OkieBrent's Soapbox

 Susan is the one with the “Fired Up” sign.  OkieBrent took this photo at the Yukon Czech Fest last year.

Name: Susan McCann
ODP Office sought: Vice Chair Democratic Party

1.       What is the mission of the Oklahoma Democratic Party?

The mission of the Oklahoma Democratic Party is to 1) serve the Democratic Citizens in the state of Oklahoma; to recruit Democratic Candidates and to support Democratic Officeholders; and 2) to build the base by facilitating and encouraging Grassroots involvement and by registering Democratic voters.

2.       How do you propose that mission be met?

It is necessary to have continual contact with the Democratic Party Leaders and Democratic officeholders throughout the state and to put these individuals in contact with Democratic Citizens by developing Grassroots Events at the County Level.  Change Oklahoma sponsored Town Hall styled meetings in several counties across the state with the primary purpose of encouraging grassroots participation at Democratic Precinct Meetings. This proved to be effective, particularly in Oklahoma, Comanche and Muskogee Counties. Taking this statewide in the future, the Town Halls could center on subject matter specific to the economy of the county and region.  County Democratic Leaders and Activists along with Civic and Business Leaders, City & County Officials and the Democratic State Representatives and Senators from those Districts would be invited to attend.  Advertise the event early and often by utilizing Social Networks and local media outlets (including Radio). We’d have the opportunity to peak the interest of individuals who are not currently involved in the political process. But more importantly- we’d put the State Democratic Party in direct touch with the citizens of the counties we visit.  We can be Consensus Builders giving us the opportunity to re-build our party -from the bottom up. We leave behind the blueprint for a group which can continue to develop ideas – a think-tank for their community and a Grassroots growth opportunity for our Party.

 
3.       Name one person who asked you to run for this position.

There were several members the Grassroots Organization (Change Oklahoma) of which I am the Chair who encouraged me to run.
 
4.       Name a current or former Oklahoma Democratic Party official who is, or will serve as, a role model for the position you are seeking.

I would suggest Senator Debbe Leftwich.
 
5.       Why this person?

I chose the Senator because she has held a variety of positions with the Party including State Co-Chair, and she currently holds an official position with the State Federation of Democratic Women concurrent with her Senatorial position.  She has also sponsored Grassroots Training for the Party!  Senator Leftwich is a dedicated Democrat and a Grassroots Activist.
 
6.       List in order of importance the three main goals you hope to achieve during the two-year term, if elected.

1) Supporting Democratic Grassroots Groups; recognizing, utilizing and coordinating efforts which are essential to the success of our party.

2) Fill all necessary national, state and district offices with DEMOCRATS; and aid in raising funds for their campaigns.

3) To build integrity and accountability with the Democratic Party of Oklahoma through hard work and consistency of effort.
 
7.       Do you pledge to actively support all nominees of our party for public office in 2010?  If you cannot answer that with a 100% certainty “YES to ALL,” please briefly explain the potential circumstances where you would not or could not support a specific Democratic nominee.

I pledge to support all Democratic nominees of our party.
 
8.       There are some active members of our Party who at times seek penalties, public reprimands, or even expulsion from our Party of certain elected officials whose votes on specific issues seem to be against the platform or principals of the Democratic Party.  However,  Article IX: Policy Rules, Section 1: Six Basic Elements: B) of the Oklahoma Democratic Party Constitution states:

“No test of membership in, or any oaths of loyalty to, the Oklahoma Democratic Party shall be required or used which has the effect of requiring prospective or current members of the Oklahoma Democratic Party to acquiesce in, condone or support discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status or philosophical persuasion.”    

 

If elected, what would be your response to conflicts between activists and elected Democratic public officials, over policy issues which can cause splits within our Party?

I would attempt to seek consensus between disparate parties in order to achieve an outcome which would be satisfactory to all.  If however, consensus is not reached, I must as a party official abide by the rules of the Oklahoma Democratic Party Constitution.

 
9.       Now is your chance to dispel any rumors about you.

I know of none, but would be glad to discuss any rumor if a Democrat has heard of one.
 
10.     And finally, if State Convention delegates do not elect you, what will be your response?

To continue, through Change Oklahoma and other grassroots organizations as well as through the Oklahoma Democratic Party to build Democratic voter numbers and to elect Democrats. 

OkieBrent took this photo at the 5th District Fish Fry last September.

Name: Calvin Rees

ODP Office sought: Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair

•1.              What is the mission of the Oklahoma Democratic Party?

The only mission of the Oklahoma Democratic Party is to elect Democratic Candidates to all offices.

•2.              How do you propose that mission be met?

I listened to the BBC’s Newshour today on KGOU at 3:00 p.m.   Where did they decide to go to for President Obama’s 100th Day in Office?  Oklahoma.  The people they interviewed made me feel ashamed to be an Oklahoman.

You can listen to it online here.  It will only be available until next Wednesday, May 6th.  The section on Oklahoma begins at 02:35 – How embarassing!

If J.C. Watts is seriuously thinking about running for Governor, he may have second thoughts if he hears these racists and ignoramuses from Medicine Park, OK, even though he did serve as their Congressman in the past.

One more point, one lady raises the issue of abortions (“they’re coming out the ears”).  I’m certain this woman voted for George W. Bush.  FACT:  The number of abortions declined every single year Bill Clinton was President.  The number of abortions increased every year G.W. Bush was President.  How sad that Okies are so ill-informed.

UPDATE: The good Mayor of Medicine Park issued the following statement.

To whom it may concern,

 

Over the past few days the Town of Medicine Park has been thrust into the national and international spotlight portrayed in a very negative manner. The comments of two of our citizens that found their way onto a nationally syndicated talk show expressing negative and bigoted opinions have been perceived by the “outside world” to be representative of the rest of the population of Medicine Park. Nothing could be further from the truth! The response that I have received from many of our citizens has been that of revulsion and anger over having been smeared with this distasteful label. All the hard work that people have done for the last ten years to show the true image of this town as a warm and accepting place has been overshadowed in less than a minute. Overshadowed by narrow-minded, hateful and offensive opinions voiced so clearly and loudly for the rest of the world to hear as a reflection on our town.

 

The other point that I have been making to people in this matter is that as true Americans we must accept and even celebrate the free speech of others no matter how offensive it may be. However, we do not have to agree with it or condone it. And for those that know us, the people of Medicine Park, you know that we do not condone these viewpoints and will not be party to them.

 

Those of you who don’t know us, I will personally invite you to come and experience for yourself what we know, that this is a beautiful, accepting and open-minded community that welcomes diversity. We are extremely proud of our home and love to share it with others. All others!

 

Sincerely,
Dwight Cope
Mayor
Medicine Park, OK

 

I should have added in my original post on this, but did not, that I know people in Medicine Park and they are great people.  They are nothing like the two ladies on the BBC report.  Medicine Park is a beautiful community and I would encourage anyone who has not at least driven through the town, to do so.

This is from the Rothenberg Political Report:

Former Congressman J.C. Watts is getting close to making a decision about whether to enter the Oklahoma Republican gubernatorial race, and usually reliable sources say that he is now much more likely than not to jump into the contest.

 

Watts, who served four terms in the U.S. House before deciding not to seek reelection in 2002, immediately would be a major contender for the nomination, along with Rep. Mary Fallin. The Democratic nomination is likely to boil down to a fight between Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson. A competitive general election is expected, though the GOP nominee should have a slight advantage given the state’s partisan preferences.

 

UPDATE May 7, 2009:  From Politicalwire

Former Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK) told Tulsa World that he has not decided whether he will run for Oklahoma governor in 2010 but expects to make a decision by the end of the month.

 

Said Watts: “I would like to do it…. I will raise whatever needs to be raised. You don’t take on something like this unless you know you will have the resources to do it.”

Wonderful news today that Pennsylvania’s Senior United States Senator, Arlen Specter, is switching his registration from Republican to Democrat.  Here is some of the more interesting news relating to his big decision.

“I’m a loyal Democrat. I support your agenda.”  — Sen. Arlen Specter, from ABC News, in a phone conversation with President Obama about switching parties.

Politico quotes Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME): “We’re heading to having the smallest political tent in history, the way things are unfolding.”

Hillary Clinton’s determination to continue the Democratic Presidential nomination process is big part of what helped lead Specter to make the switch.  Sen. Specter twice mentioned the 200,000 Pennsylvania voters who in the last year switched from R to D, they did so because of the Democratic Primary.

Quotes in reaction to the Specter Switch.

Sen. Specter’s full statement. 

I’ve emailed 10 questions to everyone who has announced as a candidate, or has been mentioned as a possible candidate, for Oklahoma Democratic Party State Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.  I’ll post all responses before the State Convention May 16th, probably around May 7th – 9th. [UPDATE: April 29 - I've decided to posts the responses as they are submitted to me, as you've probably already seen.  If I have not received responses from some on May 7th, that fact will be posted.]

I am not a County Officer, or delegate by choice.  I remain active and involved no matter what and prefer others to hold those positions.  I may hold a proxy.   And I always do, and already have had, many voting delegates ask my opinion.

Here are the 10 questions I asked of each candidate (or possible candidate).

Once again, The Lost Ogle has an excellent posting that I hope you’ll read.  They’ve included photographs of three of the State House Republican Hypocrites who couldn’t wait to have their photo taken with the Flaming Lips, yet when it came time to vote for the State’s Official Rock Song – voted NO.

Click here to read Yoshimi Battles the Big Hypocrites and to see the photos.

If you can make it, Governor Henry will make “Do You Realize??” the Official State Rock Song tomorrow.  Here are the details.

2 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28
Oklahoma History Center
2401 N. Laird Avenue, Oklahoma City

Saw these Friday night on the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC -- “Auto-Tune the News” by the Gregory Brothers. — Enjoy!

Auto-Tune the News #1

Auto-Tune the News #2

President Obama will reach the 100 day mark of his administration next Wednesday.  While it is still a few days away, the DNC has already produced an ad.

100 Days of No

For two things …

Your veto of House Bill 1326

Oklahoma City – Citing misconceptions about pending legislation on stem cell research, Gov. Brad Henry announced late today his plan to veto House Bill 1326, legislation that would have made it a crime for a scientist to perform any form of embryonic stem cell research, the same kind of research supported by such pro-life, conservative leaders as Nancy Reagan and U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch.

 

Although proponents billed it as a “pro-life” measure, the governor noted that HB 1326 does not address abortion in any manner or save a life.

 

“There are all kinds of misconceptions and misinformation about this issue, and that’s regrettable,” said Gov. Henry.

 

“It’s important to point out that this legislation does nothing to stop an abortion or save a single life, but it does threaten life-saving research and unjustly criminalizes scientists who perform important work, the very kind of research that is supported by pro-life conservatives like former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

To read the rest, click here.

And for honoring The Flaming Lips and the song chosen by more than ½ of Oklahomans who voted – “Do you realize?” after Legislative Republicans refused to do so.

Oklahoma City — Gov. Brad Henry will sign an executive order Tuesday, April 28, naming the Flaming Lips song, “Do You Realize??,” as the official rock song of Oklahoma.

 

In a statewide Internet vote held late last year, that song was the choice of 51 percent of more than 21,000 votes cast. Senate Joint Resolution 24 sought to codify that vote, but was narrowly defeated.

 

“For more than 20 years ago, Oklahoma’s own Flaming Lips have produced creative, fun and provocative rock music,” Gov. Henry said.

 

“The music of the Flaming Lips has earned Grammys, glowing critical acclaim and fans all over the world. A truly iconic rock ‘n’ roll band, they are proud ambassadors of their home state.

 

“They were clearly the people’s choice, and I intend to honor that vote.”

 

The signing of the executive order will held at 2 p.m. April 28 at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.

From the Governor’s website