OK College Republicans holding CD5 primary debate Friday evening

The Oklahoma College Republicans are hosting a candidate debate for the 5th Congressional District GOP primary, which will be livestreamed on Facebook tomorrow (Friday, June 12th) at 7:00pm.

Barresi applauds Attorney General Hunter for religious liberty support

BARRESI APPLAUDS ATTORNEY GENERAL HUNTER’S STANCE ON SUPPORTING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ON NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER 

Oklahoma City -- “Today, we are all united in observance of the National Day of Prayer and in dedicating ourselves to be vigilant about threats to our religious liberties. In the last few weeks we have heard of instances where worshipers were fined or even jailed for attempting to safely assembly and worship God. We must all be vigilant in each of our communities to assure that our civil liberties are not violated in the name of safety. It is appropriate for the CDC and our state to issue guidelines for the reopening of businesses and places of worship and it is equally appropriate for places of worship to adjust their services to follow the guidelines. These do not have to be in conflict.”

Barresi officially files candidacy for 5th Congressional District

BARRESI FILES PAPERWORK TO SEEK 5TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEAT

Ready to Restore our Conservative Voice in Congress

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Dr. Janet Barresi, a dentist and small business owner filed paperwork with the Oklahoma State Election Board this morning, certifying her candidacy in the Republican Primary for Oklahoma’s fifth congressional district.

“As Oklahoma families and businesses battle the duel threat of the Corona Virus pandemic and an energy downturn, the last thing we need is to allow liberal Kendra Horn to return to Washington and continue taking orders from Nancy Pelosi at our expense. We need a conservative voice in Congress now more than ever and I’m ready to go to work,” said Barresi.

Barresi ran a successful dental practice for over 24 years. After her husband’s death in 2009, Janet and one of her sons assumed control of Cosmo Energy, a small oil and gas company. In 2011, Barresi became the first Republican elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

“We are a country that is deeply divided between a Democratic Party that has lost its battle with extreme socialists and Republicans who are focused on preserving an economy that rewards hard work and ensures all of us the opportunity to prosper,” Barresi stated.

“When I decided to enter this race, I knew Kendra Horn was not the moderate she claimed to be. She voted with Nancy Pelosi 85% of the time and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 89% of the time. These are socialists who don’t share the same values centered on faith, family, and freedom that define Oklahomans. When Kendra Horn was elected, we lost a voice in Washington that reflects Oklahoma values. With your help we will defeat her and return conservative representation to the citizens of Oklahoma’s fifth district.”

Barresi has been active in many Republican Party activities, including serving as a state convention delegate in 2019 and as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2012. She founded two charter schools — Independence Charter Middle School and Harding Charter Preparatory High School, that have won many accolades for their academic excellence.

Janet and her husband John have twin sons, Joe and Ben. After John’s death in 2009, Janet and her sons became strong advocates of appropriate mental health treatment, suicide prevention and support for families surviving suicide.

Janet was overjoyed when their family grew with the marriages of Ben to his wife Emmalee and Joe to his wife Erin. Since that time, Janet has assumed her favorite title, “Mimi,” to her five adorable grandchildren.

Barresi suspending public campaign activities, moving to virtual/electronic during COVID-19 threat

Campaign moves to virtual and electronic communication to ensure safety of Oklahomans 

Oklahoma City––Today, Janet Barresi Republican candidate for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, implemented important precautions to help ensure the safety and well-being of our fellow Oklahomans.

Janet Barresi stated, “As we all know, these are indeed unique and difficult times. The COVID-19 virus threatens us all and with my decades of experience as a healthcare provider, I am keenly aware of the risk of transmission of the virus to each of us and our loved ones. I urge you to heed the recommendations of President Trump, his expert task force and the Centers for Disease Control. Friends, we are all settling into the new normal and each of us prays that this time of self-quarantine and social distancing will be very short. Your health, your family’s health and the health of all Oklahomans is paramount. That is why I wanted to inform you of some necessary changes we are instituting for our campaign. We have taken steps to suspend all in-person campaigning and fundraising appointments. In addition, all fundraising events are postponed until that time when we are advised that it is safe to resume normal activities. I will still be pursuing a vigorous schedule of outreach to Oklahomans in the 5th Congressional District but I will do it using electronic and virtual communication.

Those of you that know me understand that I am not a fan of “keeping my distance” from voters. I enjoy meeting you, shaking your hand and listening to your thoughts about the serious issues facing our country. However, we have a serious challenge facing all of us. From what I know of spending a lifetime in Oklahoma, raising a family and operating a successful small business, I have been privileged to see the strength and resiliency of Oklahomans. I have no doubt we will make it through this together and come out on the other side better and stronger as a state and as individuals. So, until I get to greet you in person again I will lift you and your family up in prayer for your safety, health and well-being,” Barresi concluded.

Insiders Panel: a briefing on the top tier candidates in CD5

As promised on Friday, I am publishing comments in full by one of the MuskogeePolitico.com Insiders Panel members. This particular insider has the experience and connections to provide information about Oklahoma politics that many don't have access to.

5th District GOP Primary: Top 4 candidates examined

by a member of the MuskogeePolitico.com Insiders Panel

Even though the race for Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District has drawn many candidates, I feel there are only four viable candidates on the ticket. Quite simply, the winner will be a combination of who has the most money and who runs the best campaign. This seems like an oversimplified statement but it is actually quite complex in 2020. Let's take a look at the top four candidates in the order I believe they will win on the primary ballot:

#1) Terry Neese. Terry has been deeply involved in OKC for 40 years. She started Terry Neese Personnel and has become a national figure speaking before Congress on issues related to small business and women-owned business. Terry created The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women and its subsidiary Peace Through Business, which helps women from war torn countries learn how to start a business. Why does this matter? Because Terry has the credentials to match Kendra Horn when it comes to women's issues. Some pollsters say this is a "women's race" for CD 5 and I think Terry is the only candidate with deep enough roots with the women voters to beat Horn.

Neese has put $450,000 of her own money in the race and has been frugal with expenses, leaving over $640,000 in the bank at the end of the 3rd quarter.

#2) Stephanie Bice. Stephanie enjoys the luxury of being a sitting State Senator who was recruited to run for this seat. She had told many people she was not running, but the offer of campaign help from heavy hitters in DC along with deep ties to PAC money to finance her campaign convinced her to run. Bice is a young, attractive candidate that many think will appeal to the young voters and could match Horn for the young women and professional vote. She has had a working campaign staff for several months and has spent much of the money she has raised. Stephanie is the only candidate to have sent 2 mailers and paid for digital ads which is boasting her name recognition.

Watch the Senate agenda and bill sponsorship for Bice to head up key legislation that will get her free press and name recognition. Being a political insider may have benefits, but in the current climate, Bice may suffer because of being a current elected official. Bice will not have to give up her seat to run for Congress and if she wins there will have to be a special election to replace her.

#3) David Hill. David is from the well respected Hill family that owns Kimray manufacturing and were the financiers behind Character Training Institute. David and his wife are both wealthy and could self-finance. While the name Hill is popular in some circles in OKC, David has very low name recognition and will have to spend a lot of money to overcome the popularity of the other three top tier candidates. Polls suggest it is harder for a male to win an election going head to head with a female and the country is very focused on female candidates. For this reason, I list Hill as #3.

#4) Janet Barresi. Janet is very well known having served as State Superintendent of Education, but I believe that is also her greatest downfall. Teachers do not like Barresi and polls show Republicans will either not vote or vote for Horn over Barresi in the general election. In her race for re-election Janet put in over a million dollars of her own money and still lost by 10 points. Barresi's primary support will come from School Choice and OCPA supporters. I do not believe she has the support to beat incumbent Kendra Horn.

I believe a ground game is critical to winning CD5. Bice will be tied up in session so the other 3 candidates have the upper hand for having the time to be on the doorsteps. The primary will cost at least two million dollars, and with a guaranteed run-off cost of another million, whoever wins the Republican nomination will have spent millions before they face Kendra Horn. Money is the #1 key to winning this election!

I have heard a rumor of an additional well-known candidate getting in the race but at this point I believe if anyone else decides to jump in they will suffer the fate of Democratic Presidential candidate Deval Patrick -- too little, too late.

This column was penned by a member of the MuskogeePolitico.com Insiders Panel. This insider is well-positioned to provide key insights on Oklahoma politics. To read thoughts by the rest of the Insiders Panel, read my post entitled 'Insiders Panel on CD5 race: GOP top tier clear, leader still uncertain'.

Insiders Panel on CD5 race: GOP top tier clear, leader still uncertain

As announced earlier this week, I have put together a MuskogeePolitico.com Insiders Panel to discuss certain aspects of 2020 Oklahoma politics with people "in the know". 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.

The first topic that the Insiders Panel has discussed is the 5th Congressional District campaign. I posed five questions to the members, and received comment in detail on each.

1. Which candidates do you view as being in the top tier?
2. Which candidate would you currently put in the lead?
3. Which candidate(s), if any, do you think will drop out before filing day? 
4. Which candidate has the best potential to beat Horn? 
5. Do you anticipate anyone else of import joining the race?

Let's dive in to the commentary.

1. Which candidates do you view as being in the top tier? 

Panelists were bullish on Terry Neese and Stephanie Bice, with every respondent including the two in their top tier. David Hill was included by four, with some caveats, while two included Janet Barresi.

An Oklahoma City-area panelist had this to say: "Tier 1 would be Neese, Bice, Barresi and Hill in no particular order. Hill may be tier 2 depending on how much of his own money he puts in."

A figure involved in government agreed on Hill's uncertain position. "I see this as a Bice vs Neese runoff right now. David Hill is the wildcard."

A longtime insider said this: "Even though the race for OK-5 has drawn many candidates, I feel there are only 4 viable candidates on the ticket (Neese, Bice, Hill, Barresi). Quite simply the winner will be a combination of who has the most money and who runs the best campaign. This seems like an oversimplified statement but it is actually quite complex in 2020."

Two others, from outside of the 5th District, agreed that Bice, Hill, and Neese make up the top tier, in no particular order. A rural member added Ballard. 

2. Which candidate would you currently put in the lead? 

A Tulsa area activist put it this way: "I'd put Neese in the lead as she's making the clearest pitch to the Republican, pro-Trump, base."

Taking a slightly different angle, this was from an OKC metro activist: "I would put Bice in the lead, just for name ID."

Some expressed concern over the lack of a clear leader: "It’s evenly tilted in my mind. No candidate has truly showed themselves to be the front runner, which is concerning when multiple candidates can put in millions of dollars and the Democrat incumbent has a massive war chest."

This comment came from a person experienced in campaigns: "Bice and Barresi both have bases of support. Granted, Barresi also has serious baggage with pro-education voters. Bice had the highest re-election percentage of any incumbent Senator, running in the 70’s in the primary and general elections in 2018. Stitt won 7 of her 13 precincts, showing she is very strong where known. Neese just hasn’t been on the ballot since 1994. The electorate has changed and I’m sure her name ID starts very low. She has put a lot of money in but Bice has actually out raised her from donors. That's why I would say Bice and Barresi have the edge for now."

A legislator said that Neese was the clear frontrunner. 

3.Which candidate(s), if any, do you think will drop out before filing day? 

An OKC metro panelist made this response: "I don’t think any of those [Bice, Neese, Hill, Barresi] will drop out. This race is headed for a run-off. I'm sure we will get into that more closely to the elections. None of the other candidates are known or raised money to even begin campaigning."

The mentality that the primary will be a jungle leading to a runoff was pervasive. This was a government official: "I doubt many will drop out. No downside for these candidates as filing is cheap."

Most respondents don't expect any of the major candidates to drop out, although several of the lesser-known hopefuls likely will.

4. Which candidate has the best potential to beat Horn? 

Illustrative of the early state of the race, no consensus was reached on this question.

One of the 5th District insiders sees Bice with the inside track: "There is so much time on the clock. I would like to give Hill time to see some more from the campaign. Today I would say Senator Bice is the best match up against the incumbent. They are around the same age but Bice has more actual legislative experience and authored popular legislation not to mention SQ 792 which passed with 66% statewide. While the incumbent is single, Bice has two daughters - one college age and the other in high school. Married with a family is a contrast in backgrounds. Barresi, again, has a base, but I do question how many Republicans she would lose over her history with education. I don’t believe any other [statewide] incumbent has come in 3rd in a primary for re-election. I think Neese and Hill have to introduce themselves and carve out bases, while the other two have a large head start on."

An OKC metro activist had this thought: "I think Neese has the best chance to defeat Horn, because Bice would divide the Republican base. Neese has no voting record and I think she is more conservative."

One of the younger panelists had another opinion: "David Hill if he starts actually coalition building . Right now I haven’t seen it."

A Tulsa member feels optimistic about the odds to flip the 5th: "I think whoever the Republican nominee is, can absolutely win. And not just because it's a traditional Republican seat, but because Horn is underwhelming, and she's trying to appease both conservative and liberal democrats in her district. That doesn't work long-term. Money also matters here. The Republican nominee will have to raise significant dollars. If they don't, I think it's tough."

One of the members involved in government felt that, of all the candidates, Neese has the best chance to defeat Kendra Horn.

5. Do you anticipate anyone else of import joining the race?

A media member thinks the field is mostly set: "I don’t see another significant candidate jumping in. Mick Cornett has told many people he has no interest and its getting late if you already have 4 candidates that will be well funded. This race is headed to a run off and it will be interesting to who runs the best race."

Several others dismissed the Cornett rumor, or felt that nobody of substance would join the race from this point out.

That's all for now. On Tuesday, I'll be publishing a briefing on the top four candidates penned by one of the Insiders panelists. Visit back for some special insights on the 5th District race!

Janet Barresi joins CD5 GOP primary, pledges $500k to campaign

Janet Barresi Announces Run for Congress

Conservative Republican, Small Business Owner, Oil and Gas Leader Running for 5th Congressional District of Oklahoma; Commits $500,000 to Fund Campaign

OKLAHOMA CITY--Janet Barresi, a conservative Republican small business owner and former Oklahoma State Superintendent of Schools, announced today that she is running for the 5th Congressional District of Oklahoma to replace U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn.

“I’m a conservative Republican running for Congress because our values are under assault by radical Washington liberals. We must protect the American Dream for our children and grandchildren. There is no getting around it. Today’s Democrat party is trying to fundamentally change our great nation. I can’t watch the Washington circus from the sidelines any longer. I’m in and I’m ready to fight for Oklahoma,” Barresi said.

Barresi continued: “I’ve taken on the liberal establishment, and I’ve got the scars to prove it. I passed real reforms and saved Oklahoma taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. I’ve run successful small businesses for forty years. It is pretty simple, do what you say you will do and don’t spend more money than you take in. Bottom line—Less Washington—more Oklahoma! I’ll defend our Second Amendment rights, and I will stand with President Trump to secure our borders because a strong nation must have strong borders. And I will be an unrelenting voice for the unborn, because by championing life we are defending every child’s right to reach their God-given potential.”

Janet ran a successful dental practice for over 24 years. As a champion of America’s free-enterprise system, she understands the challenges faced by small businesses. As a dentist, she understands the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and will oppose Democrats’ attempts to give the federal government even more control over patients’ medical decisions and she will fight to restore healthcare freedom.

She noted that she is the best candidate to take on and win against the incumbent in this race: “The fact is that Congresswoman Kendra Horn is a liberal Democrat who votes with Nancy Pelosi 85% of the time. We cannot afford another Rubber Stamp for Pelosi in Congress.”

After her husband’s death in 2009, Janet and one of her sons took over the operation of Cosmo Energy, which today is a thriving, fast-growing oil and gas company. With over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Janet knows that the energy industry creates good-paying jobs for Oklahoma families, which is why she will fight against liberal Democrats’ anti-energy job-killing policies.

Barresi also has years of experience as an education reformer and supporter of education choice. She founded two charter schools -- Independence Charter Middle School and Harding Charter Preparatory High School, that have won numerous accolades for their academic excellence. In 2010, Barresi answered the call to reform Oklahoma’s education system and became the first Republican elected as State Superintendent of Schools. Under her leadership, Barresi improved reading scores using phonics-based instruction and raised achievement for many of the worst performing schools. Barresi led in the effort to bring true transparency and accountability in reporting for everything from academic performance to expenditures of state and federal tax dollars.

In her church, Janet serves on several boards and works in ministries. She has worked in the parish mission in Peru and continues to support their efforts. She has also been an advisor to and assists with financial support to a nonprofit that serves children in the Oklahoma foster care system. Janet is a member of the Oklahoma City Republican Women’s Club and has been active in many Republican Party activities, including serving as a state convention delegate in 2019 and as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2012.

Janet and her husband John have twin sons, Joe and Ben. After John’s death in 2009, Janet and her sons became strong advocates of appropriate mental health treatment, suicide prevention and support for families surviving suicide.

Janet was overjoyed when their family grew with the marriages of Ben to his wife Emmalee and Joe to his wife Erin. Since that time, Janet has assumed her favorite title, “Mimi,” to her four adorable grandchildren. The entire family anxiously awaits the birth of a fifth grandchild in the spring of 2020.

Learn more: janet2020.com.

Opponents lobbing fabricated attacks at Cathy Costello

A screenshot of this blog being shared by Costello opposition, mistaking a banner for an endorsement

Desperate opponents of Cathy Costello's candidacy for Labor Commissioner are starting to fabricate outlandish and ridiculous attacks in order to try to defeat her. Here are two of my favorite ones:

Claim: Cathy Costello is endorsed by Tom Coburn and Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite! as shown in the screenshot [above]. Also, Coburn endorsed Costello on the day of the teacher walkout, so they must both hate kids.
Fact: Coburn did endorse Costello -- a week before the walkout began (not "the day of"). OTU! does not endorse candidates, and Costello did not sign their candidate pledge (which focuses on fiscal responsibility and government transparency). The screenshot above, shared by some of the Costello haters, is simply a shot of MuskogeePolitico.com's post of the Coburn endorsement press release and the OTU! banner which is currently present above the posts section. Previously there was a Stitt for Governor ad in that location; neither ad has/had anything to do with the Coburn press release or Costello's campaign.

I find it laughable that someone would equate an ad that happens to be in close proximity to be an endorsement.

Claim: Cathy Costello and Janet Barresi are sisters-in-law/related, so... they must be bad or something.
Fact: Neither Cathy Costello nor her late husband Mark are related to Janet Barresi, whose maiden name happens to be Costello (Barresi took some heat for adding her maiden name to her ballot submission in 2016).

Desperate people do desperate things, and nothing brings out lies and fabrications like flailing, losing campaigns in the final week of their existence.

Cathy Costello is the conservative choice for Labor Commissioner, and I urge all Oklahoma Republicans to get out and vote for her in the primary. We can't afford the alternative, a liberal Republican legislator who has been betraying our conservative Republican principles for the last several years.

Democrat Desperation: fake Barresi signs reappear

As the Oklahoma Democrats attempt to make the 2014 election a referendum on Janet Barresi's tenure as State Superintendent, their desperation has reached -- again -- to making fake Barresi signs to place next to Republican candidates' signs.

These first appeared back in September, but just popped back up again in Muskogee. If you've seen them in your neck of the woods, email me.

Between this and cookie-cutter, nearly-identical mailers trying to make [factually non-existent] ties Barresi between numerous GOP legislative candidates, things must really be desperate for the Oklahoma Democrats.

Fallin, Dorman hit each other on TV

Governor Mary Fallin and her Democratic opponent Joe Dorman have both hit the airwaves with ads critical of their opponent. Dorman ties Fallin to outgoing State Superintendent Janet Barresi, while Fallin associates Dorman with President Barack Obama.

Personally, I find this commercial of Dorman's to be very effective -- perhaps the best thing that's come out of his campaign to date (an opinion shared by well-known Republican officials and activists I've spoken to). The problem for him is that it's likely too-little-too-late to make much of an impact.

Dorman's ad:


Fallin's ad:

Desperation: Democrats printing fake Barresi signs

A fake Barresi sign in Muskogee

It appears that Oklahoma Democrats have reached a new low in their desperation to turn the tide on their years-long losing streak. Their latest stunt? Printing fake Janet Barresi signs and placing them next to other Republican signs in an effort to tie those candidates to the unpopular State Superintendent, who lost in the June GOP Primary.

Last week, these signs started popping up in the Muskogee area, and may be an indication of a broader Democratic strategy, prompting the Oklahoma Republican Party to send out an email about the issue (re-posted below from TheOkie):

Lankford, Hofmeister win and avoid runoffs

James Lankford surpassed most expectations -- and all polling data -- and cruised to total victory in today's primary election, gaining over 57% of the vote to T.W. Shannon's 34%.

Joy Hofmeister destroyed incumbent State Superintendent Janet Barresi's reelection bid, taking in 57% of the vote. Barresi actually came in third with 21.1%, behind no-name candidate Brian Kelly (21.6%).

View the full results here.

Hofmeister criticizes Barresi's maiden name on filing

The race for State Superintendent just got a little warmer, as Republican challenger Joy Hofmeister sharply criticized incumbent Republican Janet Barresi's use of her maiden name in her candidate filing last week. Here is Hofmeister's press release (complete with the misspelling of Barresi's maiden name).

Janet Costello Barresi Plays the Name Change Game

(OKLAHOMA CITY – Tuesday, April 15, 2014) “Janet Barresi cannot seem to get her story straight, and now she can’t even decide what name she wants to go by on the primary ballot,” said Republican challenger Joy Hofmeister.

“There’s little question that she’s trying to trick the voters. Not only is Janet Barresi trying to trick them about her position on Common Core, but she’s also trying to trick the voters about her name.

“In an attempt to fool Oklahoma voters, Janet Barresi has, for the first time, decided to list her maiden name on the June 24 primary ballot.

“In fact, since 2009 her campaign has filed official quarterly reports without ever using her maiden name, Costello.”

“As a result of the name game, ‘Janet Castello[sic] Barresi’ will be listed on the primary ballot. This is nothing but an old political ploy to trick voters into thinking someone else is on the ballot,” Hofmeister said.

“My campaign originally thought to challenge this but decided not to clog the Oklahoma Election Board’s docket with her shenanigans,” Hofmeister said.

“We have to give her credit. She clearly understands that she is so unpopular and so controversial, that even Ms. Barresi knows she needs a new brand. We know Oklahoma needs a brand new State School Superintendent, one who doesn’t try to fool parents and teachers and now even voters,” Hofmeister said.

“Clearly, this game is as an admission that even Barresi knows she is her own worst enemy as the June primary approaches.

Our guess is that Janet Barresi is using her maiden name to confuse Oklahomans and glean votes from incumbent Mark Costello, our popular State Labor Commissioner.”

2014 Statewide Election Preview: 3Q Finance Reports

As the 2014 elections approach, five incumbent statewide elected officials have yet to draw an opponent, while three have challengers who are filing campaign finance reports. Whether there is a contested race yet or not, the 3rd Quarter ethics reports show an interesting preview of the upcoming electoral contests.

Filing for statewide office in 2014 will be on April 9th to April 11th, with the Primary being held on June 24th. Runoff elections (if necessary) will be on August 26th, and the General election is on November 4th.

Candidates will be listed in order of most cash-on-hand. Incumbents are in bold.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Scott Pruitt (R)
3Q raised: $86,252.82  -  3Q spent: $27,962.83  -  Cash-on-hand: $123,138.70

AUDITOR & INSPECTOR

Gary Jones (R)
3Q raised: $250  -  3Q spent: $0  -  Cash-on-hand: $6,588.33

GOVERNOR

Mary Fallin (R)
3Q raised: $368,243.12  -  3Q spent: $108,227.86  -  Cash-on-hand: $1,218,401.35

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

John Doak (R)
3Q raised: $51,275  -  3Q spent: $20,955.44  -  Cash-on-hand: $294,475.14

LABOR COMMISSIONER

Mark Costello (R)
3Q raised: $202,000  -  3Q spent: $0  -  Cash-on-hand: $202,000
Michael Workman (D)
3Q raised: $500  -  3Q spent: $1,188.05  -  Cash-on-hand: $40.95

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Todd Lamb (R)
3Q raised: $382,488.59  -  3Q spent: $9,788.44  -  Cash-on-hand: $414,664.63
Cathy Cummings (D)
3Q raised: $1,750  -  3Q spent: $676.80  -  Cash-on-hand: $1,533.20

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

Joy Hofmeister (R)
3Q raised: $83,136  -  3Q spent: $27,221.75  -  Cash-on-hand: $200,086.61
Janet Barresi (R)
3Q raised: $48,850  -  3Q spent: $41,466.44  -  Cash-on-hand: $149,130.07
John Cox (D)
3Q raised: $69,280.70  -  3Q spent: $10,162.57  -  Cash-on-hand: $58,186
Donna Anderson (D)
3Q raised: $11,877.64  -  3Q spent: $13,845.52  -  Cash-on-hand: $4,395.38
Jack Herron (D)
3Q raised: $3,950  -  3Q spent: $224.80  -  Cash-on-hand: $3,725.20
Freda Deskin (D)
{filed after 3Q deadline}
Ivan Holmes (D)
{filed after 3Q deadline}

TREASURER

Ken Miller (R)
3Q raised: $51,000  -  3Q spent: $672.29  -  Cash-on-hand: $116,186.19


Interesting notes:

• Big money: Governor Fallin officially tops the million-dollar mark in cash-on-hand, with seven months left before candidate filing. Talk about formidable.
• Most: Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb raised the most this quarter ($382,000), edging out Fallin by $14,000.
• Loans: Labor Commissioner Costello ($202,000); John Cox ($50,162.57); Donna Anderson ($1,000)
• Hot race: The big race of 2014 will be the State Superintendent seat. Two Republicans and five Democrats have campaign accounts right now, and that number will probably go higher.
• Low spenders: Auditor Gary Jones and Labor Commissioner Costello both spent no money in the third quarter, and Treasurer Ken Miller spent less than $700. 
• Slow start: Jones raised $250, and Costello raised nothing (outside of his $202k loan).

Wisconsin-in-Oklahoma: AWOL OK House members

For the first time since the 1990's* last March, the Oklahoma House of Representatives issued the Call of the House, to force absent members into the chamber for a vote.

During the vote on the emergency clause for Speaker Kris Steele's HB2139, which expanded the State Superintendent's authority and limited that of the State Board of Education (in response to the controversy over State Superintendent Janet Barresi's first school board meeting), several House members appeared to be purposefully absent. That's when State Rep. Jason Nelson (R-OKC) invoked House Rule 10.5, or the 'Call of the House'.

The procedural motion gives the House sergeant-at-arms the authority to "compel the attendance of the absent members."

After a roll call, the doors to the House chamber were locked, and the House sergeants began the search for missing Reps. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw), Mike Christian (R-OKC), Charles Key (R-OKC), Mike Reynolds (R-OKC), Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow) and Randy Terrill (R-Moore).

Peter J. Rudy of Oklahoma Watchdog has more on the story here, including the missing members on the second roll call.

UPDATE: Rudy got a response from Rep. Randy Terrill, one of the AWOL members. Read it here.
* - thanks to the commenter who pointed out that the Call of the House was issued on March 11th, 2010.

Oh, the irony: Gilpin at the Board of Education meeting

From Peter J. Rudy of Oklahoma Watchdog:

An already contentious State Board of Education meeting got more heated after a comment by board member, and former State Senator, Herb Rozell made a comment several women in the audience felt was sexist.

After approving the hire of Jessica Russell as legislative analyst and liaison, who is pregnant and due in April, Senator Rozell made the comment that “if she has the baby and is gone for six weeks in May, she’s useless to us.”  May is the last month of session when a lot of activity happens at the State Capitol.

Superintendent Barresi requested that the comment be stricken.  Russell reportedly left the room in tears.  Even though a short recess was called, Senator Rozell has not yet apologized to Russell for the comment.

Rudy posted audio of the exchange here.

Ironically, Board of Education member Tim Gilpin (who is heard in the recording) has the following posted on his law firm's website:

Apparently, part of Gilpin's law practice deals with job discrimination/harassment related to... pregnancy.  Whoops.

Mike McCarville points out that Gilpin donated to Susan Paddack, Barresi's opponent in the election last year, and was a leading spokesman for the failed SQ744 campaign.

Gilpin rolls off the Board of Education in April.

OCPA: Reform State Board of Education

OCPA: Legislature Should Reform the State Board of Education

The actions taken by the State Board of Education today—not allowing the newly elected superintendent to hire her own staff—are a perfect illustration of dysfunction in state government. It’s time for the state Legislature to reform the state Board of Education.

Though the state constitution does require the establishment of a State Board of Education, it explicitly states that, in addition to its composition, the board’s “powers and duties shall be prescribed by law.” The Legislature, therefore, can restrict or even take away the board’s managerial powers; at a minimum, the Legislature must ensure the superintendent possesses sufficient power to hire staff and manage the department as she sees fit. The Legislature can also reform the board by altering the length of its members’ terms and how they are appointed.

The members of the board, except for the superintendent, are currently appointed by the governor and hold six-year terms. The Legislature could easily revise the law to require that the term of each incumbent member ends with the election of a new governor and that each new member is appointed by the new governor or, maybe better yet, by the superintendent. The larger point is that control of our public education system is the hands of the Legislature and governor—they should be held responsible for remedying the board's unconscionable acts.

Today’s actions are a perfect example of why our government is dysfunctional. We tie down our executive officials with a dizzying array of boards and commissions that act like leeches on our public circulatory system. Why? Because we are unwilling to trust either the individuals the people have chosen to do their jobs well, or to trust the people to throw these officials out if they have performed poorly.

The architects of our national government long ago explained that the prerequisites for good government are energy, stability, and accountability. There is no doubt having our educational system run by Gov. Brad Henry’s people long after his departure makes for a more stable government. But a government that both lacks the power to reform itself and ignores the clear command of the people to change is no good at all.

To learn more about the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), visit their website.

[MP note: for more information on the brouhaha at the Board of Education, visit Oklahoma Watchdog and the McCarville Report.]

General Election Results - State Superintendent

Click here for the entire Muskogee Politico series of election results maps.

Statewide candidates loan their campaigns money... lots of it

Last night was the deadline for campaigns to file their ethics reports for the past reporting period (8/10-10/18). One of the most interesting tidbits I noticed about these reports is how many of the statewide candidates loaned their campaigns money, and how much they gave.

• Gubernatorial candidate Jari Askins (D) loaned herself $300,000 on September 21st, and $50,000 on October 18th. That brings her campaign-to-date total to $1,225,000.
• State Auditor candidate Steve Burrage (D) loaned himself $225,000 on September 2nd, $136,000 on September 14th, and $100,000 on September 7th. His campaign-to-date total is $486,193.60.
• Treasurer candidate Ken Miller (R) loaned himself $50,000 on October 18th.
• State Superintendent candidate Janet Barresi (R) loaned herself $456,345.44 on October 1st, bringing her campaign-to-date total to $731,345.44.
• Labor Commissioner candidate Mark Costello (R) loaned himself $75,000 on August 31st, $60,000 on September 30th, and $20,000 on October 18th. His campaign-to-date total is $483,662.78.
• Insurance Commissioner candidate John Doak (R) loaned himself $53,500 on August 11th, $10,000 on August 16th, $40,000 on August 18th, $25,000 on August 20th, and $50,000 on October 15th. That makes his campaign-to-date total $213,600.

In this past reporting period, two Democrat statewide candidates loaned their campaigns a total $811,000.00, while four Republican statewide candidates gave their campaigns $786,345.44.

Republican Primary Results - State Superintendent

Click here for the entire Muskogee Politico series of election results maps.