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

There are a number of current or former Republican state legislators running for higher office, and I wanted to do a post on their voting records during the 2016-2018 tax hike spree that Governor Mary Fallin and the GOP-led legislature went on (I ran the first version of this post during the 2022 election). 

During good economic times, Republicans like to run on tax cuts and no-new-taxes pledges, but the real test of their espoused principles comes during economic downturns and belt-tightening eras. Will their rhetoric match their governing, when push comes to shove and budgets have to be balanced? Will their instinct be to raise taxes, or to cut government?

So, without further ado, Just The Facts: 2026 Candidate Voting Records on Major Tax and Fee Increases in the Oklahoma Legislature, 2016-2018. We will specifically be looking at the voting record of 12 current or former Republican legislators who are on the June 16th GOP primary election ballot for statewide or congressional offices.

The colors I used in the following graphics are not 'green for good, red for bad'. Green means they voted for the tax increase measure, Red means they voted against the tax increase measure, Gray means they missed the vote, and blank means they were not eligible to vote (for example, Sen. Mazzei left office in 2016, and was only around to vote on three of these bills; Humphrey, Pugh, and West didn't enter office until the 2016 election, and thus their votes start in 2017. 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 very last measure in each graphic, HJR1050, is perhaps the most important of these recorded votes, as a green/yes vote there indicates that the legislator voted to make it much easier for the Legislature to raise your taxes.

Let's dive in. The following five former state legislators are running for Governor or U.S. Congress (with former state senators Brecheen and Bice being current members of Congress):

(click to view larger)

Of these five former legislators, only Brecheen was in the small group of legislative conservatives who valiantly fought a losing effort against the onslaught of tax hikes. Speaker Charles McCall, in particular, ignominiously supported and promoted every tax increase proposal during this time period.

The next graphic examines seven other current or former Republican state legislators from that time period who are on the ballot for other statewide offices:

Nikki Haley endorses Bice in congressional reelection bid

Nikki Haley Endorses Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) in Re-election Bid

“Stephanie Bice is a proud Oklahoman who knows conservative polices work for the Sooner State,” said Ambassador Nikki Haley. “She’s a fighter for lower taxes, American energy, border security, and a strong military. I’m proud to endorse her because she’s not afraid to stand up to Pelosi’s spending spree and liberal agenda.”

 

Read more about Amb. Haley's endorsement of Rep. Bice in the City Sentinel. 

Congressional Redistricting town halls set for July and August

Congressional Redistricting Meetings Scheduled

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 25th) – The Oklahoma House of Representatives and the State Senate redistricting offices today announced the schedule for town hall meetings on the congressional redistricting process. Legislators and redistricting office staff will answer questions and take comments from the public during the meetings.

Five in-person town halls are scheduled – one in each congressional district. Two virtual town halls also will be held for those who can’t attend one of the in-person meetings.

The town hall meetings are scheduled for:

Cong.-elect Bice elected freshman GOP class president for 117th Congress

Congresswoman-elect Stephanie Bice Named GOP Freshman Class President for 117th Congress

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 24, 2020)  - Congresswoman-elect Stephanie Bice was elected by her peers to serve as Republican Freshman Class President during last week’s House orientation in Washington, DC. 

It is believed that Bice is the first female Republican class president in the House.

Bice said she’s looking forward to encouraging open communication between members of the freshman class. 

“I came to Congress to help find solutions to some of our nation’s largest problems,” Bice said. “Working with the new representatives of the freshman class and fostering relationships among members will enable all of us to work better together to serve our constituents.” 

Bice is one of 16 Republican women elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, a new record. The House will have at least 28 Republican women serving in the 117th Congress, up from 15. Currently, there are 42 Republicans in the House freshman class. 

Legislators: Oklahoma’s election demonstrates accurate and timely results

Oklahoma’s Election Demonstrates Accurate and Timely Results

OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives are encouraging their colleagues from other states to model their systems after Oklahoma election laws.

“For years Oklahoma's election system has provided Oklahoma voters with rapid and undisputed results.

Through a mix of common sense quality controls, including numbered ballot pads, election night reporting, a mix of scanning technology and traditional, verifiable paper ballots, voter identification and precinct-level officials who are appointed by both of the major political parties, Oklahoma leads the nation in election policy.

We appreciated the federal court earlier this year upholding Oklahoma’s strong election laws, particularly the reasonable absentee ballot requirements the Legislature enacted through SB 210 last session. By all accounts, the Legislature's actions proved successful and Oklahoma concluded election night with yet another fair, timely outcome that has not been disputed: This included the Congressional District 5 race, which was decided by less than 13,000 votes.

We are witnessing firsthand how weak election policies of other states impact the entire nation, including Oklahoma. As demonstrated by Oklahoma, there is no reason we should have to wait days for the outcome of any election. We call on the other states to immediately pass meaningful and common sense reforms to their election processes.

The integrity of the voting process is vital to our republic. There should be no doubt as to the results if we can secure the process at the outset. Mail-in ballots that do not require proof of identity is a recipe for fraud. We have gone through this process three times at the national level in recent years with the 2000, 2016 and now 2020 elections.

As members of the Oklahoma Legislature, we ask other state legislatures across America to demand reform and pass legislation similar to SB 210 on absentee ballot integrity and SB 1779 outlawing absentee ballot harvesting in our state.”

Legislators issuing the statement include:

• Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow
• Rep. Ty Burns, R-Morrison
• Rep. Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle
• Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont
• Rep. Sheila Dills, R-Tulsa
• Rep. Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee
• Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola
• Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang
• Rep. Justin Humphrey , R-Lane
• Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada
• Rep.-elect Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus
• Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee
• Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa
• Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore
• Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City
• Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City
• Rep. T.J. Marti, R-Broken Arrow
• Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka
• Rep. Kevin McDugle, R-Broken Arrow
• Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee
• Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa
• Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland
• Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus
• Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond
• Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko
• Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay
• Rep. David Smith, R-Arepelar
• Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson
• Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany
• Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon
• Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan
• Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore
• Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso
• Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston
• Rep. Josh West, R-Grove
• Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore
• Rep.-elect Rick West, R-Heavener
• Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton
• Sen. Michael Bergstrom, R-Adair
• Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant
• Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Tulsa
• Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville
• Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus
• Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika
• Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee
• Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole
• Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore

Red wave sweeps over Oklahoma: 5 Takeaways

I'll get to my election results maps in the coming days, but here are some quick notes from the election tonight here in Oklahoma:

1. Trump sweeps all 77 counties again

Trump was held just under 50% in Oklahoma County (49.25% to 48.05%), around 55% in Tulsa and Comanche counties, and between 70% and 92%(!!) in almost all of the remaining counties. Huge margins.

He beat out his 2016 showing by 0.07%, while Biden beat Clinton's 2016 result by 3.35% (largely a result of the lower third-party vote in 2020, 5.75%, compared to 2016, 2.33%).

Election night 'great success' for OKGOP

 

ELECTION NIGHT ‘GREAT SUCCESS’ FOR OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN PARTY 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, November 3, 2020 – With victories throughout the ballot, the chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party declared the 2020 election cycle a great success.

“Tonight’s results are incredible, and a great success for the Oklahoma Republican Party,” said David McLain. “The citizens of Oklahoma proved once again the GOP is their party of choice from the huge state victories for President Donald Trump and U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe to Stephanie Bice winning the Fifth Congressional District seat to overwhelmingly reelecting Oklahoma’s other four Republican U.S. House members, Oklahoma voters delivered at the top of the ballot. Not to be outdone, Republican Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett was easily reelected, and Republicans gained five seats in the Oklahoma House and maintained a 39-9 advantage in the Senate, including the reelection of Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat. GOP candidates were also elected and reelected in county and municipal races across Oklahoma, and SQ 805, which the Oklahoma Republican Party opposed, was soundly defeated.”

Insiders Panel: bullish on Bice and Trump's odds, don't expect a Trump 77-county sweep

With the general election tomorrow, here's one last edition of the MuskogeePolitico.com Insiders Panel.

Members of our Insiders Panel cover the spectrum on the Republican side of the aisle, and members are from the private, public, and political sectors from all across the state. Each congressional district is represented by an Insider, and there is a wide demographic variety. The anonymity of the panel is designed to allow them to more freely express their thoughts, giving an inside look at some behind the scenes moves and trends across the state. You can read the past Insiders Panel discussions at this link.

These are the questions panel members were asked to respond to:

1. Will Stephanie Bice (R) take out Congresswoman Kendra Horn (D) in the 5th Congressional District?
2. Not considering the 5th District race, what will be the biggest surprise in the Oklahoma results?
3. Will President Donald Trump once again carry all 77 counties?
4. Who do you think wins the Presidency, and what is your guess at the electoral college vote?
5. Will the GOP hold onto the U.S. Senate?

Bice tops Horn's single-quarter fundraising record, leads in new CD5 poll

In some great news for the OKGOP, 5th District nominee Stephanie Bice outraised incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Kendra Horn in the last quarter, and a new poll has Bice leading Horn in the GOP effort to retake the 5th District.

A survey released by the firm Pat McFerron and Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates has Bice at 49% and Horn at 45%. Of interest, President Trump leads the Presidential ballot in CD5 with 49%, Biden at 43%, Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen at 3%, and independent Kanye West at 1%. You can read more details on the poll here.

OKGOP: We're primed for November victory

OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN PARTY PRIMED FOR NOVEMBER VICTORY

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, August 25, 2020 – The chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party said tonight the GOP is poised for a victorious November on the state and national levels now that the primary runoffs have concluded, and the presidential contest is set.

“I could not be more excited about the Republican ticket nationally, and in Oklahoma,” David McLain said. “The delegates to the Republican National Convention have formally nominated President Trump and Vice President Pence to a second term, and the overall contrast between the President and Joe Biden is beyond measure. All Americans have a clear choice, and there is no middle ground. Either reelect a proven, pro-business, conservative leader or a liberal, left-wing product of yesteryear. I am extremely confident Oklahoma Republicans, and many conservative and moderate Democrats, will turn out strongly to reelect President Trump, and maintain Oklahoma’s 56-year streak of supporting the Republican presidential ticket.”

Family Research Council PAC endorses Neese in CD5 runoff

FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL ACTION PAC ENDORSES TERRY NEESE FOR CONGRESS

Oklahoma City, OK -- Terry Neese, the pro-Trump Republican candidate for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, has been endorsed by the Family Research Council (FRC) Action PAC. In an endorsement letter released today, the FRC Action PAC praised Neese for understanding “the fundamental importance of protecting the right to life, the central role strong families must play if our country is to thrive, and that religious liberty is the bedrock of a truly prosperous nation.”

Lt. Gen. (US Army-Ret.) William G. Boykin, Executive Vice President of the FRC Action PAC said: “FRC Action PAC is confident that you will be a dedicated advocate for life, freedom, and strong family values. You are the leader that Oklahoma needs, and we are pleased to offer our endorsement of your candidacy for Congress. Together we will create a culture in which human life is valued, families flourish, and religious liberty thrives.”

The full endorsement letter released by the FRC Action PAC can be read here.

CD5 Runoff: Bice outraises Neese for 7th straight reporting period

Stephanie Bice outraises Terry Neese again… for 7th straight reporting period

 OKLAHOMA CITY (August 18, 2020) - Stephanie Bice, conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, again outraised Terry Neese in the most recent fundraising period.

This is the seventh consecutive fundraising period that Bice has bested Neese in dollars raised and Bice has outraised Neese in every filing period since becoming a candidate.

An open letter to the failing Oklahoma GOP from a Republican college student

I received the following letter from a reader recently, and thought it worth publishing. Do you have a column or op-ed you'd like to submit? Email it to me.

An open letter to the failing Oklahoma GOP from a Republican college student

 As a Conservative college student, I interact with democratic students daily on campus and online. Because of this, I have never been more alarmed for the future of the Oklahoma GOP, a last somewhat thoroughly red stronghold.

At the forefront of every Republican Oklahomans’ mind this cycle is the contentious Congressional District 5 (CD5) seat. This is where the party struggled initially to unify our forces. 13 candidates publicly lobbied or expressed interest in running for the congressional seat. 9 of whom got their name on the ballot. It can be said this is a nationwide Republican issue as we saw in the 2016 presidential Republican primary, but for a small, densely populated district putting forth a strong candidate to replace our current socialistic congresswoman should have been a top priority for the Republican party.

Bice endorsed by prominent OK Ag leaders

Oklahoma Agriculture Leaders Endorse Stephanie Bice for Congress

OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 11, 2020) – Stephanie Bice, Republican candidate for Congress in Oklahoma’s 5th district, is proud to announce the endorsement of leaders from across Oklahoma’s farm and ranch community.

“My colleagues and I are proud to endorse Stephanie Bice to be the next Congresswoman for the fifth district. We’re disgusted by the attacks against Stephanie in this race from Never-Trumper group Club for Growth,” said Mike Schultz, farmer and former President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma State Senate.

“This same organization lobbied hard against farmers and ranchers to defeat the Farm Bill. They’re no friend to the farming and ranching community in our state and we can’t let them buy this race for Stephanie’s opponent.”

Rick Santorum Endorses Stephanie Bice for Congress

Senator Rick Santorum Endorses Stephanie Bice for Congress

OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 6, 2020) - Stephanie Bice, conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, earned the endorsement of former Presidential Candidate and Pennsylvania United States Senator Rick Santorum.

“I’m honored to receive the support and endorsement of Senator Santorum,” Bice said. “He is one of our nation's strongest voices for American families. He’s led the way on policies that put American workers first, including prioritizing US manufacturing. Sen. Santorum has fought to address the challenges confronting American workers and I am grateful for his support.”

Santorum, who won Oklahoma’s 2012 presidential primary, said Bice would represent Oklahoma’s conservative values in Congress.

CD5 Runoff: Neese lays into Bice for tax-hike voting record

Over in the 5th Congressional District, Terry Neese (who placed first in the primary with 36.48%) is starting to hammer on Stephanie Bice (25.41% in the primary). Here's her latest press release, highlighting Bice's record on supporting the largest tax in state history (HB 1010XX in 2018):

GET TO KNOW THE REAL STEPHANIE BICE: A TAX-RAISING CONSERVATIVE FRAUD

After voting for the largest tax increase in state history, Bice is the last person Oklahomans can trust to stop the Democrats’ socialist agenda in Congress

Oklahoma City, OK -- Career politician Stephanie Bice is far from the so-called “conservative” she portrays to voters on the campaign trail - and her liberal record on taxes proves it. Since Bice will continue to lie to voters in a desperate attempt to advance her political career, it’s time for voters to get to know the real Stephanie Bice.

THE FAKE STEPHANIE BICE: Claims to be the only candidate who could stop Joe Biden’s economic proposal that calls for tax hikes and policies that would not help our recovering economy.

THE REAL STEPHANIE BICE: In the state senate, Bice voted for a $474 million revenue package - the largest tax increase in Oklahoma history.

OK 2nd Amendment Association endorses Neese in CD5 runoff

OKLAHOMA 2ND AMENDMENT ASSOCIATION & PRO-GUN CONSERVATIVE LEADERS BACK TERRY NEESE IN 5TH DISTRICT RACE

Oklahoma City, OK -- While Stephanie Bice peddles downright lies to distract voters from learning the truth about her liberal record as a career politician, Oklahoma pro-gun organizations and conservative leaders know the truth: Terry Neese is the only candidate who can be trusted to stand up for our Second Amendment rights in Congress.

On Friday, the Oklahoma 2nd Amendment Association (OK2A) - the state’s leading advocate for Second Amendment rights” - endorsed Terry Neese in the fifth district race. In a Facebook post, OK2A President Don Spencer publicized the Association's endorsement and included a graphic summarizing important factors for voters to consider ahead of the August 25th runoff.

Terry Neese said: “The Oklahoma 2nd Amendment Association knows I am the only candidate who can be trusted to help President Trump protect our right to self-defense at all costs - and I am honored to have their endorsement. The radical Left and their socialist agenda pose a direct threat to our Second Amendment rights, but Oklahomans can rest assured I will never back down and will always stand up for our pro-gun values in Congress.”

Leading conservative legislators in Oklahoma also released statements on Friday urging Republican voters to stand with Terry Neese - the only candidate who can be trusted to stand with President Trump and protect our pro-gun values in Congress.

Kevin Calvey, Oklahoma County Commissioner said: “As the author of Oklahoma’s Stand Your Ground law, I know Terry is a rock-solid supporter of our Second Amendment rights. Terry is the only candidate we can trust to stop the radical Left’s assault on our Constitutional freedoms.”

Brian Maughan, Oklahoma County Commissioner said: “Terry Neese represents the best of our conservative values and will make Oklahoma gun owners proud in Congress. She’s the leader we need in Washington to make sure we stop Nancy Pelosi’s anti-gun, unconstitutional agenda once and for all.”

Nathan Dahm, State Senator (SD-33) said: “I endorsed Terry Neese because she is 100% pro-gun, supports Constitutional Carry, and is the clear choice for conservatives who want a Second Amendment champion working alongside President Trump in Congress.”

Terry Neese is a proud gun owner, member of the NRA, and has earned an “AQ” NRA grade by the NRA - the highest possible grade for a candidate without a legislative record. For more information on Terry or her campaign, please visit NeeseForCongress.com.

Gloves off in CD5: Neese tears into Bice for misrepresenting VP's support

After a fairly tame primary, the 5th District GOP runoff is heating up, in multiple ways. Terry Neese is going after Stephanie Bice for claiming an endorsement from Vice President Mike Pence... who rather unhelpfully sent a campaign donation and letter to both candidates.

STEPHANIE BICE LIES TO VOTERS (AGAIN), PUSHES FAKE ENDORSEMENT FROM VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Oklahoma City, OK -- On July 23rd, Terry Neese received a letter from Vice President Mike Pence, along with a $1,500.00 campaign contribution, which thanked Terry for her support and partnership with the Trump Administration for the past three and a half years. Both the letter and campaign contribution amount was identical to what Stephanie Bice received on June 30th -- but Bice used her letter to imply an endorsement was made by Vice President Pence in the 5th District congressional race.

For the past twelve days, Stephanie Bice and top campaign surrogates have knowingly pushed this false endorsement to voters as a means to distract them from her tax-raising, dangerous record as a career politician.

State Sen. Dahm endorses Neese in CD5 runoff

STATE SENATOR NATHAN DAHM (SD-33) ENDORSES TERRY NEESE FOR CONGRESS

TULSA, OK -- Terry Neese, Republican candidate for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, has earned the endorsement of State Senator Nathan Dahm (SD-33), who is ranked the most Conservative Senator in Oklahoma. In a statement released today, Senator Dahm called Neese the “clear choice” for conservatives who want to see President Trump’s agenda delivered -- not destroyed by radical liberals.

David Hill endorses Terry Neese in 5th District runoff

DAVID HILL ENDORSES TERRY NEESE IN OKLAHOMA’S 5TH DISTRICT RACE

Hill: “Terry Neese is a pro-life, pro-gun, conservative, and she has our full support as she fights to beat Kendra Horn and deliver President Trump’s agenda.”

Oklahoma City, OK – David Hill, successful businessman and former Republican candidate for Oklahoma’s 5th congressional district, has endorsed Terry Neese for Congress ahead of the August 25th runoff election. Hill placed third in the recent primary election on June 30th, receiving 19 percent of the vote.

“After a hard-fought primary campaign, my wife Shannon and I have decided to endorse Terry Neese for Congress,” said David Hill. “Oklahomans cannot afford more taxes, open borders, or the socialist agenda being peddled by left-wing Democrats. We need to defeat liberal Kendra Horn, fire Nancy Pelosi, and flip the House Red this Fall. Terry Neese is a pro-life, pro-gun, conservative, and she has our full support as she fights to beat Kendra Horn and deliver President Trump’s agenda.”