Oklahoma Voice: GOP political fight brewing over who will be the next OK Senate leader

The below article from Oklahoma Voice is a good synopsis of the battle to be the next leader of the Oklahoma State Senate going on this week. The three Republican candidates are moderate Sen. Greg McCortney (one of the leaders who has killed measures to abolish abortion), conservative Sen. David Bullard, and Sen. Casey Murdock (somewhat in the middle of the two).

As a sign of how very concerned big corporate money and dark political money interests are about McCortney losing this race, they sent out mass text messages Saturday urging people to "thank" McCortney for being "conservative to the core" (he's clearly not). A Bullard win would be a huge deal for Oklahoma conservatives.

Sens. Coleman, Murdock hopeful Stitt's support of sports betting will move issue next session

Sen. Coleman responds to governor’s sports betting plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City, released the following statement Friday after the governor announced a plan to advance sports betting in Oklahoma. Coleman is the Senate principal author of House Bill 1027, along with Rep. Ken Luttrell, to legalize sports betting in the state. The bill was introduced during the 2023 legislative session where it received House approval and will be available for further consideration by the Senate when session convenes in February.

“I’m somewhat surprised by the governor’s unexpected sports betting proposal given I already have an active piece of legislation, House Bill 1027, in the Senate to legalize sports betting and he has never reached out to share his support of the idea or to offer any other input on this important economic development issue. It’s frustrating that he didn’t feel it necessary to collaborate with those of us who have been diligently working on this major issue for over a year now, but I’m hopeful that will change in the coming weeks.

“While the governor’s plan might be a starting point, I’ll be interested to see if he has contacted or worked with our tribal partners to get their input. A lack of coordination between the executive branch and tribal leadership was the main reason our bill stalled this session. When dealing with the tribes, compacting, and the many nuances with exclusivity and future gaming negotiations, it’s imperative that Governor Stitt work in good faith with our tribal partners. I’m not sure he’ll garner much support given his plan, among other things, asks the tribes to give up their online share of sports gaming, which nationally accounts for 95% of total revenues.

“However, I am optimistic that Gov. Stitt is showing interest in bringing sports betting to Oklahoma. As I’ve said before, this would be an incredible economic boon for us and one that 37 other states have already taken advantage of. We need to seize this opportunity to create jobs and millions in new revenue. With more tribal casinos than any other state and three successful horse tracks, Oklahoma is primed for sports betting.

“I urge the governor to work with me, my House author Rep. Luttrell, and others who have been working on this issue, as well as the tribal nations because without their support, there will be no change. The governor’s plan needs some work but that’s what the legislative process is about – coordination, collaboration, and consensus – and I’m looking forward to it.”

Murdock supports governor’s sports betting plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, issued the following statement in support of Governor Stitt’s plan to bring sports betting to Oklahoma, which was announced on November 2.

“I think that this is a fantastic opportunity to not only welcome new economic, tourism, and recreational opportunities to Oklahoma but also address the discrimination faced by Oklahomans who enjoy attending sporting events such as the Kentucky Derby or the Breeders Cup. It is unfair that they are not allowed to place bets online solely because they live in Oklahoma. The Governor's plan not only helps increase revenue coming into the state but also provides opportunities to every single Oklahoman.

“Oklahoma sports have always garnered high levels of enthusiasm, and embracing sports betting is an obvious move for our state and districts.”

The plan includes opportunities for tax revenue for the state, as well as guidelines for transparency and accountability in support of consumer protection.

For a fact sheet detailing sports betting in Oklahoma, click here.

Murdock files bill banning state contracts with companies discriminating against firearms industry

Sen. Murdock files Second Amendment legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, has filed a bill ahead of the 2023 legislative session aimed at further protecting and supporting the Second Amendment in Oklahoma.  Senate Bill 15 would prohibit state contracts from being made with companies that discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.

Murdock was Senate author of a similar bill in the 2022 session that did not make it all the way through the legislative process.  The bill passed initial committee and floor votes in each chamber, but the final version of the measure didn’t receive a final vote in the upper chamber before the session ended.

Senate Pro Tem Treat announces GOP leadership team

This was sent out last week, along with Treat's assignment of GOP committee chairs and vice chairs. It is worth noting that State Sen. Rob Standridge, the conservative who challenged Treat in-caucus for the President Pro Tempore office and fell just short (allegedly by a vote of 21-19), was left out of leadership, left out of any committee chair/vice-chair position despite greater legislative seniority than most of the caucus, and assigned to the fewest committees among GOP senators.

Vindictive, much?

Senate Pro Tem Treat Announces GOP Leadership Team

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 2nd) – Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat today announced his Republican leadership team for the upcoming 59th Oklahoma Legislature that begins in February.

“I have chosen these individuals to help lead our caucus and work with the committees to ensure we are passing legislation that is in the best interest of Oklahomans,” Pro Tem Treat said. “I am honored they have accepted the opportunity to help lead the senate in these respective roles. Together, we will ensure the state is being fiscally responsible, agencies are operating efficiently and taxpayer dollars are not being wasted.”

House advances measure to add meats to 'Oklahoma Certified' list

House Advances Measure to Add Meats to 'Oklahoma Certified' List

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, today won unanimous House passage of a bill that would expand the list of meats on the "Oklahoma Certified" list.

Currently beef (bovine) is the only meat on the list. Under House Bill 2368, swine, goat, lamb, poultry and fish would be added.

"Getting meat locally from a safe and trusted source while at the same time helping our Oklahoma farmers and ranchers is vitally important," Grego said. "This is especially true in this current climate where gas prices, supply chain breakdowns and inflation are significantly raising the price of many products. The more 'Oklahoma Certified' meats we have, the better we'll be able to feed people here in the Heartland."

State Sen. Murdock to file legislation to ease ag sales tax exemption renewal

Murdock to file legislation after findings of ag sales tax exemption interim study

On the heels of an interim study dedicated to examining Oklahoma’s agricultural sales tax exemption, Sen. Casey Murdock said he’s preparing to file a measure ahead of the next legislative session to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to renew their sales tax exemption card.

“When the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) began requiring a Schedule F for agriculturalists to qualify for their sales tax exemption, we passed Senate Bill 422 to add additional documentation farmers and ranchers could provide to OTC in lieu of the Schedule F,” Murdock said. “After working with the tax commission, I’ve found these changes are working – there’s no backlog of producers getting their card, and denials are typically because the applicant hasn’t correctly filled out the form. However, we also learned the vast majority of the 110,000 ag sales tax exemption cards issued each year are renewals, so now we need a way to make the renewal process easier and more convenient.”

Murdock said his proposal will include an additional option on the agricultural sales tax exemption application that will allow the farmer or rancher to check a box if the application is a renewal, as well as confirm there’s no change to the agricultural operation from the prior year. If there’s no change, the renewal will be automatic.

Sen. Murdock compares OK to NM, finds restrictive mandates don't always work

Sen. Casey Murdock says restrictive COVID-19 mandates don't always work

Sen. Casey Murdock says he agrees with Gov. Kevin Stitt that sweeping statewide restrictions are not the most effective strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Murdock, R-Felt, said after looking at New Mexico, a state that has mandated masks statewide and has imposed more severe business restrictions, he found its approach hasn’t resulted in saving more lives or jobs compared to Oklahoma. 

“I live just about 12 miles from New Mexico, and from time to time I have business to do there in Clayton. I’ve talked to people there who are frustrated about the statewide mask mandate and their business restrictions, which have gone farther than Oklahoma’s,” Murdock said. “But what’s really interesting is that when you take a look at their outcomes compared to ours, I think it shows their approach really isn’t the fix some people think it is.”

Murdock says there are a lot of similarities between the two states. Energy, farming and ranching are important to both economies. Oklahoma has more people—according to the 2019 population estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma had 3.9 million people, compared to just over 2 million for New Mexico. 

When you look at the per capita figures, as of Dec. 30, Oklahoma has had 7,172 positive cases per 100,000 people, compared to 6,671 in New Mexico. But Oklahoma had 61 deaths per capita, while New Mexico had 115. 

State legislators Attack Beef Problems

Legislators Attack Beef Problems

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 18th) – An Oklahoma beef task force designed to analyze problems in marketing and processing beef has been organized by State Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, and State Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant.

The two legislators have invited independent ranchers, meat buyers, meat processors, livestock auction owners and meat inspectors to convene and identify financial obstacles and structured solutions that will provide a process for long-term financial gain for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.

 “Four major meat packers, Tyson Foods, Cargill, JBS (Brazilian owned) and National Beef are controlling about 87 percent of beef processing and sales,” Humphrey said. “They have considerable control over what ranchers are paid for cattle and what consumers pay for meat. The beef price is very low for ranchers and extremely high for consumers while meat packers are making millions of dollars. This is not acceptable.”

Stitt signs bill aimed at increasing volunteer firefighter ranks

Governor Signs Bill to Increase Number of Volunteer Firefighters

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Stitt on Thursday signed into law a bill that will allow retired paid firefighters to return to service as volunteers without effecting their state pensions.

House Bill 2051, authored by House Majority Leader Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. The new law will allow retired paid firefighters to perform as volunteer firefighters for a volunteer department without it affecting their current retirement benefit but also without it counting as an accrued retirement benefit against the state’s pension plan.

“Our rural residents and communities are dependent upon the services of volunteer firefighters to keep them safe from harm in the event of deadly wildfires,” Sanders said. “It helps so much to have individuals who are already trained and well-seasoned to perform these duties. This is why I worked so hard to ensure that we can build the ranks of volunteer firefighters without adding the state’s pension costs.”

Murdock said, “With the amount of wildfires we have in Northwest Oklahoma we need all the men and women we can get. The rural fire departments are stretched to the limits. The passage of this bill will allow experienced retired firefighters to join volunteer departments bringing their wealth of knowledge to that team.”

HB 2051 bill amends language to legislation previously passed by Sanders and signed into law that eliminated the 45-year-old age limit for new firefighters by giving them the ability to join a department without the requirement that they be added to the state’s pension plan. The legislation, which took effect in November 2015, has resulted in 300 new volunteer firefighters joining rural fire departments over the past 3 ½ years.

Sanders explained that state law previously prohibited willing volunteers over the age of 45 from becoming firefighters because the state’s pension and retirement plan could not afford them. Many people from his district, however, said they would be willing to serve without needing the retirement benefit. This amendment now will allow retired paid firefighters to participate in protecting the states rural fire districts as volunteers without affecting funding that can now be appropriated to other core government services.

Sanders said about 85 percent of the firefighters in Oklahoma are volunteers. Of the state’s more than 900 fire departments, about 95 percent are certified with the Rural Fire Defense Program.

Bill to Increase Number of Volunteer Firefighters Heads to Governor

Bill to Increase Number of Volunteer Firefighters Heads to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that would allow retired firefighters to return to service as volunteers without affecting their state pensions passed the state Senate today with a unanimous vote of 42-0.

House Bill 2051, authored by House Majority Leader Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, now heads to the governor to be signed into law. 

“Rural residents are dependent upon volunteer firefighters and fire departments to keep their lives and properties safe,” Sanders said. “This law will allow those willing to serve in this capacity to so without damaging their own pension plans or without adding cost to the state.”

HB 2051 bill amends language to legislation previously passed by Sanders and signed into law that eliminated the 45-year-old age limit for new firefighters by giving them the ability to join a department without the requirement that they be added to the state’s pension plan. The legislation, which took effect in November 2015, has resulted in 300 new volunteer firefighters joining rural fire departments over the past 3 ½ years.

The new legislation will allow retired firefighters to perform as volunteer firefighters for a volunteer department without it affecting their current retirement benefit but also without it counting as an accrued retirement benefit against the state’s pension plan.

“State law previously prohibited willing volunteers over the age of 45 from becoming firefighters because the state’s pension and retirement plan could not afford them,” Sanders said. “Many, however, have been willing to serve without needing the retirement benefit. This amendment will allow trained and seasoned but retired firefighters to participate in protecting the states rural fire districts without affecting funding for other core government services.”

Sanders said about 85 percent of the firefighters in Oklahoma are volunteers. Of the state’s more than 900 fire departments, about 95 percent are certified with the Rural Fire Defense Program.

Election Night: Coburn holds on, Holt and Murdock win

Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn (hint for the media: he's Tom's cousin, not brother) eked out a narrow victory tonight over his ex-son-in-law Wayne Divelbiss. After polls closed, Divelbiss took an early lead, at one point nearly reaching 56%, but as the last precincts started to come in the gap narrowed.

Two precincts (including Coburn's home precinct) experienced voting machine problems; those ballots had to re-counted at the election board office. With 14 of 15 precincts reported, Divelbiss still led by over 50 votes. Coburn's home precinct was the last to be counted, and came in big for him, pushing him to a 71-vote victory.

Divelbiss ran against Coburn in the 2016 mayoral election, where Coburn defeated him 71% to 20%. This time, Coburn beat him by just 71 votes, or 2.38%.

In other Muskogee city elections, Ward I City Councilman Ivory Vann won reelection, and Jaime Stout won the open Ward II seat.

All municipal offices in Muskogee are technically nonpartisan, but Coburn, Divelbiss and Stout are registered Republicans; Vann is a prominent Democrat.

In Oklahoma City, State Sen. David Holt (R-OKC) cruised to 78% in his mayoral bid.

In the State Senate District 27 special election, State Rep. Casey Murdock (R-Felt) easily defeated his Democratic challenger.

Murdock wins SD27 GOP Primary

State Rep. Casey Murdock (R-Felt) emerged victorious in the field of six Republican candidates seeking the nomination in the Senate District 27 special election primary held today.

Preliminary results from the Oklahoma Election Board:

1. Casey Murdock - 33.17%
2. Travis Templin - 28.23%
3. Carolyn McLarty - 23.12%
4. Jeff Hall - 12.81%
5. Tommy Nicholson - 1.78%
6. Michael Medill - 0.9%

Murdock will face Democrat Amber Jensen in the February 13, 2018 general election. If Murdock defeats Jensen, no special election will be held for the HD61 seat he currently holds, and the seat will remain vacant until the winner of the November 2018 election is sworn in.

Coburn and Keating endorse McLarty in SD27 Special Election

In the Senate District 27 special election triggered by State Sen. Bryce Marlatt's resignation after being charged with felony sexual battery, the race appears to be between State Rep. Casey Murdock (Conservative Performance Index score of -15.6 in 2016, by far the worst among all GOP legislators) and OKGOP National Committeewoman Carolyn McLarty.

This week, McLarty scored some huge news in gaining the endorsements of former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn and former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating.

The primary for this race is Tuesday, December 12th.

Frank Keating, Dr. Tom Coburn Endorse Dr. Carolyn McLarty for State Senate

(Woodward, OK, November 27th, 2017): Dr. Carolyn McLarty this morning announced that her State Senate campaign in the District 27 special election has been endorsed by former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and former U.S. Senator Dr. Tom Coburn.

"Carolyn McLarty has long embraced the family focused, free market and public integrity agenda of true Republican conservatives," said former Governor Keating. "She will be an excellent and admired legislator. Her win is a win for Oklahoma."

"For as long as I’ve known her, Carolyn McLarty has worked each day to remind us what it means to be a Republican. Carolyn's conservative principles are rock solid," said Dr. Coburn. "Less government in our daily lives. Local control of our local schools. Lower taxes on working families and small-business employers. Keep government decision-making close to home, rather than in the hands of bureaucrats in Washington, D.C."

"I’m proud to support Carolyn McLarty for state Senate, and I ask Republicans in Northwest Oklahoma to join me," Coburn continued. "Common-sense conservatives like Carolyn are needed at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City."

Governor Keating and Dr. Coburn join a growing list of Oklahomans who have endorsed Carolyn McLarty in her bid for State Senate.

"I am pleased to have the support of these leaders in the conservative movement," said McLarty.  "As a State Senator, I will work for limited government, a balanced budget, and protection of individual liberty, natural rights, and personal moral responsibility."

Dr. Carolyn McLarty owned the Animal Care Clinic in Woodward from 1988-2007.  She has represented Oklahoma on the Republican National Committee since 2008, and is a former Chairman of the Woodward County Republican Party and the Woodward County Republican Women.  The Eagle Forum honored Carolyn as the Oklahoma Eagle of the Year in 2012.

Cimarron County GOP holding candidate forum for SD27 special election

The Cimarron County Republican Party is hosting a candidate forum and straw poll for the Senate District 27 special election on Friday, November 17th.

The SD27 special election was precipitated by the resignation of State Sen. Bryce Marlatt after he was charged with felony sexual battery.

Republican candidates for the seat are as follows (in alphabetical order, with links to their website if available):

• Army veteran Jeff Hall
• OKGOP National Committeewoman Carolyn McLarty
• Michael Medill
• State Rep. Casey Murdock
• Army and Marines veteran Tommy Nicholson 
• Educator Travis Templin

The victor of the winner-take-all GOP primary will face Democrat Amber Jensen in the February 13th general election.

Travis Templin announces for SD27 special election

Former Teacher of the Year & Small Businessman Announces for State Senate District 27

Seiling, Oklahoma – Travis Templin has announced his candidacy for State Senate District 27. A special election will be held on December 12th, 2017 to fill the open seat. Templin, a teacher and coach at Seiling Public Schools, believes it is time for a State Senator to step up and start doing what’s right. Northwestern Oklahoma has always been Templin’s home. He was born in Alva, attended Woodward and Gage Public Schools, graduated from Boise City High School, and then Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 1998 where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education.

“Growing up in Northwestern Oklahoma taught me the values of hard work, family, & a strong
community. We have got to have a strong voice to represent our district – not the out of state special
interest groups trying to control our government. We also don’t need to elect another career politician,” said Travis Templin. Templin was awarded “Teacher of the Year” in 2016 and his wife, Amanda, also a school teacher, received the award in 2017.

“I’ve known Travis and his family for a long time. You never really know what will go across a legislator’s desk, but you can get to know their heart and what motivates them – Travis Templin is a man of integrity, honor, and character and I know we can count on him to do the right thing,” said Kirk Pittman, a member of Travis Templin’s Advisory Council.

Travis and Amanda, have two children – Kylie and Kaden and one grandson, Karter. While Templin has spent most of his life in public education, he also has experience in agriculture and oil & gas, with oversight of large budgets. “There is no reason for our state to be creating new taxes. We are taxed too much already. The private sector creates jobs, opportunities, and the best path for success – not the government,” says Templin, “It is time we start prioritizing our resources and best appropriating the funds our state is given by its taxpayers.”

Templin is a Conservative Republican who believes in cutting wasteful spending and stopping
corruption. He believes in balancing a better budget for years ahead so businesses can thrive and the
economy can grow. “Agencies need audited and held accountable for the funds they receive. Wasteful
spending should stop. We must reform education and invest in infrastructure. We must also take care of rural healthcare and emergency management services,” stated Travis Templin.

For more information, please visit TravisTemplin.com.

So far, the other announced candidates are State Rep. Casey Murdock and OKGOP National Committeewoman Carolyn McLarty.