Tea Party Express poll shows dead heat between Shannon and Lankford -- Brogdon a non-factor

TEA PARTY EXPRESS OKLAHOMA SENATE POLL:

Shannon/Lankford in Dead Heat—Shannon Pulls Ahead in Run-Off

Sacramento, CA – Tea Party Express, the nation’s largest tea party political action committee, announces the results of the recent Tea Party U.S. Senate Republican Primary poll for Oklahoma.  The nationally recognized polling company, NSON Opinion Strategy in Salt Lake City, Utah, conducted the poll.

This poll finds T.W. Shannon with a slight, 32.0%-30.8%, lead over James Lankford.  In head-to-head run-off matchups against James Lankford, T.W. Shannon has built a more comfortable, 8-point lead over Lankford, while Brogdon trails Lankford by a 50%-10% margin.

While all three candidates enjoy strong support from Tea Party Republicans, T.W. Shannon has the highest favorability among self-identified tea partiers as well as likely Republican voters.

The statewide, live caller telephone survey conducted April 23-29 by NSON was of 400 likely Republican primary voters

Tea Party Express Chief Strategist Sal Russo said, “The poll shows the race to be very competitive with almost a third of likely voters still undecided.  Shannon has overcome the large lead held by Lankford in earlier polling, and he has gained the upper hand with Tea Party identified voters in both voter favorability and in ballot choice.”

Key survey question wording and results may be found below:

1)  IF THE PRIMARY ELECTION FOR THE US SENATE WERE TO BE HELD TODAY AND THE CANDIDATES WERE AS FOLLOWS, FOR WHOM WOULD YOU VOTE? (REPUBLICAN PRIMARY VOTERS ONLY)

T.W. Shannon  32.0%
James Lankford  30.8%
Randy Brogdon  3.5%
Andy Craig  1.0%
Kevin Crow  0.3%
Undecided/Don’t Know  32.5%

2)  IF THE RUN-OFF ELECTION FOR U.S. SENATE WERE BETWEEN JAMES LANKFORD AND T.W. SHANNON, FOR WHOM WOULD YOU VOTE?

T.W. Shannon  38.2%
James Lankford  30.2%
Undecided/Don’t Know  31.5%

3)  IF THE RUN-OFF ELECTION FOR U.S. SENATE WERE BETWEEN JAMES LANKFORD AND RANDY BROGDON, FOR WHOM WOULD YOU VOTE?

James Lankford  50.0%
Randy Brogdon  10.2%
Undecided/Don’t Know  39.8%

4)  DO YOU HAVE A FAVORABLE OR UNFAVORABLE OPINION OF: T.W. Shannon

Total Self-Identified “Tea Partiers”
Net Favorable  58.8%     68.2%
Net Unfavorable  8.3%     3.0%
No Opinion  14.5%     10.6%
Never Heard  18.5%     18.2%

5)  DO YOU HAVE A FAVORABLE OR UNFAVORABLE OPINION OF: James Lankford

Total Self-Identified “Tea Partiers”
Net Favorable  54.0%     47.7%
Net Unfavorable  7.3%     5.3%
No Opinion  15.5%     18.2%
Never Heard  23.2%     28.8%

6)  DO YOU HAVE A FAVORABLE OR UNFAVORABLE OPINION OF: Randy Brogdon

Total Self-Identified “Tea Partiers”
Net Favorable  15.8%     19.7%
Net Unfavorable  7.5%     2.3%
No Opinion  24.2%     28.0%
Never Heard  52.5%     50.0%

OK Tea Party leaders announce opposition to T.W. Shannon

Some Oklahoma Tea Party leaders and conservative and activists are expressing their rejection of T.W. Shannon's U.S. Senate campaign, following recent endorsements of Shannon by Sarah Palin and Sens. Ted Cruz and Mike Lee.

Oklahoma Tea Parties and Grassroots Conservatives Do Not Support T.W. Shannon

The following is an open letter to outside individuals & organizations endorsing T.W. Shannon for US Senate:

As conservative grassroots leaders and activists from across the state of Oklahoma we are dismayed that you have endorsed T.W. Shannon for U.S. Senate without having fully researched and vetted the candidate. Each of the top three contenders to replace Senator Tom Coburn has a voting record that is easy to research.

Boots on the ground, grassroots leaders and activists were never consulted regarding who the true conservative candidate was before endorsements were made. Claiming the conservative mantle and deeming yourself as the “grassroots candidate” without the authentic conservative record and actions to support it, instead, makes you a poser.

According to the Oklahoma Constitution Newspaper’s Conservative Index T.W. Shannon has a lifetime (7 years) average score of 74%. In a Tulsa World article dated Sunday, April 6, 2014, during the 2014 legislative session Shannon has missed 305 out of 385 votes and that was only two months into a four month legislative session. The website www.shannonforcongress.com shows that Shannon has debated less than 16 minutes during his time in the legislature prior to becoming Speaker of the House.

Before announcing his candidacy to replace Senator Tom Coburn, T.W. Shannon had never stepped foot inside a Tea Party, Liberty, 9/12 Project meeting, rally or event; once he made his announcement he began showing up at meetings with little or no notice. After receiving the endorsements of Governor Sarah Palin, Mark Levin, Senate Conservatives Fund, U.S. Senators Mike Lee and Ted Cruz, Shannon no longer attends grassroots meetings nor does he seek the grassroots support – he doesn’t need us. Your endorsements have given him the appearance of a grassroots, conservative, liberty loving candidate. While we hold his feet to the fire, you embrace him.

Your endorsement will not make T.W. Shannon become conservative, he has too many masters to serve, the Indian tribes, Tom Cole, big business and the Chamber of Commerce -once in office, he will dance with the one that brought him to the dance and it won't be Ted Cruz, Mike Lee or Sarah Palin. Shannon is being very well handled – he is whatever you want him to be at the time. His association with Tom Cole should bring cause for concern considering Cole’s 49% rating on the Heritage Action Scorecard, who is also closely aligned with the state chamber of commerce and the Indian tribes.

Out of concern that your endorsement of T.W. Shannon for U.S. Senate might be misconstrued that Oklahoma grassroots leaders and activists are endorsing him as well, we feel we owe it to our members and fellow conservative citizens to set the record straight that we do not endorse or support T.W. Shannon for U.S. Senate. We stand with candidates that have a proven track record of conservatism, boldness to stand up for what’s right even when they are the only man/woman standing and will fight to protect our liberty with their last breath if necessary. Oklahoma grassroots gave you Congressman Jim Bridenstine, we are selective in who we support. We support candidates that we feel will best represent our principles and values, not the lesser of two evils, or who has the best chance to defeat James Lankford.

Thank you for all you do for the conservative cause, your hard work is appreciated. While the endorsements that T.W. Shannon has received will make our job a little more difficult, uphill battles do not intimidate us, they make us more determined to expose the truth.

Always for Liberty!

Oklahoma Grassroots Leaders and Activists

Ronda Vuillemont-Smith Tulsa 9.12 Project 
Sandra Crosnoe R3publicans
John and Cyndi McArtor Get America Back
Matthew Vermillion OKforTEA
Martha Vermillion OKforTEA
Harold Vermillion OKforTEA
Peggy Burgess Tulsa 9.12 Project
Bruce DeLay Patriot Pastor, Heartland Church
Marlene Lynch Logan County GOP
Howard Houchen Choctaw County Tea Party
Joy Collins Bartians for Academic Freedom
Dulcie Hannigan OKforTEA
Tom Counts OKforTEA
Jenni White Restore OK Public Education
Lynn Habluetzel Restore OK Public Education
Molly Wehrenberg High Noon Club
Paul Wehrenberg OKC Tea Party
Robert Seamands GEL (Govern Edmond Locally)
Jay Calan Ottawa County Republicans
Bonnie Latshaw Tulsa 9.12 Project
Lonnie Lu Anderson Southeastern OK Tea Party
Kaye Beach AxXiom for Liberty
G Rae and Craig Phillips Tulsa 9.12 Project
Sharon Annesley Oklahoma Liberty Tea Party
Mark Keeling Grady County Tea Party
Karen Yates OKC 9.12 Project
Paul Sublett OKC Tea Party
Ric Moore Logan County GOP
Elaine Leone Tulsa 9.12 Project
Amanda Miller DOR (Day of Resistance)
Naomi Koehn Tulsa 9.12 Project
Elaine Nickelson Delaware County GOP

"I cannot speak for all the pastors that are affiliated with Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ regarding an endorsement of any one particular candidate in the US Senate Race. However, I object that no one from Palin, Lee or Cruz's offices ever consulted the grassroots organizations that live and work in Oklahoma before making this endorsement. Understanding the principles for which Mike Lee and Ted Cruz stand, they should be very cautious of anyone who has such close ties with Representative Tom Cole who received a grade of 49% in this year's Heritage Action Scorecard." Pastor Paul Blair, (for identity purposes only: Founder, Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ)

**Organizations listed for information only

Stuart Jolly leaving AFP-OK for national post

AFP-OK Director Stuart Jolly Resigns after Six Years Building Army for Liberty

AFP President Tim Phillips Expresses Appreciation

Oklahoma City, OK – Americans for Prosperity today announced that Stuart Jolly, state director of the organization’s Oklahoma chapter, is resigning at the end of the month to become Executive Political Director of TeamCFA; which focuses on the areas of free-market economics, school choice and charter school legislative issues and innovative answers. Stuart’s responsibilities are now nationwide, with special focus on three regions surrounding North Carolina, Arizona, and Indiana.

Stuart has served as state director of Americans for Prosperity for over six years, during which time the chapter has grown by over 24,000 activists and successfully defended free-market principles around the state.

“I am proud to call Stuart a trusted colleague and friend and thank him for his leadership in the fight for economic freedom and limited government these past six years,” said Tim Phillips, President of Americans for Prosperity. “While we are sorry to see him go, we know that he will continue to be an ally in our common cause and we wish him all the best. The great state of Oklahoma is an even better place today because of Stuart's dedicated work.”

Prior to joining AFP, Stuart enjoyed a diverse career with the United States Army spanning nearly 22 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and Foreign Area Officer in the Defense Attaché Office in the US Embassy to Belgium. He’s earned multiple awards and decorations including the Senior Aviator Wings, Bronze Star and two Air Medals.

Americans for Prosperity is actively looking for candidates to fill the Oklahoma State Director position. You can see more details and apply by clicking here.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans.  For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

.

Stuart Jolly has been a great voice for free-market principles and a good ally of the Tea Party movement in Oklahoma. With Stuart at the helm, AFP-OK has done great work in the school choice field, in advancing conservative economic policies, and in educating grassroots activists. Although he will be missed in his former post, Stuart will do a great job at his new job. Congratulations on the promotion, Stuart!

Pinnell: isn't it our job to grow the GOP?

Moving in Mass

by Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Matt Pinnell

"If we move in mass, be it ever so circuitously, we shall attain our object; but if we break into squads, everyone pursuing the path he thinks most direct, we become an easy conquest to those who can now barely hold us in check." --Thomas Jefferson, 1811

It's safe to say we are in the midst of a very heated GOP Presidential Primary season. We have quality candidates all vying to be the conservative alternative to Barack Obama. For the most part it's a healthy process, but we must heed the wise words of Jefferson and avoid becoming an easy conquest after the dust settles on this season.

Let's take Iowa, for example. The Iowa Caucus is now a wrap with a Romney, Santorum, Paul photo finish. There were quotes from "Party insiders" in Iowa and nationally that were concerned about Ron Paul's support among independents and Democrats in the Hawkeye state. Excuse me for asking the question that some within our Party won't like, but is it not our job to move Independents and Democrats in the Republican column?

When discussing Dr. Paul’s base or Tea Party voters for that matter, many scream "but they aren't Republicans!" Folks, if there's one thing I've learned from being the Chairman of a partisan political party it's that we are not always going to see eye to eye. Same goes for the Democrats. Nearly 60% of Independents voting in Iowa this year were first time caucus goers. Why again is that a bad thing? If we don't welcome these disenfranchised Independents and Democrats (many of whom are young) into the Republican Party then I'm terribly concerned for the future of it.

Republicans love using Reagan quotes to defend everything. Ok then, here's one for you: “Our task now is not to sell a philosophy, but to make the majority of Americans, who already share that philosophy, see that modern conservatism offers them a political home.” Let them in. Let them in in droves, then make them see that our Party offers them a home.

Some will choose to leave after awhile – that’s fine – but many won't. Many will choose to stay, and help, and grow our Party. Remember those Reagan Democrats? George Will rightly noted recently, "Those who were once called Reagan Democrats are now the GOP base." We let them in, and they stayed. On the other hand, if we choose to close ourselves off to anyone that doesn't look like us or sound like us or agree with us on every issue then it will be become extremely difficult for a Republican to ever move back into the White House.

We saw what conservatives were capable of when we moved in mass in 2010. It was precisely what was deemed necessary back in the mid 50's, when Frank Meyer, a founding editor of William F. Buckley’s National Review, laid out the possibility--and necessity--of what he called “fusionism,” a union of social conservatives and those of a more libertarian, free-market mindset.

Once the dust settles and we have a nominee, that moving in mass, that fusionism, is critical. And if we don't? America will, as Ann Coulter put it, "begin its ineluctable descent into becoming a worthless Western European country, with rotten health care, no money for defense and ever-increasing federal taxes to support the nanny state."

You want that? Stay home. Everybody else, however, that believes Obama must go, let's move in mass with the GOP nominee--be it ever so circuitously--and save this country.

CNN/Tea Party Express hosting Tea Party Debate Monday

(CNN press release, 9/8/11)

CNN, Tea Party Express to Host
First-Ever Tea Party Debate, Sept. 12 

CNN and the Tea Party Express, along with more than 100 local tea party groups from every state across the country, will team up Monday, September 12 to present a first-of-its-kind debate from the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention: Tampa, Florida. Eight Republican presidential contenders will face questions from moderator and lead political anchor Wolf Blitzer during the two-hour event, which will air live on CNN from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. from the Florida State Fairgrounds. The debate will focus on a wide-range of topics, including the role, size and scope of government, with a specific emphasis on issue number one to tea party members and all Americans: the economy.

In addition to questions from Blitzer, audience members inside the debate hall, made up in part by members from tea party groups in 31 states and the District of Columbia, will be invited to ask questions directly to the candidates. Questions will also be taken live from tea party members at debate watch parties in Phoenix, Ariz.; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Portsmouth, Virginia. Online, CNN will solicit questions via comments on CNNPolitics.com, the CNN Politics Facebook page, and by using the #CNNTeaParty hashtag on Twitter.

The following Republican candidates will participate in the debate: Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, businessman Herman Cain, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

The debate will be broadcast live on CNN, CNN International, CNN.com, and CNN Radio. The debate will be available via live stream in the CNN Apps for iPhone, iPad and Android.

CNNPolitics.com will provide a series of stories for all things related to the CNN-Tea Party Republican Debate: the evolution of the tea party movement, its influence on the Republican Party, what’s at stake for the GOP hopefuls participating in the debate and more. On debate day, Monday, Sept. 12, CNNPolitics.com will dedicate its site to coverage of the debate, featuring profiles of the candidates and a behind-the-scenes look at event preparations.

On the day of the debate, the CNN Political Ticker will host a live, up-to-the-minute blog, including real-time comments from CNN’s political team. The page will also incorporate a social media live stream, integrating the conversation happening across CNN.com, Twitter and Facebook directly onto the Political Ticker.

Additionally, a new page for debate coverage, CNN.com/TeaPartyDebate, will be live on Friday, Sept. 9 and will feature a live video stream of the debate, plus related video.


[Blogger's note: the Muskogee Tea Party is one of the co-sponsors of the debate - the only group from Oklahoma that is a co-sponsor. As the organizer of the Muskogee Tea Party, I will be in Tampa in the audience at the debate.]

Leading Oklahoma Tea Party group leaves Gerhart's OCA

Al Gerhart, co-founder of the Oklahoma City-based Sooner Tea Party group and founder of the (formerly) state-wide Oklahoma Constitutional Alliance, is a controversial figure, even within Tea Party circles. Now it appears that his own actions have come back to bite him -- again.

Gerhart formed the Oklahoma Constitutional Alliance last year, to coordinate legislative lobbying efforts among the many Tea Party groups in the state of Oklahoma. At its height, over 35 groups made up the Alliance. That's when Gerhart started a media firestorm by suggesting that Oklahoma needed to form a new state militia, and mentioned that he had talked to state legislators about it. His statements and the ensuing negative attention prompted many groups in the OCA to leave, including organizations such as the Muskogee Tea Party, and the Oklahoma chapters of Americans for Prosperity and American Majority.

Bereft of the respectability lent to the Alliance by the large groups that had left, the OCA lost a lot of steam and publicity. However, Gerhart still remained in charge, and the coalition continued to remain active throughout the 2010 election cycle (and claims sole responsibility for freshman Republican State Rep. John Bennett's defeat of Glen Bud Smithson (D-Sallisaw) - which is an absurd claim, but aside from the topic at hand).

In recent months, Gerhart has attacked members of the Oklahoma Legislature, and the State House in particular. He sent out robocalls into districts of members who voted at the beginning of session against House Rules changes that the OCA supported, and has threatened to use his coalition to take out members that oppose the OCA's legislative agenda.

On Tuesday, Gerhart and the OCA was dealt yet another big blow when Tulsa metro-based OKforTea, perhaps Oklahoma's largest and most active Tea Party group, notified Gerhart of their immediate withdrawal from the Oklahoma Constitutional Alliance. Their email, signed by each of OKforTea's organizers, stated "Though OKforTEA has enjoyed being a member of the OCA and though we understand and appreciate its mission, we must withdraw from membership as of March 15, 2011. Please remove the name of our organization from the list of members and any printed materials or websites, immediately."

This action relegates the Oklahoma Constitutional Alliance to a largely Central Oklahoma organization, and one increasingly alienated by the Tea Party movement here in Oklahoma.

As evidenced by the mass exodus from Gerhart's coalition, many Tea Party leaders and conservative activists across the state view Gerhart as a liability, a loose cannon, and a radical who is hurting the Tea Party's standing in Oklahoma.

As a Tea Party organizer and former OCA member myself, let me conclude with this note: as Gerhart and his shrinking group continue to implode and lash out, please remember that they are on the extreme fringe, and do not represent the Tea Party movement, here in Oklahoma or nationally.

Boren: solving deficit and debt is the main issue

Congressman Dan Boren (D-Muskogee) spoke to a crowd of over 150 at his town hall yesterday in Muskogee, focusing on topics like the budget deficit and national debt.

The atmosphere of the meeting was calmer and more subdued than it was during the summer of 2009, but was still concerned about government spending and intrusion. Boren spoke positively of the Tea Party movement, and the new focus on fixing our nation's fiscal situation.

The congressman began the meeting by running through some quick figures dealing with the debt level and budget deficit. Boren said that, while we need to cut discretionary spending, entitlements like Social Security and Medicare are the big problem. Due to the "sacred cow" nature of entitlements, politicians don't want to take risks and make the needed reforms, but that's what our future depends on, Boren said.

Boren drew applause when he said that he voted to cut funding to Planned Parenthood and the President's "czars".

The congressman had a very relaxed attitude about his political future. He knows that his seat isn't guaranteed, and he said that he's perfectly fine with not being in Washington for a long time - in fact, he doesn't plan on staying in office for a long period of time.

Boren said that while the House will end up cutting nearly $100B from the budget, the Senate likely won't cut much. He predicted a final deal being cut between the two houses at somewhere around $30B, which would still leave a deficit of nearly $1.5 trillion. He hinted that he would vote to raise the debt ceiling, but with corresponding budget cuts.

He also said that he is a regular reader of MuskogeePolitico.com, so... hello Mr. Congressman!

I tweeted updates during the town hall, so for other points, search Twitter for #BorenTownHall (or click the link)

The Conservative View: What Can I Do For You Today?

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner and conservative activist Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

 The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

What Can I Do For You Today?

In a short period of time we Americans will decide who will run the affairs of our country and our government. We Americans have gotten into a bad habit of asking politicians what can they do for us today. It was Ronald Reagan who once said that politics is the world’s second oldest profession and it bears a striking resemblance to the first.

History is full of instances where people have elected the wrong people to run governments across the world; just because a person may have a charismatic personality doesn’t insure that they will be a good leader. I have found that there are two kinds of politicians, one type will tell you what you need to hear and the other will tell you what you want to hear. In my opinion the second type is no better than a common conman. Our country is facing many problems and there is no quick fix, many of the problems that we are facing are of our own making. For far too long we have been electing leaders that promise to go to the public treasury and bring home the bacon, when you look at democracies across history that is the one common factor in their demise.

We Americans have forgotten that our system of government is a Republic and not a Democracy. In a Republic we are ruled by law and not by the simple majority, in a democracy the citizens often degrade into nothing more than mob rule. In a pure democracy, if a majority of the people wants to make murder legal it will be legal; in a republic there are absolutes, even if a majority want to make murder legal it is still illegal.

I have noticed the movement in our county with the Tea Party people and others that are seeing the seriousness of the situation that our country is in. When I look at potential candidates and they start promising a chicken in every pot or some equally absurd promise, I am reminded that the primary function of our government is to protect our liberty and freedom. Distractions in our personal lives rob us of productivity and energy, only when we back up and focus our energy can we make progress. I know that it is human nature to want to get something for nothing, but we need to remember that the price we pay could be the very liberties that our county was founded upon.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net. 

Primary Night: Big Victories for Tea Party Candidates

Tonight was primary night in several states, and Tea Party-supported candidates came out big. This continues the surge Tea Party candidates have had, capped off so far this year by Joe Miller's stunning victory in Alaska over U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

Christine O'Donnell upset Congressman Mike Castle in the Delaware Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Castle, one of the most liberal Republicans in Congress, had long been considered a shoo-in, not only for the primary but also for the general election. O'Donnell received 53% of the vote this evening, while Castle got 47%.

The nomination of O'Donnell will make this particular race much more competitive. Last week, Rasmussen found Castle leading the Democrat nominee 48%-37%, and O'Donnell trailing 36%-47%.

In New Hampshire U.S. Senate primary, Ovide Lamontagne has been leading Kelly Ayotte all night, currently (10:30pm CST) by 41.2%-37.4%. Ayotte had the support of Sarah Palin, along with other, more establishment Republicans, but Lamontagne has received a lot of Tea Party support.

All Republican candidates for Senate have been in a slight lead in the New Hampshire race, according to polls.

In Wisconsin, Ron Johnson is cruising to an 80%+ victory. Johnson is also a Tea Party candidate, and has a viable chance at defeating incumbent U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI). Recent polls have had the two essentially tied, or with Johnson in a slight lead.

Voter Education Rally - Friday

Rick Santelli: "Stop Spending! Stop Spending! Stop Spending!"

CNBC's Rick Santelli:




Santelli's on-air rant on February 19th, 2009, is widely credited with helping to spark the Tea Party movement.

Voter Education Is Important

Voting is a tremendous privilege, honor, and responsibility. We, as Oklahomans and Americans, actually pick who our next political leaders will be. We, as voters, select people to represent us in government at all levels, whether it’s at City Hall, the State Capitol, or in Washington D.C.

As many people are aware, this is an election year.  Television ads are already running, advocating one candidate, attacking another.  The radio airwaves are beginning to fill up with campaign commercials as well.  Soon, you’ll begin to get political mail, too.

But with all of that, do you really ever know anything about who is on the ballot when you stand in the voting booth?

This year, Oklahoma voters will be choosing a brand new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Treasurer, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction. We will vote to either re-elect or put in a new State Auditor, Labor Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner, and Corporation Commissioner, and will vote on candidates for U.S. Senate and U.S. House. And that doesn’t include the numerous candidates for the state legislature, judicial offices, county offices, municipal offices, and this year’s State Questions.

A bit overwhelming, isn’t it? It’s hard to know who to vote for when there are so many unfamiliar names on the ballot. Don’t you wish you could hear all of those candidates personally tell you why you should elect them?

Well, good news - you can. This Friday, at 6pm at Muskogee's Civitan Park, the Muskogee Tea Party group is hosting a FREE, non-partisan “Voter Education Rally”, specifically designed to giving candidates the opportunity to educate the public about the “who-what-why” of their campaign. All candidates for statewide and federal office have been invited to speak, and over 30 candidates have already confirmed their attendance.

This will be a great opportunity for you to hear, straight from the horse’s mouth, about the different offices and candidates that will be on the ballot in the July 27th primary and November 2nd general elections.

In addition to candidates speaking and having booths, attendees will be able to participate in a straw poll to voice their opinions in a mock election based on what they heard.

The political climate today requires us to be informed voters. Too much is at stake to be uninvolved in the voting process. I’ll be at the Voter Education Rally at Civitan Park on Friday, July 2nd, at 6pm... will you?

Jamison Faught

Jamison Faught is the organizer of the Muskogee Tea Party group. For more information, visit www.MuskogeeTeaParty.com.

Legislators Respond To Milita Allegations

Two state legislators who have been drawn into controversy over creating a state milita. An AP story stated that "Frustrated by recent political setbacks, tea party leaders and some conservative members of the Oklahoma Legislature say they would like to create a new volunteer militia to help defend against what they believe are improper federal infringements on state sovereignty."

The article went on to further state, "Tea party movement leaders say they've discussed the idea with several supportive lawmakers and hope to get legislation next year to recognize a new volunteer force. They say the unit would not resemble militia groups that have been raided for allegedly plotting attacks on law enforcement officers."

The legislators referred to, State Rep. Charles Key (R-OKC) and State Sen. Randy Brgdon (R-Owasso) - a candidate for governor - have both issued statements regarding the article.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon:

There Already is an Oklahoma Militia
Brogdon says historical context represented as personal opinion in news reports

Recent statements of mine regarding an Oklahoma militia have been misrepresented, taken out of context and are badly misunderstood. I have stated that the formation of and participation in, an Oklahoma militia is legal based on both federal and state law.

However, remarks I made in historical context were inaccurately reported as my personal opinion. Specifically, historical speculation about the frame of mind of the Founding Fathers as they wrote the Constitution was reported as if it were my deeply held belief. Then these misrepresentations were used to distort my true beliefs, while implying that I have violent intentions.

So let me set the facts straight about my beliefs on dealing with the federal government, the role of a militia in Oklahoma, and how best to effect change in government.

Both the First and Second Amendments of the U.S. Constitution protect individual participation in a militia. Membership in such a group is a form of self-expression, so our right to free speech comes into focus. The Second Amendment states, "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Our Founding Fathers were suspicious of big, centralized government. However, nobody can mistake this statement as some sort of right to insurrection.

The fact is that Oklahoma state law already establishes and provides for, an "unorganized militia" as an officially recognized part of Oklahoma military forces.

§44-41. Composition of Militia - Classes.

The Militia of the State of Oklahoma shall be divided into three (3) classes: The National Guard, the Oklahoma State Guard, and the Unorganized Militia.

23. "State military forces" means the National Guard of the state, as defined in Title 32, United States Code, the organized naval militia of the state, and any other military force organized under the Constitution and laws of the state to include the unorganized militia (the state defense force when not in a status subjecting them to exclusive jurisdiction under Chapter 47 of Title 10, United States Code).

These statutes are not part of overlooked or arcane law. The legislature has rewritten this section numerous times over decades, most recently in 2007.

So undeniably, a militia in Oklahoma is not only legal – it already exists as a matter of fact.

No, Oklahoma does not need to activate the unorganized militia. If we ever do, it certainly won't be to invade Washington, D.C. In fact, Oklahoma's unorganized militia is prohibited from operating outside the state.

I do plan to fight what I consider to be an over-reaching federal government, but I will do it with the Constitutional tools provided by the framers. For years, I have advocated adherence to the 10 th Amendment as a weapon against big government.

As a legislator for much of the last decade I have routinely proposed new law. When enough of my Senate colleagues agree with me laws are changed or enacted, peacefully. Yet, this week, some people seem convinced that I would abandon the democratic process to wage actual war on the federal government which is simply bizarre.

I was saddened that some in the anti-militia crowd can be as irrational and violent as those they condemn. As this story developed over the week, I received as many as a half-dozen death threats, not only directed at me but at my family as well. One unpleasant person said they would only be satisfied when I am swinging from a tree. Hopefully, the thought was fleeting. The threats were forwarded to the OSBI for investigation.

State Rep. Charles Key:

DEMAND FOR RETRACTION AND RELEASE OF RECORDED INTERVIEW

April 15, 2010
HAND DELIVERED

On Thursday April 8, 2010, Sean Murphy of the Associated Press came to my office and asked to speak about some rumors “they” had heard about militias. He said “they” had heard that there were some legislators who were considering filing legislation about ‘the militia’. He was very persistent about trying to get comments from me about militias and asked if I knew anything about that or heard anything about that. I told him unequivocally that I knew nothing about that and had not heard anyone talk about or request a legislator address this issue in any way. We then talked about state sovereignty issues and the liberal interpretation of the “Commerce Clause” in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

I was surprised to learn of the article that appeared in The Oklahoman and other media outlets on Monday, April 12, 2010 that attributed to me a statement I never made. The statement attributed to me was not in quotation marks and the interview of April 8 was not recorded to my knowledge. My office has been inundated with inquiries about this false statement.

Tuesday, April 13, Sean Murphy came by my office and asked to speak with me. He said he wanted to apologize if the article had caused me or my legislative assistant any problems. I told him that he got it terribly wrong and reminded him that I didn’t know anything about an interest and never said I was considering filing legislation related to militia. He then made a statement that stories are sometimes edited and that can alter the intent of the interviewee. He then said he wanted to get it right and asked if he could record our conversation. I agreed and we did another interview. I expected to see a corrected article to follow.

I am demanding a retraction and that the recording from the second interview be released.

Charles Key

The issue appears to have started when Al Gerhart, co-founder of the Sooner Tea Party and founder of the Oklahoma Constitutional Alliance, made statements to the press expressing support for starting a state-run militia, as mentioned in state statutes.

The media ran with it, and now the issue has blown into a huge brouhaha. Gerhart continues to make idiotic statements, and his Oklahoma Constitutional Alliance, once a loose affiliation of more than 30 groups across the state, is now shrinking.

Gerhart does not speak for the Tea Party movement in Oklahoma, and I certainly hope that his stupid actions don't hurt the movement as a whole.

Muskogee Tax Day Tea Party

MUSKOGEE TAX DAY TEA PARTY

Are you worried about our nation’s future, with escalating budget deficits and increasingly oppressive national debt?

Come join fellow patriots for a TEA PARTY!!

When: Thursday, April 15th from Noon to 1:00pm.
Where: Muskogee’s Civic Center Plaza (4th & Okmulgee)

Special emphasis on taking our country back!

Learn how to get involved in the political process! Find how to effectively contact elected officials, and how to track campaign contributions!

Discover what we can do to take our country back!

This is a NON-partisan event open to all patriotic Americans who want to protect their freedoms and futures. Let your voice be heard!

For more information go to: www.teapartymuskogee.com
or contact Jamison Faught at (918) 869-6000.

The Conservative View: A Lesson Re-Learned

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

A Lesson Re-Learned

Being a conservative it is easy to get discouraged about the status of our government and the policies that are being rammed down the throat of the American people. It is evident to see that the mainstream media owes their allegiance to the liberal philosophy. It is sad that the mainstream media no longer has the ability to report issues in an honest and unbiased fashion. When you look at history, the conservative cause has always had to overcome the status quo. Today we are fortunate to have other sources such as the internet and talk radio, the people that founded this country did not have anything as good as we do today. I believe that the desire for freedom enabled our founding fathers to do remarkable and great things. I believe that desire is a part of our genetic makeup. Far too often we have a bad habit of allowing someone to make us believe that the grass is greener on the other hill, more often than not when we get there it is not what we were led to believe.

Just a little over a year ago the pundits were ready to read the obituary for the conservative belief system, now their obituary seems a little premature. I am old enough to have had the honor to have voted for Ronald Wilson Reagan. I remember the mess our country was in due to Jimmy Carter and his cronies promising greener pastures. It has been several years since President Reagan came to power; the voters of that day re-learned our conservative values. Reagan believed in a limited government, strong defense and above all freedom. I saw firsthand the pride in our country that was generated because of those values. Over the past few weeks I have seen the American spirit rekindled.

Even though ridiculed by the main stream press, the tea party movement has grown into a force and a focal point for conservative values. Next Tuesday there will be an election in Massachusetts to fill the senate seat formally held by the late Ted Kennedy. According to recent polls the conservative candidate Scott Brown is leading, just a short time ago this would have been impossible. The events of the last year seemed to have awakened the dormant gene that made this country great. As long as we can re-learn our conservative values when we go chasing greener pastures there will be hope for our country.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.

Muskogee Tea Party - December 16th

In commemoration of the 236th anniversary of the original Boston Tea Party, the public is invited to participate in the upcoming Muskogee-area Tea Party to be held at the Muskogee Civic Center (Room C - second floor; 4th & Okmulgee) on Wednesday, December 16th, from noon to 1:30pm.

This is an opportunity for citizens to express their concerns about the direction Congress and the White House are taking our country.

The goal of the Tea Party movement is to encourage citizens to get involved and let their voices be heard. This is a non-partisan event and open to all Americans who want to protect their freedoms and futures.

The format will be a bit different than previous Muskogee Tea Parties. We'll be doing this "popcorn" style - anyone who wants to speak will have a certain amount of time (probably about 2 minutes) to speak, and then the next person in line will get the microphone. Since there is not going to be a set program to follow as in previous events, feel free to just drop in for a while if you don't have time to stay for the entire Tea Party.

For more information, go to www.teapartymuskogee.com or contact organizer Jamison Faught, 869-6000.

A Tale of Two Tea Parties

December 16th will be the 236th anniversary of the ‘Boston Tea Party’ – that famous assembly of American patriots who threw hundreds of tons of British tea into the waters of Boston Harbor to protest unjust taxation and oppressive government. The same fiery spirit that led those Americans to refuse to bow to British pressure prompted them to begin the struggle for independence just two short years later. After over two and a quarter centuries, we still benefit from the foundation laid by our Founder’s sacrifices.

When the Sons of Liberty stepped foot on those three ships loaded with tea, they knew they would be angering a colossal government. Rather than passively submit to tyranny, they stood up and made their voices heard.

In response to their experiences with monarchial government, those patriots who were our nation’s Founders set up a Constitutional Republic, limited in size and scope, to preserve the liberties we all hold dear. Since that time, however, we have begun to drift from the moorings of our founding documents, and have allowed the federal government to grow into a monster the Founders would never have recognized.

Today, we constantly hear of some new scheme the politicians in Washington are cooking up. From amnesty for illegal immigrants, pork projects, government-run health care and disastrous “cap-and-trade” proposals that will destroy our economy and way-of-life, Congress and the White House continues to ignore the will of We The People.

For decades, the American people have watched as career politicians and those who do not possess our nation’s best interests at heart have used the government to benefit themselves, at the expense of the citizens.

No longer.

With the onset of the Tea Party movement in February of this year, the American people have awakened to see the destruction that has been, and is being, wrought on our country. We are standing up and saying ‘enough is enough!’ We will not stand idly by as yet-unborn generations are loaded with crushing debt and the Constitution is trampled on.

Millions have gathered across the nation in the past ten months to make their voices heard. Here in Muskogee, over 850 concerned citizens have come out for three separate ‘Tea Parties’ since April 15th. Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike have voiced both their opposition to harmful government policies, and their favor for ideas such as the FairTax, balanced budgets, fiscal responsibility and congressional term limits.

On December 16th, more Muskogee-area patriots will be gathering for another Tea Party, from noon to 1:30pm at the Muskogee Civic Center (Room C). Now is the time for American citizens to stand up and speak out. Whether your issue is federal or local, unless you join in the fight nothing will change. Remember – you truly can make a difference.

The political status quo must be changed, if we want to pass on an America as great as the one we received from our Founding Fathers.

Get involved. Connect with like-minded citizens from all over this part of the state. Come to the Muskogee Civic Center from noon to 1:30pm on Wednesday, December 16th. Come and make your voice heard!

Jamison Faught is the organizer of the Muskogee-area Tea Party movement. He is local conservative political activist and blogger. You can read his blog at www.muskogeepolitico.blogspot.com

Muskogee Tea Party - Veterans Day Parade

The Muskogee Tea Party group will be participating in the upcoming Muskogee Veterans Parade on November 7th.

If you would be interested in marching with the Muskogee Tea Party patriots, please contact organizer Jamison Faught (email: teapartymuskogee@gmail.com) for more details.

Muskogee Tea Party - Rain or Shine!

The Muskogee Tea Party will go on, rain or shine! The location is covered, so everyone should be out of the rain, if or when it comes.

September 12th TEA PARTY

Are you worried about our nation’s future, with escalating budget deficits and increasingly oppressive national debt?

Come join fellow patriots for a TEA PARTY!!

When: Saturday, September 12th from Noon to 1:00pm.
Where: Muskogee’s Civic Center Plaza (4th & Okmulgee)

Special emphasis on “Health Care Reform”

Learn how government-run healthcare will affect you and your family!

Speakers on health care: Dr. Jay Gregory, Dr. Tim Robison and Ronald Reagan (see below)
Comparing the US and Canadian health systems: Bert Heibert
American Majority speaker: Trait Thompson

Hear RONALD REAGAN speak on socialized medicine. (Radio address)

Discover what we can do to take our country back!

This is a NON-partisan event open to all patriotic Americans who want to protect their freedoms and futures. Let your voice be heard!

For more information go to: www.teapartymuskogee.com
or contact Jamison Faught at (918) 869-6000.

Sept. 12th Muskogee Tea Party

September 12th TEA PARTY

Are you worried about our nation’s future, with escalating budget deficits and increasingly oppressive national debt?

Come join fellow patriots for a TEA PARTY!!

When: Saturday, September 12th from Noon to 1:00pm.
Where: Muskogee’s Civic Center Plaza (4th & Okmulgee)

Special emphasis on “Health Care Reform”

Learn how government-run healthcare will affect you and your family!

Hear RONALD REAGAN speak on socialized medicine. (Radio address)

Discover what we can do to take our country back!

This is a NON-partisan event open to all patriotic Americans who want to protect their freedoms and futures. Let your voice be heard!

For more information go to: www.teapartymuskogee.com
or contact Jamison Faught at (918) 869-6000.