Tuesday in the Tulsa area several races for the Oklahoma Legislature will be decided and some forces are working hard to distract your attention and hide their motives.  Here is the Tulsa Today take on the contests in question for your consideration.

Conservative can range from Constitutionalists to Fascists with single issue advocates ranging between.  Leftist are defined by President Obama’s crew of want-a-be Marxist Dictators to … well, the problem is that the Democrat Party has not provided a visible wing that supports the Constitution and Free Enterprise which leaves them all on the dusty long discarded fringe of history.

Leftist trial lawyers are backing extremist on the right.  While these legal practitioners define their effort in populist rhetoric, the point is more clearly identifiable as one to maintain professional revenue streaming from State Courts.  In addition; all public officials are susceptible to charges they are “not conservative enough” so ambition addicts dive low and hard right to gain a career.

Clear?  Maybe not more than mud, but following are some specifics: 

Oklahoma Senate District 25
    Mike Mazzei, 46, Bixby, Incumbent
    Ronda Vuillemont-Smith, 51, Broken Arrow

Mike Mazzei is one of the most effective legislators in the Oklahoma Senate.  Even after a automobile accident that injured his back, he led a committee that made comprehensive reform to the state pension system which is saving taxpayers millions.  Tulsa Today interviewed Senator Mazzei and that story is available by clicking here.

Ronda Vuillemont-Smith is one of the leaders of Tulsa 912, a group patterned by Glenn Beck, but locally involved in questionable policy efforts suggested by an evil fabricator of scandalous fiction, Tulsa County Assessor Ken Yazel, who is not running this election cycle.  Look for more stories on the yahoo Yazel in coming weeks on Tulsa Today.

Smith and her crew are earnest, but too quick to accept offered conspiracy theories that ply their passions.  Their lack of knowledge and broad-based research is clearly seen in the attacks on Mazzei for his absence when, in fact, he was contributing to debate and decisions on important issues.  During his recovery (now almost complete) he didn’t attend many of the neighborhood civic and partisan club meetings, but he was working and in close communication with the capital.  

        Tulsa Today endorses Mike Mazzei for Oklahoma Senate District 25

Oklahoma Senate District 33
    Republicans
    Don P. Little, 67, Broken Arrow
    Nathan Dahm, 29, Broken Arrow
    Tim Wright, 61, Broken Arrow
    Cliff Johns, 32, Broken Arrow

Don P. Little is a nice fellow and a state committeeman for the Oklahoma Republican Party from Tulsa County.  That should not be taken that he is an insider in politics.  To the contrary, Tulsa County’s Republican Party is out of step (if not fighting) with most Oklahoma Republicans while local leadership encourages ambition addicts, as discussed above, to dive low and hard right.  

Nathan Dahm failed to unseat Rep. John Sullivan two years ago and seems to be taking our advice this year to Jim Bridenstine – run first for a state position before a national race.  Dahm draws the younger libertarian and John Birch Society zealots.  He is intelligent, appears earnest and hardworking, but is self-employed so who knows.  

Tim Wright and Cliff Johns have not been visible which is surprising, but if they are walking the district knocking on doors and talking to voters, they may do better than neophytes usually manage in their first races.

Summary:  Both Don Little and Nathan Dahm will stir things up at the Capital.  This race also has a sign war ongoing with Dahm signs sandwiching Little’s signs and in other ways blocking them from view.  Sign wars are typical of angry children not adults ready to discuss issues seriously.

        Tulsa Today endorses Don Little for Oklahoma Senate District 33

Oklahoma Senate District 37
    Republicans
    Dan Newberry, 36, Tulsa, incumbent
    Mark Croucher, 54, Jenks

Dan Newberry is well known, much admired and fundamentally Conservative.  He has the endorsement of U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, Governor Mary Fallin, Attorney General Scott Pruitt and others.  Newberry is passionately pro-life and an active, attending member of Victory Christian Center and a former youth pastor.  As Chairman of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, Newberry led the effort to pass lawsuit reform (HB 2128) and Worker’s Comp Reform (SB 878), stop Obamacare (SJR 59) and prevent Oklahoma’s largest tax increase (SJR 52).

Mark Croucher is the worst human being I have ever had the misfortune to work with.  He is living proof that life doesn’t require a functional brain or any degree of honor.  He tries to bully his way into meetings.  He lies about his opponent.  He disrespects his own district and I guarantee anyone who may doubt – he will betray you.  To read more, click “Dis-endorsement: Croucher and Gantz” and “Candidate calls western district ‘armpit of Tulsa.’”

    Tulsa Today endorses Dan Newberry for Senate District 37

Oklahoma Senate District 39
     Republicans
    Brian A. Crain, 50, Tulsa, incumbent
    Kevin McDougle, 44, Tulsa

The winner of this race will face Democrat Julie Hall, attorney, in the fall.  

Brian Crain is a well-respected and effective leader for Republican positions in the Senate.  By all standards, he is Conservative.  Crain introduced the “personhood” bill and is an authority on health and human service policy and water rights.  He is a key member of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Senate Human Services Committee.  

Kevin McDugle is a Marine Corps veteran now operating a marketing company.  Again, McDugle is diving hard and low to the right in the hope to capitalize on the current “throw the bums out” attitude.  However, trial lawyers (normally Democrat allies) are backing his campaign.  According to published reports; they have given $10,500 as of the last reporting period.  McDougle is very personable and most agree with his general attitude towards government, but he is not studied on the specifics of State government and mostly rails about national issues.  One of Oklahoma’s greatest long-term problems is the need for tort reform which the trial lawyers oppose.  Thus, it is a legitimate question to inquire if McDugle has sold out to special interests by accepting such a huge sum in this race.

    Tulsa Today endorses Brian Crain for Senate District 39.

Oklahoma House District 68
    Republicans
    Glen Mulready, 51, Tulsa, Incumbent
    Darren Gantz, 39, Tulsa

Glen Mulready is a former corporate insurance executive for 26 years now running his own small business.  He is a Conservative and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters.  He is married to Sally and they have three sons.  He supports traditional marriage and is pro-life.  He is visible in civic and party functions often attending with his wife.  

Darren Gantz is also in the insurance business and, he told me, only running because he believes Oklahoma has not been strong enough in opposing Obamacare which impacts his professional profit.  He is discussed in the Tulsa Today piece, “Dis-endorsement: Croucher and Gantz.”  But the most damning news comes again from published reports that the trial lawyers are supporting his campaign.  Gantz is the top-money boy-toy with trial lawyers donating $12,000 as of the last reporting period.  

    Tulsa Today endorses Glen Mulready for House District 68

Oklahoma House District 70
    Republicans
    Shane Saunders, 31, Tulsa
    David W. Davis, 63, Tulsa
    Ken Walker, 40, Tulsa

Shane Saunders is one of the best candidates Tulsa Today has interviewed in some time.  In the Oklahoma Legislature, he will focus on development of small business and supporting fiscal and regulatory infrastructure that fosters entrepreneurial success in our state.  Saunders said, “I started my company seven years ago, but to start today – it would be almost impossible.”  Click here to read his full interview. 

David W. Davis first appeared at a recent Republican meeting and made a good impression with many.  Davis is an attorney and focuses on education improvements in both funding and structure.  As the older guy in the race, Davis points to his age as an asset in providing experience in working with diverse people and their priorities.  He also said he has some familiarity with the state Department of Human Services and the Corporation Commission.  While Davis is an attorney, the trail lawyers mentioned above have not been seen supporting his race – that is a good thing.

Ken Walker seems earnest, but has not earned much success after his military service.  His background is murky and aimless.  He is outspoken on his faith, but we question his ability to master complex issues and some of his business associations lack credibility.  Case in point; Walker fabricated endorsements in this race you can see.  Below on the left is a Walker mailer photo with an endorsement below.  On the right you can see that the image is a stock photo anyone can buy online.  The subjects in the photos never met Ken Walker.  So as an outspoken faith guy, how does Walker reconcile this issue?  He avoids the press.  Repeated calls to Walker have not been returned.

 
Here are the links to the photos Walker used as endorsements from the stock photo site found online, photo 1, photo 2, photo 3.

    Tulsa Today endorses Shane Saunders for House District 70

Oklahoma House District 71
    Republicans
    Katie Henke, 31, Tulsa
    Evelyn L. Rogers, 59, Tulsa

The winner of this race will face Democrat Dan Arthrell in the fall.

Katie Henke is a teacher and suffered an outrageous miscarriage of justice during the election process when, in a special election to fill the seat, the Oklahoma Supreme Court set aside certified results of the vote because additional ballots mysteriously appeared afterward.  Democrats still have some sneaky powers from convoluted positions in Oklahoma and, apparently, "certified" means nothing.  As a result, Brookside was without elected representation at the end of last Legislative session where many issues were decided by one vote.  

Evelyn Rogers doesn’t run for office, she just files for office.  At the “Contenders @ Cains” political event she sat at her table and didn’t talk to people.  It was almost sad to see her there all alone.  With respect, Rogers should stop filing until she can organize a campaign.

    Tulsa Today endorses Katie Henke for House District 71.

Pat Key, Republican, is a candidate for Tulsa County Clerk and the only one of three candidates qualified for the position by both experience and temperament.

Key is currently the Chief Deputy in the Clerk’s office overseeing every department and responsible for recording and persevering all property records in Tulsa County.  The office manages payroll for the County, administers the County retirement system, processes payment for all County bills and produces the County’s annual financial report.  She has served as the Chief Deputy for the last eleven years and has been with the office for 13 years in total.

It is a detail demanding position with high levels of personnel management skill also required to keep the ever flowing cascade of public requests and legally required duties met within deadlines and expectations.  Key accomplishes these tasks with skill and grace.

Those that frequent the Clerk’s office – especially for property records – find her staff helpful and friendly.  Moral is high despite a significant daily workload.

Key has a degree in government from East Central University and a member of the Oklahoma County Officers and Deputies Association, the National Association of Clerks and Recorders and other professional associations.  A longtime Republican activist, Pat Key has served as both treasurer and president of the Republican Women’s Club of Tulsa County.

Prior to moving to Tulsa County, Key owned and operated a John Deere dealership and a cattle operation in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Key’s two opponents in this race have both had legal problems.  One with a driving while impaired charge and the other with IRS and child support problems.  (Click here for a Tulsa World story on those legal issues).  Neither were known to attend party functions prior to filling for office.

Pat Key is an active member of Victory Christian Center.  

Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris endorsed Key saying, “Pat Key, Chief Deputy in the County Clerk’s Office is an experienced professional with proven ability to manage that office.  Just as importantly, Pat Key embodies the high moral qualities and integrity one expects of a person who lives and works by the tenets of her faith.  She deserves our votes June 26th.”

Tulsa County is one of only five counties in the nation to be rated A+ by the Sunshine Review Project for Openness and Transparency and Pat Key was an important part of achieving that high standard.

Tulsa Today is proud to endorse Pat Key for County Clerk.

In the most closely watched race in Tulsa to be decided Tuesday June 26; Rep. John Sullivan is being challenged by Jim Bridenstine.

With considerable regard for Bridenstine; why does he think that his first attempt to win public office should land him in Washington?  Further, some of his supporters told this writer that even this national office is just a stepping stone to Senator Tom Coburn’s Senate Seat.  

America has one unknown that came from nowhere to become President of the United States and we don’t need to make that mistake again.  Bridenstine shows just a bit too much audacity in this, his first campaign.  Even more audacity than Barack Hussein Obama – is that possible?  Apparently it is in Bridinstine’s filing.  At least Obama served in his state legislature.

We would like to vote for Bridenstine for a local, county, or state office.  We would like to see him in action over time on issues of public concern in the heat of contentious debate.  

Bridenstine notes his swim team successes in stump campaign speeches.  Thankfully, he doesn’t talk about kindergarten awards, but what he does speak on is still not the level of leadership necessary on the national stage.

On a personal note:  I won a patriotic writing award from Francis Scott Key Elementary School, but that dropped off my resume many years ago.  I am also an Eagle Scout (with two palm award levels above) and a member of the Order of the Arrow, but that alone doesn’t qualify me for Congress.

Bridenstine notes multiple assignments as a combat Navy pilot.  All of which are honorable and patriotic, but not leadership – that’s command within a unique operational system not leadership of other equals free to ignore him.

Success claimed by Bridenstine at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is disputed within the membership of the Board of Directors, click here to read the latest on that issue.

Further, Tulsa Today sees no reason to fire (not elect) a dedicated, skilled, and proven conservative representative with the advantage of tenure on important committees highly impactful to Oklahoma.

Rep. Sullivan has served in Congress now over ten years (not eleven years as Bridenstine mistakenly asserts) after earning broad support in eight years within the Oklahoma Legislature.  Sullivan is an active member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, one of the most powerful and sought-after committees, and now serves as the Vice Chairman of the Energy and Power Subcommittee.  He is known among his colleagues as the expert in residence on oil and natural gas issues critical to Oklahoma.

In that capacity, Sullivan has passed two bills through Congress this year to protect American workers and to force the EPA to do a cost benefit analysis on regulations that reduce employment in the United States.  Sullivan will be a fundamental part of upcoming negotiations as Congress struggles to develop a comprehensive energy strategy all agree is needed.

It is odd that Sullivan is rated as the most conservative member of the Oklahoma Congressional delegation yet he is being challenged from someone claiming to be even more conservative.

Tulsa Today has disagreed with Rep. John Sullivan, but not that often.  We know he has made mistakes in the past, but he has owned up to those mistakes and the lessons learned have made him a better human being and representative of Oklahoma.  We are proud of Rep. John Sullivan and his service to Oklahoma.

Tulsa Today strongly endorses Rep. John Sullivan in this race.

Click here for debate coverage in this race.

Click here for more from Rep. John Sullivan’s campaign site.

This Corporation Commission race between Bob Anthony and Brooks Mitchell is the only statewide contest on the ballot Tuesday, June 26.  As both are Republicans; the difference is competency in the current decade.

Bob Anthony has, in decades past, worked hard for the people of Oklahoma.  However, for many recent years, he has coasted on past accomplishments and “phoned in” participation.  He is cantankerous, simple minded and oblivious to much including the character and conduct of his own staff which, according to the Oklahoma Public Employees Association, may soon result in the filing of formal grievances.

Avoiding term-limits (Grandfathered in) Anthony has held office for 24 years.  He thinks he owns the position and doesn’t have to earn it despite what his radio campaign commercials claim.

Brooks Mitchell, is a Conservative Republican that worked for nine years as the administrator of the Commission.  He often dealt with problems Anthony created and has the private support of the other Corporation Commissioners and the majority of Conservative Republican Legislative and Administrative government in Oklahoma.   Only a very few who have worked with Anthony enjoy the experience.

Mitchell is a hardworking, dedicated public servant that previously owned his own CPA firm and is detail orientated – a critical personality trait in a Corporation Commissioner.  Mitchell is also calm, serious and dedicated to advancing the best interests of all Oklahomans.

In all truth, the Corporation Commission is the most difficult, less known, but most detailed job in Oklahoma government.  They are the only Oklahoma government agency to meet daily.  The Commission deals with utility regulations and public rates, trucking regulations, oil and gas drilling, and telephone technologies.  (For example:  There are over 400 telephone companies providing service in Oklahoma.)

Without hesitation or reservation, Tulsa Today endorses Brooks Mitchell in this race.

Click here for a previously published interview with Brooks Mitchell.

Click here for the story, "Mitchell claims Anthony irrelevant, doesn’t know current issues."

Click here for coverage of employee grievances at the Corporation Commission.

Click here for Brooks Mitchell’s campaign site.

Analysis:  Those engaged in gaining or retaining public office this election cycle are deliberately, but furiously working every public event and media to make their case for the primary election June 26, one week from today.  To grow constituencies, these brave souls venture to every meeting they can book from partisan clubs to young gun gatherings to neighborhood cookouts.

Monday evening’s bipartisan campaign assembly at Tulsa’s Timeless Honkytonk, Cains Ballroom, was sponsored by Tulsa’s Young Professionals (YPs), KRMG Radio and others.

Contrary to some reports, the crowd was more candidates and supporters than young professionals and only by counting everyone twice could one claim an audience of 300 people.  Never-the-less, it was a successful accomplishment for an age group just beginning to feel the impact of public policy on their personal pocketbooks.

At Cains; candidates each had a tall cocktail table with a sign, a couple of bar stools, their name tag and what materials they brought for distribution.  Bob Wills would have been proud to see both Democrats and Republicans in the room.  Known Conservatives and Liberals didn’t talk much to each other, but eagerly sought potential new constituents.  Even a few elected officials not running this cycle like Tulsa County Commissioner John Somaligo and State Rep. David Derby made appearances.

Several Internet forum moderators and bloggers breezed through, but made even less impact than their online efforts.  Good to see those citizens of specific pontificating interests.

Political pundits, news reporters and photographers captured quotes and images.  The pizza was delicious and one of the organizers, Scott Gaffen, was pleased with good reason.  Tulsa Today recorded his take on the event which you can see on YouTube by clicking here.

The standard format for a candidate forum is to let each candidate briefly speak to the entire crowd which, in short order, becomes tedious.  Monday evening there were no speeches and few announcements to interrupt one-on-one opportunity between civilians and potential public figures.

Graffen and the YPs Government Relations Crew, “The Advocates,” pledge to continue these types of forums and in other ways engage Tulsa’s younger corporate and small business population.  They meet regularly on the last Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Schusterman-Benson Library Meeting Room at 3333 East 32, Pl. Tulsa and new members are welcome.

The purpose is “to identify and address issues affecting YPs and the future growth of Tulsa.”  Their mission, as provided, reads, “To foster and encourage our diverse, metro regional Young Professionals’ awareness, education and engagement in local/state/national policy and government while advocating for the needs of YPs and our greater community.”  You can reach them online at www.TYPros.org or Facebook as TYProsGovernment and check out their upcoming events at www.TYPros.eventbrite.com.

However, the best attended and most compelling recent event was the Republican Women’s Club of Tulsa County debate between incumbent U. S. Representative John Sullivan and challenger Jim Bridenstine.  This race for the District 1 seat is a hot race by campaign rhetoric standards.

Rep. Sullivan has served for over ten years after earning broad support in eight years in the Oklahoma Legislature.  Sullivan is an active member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, one of the most powerful and sought-after committees and now serves as the Vice Chairman of the Energy and Power Subcommittee.  He is known among his colleagues as the expert in residence on oil and natural gas issues critical to Oklahoma.

In that capacity, Sullivan has passed two bills through Congress this year to protect American workers and to force the EPA to do a cost benefit analysis on regulations that reduce employment in the United States.  He will be a fundamental part of upcoming negotiations as Congress struggles to develop a comprehensive energy strategy all agree is needed.

It is odd that Sullivan is rated as the most conservative member of the Oklahoma Congressional delegation yet he is being challenged from someone claiming to be even more conservative.

This is challenger Jim Bridenstine’s first campaign for public office and he shows skills on the stump with passionate oratory in glittering generalities of conservative fundamentals.  A decorated U.S. Navy pilot recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Bridenstine is a graduate of Jenks High School.  He has earned a triple major from Rice University and an MBA from Cornell University.  Bridenstine was also executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum for a short time.

Tulsa Today will publish more on the differences between the two in an upcoming article this week.  The race is difficult for conservatives and as the oldest Conservative publication in Tulsa, we are hearing a great deal from advocates of both candidates.

As this writer was lingering after that Republican Women’s Club meeting, I had a chance to listen to the hotel folk chatter as they cleaned the room.  Talking about the event one said, “I am just surprised that so many people still think their vote matters.”

I had to smile, but thoughts of the years Oklahoma Republicans have had to fight tooth and nail for every vote and every victory came rushing to mind.  Democrats controlled Oklahoma a hundred years and, until two years or so ago, Legislative result was crafted in all specifics by Democrat operatives.  So is Oklahoma in great shape?  Not yet, but it is making improvements despite active efforts of Trial Lawyers, Public Unions, and local communists.

More importantly and at a considerably higher level than ever seen before, individual friends and neighbors are talking politics.  Tulsans are concerned about the future of the nation and the law-breaking of President Obama’s administration including specific disregard if not betrayal of the Constitution of the United States of America.  They passionately wish to fix that this election cycle.

Gloria Buster called the Tulsa Today office to ask about various candidates for office in her district.  She wanted details and as we talked, I offered to meet with her and her husband for coffee somewhere and she countered with an invitation to pot-luck backyard dinner.  A few days later, she confirmed over twenty family friends.

I often give speeches on media, government, history and current books for that matter.  This evening with the Busters was fun with great food.  I do not urge specific votes on any candidate, but shared what personal experience I had with those filed for office and general impressions from each campaign’s; web site, public pronouncements, endorsements, and associations.  We also talked about other elected officials and issues as they asked questions.

It is encouraging to see Americans awakening to the responsibilities of a Republic.  For too long, we have obsessed over individual daily lives assuming public officials would follow the law and their oaths of office.  As President Obama’s administration has proven to the nation and Democrats proven in Oklahoma; abiding by the law is not always found in practice (See David Hall, Gene Stipe and Jeff McMachan for detail).

If any city should know that each vote counts, it should be Tulsa and specifically Brookside’s House District 71 where by a certified tally Republican Katie Henke won, but “discovered” votes after certification provided an excuse for the Oklahoma Supreme Court to set aside the outcome and leave the seat vacant in the last days of the last Legislative session.  Many issues in that session were decided by one vote.  Yes, each vote counts.

Regardless of party affiliation, research your candidates as they strive to represent you.  Discover who hopes to do what should they be elected.  Do they really want to accomplish something?  What are their goals?  What are their foundations of honor?  Go to the forums, meetings, and presentations.  Or just search the Internet, find their phone number and call them and ask them what you like.  If they are running to represent you, they should answer you.

As you research, you will be glad you did and if you would like to schedule a meeting or public presentation with a Tulsa Today editor, you are welcome to call 918-592-6397 or email editor@tulsatoday.com.  We don’t promise all the answers, but we believe in spirited discussions of the issues as the only way to keep America both prosperous and free.