 “Aha” moments affect party politics by Jonathan Small
This year’s presidential campaigns are causing many people to have “aha” moments that defy partisan stereotypes. Democratic candidate Joe Biden says he will repeal the tax cuts enacted under President Trump and add many new taxes. When analysts reviewed the combined state-federal tax rates that would result under Biden’s proposals, they found top rates would surge to 62 percent in New York, for example. That prompted Rapper 50 Cent to declare, “I don’t want to be 20 Cent.” Rapper Lil’ Wayne in a recent tweet praised Trump for his work on criminal justice reform and inclusion of Wayne’s proposals that empower ownership in black communities. Rapper Ice Cube reached out to both political parties to discuss his proposals to help black Americans. The Trump administration included some of Ice Cube’s ideas in the campaign’s agenda. Ice Cube lamented that all Democrats did was pay lip service with constant references to “minorities” and “people of color”. In Ice Cube’s video discussing the two parties’ response, he looked somber. That’s a common reaction for those confronted with reality. Nationwide, there’s often a glaring gap between what people have been told about the two political parties and reality. Here’s a few examples. Read more »by Jamison Faught - October 31, 2020 at 08:34PM |
 Small: “Aha” moments affect party politics Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Small: “Aha” moments affect party politics
Lock her up: Oklahoma woman gets 10 life sentences for child sex abuse
 Lincoln County Woman Receives 10 Life Sentences for Crimes Involving Child Sex Abuse
CHANDLER (October 30th) – Attorney General Mike Hunter today announced a Lincoln County woman will serve 10 life sentences in prison after a jury found her guilty of multiple sex crimes involving four children with her boyfriend, who was convicted and sentenced last year. According to court documents, Crystal Bales, 35, and Johnathan Moran, 43, involved all of their biological children in the sex acts. Three of the children tested positive for meth and one tested positive for marijuana. The children’s ages ranged from nine months to 10 years old. Two of the children belonged to Bales and Moran. Each had one child with another partner. Attorney General Hunter said crimes against children will never be tolerated by his office. “The children in this case suffered unimaginable horrors at the hands of monsters,” Attorney General Hunter said. “These individuals have no business being a part of our society, and we want to ensure they, and those who do unspeakable acts to children stay behind bars for as long as possible. I want to thank Senior Deputy Attorney General Joy Thorp for her work and dedication on this case. She and Lincoln County Assistant District Attorney Greg Wilson worked tirelessly to guarantee Bales won’t be able to hurt another child for the rest of her life.” Moran was charged with seven counts of sexual abuse involving children under 12. He accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. The Lincoln County case number is: CF-2018-00010 by Jamison Faught - October 31, 2020 at 03:04PM |
Lock her up: Oklahoma woman gets 10 life sentences for child sex abuse Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Election Night: OKGOP watch party in Edmond, OK Dems in Tulsa
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The Oklahoma Republican and Democratic parties will be holding election night watch parties on Tuesday, November 3rd, to observe election returns and celebrate their successes (or mourn their losses, depending on the situation). The Republican event is free, while the Democratic party is $5. I find it interesting that the GOP event is in the OKC metro, in the hotly-contested 5th Congressional District, while the Democrats will be holding theirs in Tulsa.  OKGOP Red Wave Election Night Watch Party OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, October 30, 2020 -The Oklahoma Republican Party announced today its general election watch party will be held Tuesday, November 3 in Edmond. All GOP candidates, campaign supporters and volunteers are invited to attend. Media are encouraged to arrive early for set up. The event is free, but for security measures, attendees need to register here.
Masks are required in all public areas of the hotel before entering the ballroom. Sanitizing stations will be provided.  Oklahoma Democratic Party Election Night Watch Party Join us on election night for a socially-distanced election watch party! On Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:30 PM, we are hosting a watch party at Driller's Stadium in Tulsa! We will watch the election results roll in together and celebrate our victories! All attendees will be required to wear a mask and comply with CDC guidelines. Tickets are available for just $5 a person! Register here. Interested in a private suite? You can reserve one by clicking here. by Jamison Faught - October 31, 2020 at 12:00PM |
Election Night: OKGOP watch party in Edmond, OK Dems in Tulsa Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
[MuskogeePolitico.com] Early voting maps, info on State Questions
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Here's what you need to know about the State Questions on the ballot
 Earlier in the week, I published What you need to know about the judges on the ballot. In this post, I'll focus in on the two state questions that are on the ballot. This information is largely derived from a brief presentation I gave at my church.
I got some of my material from these helpful articles (SQ805, SQ814) at Ballotpedia, in addition to information from supporting and opposing organizations, and this excellent post on SQ805 at BatesLine.
Read more »by Jamison Faught - October 31, 2020 at 10:00AM |
Here's what you need to know about the State Questions on the ballot Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Maps: see where the GOP and Dems are overperforming in Oklahoma Early Voting
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The Oklahoma State Election Board has been releasing data on the early voting turnout by day, with tomorrow set to be the final day for early voting to take place. I took a look at the statistics, and put together these two maps to show what's currently going on. This first map compares the voter registration leader in each county to the proportion of voters by party who have voted early thus far. A blue county means a higher percentage of Democrats have voted than are registered in that county, and vice-versa for red counties. Example A: as of January 2020, Adair County had 47.46% Democratic and 40.26% Republican. As of 5pm Friday, 46.38% of Adair County early voters were Republicans and 41.85% were Democrats. Adair County goes on the map as red due to a higher proportion of Republicans casting early votes than are registered. Example B: as of January 2020, Caddo County was 47.52% Democratic and 38.47% Republican. As of 5pm Friday, 53.16% of Adair County early voters were Democrats and 40.36% were Republicans. Adair County goes on the map as blue due to a higher proportion of Democrats casting early votes than are registered. Now for the map:  This next map looks at which counties have "flipped" so far in early voting. Example A: as of January 2020, Johnson County was 51.13% Democratic and 35.95% Republican. As of 5pm Friday, 37.18% of Johnson County early voters were Democrats and 54.4% were Republicans. Atoka County is a registered Democrat-majority county with more Republicans voting early thus far than Democrats. Example B: as of January 2020, Cleveland County was 47.9% Republican and 33.18% Democratic. As of 5pm Friday, 44.03% of Cleveland County early voters were Democrats and 41.79% were Republicans. Cleveland County is a registered Republican-plurality county with more Democrats voting early thus far than Republicans. The map:  by Jamison Faught - October 31, 2020 at 08:30AM |
Maps: see where the GOP and Dems are overperforming in Oklahoma Early Voting Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Stitt names Ryan Leonard as Special Counsel for Native American Affairs
 GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT NAMES SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 30, 2020) -- Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the hiring of attorney Ryan Leonard to serve as Special Counsel for Native American Affairs. In this role, Leonard will assist the Governor and his administration on issues arising from the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, through which the Court ruled the Creek Nation reservation still exists within the State of Oklahoma. The jurisdictional and other legal issues raised by the McGirt decision are unprecedented, and will require close cooperation with the Congressional delegation, other state officials and tribal leaders to resolve. Read more »by Jamison Faught - October 31, 2020 at 07:45AM |
Stitt names Ryan Leonard as Special Counsel for Native American Affairs Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Friday, October 30, 2020
State Sen. Weaver, State Rep. Roe: SQ805 would endanger Oklahoma healthcare workers
 The following press release is from Oklahomans United Against 805:
Safety of Oklahoma Healthcare Workers Threatened by SQ 805
Oklahoma hospitals report between 5 to 10 assaults on workers every day
Oklahoma City — SQ 805, the effort to reduce incarceration by lessening penalties on habitual offenders, has come under fire from those who have worked to protect Oklahoma’s front-line health care workers. “It is unconscionable, especially during this time of Covid, that any group would seek to lessen punishment for those who attack our healthcare workers,” stated Darrell Weaver, the state senator who authored SB 1290 to increase the range of punishment for those assaulting medical professionals in the line of duty.
SQ 805 would restrict the ability of judges and juries to extend harsher penalties on habitual criminals, such as those who attack health care workers. SQ 805 uses Title 57, Section 571 as it existed on January 1, 2020, to define the difference between violent and non-violent felonies. Assault on a medical professional is not on that list.
“We have worked for years to extend the protections to our nurses,” Weaver continued. “SQ 805 is a substantial step backwards. It will prohibit the use of prior felony convictions to extend the punishment of those attacking the very folks we depend on. SQ 805 will forever enshrine in our constitution that such attacks are quote, non-violent, un-quote,” Weaver added.
Read more »by Jamison Faught - October 30, 2020 at 11:11PM |
State Sen. Weaver, State Rep. Roe: SQ805 would endanger Oklahoma healthcare workers Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Thursday, October 29, 2020
[MuskogeePolitico.com] ACB confirmed, GOP sore loser endorses Dem, plus voting guides
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from MuskogeePolitico newsletter Archive Feed
OKGOP supports Governor Stitt in opposing SQ805
 From the Oklahoma Republican Party today: Read more » by Jamison Faught - October 29, 2020 at 12:45PM |
OKGOP supports Governor Stitt in opposing SQ805 Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
OCPAC posts "Charlie's Picks" for the 2020 election
 Historically one of the highly anticipated "picks" of each election cycle, former Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee chairman Charlie Meadows has posted his thoughts on the 2020 election.
OCPAC VOTER GUIDE -- CHARLIE'S PICKS
These picks are a combination of my opinions based on information I have as well as OCPAC endorsements. I am also using information from iVoter Guide, OK2A, the Parental Rights organization, and other personal resources.
With a recent and expanded knowledge of the aggressive and well-funded Marxist movement in Oklahoma, OCPAC will support some candidates we might not have supported in the past.
This Marxist movement must be squashed. Hopefully, in two years, we will be in a position to expose it at every level. We hope that in the future, it will be a liability to be known as a Marxist/socialist.
PRESIDENT/VICE PRESIDENT – TRUMP/PENCE
I didn't vote for him in 2016, but will do so with joy in 2020. His gross exaggerations and arrogant attitude bother me greatly. His policies make him the best president in my lifetime. He has been able to accomplish remarkable achievements in the face of the greatest opposition of any President in modern times.
CORPORATION COMMISSION – TODD HIETT
There has not been a reason put forth which would remotely suggest a need to replace Commissioner HIETT.
U.S. SENATE – JIM INHOFE
Jim’s seniority allows him to chair 2 really important committees. One dealing with environmental issues where Jim is a knowledgeable voice of reason. The second involves military affairs. Under Obama/Biden our military degraded rapidly. Under Trump/Pence and Inhofe we are making great progress toward a place of needed readiness. The well-funded Abby Broyles is one of the new radical leftists that deserves to be sent back to the dust heap of poor ideas.
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE – THE REPUBLICAN
In 2018 the American public almost "politically assassinated" President Trump when they flipped the majority in the house from Republicans to Democrats. This allowed Nancy Pelosi to become Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and in turn support all sorts of evil and oppose all kinds of good. The only contested race in Oklahoma is Congressional District 5 where the well-financed Kendra Horn upset the half-asleep Steve Russell in 2018. It is imperative this seat be recaptured by Stephanie Bice to move control of the House one seat closer to the Republicans.
STATE SENATE RACES
SD 3 – COWBOY BLAKE STEVENS
An incredibly busy fellow that took out the incumbent Republican Wayne Shaw who bottled up an important second amendment bill sponsored by OK2A. We were not able to meet during our interview time. However, we have agreed to meet once he is in OKC for session.
SD 5 – GEORGE BURNS
I believe Mr. Burns beat the better Republican candidate in the primary runoff election by a mere 22 votes. I have had a couple of phone conversations with him and believe him to be better than the Democrat.
SD 7 – WARREN HAMILTON (Endorsed by OCPAC)
Bob and I found Mr. Hamilton to be a thoughtful man of convictions. This was a very hard fought primary where Mr. Hamilton eventually defeated Senator Larry BOGGS in the primary run off.
I would have no problem with Senator BOGGS publicly saying he could not vote for Mr. Hamilton. However, for BOGGS to come out and endorse the Democrat is a step too far as he has shown himself to be a bitter loser.
By the way, Mr. Hamilton far more aligns with the Republican Party platform than Senator BOGGS ever thought of.
by Jamison Faught - October 27, 2020 at 06:30PM |
OCPAC posts "Charlie's Picks" for the 2020 election Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
GOP Senator Larry Boggs, who lost in runoff, endorses Democrat over Republican
 State Senator Larry Boggs (R-Wilburton) lost his re-election bid in the State Senate District 7 GOP runoff to upstart challenger Warren Hamilton. Hamilton was supported by Oklahoma abortion abolitionist community, and won in a hard-fought contest.
It's not unusual for there to be hard feelings after a rough primary season. What is unusual is for incumbent Republicans to follow that up by endorsing liberal Democrats. That's what Larry Boggs has now done.
Read more »by Jamison Faught - October 27, 2020 at 01:00PM |
GOP Senator Larry Boggs, who lost in runoff, endorses Democrat over Republican Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Oklahoma officials reacts to Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation
 The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett as the U.S. Supreme Court's newest associate Justice yesterday evening, by a vote of 52 to 48. Following her confirmation, she was sworn in at a special ceremony at the White House by Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, with President Donald Trump and Barrett's husband looking on.
Here are statements from both of Oklahoma's U.S. Senators, all 4 Republican U.S. House members, and Attorney General Mike Hunter:
Read more »by Jamison Faught - October 27, 2020 at 09:31AM |
Oklahoma officials reacts to Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |
Deadline to request an Absentee Ballot is TODAY
 Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot is TODAY (Oklahoma City) - The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the November 3 election is 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020. The fastest, easiest way to request an absentee ballot is online using the OK Voter Portal. Voters can also download an Absentee Ballot Request Form from the State Election Board website and fax, email or hand-deliver their request to their County Election Board. Absentee ballot requests must be received no later than 5 p.m. on October 27. Voters who are incapacitated after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, may request an “emergency incapacitated” absentee ballot with proper documentation. Voters will need to contact their County Election Board for more information. Absentee ballot requests are processed daily. However, voters should remember to allow plenty of time to vote and return their ballots. Absentee ballots can be returned using the U.S. postal service or any private delivery service that provides delivery documentation. Ballots returned by mail or private delivery service must be received by the voter’s County Election Board no later than 7 p.m. on election night. “Standard” absentee ballots may be hand-delivered to the voter’s County Election Board, provided ballots are returned no later than the end of business day, the Monday prior to the Election (November 2). “Physically incapacitated” absentee ballots can only be returned by mail or private delivery service.Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board for more information. by Jamison Faught - October 27, 2020 at 06:45AM |
Deadline to request an Absentee Ballot is TODAY Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico |