Tulsa County GOP endorses Byrd for Auditor; OK County GOP Chair calls for opponent to drop out

Both the Republican Party of Tulsa County and the Oklahoma County Republican Party Chairman have come out in support of reelecting State Auditor Cindy Byrd, with the OK County Chairman calling for Steve McQuillen to drop out of the race.  You can read more from Oklahoma County GOP Chairman Ken Warner over at IgniteLiberty. From the Tulsa County GOP: Tulsa County Republicans Endorse Cindy Byrd for State Auditor Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 27, 2022 at 08:37PM

Tulsa County GOP endorses Byrd for Auditor; OK County GOP Chair calls for opponent to drop out Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Election Board Offers Tips, Reminders for Oklahoma Voters

This information is very important for all registered voters, particularly since redistricting took effect this year: State Election Board Offers Tips, Reminders for Oklahoma Voters (Oklahoma City) – Voters head to the polls Tuesday for the statewide primary and several nonpartisan elections. The State Election Board offers these tips and reminders to Oklahoma voters ahead of the June 28 Election. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 26, 2022 at 08:30PM

State Election Board Offers Tips, Reminders for Oklahoma Voters Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OCPA: No way to justify OU tuition increase

No way to justify OU tuition increase By Jonathan Small What if university leaders managed colleges like a business and treated students like valuable customers? It appears the board of regents at the University of Oklahoma may be taking that approach. After former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels took the helm at Purdue University, officials froze tuition rates in 2013. They have not raised them since. Daniels’ leadership proves university officials can keep costs down and provide a quality education. But it has been a different story at the University of Oklahoma, where OU President Joseph Harroz sought this week to increase student tuition by another 3 percent. That increase would have come on top of, and compounded, the impact of last year’s 2.75-percent tuition increase. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 26, 2022 at 03:32PM

OCPA: No way to justify OU tuition increase Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OK Legislative Dems simply outraged at prospect of not being able to kill babies

Following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade and related abortion cases, Oklahoma Democratic legislative leaders are joining gubernatorial candidate Joy Hofmeister in bewailing the fact that they can no longer murder babies in Oklahoma. "The sky is falling", don't you know? Read on for their extreme hysteria at the thought: Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 25, 2022 at 07:05PM

OK Legislative Dems simply outraged at prospect of not being able to kill babies Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

My Picks for the 2022 Oklahoma GOP Primary

Tuesday is the Oklahoma Primary Election, and voters all across the state will be heading to the polls to decide nominees in many different races. Hopefully the information in this post be helpful with your voting plans. If you don't know where to vote, or want to see your sample ballot, use this helpful link from the Oklahoma State Election Board to find out. Below are a few of my voting picks. Work and other commitments prevented me from getting into more detail on most of these races, but here are some basic thoughts. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 25, 2022 at 08:22AM

My Picks for the 2022 Oklahoma GOP Primary Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Just The Facts: Candidate Voting Records on 2016-2018 Tax Hikes

There are a number of current or former state legislators running for higher office, and I wanted to do a quick post on their voting records from the 2016-2018 tax hike spree that Governor Mary Fallin and the GOP-led legislature went on. I already posted about how horrible State Rep. Avery Frix's voting record is ('Fiscal Failure Frix, the worst choice for conservatives in CD2'), so here are the facts about the others. So, without further ado, Just The Facts: Legislative Voting Records on Major Tax and Fee Increases, 2016-2018. Green means they voted for the measure (not good, in this case), Red means they voted against the measure (a good conservative vote), Gray means they missed the vote, and blank means they were not eligible to vote (in the case of Reps. Frix and Derby they were not in office; in other cases the bill either did not receive a hearing in that legislative chamber or the member was not on the committee where a vote took place). The following six candidates are running for the 2nd Congressional District: Click to view larger Former State Rep. John Bennett has claimed that he never voted for a tax increase, but that is absolutely not true, as you can see from the above graphic. In 2016, he did not vote with the conservative core caucus on any of these tax/fee increase measures. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 25, 2022 at 07:39AM

Just The Facts: Candidate Voting Records on 2016-2018 Tax Hikes Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Joy Hofmeister: we will fight to restore baby murder

RINO-turned Democrat Joy Hofmeister continues to reveal her true colors now that she's running for Governor as a Democrat.  While Oklahomans celebrate the confirmation by the Supreme Court that Roe v. Wade has always been unconstitutional, Hofmeister says she'll fight to "restore" the fight to murder babies in the womb: "i'Ve NoT cHaNgEd My VaLuEs SiNcE sWiTcHinNg To DeMoCrAt" Joy Hofmeister is, and always has been, a con-woman fraud: https://t.co/jMvrXOSOwj #okgov https://t.co/essZnAvfcY — Jamison Faught (@JamisonFaught) June 24, 2022 "The court’s decision today means millions of Oklahoma women have lost agency over their own lives and health care.  We will fight to get it back. And we will ensure Oklahoma has a governor who will protect women and doctors. Today is a day to be strong. I will not be deterred." I detailed more about Hofmeister's con act in this post, Hofmeister's Long Con: running for Gov as the Dem she's always been. Not everyone who proclaims themselves to be a conservative (like Hofmeister did in 2014) is actually a conservative. As I posted the other day, a lot of them are frauds. Reject Hofmeister. by Jamison Faught - June 24, 2022 at 01:00PM

Joy Hofmeister: we will fight to restore baby murder Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Supreme Court kills Roe v Wade; Oklahoma leaders rejoice

Though anticipated since the leak of a draft opinion in May, the United States Supreme Court has overturned and affirmed the complete and total unconstitutionality of Roe v. Wade. The death toll since that wicked ruling in 1973 is somewhere well north of 60,000,000. While this is something to praise God for, the fight is not over. The right to live on God's green earth as He has given life is not a right that can be legislated by a governing body, or bestowed by a court. It is a natural right given to us by our Creator, and we will continue pressing on until abortion is abolished from sea to shining sea, and beyond. Across the state, elected officials and leaders are praising the death of Roe. I'll try to update this post with additional statements throughout the day as they come in. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 24, 2022 at 12:02PM

Supreme Court kills Roe v Wade; Oklahoma leaders rejoice Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Lankford denounces Senate gun legislation vote

Lankford Statement on Safer Communities Act WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued a statement following his no vote on the Safer Communities Act, the proposed gun legislation being rushed through the Senate this week: Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 24, 2022 at 10:42AM

Lankford denounces Senate gun legislation vote Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Dr. Everett Piper endorses Brian Jackson for HD13

Brian Jackson, candidate for Oklahoma House District 13, has been endorsed by Dr. Everett Piper: Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 24, 2022 at 08:16AM

Dr. Everett Piper endorses Brian Jackson for HD13 Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Lankford advocates for emergency flexibility in retirement accounts during committee markup

Lankford Advocates for Oklahomans To Save For Retirement While Offering Access to Funds for Emergencies WASHINGTON, DC (June 22nd) – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) provided opening remarks during a Senate Finance Committee markup of the Enhancing American Retirement Now (EARN) Act, also known as SECURE 2.0. The bill includes Lankford’s Enhancing Emergency and Retirement Savings Act, Improving Access to Retirement Savings Act and Military Spouses Retirement Security Act. The bill passed the committee unanimously. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 23, 2022 at 07:18PM

Lankford advocates for emergency flexibility in retirement accounts during committee markup Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OSDE investigation of Epic Charter Schools reveals major issues; Hofmeister to recommend probationary status

OSDE investigation of Epic reveals flawed attendance data, poor transparency, millions in misallotted public funds Hofmeister will recommend probationary status for school OKLAHOMA CITY (June 21, 2022) – An extensive investigation into Epic Charter Schools by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has uncovered significant problems, including dubious attendance data that may have resulted in $780,000 in improperly obtained state funds and the improper disbursal of more than $8.5 million in bonuses to school administrators. The investigation was prompted by a complaint made against Epic in December 2021 by a former member of Epic’s governing board, Community Strategies Inc. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said she will recommend in the coming weeks that the State Board of Education place the virtual charter on probation and require it to undergo comprehensive corrective action. Findings in the OSDE report will also be shared with law enforcement to determine if further action is warranted. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 23, 2022 at 05:56PM

OSDE investigation of Epic Charter Schools reveals major issues; Hofmeister to recommend probationary status Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

O'Connor endorsed by retired Air Force Brig. General, and by Garfield County Sheriff

US Air Force Brigadier General Ben Robinson Endorses Attorney General John O’Connor Tulsa, OK – The momentum continues to build for conservative Attorney General John O’Connor as retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier, and former Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs, General Ben Robinson proudly endorsed him today.   Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 23, 2022 at 11:29AM

O'Connor endorsed by retired Air Force Brig. General, and by Garfield County Sheriff Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Fiscal Failure Frix, the worst choice for conservatives in CD2

Among the Republican candidates in the super crowded, 14-member 2nd Congressional District race is State Rep. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee), who is posturing himself as a super-conservative next-gen MAGA warrior intent on storming Washington. Frix, elected to the State House in 2016, may be a registered Republican, but he's by no means a super-conservative. In fact, on many issues, he's simply not conservative. At all. Let me give you almost seven billion reasons why. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 23, 2022 at 08:30AM

Fiscal Failure Frix, the worst choice for conservatives in CD2 Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Early voting for primary election begins today

Early Voting for Primary Election Begins [Today] (Oklahoma City, June 21st) – Early voting for the June 28 Primary Election begins Thursday at 8 a.m. Republican and Democratic primaries will take place, along with several nonpartisan elections in many counties. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 23, 2022 at 07:06AM

Early voting for primary election begins today Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

OCPA staff seek dismissal of "abusive court filings"

For some background, State Rep. Anthony Moore's wife filed for, and received, a protective order against four individuals employees of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs following allegedly "threatening" text messages that were sent to Moore's wife. The OSBI got involved (customary, as it deals with a sitting legislator) in investigating the messages. Here is OCPA's response:   OCPA staff seek dismissal of abusive court filings OKLAHOMA CITY (June 22, 2022)— In filings today, four employees of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs asked for the immediate dismissal of protective-order petitions filed against them by state Rep. Anthony Moore’s spouse. The motions show that the petitions fail to meet the requirements needed for a valid protective order.  Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 22, 2022 at 11:23PM

OCPA staff seek dismissal of "abusive court filings" Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Steve Fair: State Auditor Byrd deserves 2nd term -- don't believe lies!

Longtime conservative Republican activist and columnist Steve Fair is out with a defense of State Auditor Cindy Byrd that is well worth the read: Steve Fair, conservative activist BYRD DESERVES SECOND TERM! DON'T BELIEVE LIES!  by Steve Fair Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 21, 2022 at 01:27PM

Steve Fair: State Auditor Byrd deserves 2nd term -- don't believe lies! Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Auditor Cindy Byrd responds to $1M in dark-money attacks

State Auditor Cindy Byrd Targeted by $1 Million of Dark PAC Money in Race (June 20th) Cindy Byrd‘s re-election bid as State Auditor & Inspector has been targeted by political action committees (PACs) where secret donors have earmarked around $1 million to use against her. Byrd said that she knows why. “I shut down the flow of taxpayer funds lining the pockets of corrupt people, so they’re coming after me,” she said.Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 20, 2022 at 11:39AM

State Auditor Cindy Byrd responds to $1M in dark-money attacks Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

O'Connor hits airwaves with new Attorney General campaign ad

We're in the home stretch of the GOP primary, and new campaign ads will be coming out daily: Conservative Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor Releases New Ad Tulsa, OK (June 18th) – Today, Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor released a new ad highlighting his conservative accomplishments that include fighting against President Joe Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandates, along with the support of the National Right to Life and the National Rifle Association.   Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 20, 2022 at 09:19AM

O'Connor hits airwaves with new Attorney General campaign ad Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

State Auditor Cindy Byrd ad on dark-money attacks: "They probably failed an audit."

Here's State Auditor Cindy Byrd with an ad responding to "dark money" attacks against her:Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 20, 2022 at 06:50AM

State Auditor Cindy Byrd ad on dark-money attacks: "They probably failed an audit." Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Turnpike between OKC and Lawton transitioning to cashless PlatePay next week

I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike begins transition to PlatePay/cashless tolling between Lawton and Oklahoma City on Tuesday Daily traffic impacts expected through fall 2022 OKLAHOMA CITY (June 16th) — I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike will begin its transition to PlatePay on the mainline between Lawton and Oklahoma City on Tuesday, the first of three H.E. Bailey turnpike sections converting to cashless tolling. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 18, 2022 at 12:14PM

Turnpike between OKC and Lawton transitioning to cashless PlatePay next week Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

AG O'Connor files charges against attorneys accused in illegal marijuana operations

Attorney General O'Connor Files Charges Against Oklahoma Attorneys Accused of Facilitating Illegal Medical Marijuana Operations OKLAHOMA CITY (June 16th) - Attorney General John O’Connor filed charges today consistent with a multi-county grand jury indictment against two Oklahoma attorneys accused of facilitating illegal medical marijuana operations. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 17, 2022 at 02:14PM

AG O'Connor files charges against attorneys accused in illegal marijuana operations Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Tablet program helps incarcerated fathers stay connected to their families

For decades, America has experienced a crisis of fathers. Absentee fathers, disconnected fathers, incarcerated fathers. Nothing contributes more to criminal life than a child with no good male leadership in their life. Maybe this program will do something to help inmates get their priorities and life right (but nothing would help like believing in Jesus Christ for salvation). Tablet Program Helps Incarcerated Fathers Stay Connected to Their Families On Father’s Day or any day, increased paternal connection benefits inmates, children, and public safety. UNION CITY, Okla. (June 16th) – Navigating holidays is an emotional journey for Robert Rivard. “Holidays are tough,” inmate Rivard said. “I miss my family so desperately.” Among the 1.2 million people in federal and state prison, 92% are fathers. This Father’s Day, Oklahoma’s incarcerated are getting reconnected. One year ago, Securus Technologies and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) began distributing free digital tablets to 22,000 inmates. The tablets represent a critical update to communications and technology. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 16, 2022 at 06:14PM

Tablet program helps incarcerated fathers stay connected to their families Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Quinn receives endorsements from current and former Bartlesville-area legislators

State Senator Marty Quinn has been endorsed in his campaign for Congress by three current or former legislators from the Bartlesville area. Quinn is one of 14 candidates for the 2nd Congressional District seat. Washington County, with its county seat of Bartlesville, is a brand-new addition to the District following redistricting, and will play a crucial role this primary in the election of the next congressman. Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 16, 2022 at 01:00PM

Quinn receives endorsements from current and former Bartlesville-area legislators Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico

Cherokee chief reverses course on banning Oklahoma flag

Just two weeks ago, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., issued an executive order to “cause all flags of the State of Oklahoma to be removed from Cherokee Nation properties” by Sept. 1, the latest escalation in the quarrel between the State of Oklahoma (and Governor Kevin Stitt) and tribal nations (the Cherokee Nation in particular). After receiving overwhelming backlash from within the Cherokee Nation, Hoskin has now reversed course. From The Frontier reporter Reese Gorman: Read more » by Jamison Faught - June 16, 2022 at 10:42AM

Cherokee chief reverses course on banning Oklahoma flag Click the title to read the entire article at Muskogee Politico