'Oklahomans United Against 805' celebrate victory

“OKLAHOMANS UNITED AGAINST 805” RELEASES STATEMENT ON VICTORY FOR FELLOW OKLAHOMANS IN THE DEFEAT OF S.Q. 805

Oklahomans Value Public Safety, Reject Out-of-State Dollars

Oklahoma City — Oklahomans United against 805 released a statement upon the news that State Question 805 — which would have allowed repeat criminals out of prison sooner and endangered all law-abiding Oklahomans — has been defeated.

“Thank you to the voters. It proves that grassroots and Oklahomans control their own destiny. Our constitution cannot be bought by out-of-state interests.  It took an incredible team, not the least of which are our elected leaders, Governor Kevin Stitt, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, Attorney General Mike Hunter, and so many others.  When we started, it was an uphill battle, but these three leaders stood strong to do what was right -- not just that which appeared to be politically expedient.”
—    Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating

"Oklahomans have shown they do not take altering our constitution lightly.  I am very proud my fellow Oklahomans have recognized this, and it is my hope that future efforts fully exhaust legislative remedies before embarking on an amendment as did the out-of-state proponents of S.Q. 805.”
—    Marc Nuttle, Attorney & Treasurer, Oklahomans United against 805

Election Results Maps: U.S. Senate, State Questions 805 and 814

 Here is the much-anticipated 2020 general election edition of my long-running Election Results Maps series. As promised in my post on the presidential results in Oklahoma, we will be looking here at the U.S. Senate race and results from the two state questions that voter soundly rejected.

In his final election, Senator Jim Inhofe posted his second-best general election showing, behind only his 2014 matchup where he received 68% of the vote. His results largely trailed President Trump's by a few points, with Oklahoma County also being his closest with a 0.93% spread (48.33% to 47.4%). His best result came in Cimarron County with a lead of 84.71%

Next, let's look at the two state questions that were on the ballot.

Rural Oklahoma rejected State Question 805 in overwhelming fashion. This ballot measure won in Oklahoma County alone (54.21% to 45.79%, a 8.42% spread). The 'Yes' vote in Cleveland County trailed by 3.13%, Comanche by 7.2%, and Tulsa by 13.76%. All 73 other counties had a 'no' lead of at least 24%, with 20 at over 50%.

Election Results Map: Presidential Race

 Here is the much-anticipated 2020 general election edition of my long-running Election Results Maps series. I've been compiling these since 2010, which has included both the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections.

In this post, we'll take a look at the Presidential race results here in Oklahoma, and compare the 2020 presidential race to 2016. We'll examine the U.S. Senate raceand both state questions in a separate article.

First up, the big one:

As you can see, President Donald Trump carried all 77 counties, making 2020 the fifth presidential cycle in a row where the Republican nominee won every single one of Oklahoma's counties (dating back to 2004).

These figures were pretty wild. Oklahoma County was by far the closest, with a spread of just 1.21% and with Trump held to 49.25% of the vote. The next closest? Cleveland and Tulsa counties at spreads of 14.06% and 15.57%, respectively. They weren't even close. 

14 counties had Trump leads between 20% and 50%. 52 counties went red by margins between 50% and 75%, and Trump won in 8 counties by more than 75%. 

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

Earlier in the week, I published What you need to know about the judges on the ballot. In this post, I'll focus in on the two state questions that are on the ballot. This information is largely derived from a brief presentation I gave at my church. 

I got some of my material from these helpful articles (SQ805, SQ814) at Ballotpedia, in addition to information from supporting and opposing organizations, and this excellent post on SQ805 at BatesLine.

State Sen. Weaver, State Rep. Roe: SQ805 would endanger Oklahoma healthcare workers

The following press release is from Oklahomans United Against 805:

Safety of Oklahoma Healthcare Workers Threatened by SQ 805 

Oklahoma hospitals report between 5 to 10 assaults on workers every day

 
Oklahoma City — SQ 805, the effort to reduce incarceration by lessening penalties on habitual offenders, has come under fire from those who have worked to protect Oklahoma’s front-line health care workers. 

“It is unconscionable, especially during this time of Covid, that any group would seek to lessen punishment for those who attack our healthcare workers,” stated Darrell Weaver, the state senator who authored SB 1290 to increase the range of punishment for those assaulting medical professionals in the line of duty.  

SQ 805 would restrict the ability of judges and juries to extend harsher penalties on habitual criminals, such as those who attack health care workers.  SQ 805 uses Title 57, Section 571 as it existed on January 1, 2020, to define the difference between violent and non-violent felonies.  Assault on a medical professional is not on that list.  

“We have worked for years to extend the protections to our nurses,” Weaver continued.  “SQ 805 is a substantial step backwards.  It will prohibit the use of prior felony convictions to extend the punishment of those attacking the very folks we depend on.  SQ 805 will forever enshrine in our constitution that such attacks are quote, non-violent, un-quote,” Weaver added.  

OKGOP supports Governor Stitt in opposing SQ805

 

From the Oklahoma Republican Party today:

Oklahoma Patriots,

Did you see our Governor’s call to action this week? He needs us to show up at the polls to vote NO on SQ 805.

No on 805 campaign releases hard-hitting new ad

 

NEW TV AD: Oklahomans United against 805 Release New TV Spot Highlighting a Serial Domestic Violence Offender Who Would Be Released if 805 Passes

 
Oklahoma City — Oklahomans United against 805 launched a new TV ad today, and top District Attorneys have a warning today for their fellow Oklahomans: If State Question 805 passes, hardened criminals like the perpetrator featured in the new TV spot will be let out of jail to re-offend.
 
In their remarks at a press conference today, Oklahoma’s District Attorneys debunked S.Q. 805’s central theme that “non-violent” offenders were nearly “first-time”’ offenders.
 
Nothing could be further from the truth.
 
Through their new TV ad, Oklahomans United against 805 have identified yet another repeat offender who would benefit greatly from the leniency provided to career criminals if S.Q. 805 is passed.
 
The new features Randall A. Cornelius, a repeat offender who has been arrested 25 times and who is listed as a suspect in at least 36 police reports. His list of offenses is long: kidnapping; strangulation; robbery of a disabled senior citizen; DUI (twice); drug possession and distribution (8 times); domestic violence; felon in possession of firearms; stolen vehicle; destruction of property; and more.
 
However, perhaps his worst offense is the reported stabbing spree he went on against a girlfriend. KOCO 5 TV reported at the time that Cornelius, who has a “long, violent criminal history,” went on to commit a “brutal and bloody attack on his girlfriend” in front of a convenience store. Even after she ran for help into the store and sought to take cover behind the cashier stand, Cornelius continued stabbing her. The Midwest City police chief stated that if an officer hadn’t been nearby to help within seconds, the event would have been a homicide.  Cornelius was arrested for the attack, in what was his 36th police investigation since 1998.
 
The repeat offender is now serving time in prison in Holdenville, but— under S.Q. 805, his sentence would be lessened due to the sentence enhancements for his prior crimes. If 805 passes, Cornelius would be back out into the community to surely commit further crimes.
 
Simply put, Cornelius’s 25 prior arrests would be hidden if S.Q. 805 passes.
 
“If we respect women and we respect victim’s rights, we must vote no on 805,” said Kim Garrett, founder and CEO of Palomar domestic violence center. “If State Question 805 passes, it would let perpetrators like Cornelius back into the community to commit further crimes, and perhaps even return to kill his prior victim. In a civil society, we must protect women from repeat offenders such as this.”
 
Further details of his stabbing spree: KOCO 5: “Police: Man Arrested in Midwest City Stabbing Has Long Violent Criminal History and OKC FOX: Police: Woman Stabbed Multiple Times outside Oklahoma City OnCue.
 
PLUS: In addition to speaking about the new ad featuring a repeat violent offender, District Attorneys today answered Q&A specifically about the fact that if S.Q. 805 passes, it will:

1. Be retroactive — therefore, breaking promises to many Domestic Violence victims and their children;
2. Change the Oklahoma Constitution — thus, harder to change in the future;
3. Redefine FOREVER what is classified as “non-violent,” tragically including:
   a.    Domestic Violence
   b.    Crimes against Children
   c.     Home Burglaries
   d.    Arson — even with bodily injuries
   e.    DUI

View the new TV ad below:

<center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f4ZuRqcNpeY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>

Anti-Domestic Violence Group “Appalled” at Pro-805 group’s Use of Rapper in Social Media

“APPALLING” — S.Q. 805 Uses Drake in Facebook Meme to Talk about Prior “Non-Violent” Convictions 

…But Media Reports Show Drake Settled Suit over Alleged Rape that Resulted in Pregnancy; and Member of His Entourage Sentenced to 6 Months in Jail for Assaulting a Woman during Domestic Violence

Oklahoma Domestic Violence Victims’ Group “APPALLED” at Insensitivity, Ignorance of Yes on 805’s Facebook Post

Oklahoma City (October 21st) — Proponents of State Question 805 are using a Facebook meme of the rapper Drake in their continued quest to convince Oklahoma voters that they ought to extend first-offense privileges to repeat criminal offenders.

They could not have picked a worse role model.

Oklahomans United Against 805 reveals today a long list of offenses that have been reported for the rapper and his security entourage — including assaults against women, domestic violence, physical assaults against wait staff, physical intimidation and more.

Rolling Stone Magazine reported that a female acquaintance of Drake accused him of raping her and that a pregnancy resulted from the rape. According to The Independent, Drake settled out of court with the woman in a $350,000 out-of-court settlement: (link)

But that isn’t the first time Drake or his team have had a brush with violence.

Governor Stitt: vote for safety by voting No on SQ 805

Governor Kevin Stitt sent the following statement to supporters yesterday, urging them to vote against State Question 805.

As an Oklahoman, you’ve probably heard a lot about State Question 805. I’m urging you to vote no on SQ 805.

As you know, since the beginning of my campaign for Governor, I have been an advocate for smart criminal justice reform, one that gives non-violent offenders a true opportunity at a second chance and reform that modernizes our criminal code.

Friends, SQ 805 is not criminal justice reform. It is a veiled effort by big out-of-state donors to change our State Constitution and handcuff Oklahomans’ ability to overhaul the criminal code.

Proponents of this bill are floating false narratives around the state about Oklahoma crime and incarceration. Here are some of the real facts:

Oklahoma Pro-Life group: vote NO on State Question 805

Oklahoma Pro-Life group: Vote NO on State Question 805
Measure Would Grant Leniency to Serial Abortion-Law Violators

(October 15th, 2020 -- Oklahomans for Life) We urge your strong opposition to State Question 805 because of its effect on abortion in Oklahoma. State Question 805 is a proposed constitutional amendment which is on the November 3rd General Election ballot.

State Question 805 prohibits increased sentences (sentence “enhancements”) for repeat offenders who continue to commit “non-violent” felonies, thus limiting the time habitual criminals spend behind bars. Under State Question 805, abortion is classified as “non-violent.”

Even under the U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, there are circumstances under which states can protect the lives of unborn children, and Oklahoma’s legislature has done so. Our state has passed laws prohibiting certain types of particularly heinous abortions – for example, partial-birth abortions – the commission of which are felonies.

Partial-birth abortion is a procedure in which the abortionist pulls a living baby feet-first out of the womb and into the birth canal, except for the head. The abortionist punctures the base of the baby’s skull with a surgical instrument, then inserts a tube into the wound and removes the baby's brain with a powerful suction machine. This causes the skull to collapse, after which the abortionist completes the delivery of the now-dead baby. Committing this heinous act in Oklahoma is a felony. Incredibly, under State Question 805, this is classified a “non-violent” felony. 

Two other pro-life laws, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and the Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act, would be similarly impacted by State Question 805. These are precisely the types of crimes for which State Question 805 would bestow on abortion criminals a “get-out-of-jail” card.

Oklahoma has had a particularly sordid history with abortion-industry practitioners. In the years since Roe v. Wade, media reports have chronicled two different instances in which Oklahoma-City-area abortionists have killed their wives. One of the abortionists was convicted of murder. [see link]

The other abortionist was convicted of manslaughter in his wife’s death. [see link]

According to court records, another abortion-mill operator, this one at an infamous Tulsa facility, was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. The intended target of the murder-for-hire plot was his partner in the abortion mill. [see link]

Press reports indicate that yet another notorious abortionist was shut down for exploiting women and committing fraud, in some cases telling women they were pregnant when he knew they were not, and then selling them abortion-inducing drugs. Imagine the anguish of going through life believing you had aborted your baby – when, in fact, you had not actually been pregnant – just so a greedy shyster could exploit a woman’s panic in order to get a big fee. [see link].

It is against this appalling and despicable backdrop that State Question 805 would treat abortion criminals as “first-time offenders” – even if, for example, they committed partial-birth abortions repeatedly as a business model – imposing on them only the same light fine or penalty each time. Compounding the injustice, State Question 805 is a constitutional change, which means the legislature could never go back and add partial-birth abortion to the list of “violent” crimes eligible for enhanced sentences for repeat offenders.  

For these reasons, we urge you to vote No on State Question 805.

Thank you.

Tony Lauinger
State Chairman, Oklahomans for Life

70+ Sheriffs oppose SQ 805, urge citizens to vote 'No'

Photo posted to Twitter by Angelica Brown of OKC FOX 25.
OSA press release says over 70 sheriffs are represented by this view.

Oklahoma Sheriffs and the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association urge
citizens to vote “NO” on SQ #805

As sworn defenders of the public, Sheriffs across Oklahoma understand the importance of defeating State Question 805. If passed, SQ805 will create a culture that crime is okay in Oklahoma by reducing penalties for career criminals.  With SQ805, habitual offenders of serious crimes will spend less time in prison, and put them back on the streets where they can continue committing crimes like home burglaries, child trafficking, soliciting sex from minors using technology, animal cruelty and domestic violence; just to name a few.

While proponents of 805 claim it only applies to non-violent offences, many horrible crimes against people and animals are classified as non-violent, creating a pass for the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, because each crime has the same sentence range as a first time offense.

Proponents FALSELY claim SQ805 will only address repeat felons who commit drug, property or non-violent crimes.  However many of the repeat career criminals who will benefit commit destructive crimes that harm families, businesses, and communities all across Oklahoma. 

OCPA leaders announce support for State Question 805

Conservative leaders support SQ 805

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 6, 2020) -- Jonathan Small, President of Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs; Trent England, David and Ann Brown Distinguished Fellow at Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, and Ryan Haynie, Criminal Justice Reform Fellow for Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, issued the following statement today in support of State Question 805: 

One of America’s most popular conservative pundits is known for his catchphrase, “Facts don’t care about your feelings.” While people may feel differently about the policy of SQ 805, here are the facts.

Oklahoma has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country. We have the highest incarceration rate for women. Yet Oklahoma crime rates are not so extreme--neither in the very worst nor the very best among the states.

Oklahoma puts people in prison for much longer sentences than the national average. This includes sentences that are 70% longer for property crimes and 79% longer for drug crimes. Sentencing enhancements, which SQ 805 will curtail for nonviolent offenders, increase sentence lengths by 36% based on a study conducted by OCPA.

Group calls pro-SQ805 ads "disengenuous", says ads hide criminals' long rap sheets

“DISINGENUOUS:” Proponents of State Question 805 Are Hiding “Long Rap Sheets” of the Criminals in Their Ad

Criminals featured in Ad actually have much longer criminal records than suggested — perpetrators have been charged with serial theft, stolen vehicle, weapons charge, obstructing an officer, drug possession, assault and battery, and more.

“These are far from first-time offenders,” says former Governor Frank Keating

Oklahoma City (No 805, October 1, 2020) — Proponents of State Question 805 launched their Ad just a few days ago, suggesting that the criminals featured in it just needed a little more leniency for their offenses.

However, a FACT CHECK now reveals that the individuals featured in the ad actually have a long trail of crimes behind them that tells quite a different story.

Mary:
9 felonies total

A criminal character who is portrayed in their initial ad is a person whom proponents say is an older woman arrested for just “writing a few bad checks.” But in fact, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections database proves that where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

The character in the ad appears to be based on Mary L. Phillips, who didn’t just “write a few bad checks” — rather, she has at least 14 counts of bogus check-writing, forgery, possession of a controlled substance (drugs), larceny, and more. She has 9 felonies:

“Bruce”

7 felonies total

The 805 ad also highlights a veteran named “Bruce” — whom the proponents of S.Q. 805 portray as a guy who after leaving the military was just a little down on his luck. However, Bruce was given many chances even after committing theft, possession of drugs, and stealing a vehicle, He was given every opportunity including drug court in lieu of prison — but eventually he even went AWOL from that. He has 7 felonies total.

“Barry”
8 felonies total

Another individual that proponents of 805 like to discuss is “Barry” — who proponents suggest was facing incarceration for simply “stealing a lawnmower” — but he, too, has a long rap sheet. “Barry,” who has also used an alias, has at least 8 prior offenses in 3 different jurisdictions and has committed serial theft, stolen a vehicle, was in possession of a controlled substance (drugs), obstructed an officer, had a weapons charge, and more. After he failed drug court, he was placed on an ankle monitor to return to society; while still on his ankle monitor, he committed assault and battery. His Department of Corrections rap sheet actually looks like this:

“Proponents of S.Q. 805 talk about second chances, however this was ‘Barry’s’ ninth chance. If 805 becomes law, and ‘Barry’ commits his 10th felony, he’ll be out in a matter of days because neither the judge nor jury will be permitted to take into account his history as a repeat offender,” said Muskogee County District Attorney Orvil Loge.  “When the system is working harder to keep a criminal out of prison than the criminal himself is, there is clearly a problem.”

“Sonya”
9 total felonies

The Yes on S.Q. 805 also features a “single mother” who was simply “shoplifting.” But a closer look at her record shows that she was actually a serial shoplifter with multiple violations of larceny/theft, in addition to forgery and at least five (5) occasions of possession of drugs — with at least one occasion of possession of drugs with the intent to distribute (drug dealing). With 9 total felonies, her rap sheet looks like this:

Conclusion 

“These criminals are far from first-time offenders, and for proponents of State Question 805 to suggest otherwise is disingenuous,” said former Governor Frank Keating, supporter of Oklahomans United against 805, former prosecutor and former U.S. Attorney. Keating also oversaw the nation’s top law enforcement agencies such as the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  “S.Q. 805 would reward repeat offenders, encouraging them to continue committing crimes including check forgery, possession of drugs, domestic violence in the presence of a child, child trafficking, solicitation of a child using online technology, and more. Oklahomans deserve better than this.”

Fair and Williams publish voters guide on judges, justices, and State Questions

Conservative activists Steve Fair and Georgia Williams, both from southwestern Oklahoma, have published a brief voters guide for over 25 years, discussing the various state questions, judges, and justices on Oklahoma's statewide ballot. Here is the link to their full 2020 guide, along with a brief summary.

State Questions

• State Question 805: Against
• State Question 814: Support

Oklahoma Supreme Court

• Justice M. John Kane IV: Retain
• Justice Tom Colbert: Do Not Retain
• Justice Richard Darby: Retain

Court of Criminal Appeals

• Judge Rob Hudson: Retain
• Judge Gary Lumpkin: Do Not Retain

Court of Civil Appeals

• Judge Jane Wiseman: Do Not Retain
• Judge Deborah Barnes: Do Not Retain
• Judge Keith Rapp: Do Not Retain

Be sure to read their full guide here for more information on why they encourage Oklahomans to vote this way.

Oklahoma District Attorneys Association votes to oppose SQ 805

Oklahoma District Attorneys Association Votes Overwhelmingly to OPPOSE State Question 805

Oklahoma City (September 24th) — The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association has voted to oppose State Question 805, stating that the measure is a danger to Oklahoma’s public safety.

“State Question 805 is a misguided proposal which would impact hundreds of serious crimes,” said Angela Marsee, Oklahoma District Attorneys Association officer. “Proponents claim it’s a reform that helps first-time offenders, but in reality it will serve get-out-of-jail-free cards on a silver platter to repeat violent offenders of domestic violence in the presence of a child, stalking, animal cruelty, home burglary, arson, DUI, or soliciting sex from a minor using technology.”

Oklahoma’s district attorneys also challenge S.Q. 805 with a fact-check about claims in their new ad:

Anti-crime group launches campaign against State Question 805

Opponents Launch Campaign against State Question 805, Which Would Lessen Penalties for Repeat Offenders and Violent Criminals

Oklahoma City - Today, “Oklahomans United against 805” launched their campaign against a state question which would lessen jail sentences for habitual offenders of very serious crimes like domestic violence in the presence of a child, animal cruelty, home burglary, arson or DUI that leaves someone maimed, and even some classifications of child trafficking. 

Opponents of the measure are concerned about the core of State Question 805, which would ban a repeat criminal’s past crimes from being taken into consideration during sentencing. By taking away the ability to enhance a sentence based on past convictions, SQ 805 essentially treats habitual offenders as first-time offenders. 

State Question 805 would, therefore, lessen the punishment for those REPEATEDLY committing these serious crimes.

“It is very clear now that State Question 805 isn’t about providing ‘second chances’ for first-time criminals,” said Tricia Everest, a long-time community activist who has fought for diversion programs like drug courts and veterans’ courts to help break the cycle of crime that hits too many Oklahoma families.  “SQ805 will affect much more than standard drug crimes. It will lessen penalties for those repeatedly committing serious crimes ranging from child trafficking, domestic violence in the presence of a child, and animal cruelty, to property crimes like burglarizing homes.”