Wednesday, November 06, 2024

OKGOP Chair Nathan Dahm responds to President Trump winning all 77 counties


OKGOP Chair Nathan Dahm responds to President Trump winning all 77 counties

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 5th) – Today, OKGOP Chair Nathan Dahm, responded to the news that President Trump won all 77 counties in the General Election in Oklahoma.

“This is MAGA country,” Dahm said. “Oklahomans want to make our country great again, and they understand the way to do that is to get President Trump back in the White House after the disastrous 4 years under this Democrat regime.”

Election Results Map: Trump carries all 77 Oklahoma counties for third time

Here is the much-anticipated 2024 general election edition of my long-running Election Results Maps series. I've been compiling these since 2010, which has included the 20122016, and 2020 presidential elections.

As you can see, former President Donald Trump carried all 77 counties, making 2024 the sixth presidential cycle in a row where the Republican nominee won every single one of Oklahoma's counties (dating back to 2004).

Tuesday, November 05, 2024

Gov. Stitt celebrates 2nd annual Oklahoma Family Month 2024


Governor Stitt Celebrates Second Annual Oklahoma Family Month 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 4, 2024) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt is celebrating Oklahoma families by signing an executive proclamation declaring the month of November as ‘Oklahoma Family Month.’ The signing marks the start of a month-long campaign dedicated to championing family values, strengthening their bonds, and encouraging Oklahomans to be intentional in their time together.

Election Day: Links and Resources


Today is the General Election. If you haven't voted yet, you have from 7:00am to 7:00pm to cast your ballots at your precinct polling location. 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.

Here are some links to various posts and additional resources about the candidates that you may find helpful.

Monday, November 04, 2024

Oklahoma surpasses 2.4 million registered voters ahead of general election


Oklahoma Voter Registration Numbers Surpass 2.4 Million Ahead of the General Election

(Oklahoma City, November 4th) – The State Election Board has released its official pre-election voter registration statistics and the report shows that Oklahoma has reached a milestone – surpassing 2.4 million voters as of November 1, 2024. This year’s report shows a net increase of more than 141,023 registered voters since January 15 and a net increase of nearly 29,056 since September 30. The State Election Board’s official pre-election voter registration statistics show the total number of registered voters is the largest before a Presidential Election since Oklahoma began tracking pre-election voter registration statistics in 2000.

Election Predictions: here's mine -- leave yours!

Image by Mike from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/users/rja1988-5385704/

Let's have another go at this. 270toWin.com has a neat feature that allows you to customize your predictions from the presidential race down to control of the state legislatures. I'm not a prophet nor the son of a prophet (Amos 7:14), but we can have a little fun together with election guesses.

How do you think the election will go? Drop your own Presidential,  U.S. Senate and Oklahoma predictions in the comments section, on the Muskogee Politico Facebook page, or on Twitter (aka X).

State Election Board offers tips, reminders for Oklahoma Voters


State Election Board Offers Tips, Reminders for Oklahoma Voters

(Oklahoma City, November 1st) – Voters head to the polls Tuesday for the General Election. The State Election Board offers these tips and reminders to Oklahoma voters ahead of the November 5 General Election.

Sunday, November 03, 2024

OK's Emergency Drought Committee approves new relief program


Pederson, Patzkowsky Bill Leads to Emergency Drought Committee’s New Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Monday, the Emergency Drought Committee approved a new program to deliver critical drought relief for Oklahoma agricultural producers. The application period opens on Nov. 12 and will remain open through Jan. 31, 2025. Applications will be available at local conservation districts and on the Oklahoma Conservation Commission website starting Nov. 12.

Sen. Deevers on why voters should reject State Question 833

The following is a column by State Sen. Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin) about the dangers of State Question 833. I concur:

Rejecting Oklahoma SQ 833 – The Case Against Public Infrastructure Districts (PIDs)
Originally posted at OKGrassroots

State Question 833 (SQ 833) introduces Public Infrastructure Districts (PIDs), giving developers significant control over infrastructure financing at taxpayers’ expense. Here’s why voters should say “No” to SQ 833.

Saturday, November 02, 2024

Small: State court targets oil industry


State court targets oil industry
By Jonathan Small

Oklahomans are justifiably concerned about judicial activism. Even “minor” rulings can have major consequences. A recent Oklahoma Supreme Court decision falls into that category.

Thanks to the court’s ruling, an untold number of contracts have been nullified and countless state businesses left with daunting potential legal liability. Oklahoma companies operating in the oil and gas industry may be among those hardest hit.

When companies use subcontractors, it is common to have an indemnity contract that protects the contracting company from being sued for alleged wrongdoing done by a subcontractor.

But in Knox v. Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co., the Oklahoma Supreme Court invalidated an indemnity contract.

OCPAC, Oklahoma Values Coalition release voter guides


For decades, under founder/former president Charlie Meadows, the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC) was the standard for rock-ribbed conservatism in the state. I remember a time when OCPAC and the Conservative Index (run by the Oklahoma Constitution newspaper with OCPAC input) was regularly mentioned on the State House and State Senate floors. Good times... long past, now...

New leadership has taken the group in a different direction and rebranded the organization as OCPAC Foundation ('Original Constitutional Principles Affecting Culture') and OCPAC Action, and their influence has changed as well. Still, they continue as one of the longest tenured political gatherings in the state, and in some ways, they have more pull with statewide officials than ever before, even if their influence with legislators is lessened.

Endorsements and Recommendations for the General Election

Tuesday, November 5th, is the Oklahoma General Election, and voters all across the state will be heading to the polls to decide who will hold elected offices for the next two to six years (depending on the position). Below are a few of my voting picks. I know I'm just a lowly blogger, but hopefully the information in this post will 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. Early voting continues today (Saturday, Nov. 2nd), from 8am to 2pm, at these locations. Election day voting is 7am to 7pm at your polling place.

Rep. Gann's state agency budget transparency law takes effect


Gann's State Agency Budget Transparency Law Takes Effect

OKLAHOMA CITY – A law requiring state agency directors to certify their agency's annual budget is filed with the state Department of Libraries within the time required under state law takes effect today.

House Bill 3113, authored by Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, requires agency executive directors to certify their agency is in compliance with the Oklahoma State Government Open Documents Initiative when they submit their annual agency budgets to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and the Legislature.

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Daylight Savings debate: two legislators with different solutions


Two state legislators are out with op-eds (below) decrying the continued shuffling of the clock every November and March. They've both authored legislation to "lock the clock" -- but one wants permanent Standard Time and the other wants permanent Daylight Savings Time.

Which would you opt for?

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Attorney Stephen Jones joins Supreme Court effort against Corp. Commish Hiett


Attorney Stephen Jones Joins Supreme Court Effort Against OCC’s Todd Hiett

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 28th) – Three Oklahoma lawmakers say that legal legend Stephen Jones will argue on behalf of their petition against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, according to a notice filed at the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday. 

Legislators highlight Administrative Rules, Open Meetings Act online portals


Kendrix, Bergstrom Highlight Rules, Open Meetings Act Online Portals

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 28th) – Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, and Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, recently held an interim study examining Oklahoma's current administrative rules process and considering how it could be made more efficient and transparent.

"One of the things we’ve been working on is trying to make this process more transparent, get more people involved in it, make it more accountable not only to us as legislators but also to the public, where more people are aware of the rules process—how it works, the notification process, the public comment process," Kendrix said during the study. "We've been working with the secretary of state on the portal that they have, to try to make that better for everybody involved."

Oklahoma: Early voting for the General Election begins today


Early Voting for the General Election Begins Wednesday

(Oklahoma City, Oct. 28th) – “Early voting” – officially known as in-person absentee voting – begins at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday for the November 5 General Election.

Early voting will be held Wednesday, October 30 through Friday, November 1 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No excuse is needed to vote early, but voters must provide proof of identity when checking in at their early voting site. More information about accepted forms of identity is available on the State Election Board website.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

AG Drummond asks Supreme Court to act on Virginia voter registration case, protect election integrity

A good time to remind everyone to vote for State Question 834, which would specifically restrict Oklahoma voting to only citizens.


Drummond asks U.S. Supreme Court to expedite Virginia voter registration case, protect election integrity

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 29, 2024) – With a presidential election only days away, Attorney General Gentner Drummond is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to allow Virginia to remove non-citizens from its voter roll. In an amicus brief filed yesterday, Drummond and a coalition of 25 other states argue that a preliminary injunction halting the state of Virginia from removing self-identified non-citizens from its rolls undermines a state’s authority to determine voter qualifications. Virginia’s law provides mechanisms to protect election integrity, while ensuring only U.S. citizens remain on voter rolls.

Gov. Stitt taps Timothy Tardibono as Executive Director of Juvenile Affairs


Governor Stitt Appoints Timothy Tardibono as Executive Director of Juvenile Affairs

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 29, 2024) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced today that Timothy Tardibono will serve as the executive director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.

“Tim is one of Oklahoma’s leading experts on criminal justice, family, and public service, and I’m grateful for his willingness to serve our state,” said Governor Stitt. “I’m confident Tim will lead with integrity and a servant’s heart, and I know him as someone who will work tirelessly to provide young Oklahomans with opportunities to thrive.”

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Here's what you need to know about the State Questions on Oklahoma's 2024 ballot



Two weeks ago, I published Here's what you need to know about the judges on the 2024 ballot. In this post, I'll focus in on the two state questions that are on the ballot. 

I got some of my information from these helpful articles (SQ 833, SQ 834) at Ballotpedia, in addition to information from various blogs and news stations.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

OCPA column: ESG study highlights danger for state taxpayers


ESG study highlights danger for state taxpayers
By Jonathan Small

In recent years “environmental, social, and governance” (ESG) investing has become a prominent topic in the financial world as some large-asset managers have claimed they will now invest money based on political goals rather than the longstanding norm of maximizing returns.

Oklahoma lawmakers voted to prohibit ESG asset managers from having state contracts, arguing that ESG ultimately reduces taxpayer benefits compared to traditional investing strategies.

The law has drawn pushback, including from the managers of the Oklahoma Public Employees’ Retirement System (OPERS). But a new study, of which I am one of three co-authors, shows that lawmakers were justified in passing the law.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections announces major progress in reducing inmate violence


Oklahoma Department of Corrections announces major progress in reducing inmate violence

(October 25th) Today, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections announced a significant reduction in inmate-on-inmate assaults with serious injury, reflecting the success of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security. Key reforms, including strategic population management, stricter enforcement policies, and enhanced technology, have significantly decreased the incidence of violence.

Friday, October 25, 2024

Sen. Deevers applauds Trump’s reported consideration of federal income tax repeal


Deevers Comments on Trump’s Reported Consideration of Federal Income Tax Repeal

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, responded on Friday to Thursday’s New York Times report that former President Donald Trump is seriously considering supporting eliminating the federal income tax.

“In a time when government bloat, earmarks, and abuse of funds are out of control, and when the American people are suffering under crushing inflation and taxation, the repeal of the federal income tax would be among the most historic achievements in American history. Should he win in November, I encourage former President Trump to follow through on what he is reportedly considering.”

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus backs SQ834, the Citizens-only voting amendment

I'm a little late on getting this posted, but this goes into some detail on State Question 834, which is the most easily-understood state question on the ballot (SQ 833... that's a totally different matter).

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus leads the charge on only citizens voting in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 10th) – Yesterday, the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus led by Chairman Senator Shane Jett, joined with Americans for Citizens Voting in support of State Question 834 the Citizen-only voting amendment. 

Oklahoma man with Irish mob ties sentenced for orchestrating murder from prison


Oklahoma man with Irish mob ties sentenced for orchestrating murder from prison 

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 23, 2024) – An Osage County judge today sentenced a man with ties to organized crime to life in prison for ordering the 2021 murder of a fellow Irish mob member. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and several partner agencies handled the case against Zachary Millard, who had been convicted earlier this month for the slaying of Mitchell Roberts in Tulsa.  

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

State Sens. Pugh, Seifried hold in-depth interim study on crisis of cell phones in schools

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Pugh, Seifried hold in depth interim study on crisis of cell phones in schools

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 23rd) – Sens. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, hosted a robust, two-day interim study this week to examine the detrimental effects of cell phone use among K-12 students in schools.

Pugh, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and Seifried, the committee’s vice chair, urged their fellow committee members to invite local educators and national experts to present. As a result, about a dozen speakers from a wide range of backgrounds spoke at the study. They included teachers, school administrators, mental health experts, a psychiatrist and a neuroscientist.

The presenters noted the correlation between kids’ phone use and poor academic outcomes, increased anxiety and overall worse mental health. The speakers overwhelmingly expressed support for restricting students’ phone use in schools and many urged lawmakers to craft a statewide policy that provides districts some flexibility.

Pugh said he wants Oklahoma to lead the nation on this issue by empowering schools to find innovative ways to create phone-free campuses. 

“The effects of social media and excessive device usage have significantly impacted the mental health, social skills, academic progress, and literacy rates of Oklahoma students, and exacerbated other concerns such as cyberbullying,” Pugh said. “The expertise and classroom experiences shared during this comprehensive interim study indicated that urgent action is needed to help school districts address these unique challenges. Our committee is dedicated to fostering positive learning outcomes for students across our state, and we will continue to explore legislative solutions to mitigate the issues associated with cell phone use in schools.”

After introducing legislation last year to create a pilot program to limit student phone usage, Seifried said legislative action to restrict devices for the entire school day is overdue.

“This study reinforces what many of us already know: Cell phones are undoubtedly a distraction in schools, negatively impacting students’ mental health and academic performance,” Seifried said. “Our job now is to build on this momentum and craft policies that restrict phone use from bell to bell in a manner that supports our schools and our dedicated educators.

“I’m committed to working with parents, teachers, administrators and mental health professionals to find a way to get smartphones out of classrooms so Oklahoma students can reach their full potential at school and at home.”

Mental health experts who presented in the study talked about the addictive nature of smartphones and social media, especially for kids because their brains are still developing. Across the country, test scores have dropped and rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents have skyrocketed as smartphones have become ubiquitous and social media platforms have become more popular, said New York University scientist Zachary Rausch.

Oklahoma Union Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Taylor said students, parents and staff in her district supported a new policy prohibiting smartphones in the classroom. Since the district implemented the change, teachers have noticed students are more engaged in their coursework, there are fewer distractions and kids are interacting with each other more, Taylor said.

Healthy Minds Policy Initiative Executive Director Zack Stoycoff said eight states have enacted statewide policies to ban or restrict cell phones in schools. He said there is clearly a link between youth phone usage and mental health and well-being.

Nationally, middle and high school students spend nearly five hours a day on social media. One in four adolescent Oklahomans said they typically feel like they can’t go a day without social media, and one in five Oklahoma high schoolers said social media made them feel worse about their lives, he said.

Seifried and Pugh plan to file legislation on this issue ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Bill filing begins Nov. 15.

Cong. Brecheen, Sen. Scott introduce Debt-Per-Citizen Transparency Act


Congressman Josh Brecheen, Senator Rick Scott Introduce Debt-Per-Citizen Transparency Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Debt-Per-Citizen Transparency Act, which requires all Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimates to include how much the bill will affect the total debt-to-citizen ratio.

“With our national debt at more than $35 trillion, it is essential that lawmakers are made aware of how much legislation will affect the total debt-per-citizen ratio before voting on it,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “Every child born today owes more than $104,000 as their share of our national debt. It is long past time we reverse this curse and stop stealing prosperity from our children and our grandchildren.”

State Sen. Bergstrom leads interim study on Administrative Rules process

An oft-overlooked but vital role for the Oklahoma Legislature is government oversight, especially in the approval or disapproval of administrative rules - how regulations are implemented by government agencies. I'm glad to see this getting some much-needed attention.


Bergstrom Leads Interim Study on Administrative Rules Process

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 23rd) - On Wednesday, Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, alongside Rep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus, chaired an interim study with the Administrative Rules Committee to examine the current process agencies use to submit rules and how those rules are reviewed by the committee.

"It's important that we take a close look at each rule to ensure it serves a real purpose and doesn’t create unnecessary burdens,” Bergstrom said. “We also have to consider whether they have negative economic impacts or restrict individual freedoms. Above all, we must ensure they uphold constitutional principles."

Pro-life leader: 3 Oklahoma Supreme Court justices on ballot have "deep pro-abortion bias"

The following is from Oklahomans For Life Chairman Tony Lauinger regarding the three Oklahoma Supreme Court justices up for a statewide retention vote:


Pro-Abortion State Supreme Court Justices’ Fate Rests in Voters’ Hands; Options Are Retirement  Or Six More Years of Pro-Abortion Activism

Three notoriously pro-abortion members of the Oklahoma Supreme Court are on the JUDICIAL RETENTION section of the ballot for the November 5th General Election. Under the heading Justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court are listed separately the names of Noma Gurich, Yvonne Kauger, and James Edmondson

All three of these justices have shown themselves to be relentlessly in opposition to protecting the lives of unborn children.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Small: OKC news station fails the fact test on judicial retention story


Failing the fact test
By Jonathan Small

In policy debates, facts matter even if everyone is entitled to his own opinions about those facts.

Unfortunately, when it comes to understanding the history of Oklahoma’s judiciary and ongoing debates about reform, some individuals cannot get basic facts straight.

With three members of the Oklahoma Supreme Court facing retention elections this year, an Oklahoma City TV news station recently aired a lengthy related story.

That story, as originally aired, was notable for containing demonstrably false and undeniably incorrect information.

Senate committee studies social media regulations to protect children


Sen. Jech Holds Interim Study Evaluating Social Media Regulations to Protect Children

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 18th) – Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, held an interim study in the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday to evaluate how to protect children from the harmful effects of social media use and analyze potential regulatory solutions.

“The information brought forward during this study revealed the alarming prevalence of mental health issues among youth who are active on social media,” Jech said. “We are facing an epidemic that demands urgent action. It’s vital that we explore protective measures and regulations while also educating both parents and young people about the risks and mental health challenges linked to online activity.”

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus on judges, state questions on the statewide ballot

The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus has posted their voting recommendations on the Supreme Court justices, appeals court judges, and the two state questions on the statewide ballot.

A bicameral group of state senators and state representatives, the members of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus are made up from the most conservative members of their respective legislative chambers.

Monday, October 21, 2024

State Superintendent Walters launches new teacher recruitment website


Walters Announces New One-Stop Shop for Teacher
Recruitment: Teach-OK.com

Oklahoma City, Okla – State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced the rollout of a new, comprehensive teacher recruitment tool, Teach-OK.com, today. Teach-OK.com is a comprehensive online resource designed to guide future and current educators through the certification process, connect them with teaching opportunities, and provide valuable financial and professional development resources in Oklahoma. Teach-OK.com supports Oklahoma’s teacher recruitment and retention efforts by providing a user-friendly platform that helps educators efficiently navigate their career paths.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Small: Oklahoma not immune to campus radicalism


Oklahoma not immune to campus radicalism
By Jonathan Small

The nationwide rash of campus radicalism, particularly anti-Semitism, has been disturbing. Even more disturbing is the fact that it is appearing in Oklahoma.

Eyal Yakoby, an incoming Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) student who self-describes as being “dedicated to combating Jew-Hate and anti-Americanism,” highlighted an email distributed to students at Oklahoma State University that touted Students for Justice in Palestine (SPJ) events.

“The official diversity committee at Oklahoma State University’s psychology department sent an email soliciting students to participate in the ‘Week of Rage’ sponsored by SJP,” Yakoby wrote. “The first event is on Oct. 7th to celebrate the massacre. This is systemic antisemitism.”

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Gann study of license plate readers highlights need for statute updates


Gann Study of License Plate Readers Highlights Need for Statute Updates

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 8th) – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, on Tuesday led a study on the use and abuse of surveillance cameras and warrantless searches before the House State Powers Committee.

Gann particularly looked at the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs), which under state law only legally can be used to identify uninsured motorists who are in violation of the state's compulsory insurance law. The cameras, however, - many of them illegally placed, he said – are being used to track much other activity.

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus challenges Tinker Air Force Base’s “National Coming Out Day” event


Oklahoma Freedom Caucus Challenges Tinker Air Force Base’s “National Coming Out Day” Event

Oklahoma City, OK (Oct. 15th) –  The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus challenges the decision to host and promote “National Coming Out Day” on Tinker Air Force Base.

Senator Shane Jett, OKFC Chairman and U.S. Navy veteran, expressed the criticism shared by thousands of military families. “Military bases have significant budgets to cultivate positive relationships in their communities. It’s incomprehensible that Tinker Air Force Base would openly promote a prurient lifestyle that would obviously affront the tenets of faith of over 75% of Oklahoma’s professing Christian population as well those practicing Jewish and Muslim faiths. It is vulgar, prurient, inappropriate, and unbecoming of our military facilities.” said Senator Jett.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Legislators respond to Supreme Court request in Hiett case


Legislators Respond to Supreme Court Request in Hiett Case

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 15th) – Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola, Kevin West, R-Moore, and Rick West, R-Heavener, today issued statements regarding an Oklahoma Supreme Court request for oral arguments in their case against Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett.

"On Monday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court changed its position and took the extraordinary step of asking for oral arguments about our Petition for a Writ of Prohibition against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett. We filed our case after allegations of sexual misconduct and public drunkenness were published, but Hiett refused to disqualify himself from Oklahoma Corporation Commission cases involving the victims and/or witnesses of his alleged criminal conduct. These utility cases are worth billions of dollars and affect millions of Oklahoma customers of Oklahoma Natural Gas, Oklahoma Gas & Electric, and Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

Here's what you need to know about the judges on the 2024 ballot


It's voting time, and you're likely here because you don't want to be surprised when you see twelve judges and justices on your ballot that you know nothing about. Thanks for dropping by!

If you've ever done the frustrating task of searching for information on these courts and judges, I feel your pain. As I mentioned in previous election years, finding information on the justices and judges on the retention ballot can be a difficult task, and basic information such as their ages can be anywhere from difficult to find to completely unknown to even Google.

In this post, I'll cover the following justices and judges, which are on every Oklahoma voter's ballot:
  • Supreme Court - Noma D. Gurich
  • Supreme Court - Yvonne Kauger
  • Supreme Court - James E. Edmondson
  • Court of Criminal Appeals - William J. Musseman
  • Court of Criminal Appeals - Scott Rowland
  • Court of Criminal Appeals - David B. Lewis
  • Court of Civil Appeals - James R. Huber
  • Court of Civil Appeals - Timothy J. Downing
  • Court of Civil Appeals - Thomas E. Prince
  • Court of Civil Appeals - Robert Bobby Bell
  • Court of Civil Appeals - E Bay Mitchell, III
  • Court of Civil Appeals - Brian Jack Goree

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Take a look: Aurora photos from the Muskogee area

Photo credit: Becky Faught near Sequoyah Bay State Park

If you didn't go out to look at the display of Aurora Borealis Thursday night, you missed out on a real treat! I went "aurora chasing" with my kids in the evening and we got to get our first glimpse of the Northern Lights up near Sequoyah Bay State Park.

Social media has been flooded with photos from all over the country. Auroras were sighted as far south as central Mexico and the Caribbean. You can view a large gallery of photos from around the world here at SpaceWeather.com's realtime aurora gallery (lots of pages of pictures there).

I posted on Facebook and Twitter, asking for local residents to submit photos that they took, and here are some of the Muskogee-area shots. A big thanks to all who responded! If you have additional photos you'd like to submit, send me an email at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com, or reply on Facebook or on Twitter/X

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Aurora alert: go outside after dark and look, Oklahoma!

UPDATE: view Thursday night's aurora photos from the Muskogee area in this post!

From @RyanHanrahan this evening in CT

The coronal mass ejection from Tuesday's X-class solar flare slammed into Earth's magnetic field hours ago, triggering a severe geomagnetic storm, and the Aurora Borealis ("Northern Lights") have already been sighted this evening as far south as the Bahamas! If you live in Oklahoma and want to see this tremendous atmospheric wonder, go outside and look to the north when it gets dark!

The geomagnetic storm is likely to last all night long, with "sub-storms" of varying intensity shifting auroras all over the map. 

Wednesday, October 09, 2024

Aurora Watch: Oklahoma has a good shot at Northern Lights on Thursday


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Taken by Twitter user @Jen_McClure10 in Marlow, OK - May 10th, 2024

Heads-up, Oklahoma! Thursday night may be one of the best chances we have of seeing the Aurora Borealis ("Northern Lights") in years! As the result of a powerful solar flare, a severe geomagnetic storm is predicted for Thursday that could send auroras as far south as Alabama and Texas, or deeper.

Quick, non-scientific layman's explainer: The sun goes in regular periods of activity and inactivity. We are currently in the middle of the solar maximum portion of the current Solar Cycle 25, when the sun is frequent solar storms, flares, and sunspot. The current cycle is much more active than the previous one (2008-2019), and the past few months in particular have had several large X-class solar flares that have sent Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) in Earth's direction that have, in turn, produced geomagnetic storms with auroras sighted as far south as Arizona and Alabama. 

Monday, October 07, 2024

Group launches campaign to oust liberal justices on Oklahoma Supreme Court


We're one month out from the election, and finally, someone is actually attempting to do something about activist liberal justices on the Oklahoma Supreme Court and running a campaign to get folks to vote 'NO' on the judicial retention ballot. Since Oklahoma went to this system in the 1960s, no justice or judge has ever lost a retention vote.

Watch the ad from People for Opportunity:

A few brave State Reps decry Tinker AFB's "National Coming Out Day" event

We still have a few brave legislators willing to speak the truth:


Reps Issue Joint Statement Opposing Tinker AFB "National Coming Out Day" Event

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 7th) – A group of legislators is opposing an event at Tinker Air Force Base called "National Coming Out Day" and the affirmation that homosexuals are "born this way."

The following statement is issued by Reps. Jim Olsen, R-Roland; David Hardin, R-Stilwell; Clay Staires, R-Skiatook; Kevin West, R-Moore; Rick West, R-Heavener; and Danny Williams, R-Seminole.

"As one of the nation's most important and strategic military bases, Tinker should remain focused on our national defense and not expend taxpayer dollars to promote a lifestyle contrary to the values of the majority of Oklahomans.

State Auditor: audit shows town of Red Rock misappropriated 39% of expenditures


FORENSIC AUDIT SHOWS TOWN OF RED ROCK MISAPPROPRIATED 39% OF EXPENDITURES

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (October 1, 2024) -- Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector [SA&I] Cindy Byrd today released her forensic audit report for the Town of Red Rock in Noble County. Auditor Byrd launched the investigation after receiving a request from District Attorney Brian Hermanson.

The SA&I investigation covered a five-year period between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2023. The audit exposed a significant number of questionable expenditures among the Town Clerk/Treasurer and Town Board members. 

Sunday, October 06, 2024

OCPA column: Researchers find Oklahoma Supreme Court is liberal


Researchers find Oklahoma Supreme Court is liberal
By Jonathan Small

Oklahoma has a reputation for being one of the nation’s most conservative states with Republicans routinely elected to statewide office and the legislature, where the GOP has long held supermajorities.

But our judiciary has been well to the left of the electorate for decades, according to recent independent research.

Oklahoma Freedom Caucus supports Walters' Bibles in classroom initiative


Oklahoma Freedom Caucus Supports Bibles in Classroom Initiative

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 2nd) – In support of bolstering educational excellence and understanding the formation of the United States, the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus (OKFC), led by Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, and Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, has thrown its support behind the Bible initiative in public schools proposed by Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters.

The Freedom Caucus applauded Walters' initiative to ensure the availability of a Bible in public school classroom across the state. Walters announced last week he would include $3 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request to fund the initiative.

Saturday, October 05, 2024

Drummond launches Attorney General's "10 Most Wanted" campaign to capture criminals


Drummond launches Attorney General's "10 Most Wanted" campaign to capture criminals

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 25, 2024) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond launched a new campaign today to help capture some of Oklahoma’s most wanted fugitives from justice.

Drummond has partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service and other federal, tribal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies to identify 10 Most Wanted fugitives and to work to hold them accountable for their actions. Individuals on the Most Wanted list pose serious threats to public safety.

“The fugitives on this list are a threat to public safety. It is critical that we work together to hold these individuals accountable for their alleged crimes,” Drummond said. “We hope to enlist the help of all Oklahomans in this campaign to get these dangerous criminals off the street.”

Gann highlights suppression of license plate scanner evidence by State Court


Gann Highlights Suppression of License Plate Scanner Evidence by State Court

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 30th) – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, has taken notice of what he believes is the first of many actions by Oklahoma courts to suppress evidence obtained from license plate scanners.

“The decision will place many cases against perpetrators of criminal acts in jeopardy,” Gann explained.

According to Gann, the issue arises from local government entities entering into contracts with a nationwide big-tech firm, Flock, to install 24/7 vehicle scanning technology—despite such actions being prohibited by Oklahoma law.

“When the government uses these devices to scan every passing vehicle, they are violating Oklahoma law. This puts every resulting conviction in jeopardy,” Gann stated.

AFP-OK testifies against non-November School Board elections


AFP-OK Testifies Against Non-November School Board Elections

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (October 3rd) - In case you missed it, Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) Deputy Director Bradley Ward, Ph.D., testified during a state House of Representatives interim study on Tuesday to advocate for moving Oklahoma's school board elections to align with state and federal elections. 

Ward argued that Oklahoma's laws requiring standalone school board elections earlier in the year is a waste of money - nearly $17 million - that could instead fund education. 

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Small: Medicaid-expansion critics proven right


Medicaid-expansion critics proven right
By Jonathan Small

Prior to the 2020 statewide vote on Medicaid expansion, we at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs warned that projected costs were unrealistic, lowball estimates and spending would quickly surge, forcing lawmakers to divert millions from other uses, such as education or public safety.

Officials with the Foundation for Government Accountability and Americans for Prosperity also made that argument with reams of data.

Expansion supporters dismissed those critiques. In June 2020, Medicaid expansion was authorized by statewide vote, albeit by the narrowest of margins.

But now there’s no denying critics knew what we were talking about.