_story_191162037.html
Below is an interview with Oklahoma State Senator Andrew Rice, transcripted in its entirety. Rice was in the Ada area earlier this year, and agreed to stop by for an interview in the AEN newsroom. Staff Writer Judd Morse was on hand for the interview.
Judd Morse: First off, you've been on the campaign trail for some months now. So far, how does the experience of running for US Senate compare to that of running for State Senate? What have been some of the challenges you've faced thus far?
Andrew Rice: You know, it's different. ...
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complete copyrighted story at
http://www.adaeveningnews.com/local/local_story_191162037.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lod5fGob7c0
From: davidglover
Added: July 08, 2008
OBAMA OK! Grand Opening - the Offical Grassroots Obama Campaign Volunteer Headquarters - The official GRAND OPENING was Tuesday night, July 8th from 7pm to 9pm; dessert and drinks were provided. They are located on the northwest corner of N.W. 39th and Classen in Oklahoma City, the building address is 4001 N. Classen Blvd., Suite 117; enter on the South side of the building. Open for now Tuesdays 11-6pm
1:43
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
From: "Ivan Holmes, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party"
For Immediate Release
July 1, 2008
State Central Committee Votes Unanimously
After Tragic Loss of Rep. Terry Hyman
The state Democratic Party's Central Committee voted unanimously today to place Samson R. Buck's name on the ballot for House District 49. In the wake of the overwhelming loss of Rep. Terry Hyman the State Democratic Central Committee was required to provide a replacement candidate within 5 days of the tragedy.
In an emergency meeting of the state central committee today Samson Buck's name was presented after an extensive search. The vote was unanimous and a letter was delivered to the State Election Board presenting Mr. Buck's name for candidacy this afternoon.
Mr. Buck is an attorney practicing in Ardmore, and currently resides on his farm on the Carter/Love county line. The farm has been in his family for four generations.
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Oklahoma Democratic Party | George Krumme Center | 4100 N. Lincoln Blvd. | Oklahoma City | OK | 73105
Georgia Brown Democratic Women
Presents
2008 Primary Candidate Forum
House Districts 95, 96, 97, and 99
Thursday, July 10, 2008
6:00 p.m.
Langston University
4205 North Lincoln
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Free to the public
Refreshments will be served
Written questions may be submitted before the forum begins
For information, contact:
Christine Byrd, President
Metro Federation of Democratic Women
(405)427-3366 [DEMO]
http://goffstownedge.typepad.com/
I challenge all to do as I have done to provide voters with easy access to BarackObama.com I have run the simple ad BarackObama.com in my hometown paper as well as other surrounding communities to get this started. This simple ad will make it easy for people to get to know Barack. It will reach many people and make it easy for those who otherwise may not visit his website.
Just imagine if every small town paper in every state had this ad BarackObama.com how many people we could reach. Howe many new supporters will join and how many new supporters will donate.
The papers I ran ads from July 3 to Oct 30 are the Goffstown News, Bedford Bulletin,Bow Times, Hooksett Banner and Salem Observer. All these communities voted republican in 2004, "Its Time for a Change" and we the people can be part of this change. We can do this if we all join in. Lets start this in NH and spread the word across the country so all will have easy access to get to know Barack Obama and help elect him as our next president.
Those who want to help, please start to blog on this or run a simple ad BarackObama.com to move this idea forward.
Another idea is to purchase magnetic car signs from your local printer or from an online store in the size of a bumper sticker with BarackObama.com. Pass them out at the supermarket or post office. Put a bunch on your car with a sign free take one. When you do groceries and come back to your car some will have been taken by new supporters. People love these things.That way it will be like having moving billboards throughout your area.
Please email this blog to others. Thank You, Wayne
US Senate: Andrew Rice
US House, District #1: Georgianna Oliver
Corporation Commissioner (short term): Jim Roth
Oklahoma State Senate
District 5: Jerry Ellis
District 7: Richard Lerblance
District 15: Diane Drum
District 17: Charlie Laster
District 21: Bob Murphy
District 31: Keith Erwin
District 33: Tom Adelson
District 37: Nancy Riley
District 43: David Boren
Oklahoma State House of Representatives
District 2: Glen Bud Smithson
District 9: Bill Snyder
District 13: Jerry McPeak
District 14: Eugene Blankenship
District 16: Jerry Shoemake
District 24: Kathi Mask
District 27: Cole Koszara
District 28: Ryan Dean Kiesel
District 33: Mike Pierson
District 36: Scott BigHorse
District 37: Ken Luttrell
District 45: Wallace Collins
District 46: Miranda Norman
District 49: Terry Hyman*
District 50: Daisy Lawler
District 51: Tommy Cosgrove
District 52: Dan McMahan
District 53: Troy Green
District 66: Lucky Lamons
District 78: Jeannie McDaniel
District 82: Jane Anderson
District 83: Edward Holzberger
District 84: Ron Marlett
District 85: Bart Jay Robey
District 87: Dana Orwig
District 90: Linda James
District 94: Scott Inman
District 95: Michael Walker
District 96: Dianne Hunter
District 97: Mike Shelton
District 99: Anastasia Pittman
District 100: James Baggett
District 101: Donnie Lewis
*District 49 State Rep. Terry Hyman passed away a few days ago
Boren for Congress
Friday, June 27, 2008
I am proud to announce the launch of the 2008 online headquarters of the Boren for Congress campaign.
http://www.borenforcongress.com
As we continue growing into the 21st Century Economy, I think it is important that elected officials recognize the importance of technology and the internet in our nation's political discourse, as well as use every tool possible to communicate with voters.
I hope you take the time to read through the resources on this site and send us any questions, comments or criticisms which come to mind. If you like what you see, I hope you'll consider a donation of time or money to our campaign, and that you'll sign up for email alerts so we can keep you updated about activities on the campaign.
Thanks again for being a friend and supporter!
Sincerely,
/s/ Dan Boren
Dan Boren, Second District Congress
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Paid for by Boren for Congress, Post Office Box 1924, Muskogee, OK 74402; 918.683.2401
Rice: 'Expanded off-shore drilling won't break our addiction to oil'
Press Release:
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Rice said Wednesday that President Bush's proposal to expand off-shore drilling is an election-year gimmick that is not a true solution for rising energy costs. He also said the proposal comes from the same energy moguls who brought us $4-a-gallon gasoline.
"Just like the gas tax holiday won't bring relief to consumers, expanded off-shore drilling won't break our addiction to oil and reduce prices at the pump" Rice said. "Any politician who tells you that there is a silver bullet to bring down energy prices is not being honest with you, and there are no easy choices now that we are so dependent on one fuel source for our transportation and commerce."
Rice said Oklahomans tell him that they want long-term energy solutions, not band-aid proposals that protect the status quo.
"Oklahoma's abundant natural resources give our state the opportunity to lead the way to the new energy economy," he said. "Clean burning natural gas, wind and ethanol from switchgrass are all fuel sources that can help our country earn independence from oil sheiks and big oil companies.
"And these fuels can be readily available as soon or sooner than more oil from off shore. We should allow the most powerful force in the world — American innovation and technology — to build the path to a clean, efficient and affordable energy supply."
Rice said he does not support removing restrictions for off-shore drilling. Those restrictions were put in place by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 and have been supported by most political leaders in coastal states, including the current President Bush's brother, former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida.
"What the oil companies aren't telling us is that 80 percent of offshore oil is already available for drilling," Rice said. "What they don't tell us is that it will take five to 10 years for any new oil wells to produce a single gallon of oil. By that time, that single gallon could cost you $12.50. These big energy companies also do not mention to Oklahomans that they are currently not producing oil or gas on nearly 68 million acres of federal property onshore and offshore already under their control."
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Paid for and Authorized by Andrew Rice for US Senate, Inc.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JS0uFTDPcYs
From: davidglover
Added: June 14, 2008
Barack Obama - Stand for Change - Picnic. Hosted by Women for Obama, Edmond Oklahoma, June 14, 2008
2:47
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JS0uFTDPcYs
Please Order Your Canadian County Dems' Bean Supper Tickets Now
Now is the time to get your tickets to the Canadian County Democrats Bean Supper and Candidate Forum 2008. Frosty Troy, OK Observer editor, will be the master of ceremonies on Sat., 07/19/08, at Redlands Community College Conference Center, 1300 S. Country Club in El Reno.
Read More »
http://www.blakecummingsforcongress.com Read More »