LEGISLATORS RATED
Constitution Staff
This issue of the Oklahoma Constitution presents the 30th annual Oklahoma Conservative Index, rating our state legislators. Members of each house of the Oklahoma Legislature were rated on ten key votes. A favorable vote on these issues represents a belief in limited government, individual liberty, traditional standards, free enterprise, and constitutional government. 
Outstanding Lawmakers and RINOs Named
Constitution Staff
In June, the voting members of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC) determined the legislative members winning various awards for their performance in the 2008 session. Those include “Lawmaker of the Year” and “Outstanding Freshman of the Year,” as well as the dreaded “RINO” (Republican In Name Only) awards. They also selected Conservative Incumbent Protection Contribution recipients.
Liberals are the Best, Conservatives the Worst
Constitution Staff
For the second time in as many years, Gov. Brad Henry vetoed important Pro-Life legislation. The veto of Senate Bill 1878 came on April 16. The next morning, both houses of the Legislature overrode the veto. The Senate voted 37 - 11 for the override, and the House followed with an 81 - 15 vote.
Oklahoma Election 2008
Constitution Staff
In the non-presidential election years, the governor’s seat and a host of secondary statewide offices are up for election. This is the year of the short election ballot in Oklahoma. In addition to President, the only statewide offices on the ballot is one of the U.S. Senate seats, and spots for the Corporation Commission.
Libertarian Party Presidential Nominee Will Challenge Oklahoma Ballot Access Law
Constitution Staff
The Libertarian Party presidential nominee, former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr, came to the Oklahoma Capitol on July 15th to turn in his own petitions to be on the ballot in Oklahoma as an Independent. However, his supporters were unable to gather the required number of signatures and they will now go to court in an attempt to gain ballot access. If they are not successful in the court challenge, it is likely that Oklahoma will be the only state that Barr will not be on the ballot.
Claims of HB 1804 Critics Undercut
Constitution Staff
Critics of House Bill 1804 have repeatedly claimed Oklahoma's omnibus immigration reform law will wreak economic havoc in the state by driving out illegal aliens who "do jobs that Americans won't." However, economic trends are completely undercutting their argument, says state Rep. Randy Terrill.
Constitution Tidbits
Constitution Staff
BARNEY FRANK COMES TO OKLAHOMA
The openly homosexual congressman from Massachusetts, Barney Frank, is scheduled to hold two fundraisers on April 26 at Oklahoma City's Skirvin Hotel: a $2,300 breakfast and a $1,000 lunch. The event sponsors include Democrat National Committeeman Jim Frasier, Kalyn Free who ran unsuccessfully for 2nd District Congress, George Krumme a Democrat oilman from Tulsa who was also one of the top political contributors in Oklahoma in 2006 (The Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters is named after him), former state Attorney General Mike Turpen and former Gov. David Walters.
In The Mail
From Our Readers
The "Federal Emergency Economic Stimulus Plan" is to stimulate Americans to do what they do best spend! Many Americans already spend more than their income. And, the federal government has not had a balanced budget in over 45 years. The National Debt is over 9 trillion dollars.
America's spending addiction is the problem, not the solution. We can not spend ourselves into prosperity. So, is the stimulus plan to help the American people, or multinational corporations?
Gov. Henry Appoints New State Auditor
Constitution Staff
On July 10, Governor Brad Henry selected a longtime Oklahoma banker and certified public accountant to serve as the state’s new Auditor and Inspector. Steve Burrage, 56, of Antlers succeeds Jeff McMahan who resigned in June after being found guilty in a federal corruption trial.
Ending the Campus Gun-free Bubble
Rep. Jason W. Murphey
The House of Representatives recently finished consideration of the bills that have been introduced this year by State Representatives. This included consideration of HB 2513 which I was honored to present to the House. HB 2513 passed the House with bi-partisan support and a 65-36 vote of the members.
Oklahoma Granted REAL ID Time Extension
While Oklahoma clearly made known its intention to not comply with the Real ID Act last year, it is nevertheless taking advantage of a grant of more time to comply. As a result, state driver's licenses will continue to be accepted for federal purposes until December 31, 2009. Driver's licenses issued by states which do not have a waiver will not be valid for air travel or to enter federal buildings starting May 11, 2008. People from non-compliance states would have to present alternative identification or be subject to secondary screening or questioning by security officials
Bills to Prevent Election Fraud Considered
Constitution Staff
Bills to prevent election fraud won support in both houses of the Oklahoma Legislature. If a measure is eventually signed into law, Oklahoma would join 22 other states that have adopted similar voter identification requirements.
Will Oklahomans Have a Conservative Choice for President?
Constitution Staff
According to Al Gore, global warming is a planetary emergency. It is difficult to see how this can be the case when record low temperatures are being set all over the world. In 2007, hundreds of people died, not from global warming, but from cold weather hazards.
Term Limits One Step Away From Ballot
Constitution Staff
Oklahomans are just one legislative vote away from being able to vote this November on enacting term limits for statewide office holders. The bill would allow voters this fall to decide whether to enact 12-year term limits for secondary statewide offices such as attorney general, state auditor and state schools superintendent.
Annual Rose Day Brings Overflow Crowd
by Constitution Staff
On February 6, Oklahomans celebrated the 17th Annual Rose Day at the State Capitol which is a day for those believing in the sanctity of human life to express their convictions to their legislators. This year, a record crowd filled the State House Chamber to capacity; as the pro-life proponents surprisingly overflowed to the Senate Chamber in order to listen to the guest speeches.
Oklahoma GOP To Choose New Committee People
Republicans face a difficult task on May 3rd, replacing Lynn Windel of Ardmore as Oklahoma's national committeeman at the Republican National Committee. Windel is stepping down after 12 years of service to Oklahoma's Republicans, years filled with excellent and conservative leadership.
Politics and David Boren Book Review by Steve Byas:OU President David Boren's short, little book, A Letter to America, is a plea to return to the days when Democrats dominated the Congress, and Republicans knew their place. Boren does not present it in those explicit terms, but the intent is clear.
Edwards: Conservatism Has Been HijackedBook Review by Steve Byas:I first met Mickey Edwards in early 1976. He was making his second bid for Congress, having narrowly lost to an incumbent Democrat, John Jarman, two years earlier in what had been a horrific Republican year. I was the President of a conservative student group on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma (then called Central State), and invited Edwards to speak on the topic of conservatism in the Liberal Arts Building auditorium. He was well-received, and I signed on to work for his election. He narrowly defeated Rockefeller Republican G.T. Blankenship in the primary, and then edged out Democrat Tom Dunlap in the general election.
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