Of the following, who do you plan to vote for, and why?

1. Brad Henry or Ernest "I-took" Istook.

2. Jari Askins or Todd Hiett?

3. Mary Fallin or Dr. Hunter?

4. Kim Holland or Bill Case?

5. Bob Anthony or Cody Graves?

6. Wes Lane or David Prater?

7. Drew Edmondson or Jim Dunn?

8. Jeff McMahan or Gary Jones?

9. Brenda Reneau or Lloyd Fields?

10. Scott Mecham or Howard Barnett?

11. Sandy Garrett or Bill Crozier?

1. Brad Henry

2. Jari Askins

3. Dr. Hunter

4. Kim Holland or Bill Case? Not sure

5. Cody Graves

6. David Prater

7. Drew Edmondson

8. Jeff McMahan or Gary Jones? Not sure

9. Lloyd Fields

10. Scott Mecham

11. Sandy Garrett

1. Brad Henry, I simply don't trust Istook. To involved with lobbyists, the I-40 relocation debacle, etc.

2. Jari Askins. Better an honest, admitted Democrat than a faux-conservative like Hiett. You don't get to be a leader in a House which spends more than any previous house and then still get to wave the banner of conservatism. You don't get to block school district consolidation and wave the flag of small government. Sorry, ain't happenin'.

3. Dr. Hunter -- Mary Fallin = total lightweight. Hunter is an unknown, but he's better than the 'known' being Fallin. I know Fallin, and her vapid ads make me want to vote for anyone BUT Fallin.

4. Kim Holland or Bill Case? Kim Holland -- governors don't appoint people who will embarass them. I trust Henry did extensive checking of Ms. Holland's qualifications. Bill Case on the other hand, we have nothing but his word to go on. I'd rather take the recommendation of someone who has a vested interest in whether their candidate is a success or failure than the word of another candidate himself.

This is an office which should be appointed anyhow.

5. Bob Anthony or Cody Graves? Bob Anthony -- had the guts to turn in SBC, hasn't done anything since. My support is waning.

6. Wes Lane or David Prater? Prater. Wes has allowed himself to become a joke. Also, I've spoken with an A.D.A. who has informed me that Wes' management style leaves a lot to be desired.

7. Drew Edmondson or Jim Dunn? Dunn -- although his campaign is idiotic, and I disagree with the man on most everything, Edmondson has recently become too buddy-buddy with big law firms. Recent cases filed on behalf of the state seem to be predicated on maximizing fees for private firms who happen to also be big campaign contributors. Something stinks.

8. Jeff McMahan or Gary Jones? McMahan -- Jones has been an embarassment.

9. Brenda Reneau or Lloyd Fields? Reneau -- she's done a good job.

10. Scott Mecham or Howard Barnett? Meacham. He's done a great job.

11. Sandy Garrett or Bill Crozier? Bill Crozier. Garrett is a nice lady who seems to lack morals come campaign time (found guilty of libel against her last opponent). We need something better.

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1. Henry - Has done what he said he would do and doesn't deserve to be fired.
2. Askins - I initially didn't like her, but in person she is incredibly smart and an overall good lady - plus Hiett would just use the office as a springboard for Congress of Governor.
3. Hunter - even though I do not live in the district, I am part of the anybody but Fallin bandwagon.
4. Holland - appointed by the Gov. Why is this an elected office?
5. Abstain - I really like Cody Graves - he is a great guy, but I don't feel Anthony deserves to be fired.
6. Prater - Again, living in Cleveland county, I can't vote for him, but Lane seems to run the office like a politician and I am not a big fan of him or his work.
7. Edmondson - Although I resist voting for him, but I see him as the lesser of two evils.
8. McMahan - Again, I see no reason to fire him.
9. Reneau - No reason to fire.
10. Meacham - The guy is a genius and has done much of the behind the scenes work that has made Henry look good.
11. Crozier - Never heard of him, but Garrett has left a bad taste in my mouth.

Looking back on that list, I think it is the most partisan ticket I will have ever voted. I guess it is a sign of the times...

1. Brad Henry or Ernest Istook. Henry, although not the most effective administrator and a moron at that, I don't like Istook. Period.

2. Jari Askins or Todd Hiett? Hiett all the way. He may be aloof in person, but his politics and support of economic development are A+ in my opinion.

3. Mary Fallin or Dr. Hunter? Mary. What a sweet lady, who deserves it more than Mary? To be honest, no other politician in the state really cares more about her role then she does.

4. Kim Holland or Bill Case? Bill Case. Big guy for a big job. He's supported many necessary economic development issues.

5. Bob Anthony or Cody Graves? Mr. Anthony. Don't know a lot about him, but I do know he's fairly intelligent and I like what he did with SBC.

6. Wes Lane or David Prater? Lane's been a little silly. I thought the handling of Bates was a little unnecessary, but would David Prater be any better?

7. Drew Edmondson or Jim Dunn? Apathy

8. Jeff McMahan or Gary Jones? Apathy

9. Brenda Reneau or Lloyd Fields? Reneau has done a fine job, I see no reason to initiate a change.

10. Scott Mecham or Howard Barnett? Meacham has done well. I don't see how Treasurer is a controversial job, but he seems to be on top of things.

11. Sandy Garrett or Bill Crozier? Anybody but Sandy Garrett. How about that guy, Bill Crozier? Don't have a clue who he is, sounds good to me...

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Keep away from Miss Margarita Mean...

Just read an article that the magazine Esquire supported Dr Hunter over Fallin calling her a Family Values mouthpiece and little more

Guess even the out of staters can see through her weak platform

The magazine also supported Henry to get re-elected

1. Henry
6. Whoever is running against Wes Lane

1. Ernest Istook

2. Todd Hiett

3. Mary Fallin

4. Bill Case

5. Bob Anthony

6. David Prater

7. James Dunn

8. Gary Jones

9. Brenda Reneau

10. Howard Barnett

11. Bill Crozier

John -- any reason? Or are you just a party-line guy except for David Prater?

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I personally know or have worked closely with everyone except Prater and Crozier.

I was never a Lane fan and didn't support him last time around. Garrett hasn't done anything in her umpteen years in office.

1. Brad Henry

2. Jari Askins

3. Mary Fallin

4. Kim Holland or Bill Case? Who?

5. Bob Anthony

6. Wes Lane

7. Jim Dunn?

8. Jeff McMahan or Gary Jones? Not sure.

9. Brenda Reneau

10. Scott Meacham

11. Bill Crozier

fighting on the internet is like winning the special olympics you might WIN but you are still RETARDED... posted for conservative and midtowner.. Give it up fellows Please I am already sick of your tag lines. They are beyond grade school.

1. Brad Henry
Henry is “one of us.” He’s Governor of the State. And yet, he doesn’t throw around his political weight, try to come off as a party radical or forget “the people” in Oklahoma. From working with him, I can tell you that one of the things that most impressed me about Governor Henry is that he takes the time to talk with people and more importantly --- listen to people --- wherever he goes. This makes him late to the next event very often. But I’ve never seen him be short or unconcerned with a person during a conversation. He treats each person with respect, value and graciousness. He actually looks into a person’s eyes and listens when he is spoken to. Now it may be a headache for his scheduler and his assistant to take all this time with “the people,” but it is impressive to watch.
He has fought for teacher pay, which I think is important if Oklahoma is to attract and keep good teachers.
And although a lot of folks might offer that he isn’t the most dynamic Governor we’ve had, again, if you look at his record, he has accomplished a lot. He’s not trying to be a superstar. He has rather succeeded at being a servant of the people.
As for Istook, I think he forgot whom he was representing in Washington a long time ago. He became focused on the power in Washington and in his own office. He’s made some truly bad turns that have not only deprived Oklahoma of benefits we should have had as a result of our representation in Washington, but turns that have been an embarrassment to us. He’s too close to too many scandals…Abramoff, the Foley intern scandal, and who knows what else may come up after the elections.
I didn’t vote for Henry last time. However, he has since earned my vote and support unlike any gubernatorial candidate in many years. I support him on his merits as Governor and the person he is.

2. Jari Askins
I don’t care for Hiett. The entire “pay for play” article that showed there was pressure on lobbyists and others to make a contribution to Hiett’s campaign in order to get a bill to the floor made me mad. A bill should be introduced to the floor based on its merits and what is best for Oklahomans. All of a sudden, after fighting against anything and everything the Democrats or Governor Henry tried to do, Hiett is trying to align himself with Governor Henry. Yet, Governor Henry is supporting Askins. Hiett just wants to distance himself from Istook and try to ride a bit on Governor Henry’s coattails. This morning, on Flashpoint, Hiett was arguing with Askins about his great relationship with Henry and all of a sudden, Askins said something like, “If you work so well with Governor Henry and you are such great friends with him, whom are you going to vote for at the polls?” Hiett looked like his feathers were ruffled and didn’t answer the question. Enough on Hiett. On to Askins.
I like Jari Askins’ experience. Her experience is unmatched by Hiett. Truly a public servant, Askins has served in all three branches of government. She served for eight years as a Judge of the District Court. She's also been Chairman of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board and a legal counsel in the governor's office. And of course, she did an outstanding job serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives where, as the Democratic Leader of the House, she was the first woman to lead a caucus in either the House or the Senate. But with Askins, it’s not all about “party.” Rather it seems that her focus is less on party and more on what’s best for Oklahoma. She has often gone against the grain without regard to political parties. Askins has been a determined advocate for ending government waste and for helping education, health care, law enforcement and business. Setting partisan politics aside, she negotiated legislation that made workers compensation more reasonable while protecting the rights of injured workers. As a Ronald Reagan fan, I thought it was exceptional she an editorial writer for a conservative newspaper compared Askins to England's Margaret Thatcher --- noting Askins was much more prepared to reach across the aisle and work for the good of all. Obviously, Askins knows it’s best for Oklahoma if both parties work together. I think we need that attitude more throughout government and in Oklahoma Lt. Governor’s office.

3. Mary Fallin or Dr. Hunter?
Somewhat apathetic, but leaning towards Fallin. I don’t know much about Hunter. Fallin obviously has more experience in the political arena. She would take a great deal of interest and experience about Oklahoma with her to Washington.

4. Kim Holland or Bill Case?
Apathetic.

5. Bob Anthony or Cody Graves?
Leaning towards Bob Anthony because he has done some good things in the past.

6. Wes Lane or David Prater?
DEFINITELY DAVID PRATER!
Wes has become an embarrassment and seems to have lost any decent qualities that put him in the office in the first place. Yes, I voted for him last time. However, he’s become silly with his little “personal conflicts and conflicts of interests.” This entire Video Vigilante thing. His wife not being prosecuted like any other drug addict. The number of EEOC complaints that have been filed against him. The fact he doesn’t even appear in the courtrooms and try cases himself. And yes, Bobbie Burbridge Lane’s influence. It’s all just too hypocritical. I don’t want that from my D.A.
Prater seems to have the experience as a police officer, an attorney and in the D.A.’s office to do a good job and make the necessary changes in the D.A.’s office that will actually make that office the honorable and respected office it should be. I’m voting for change for the better and I’m voting for Prater.

7. Drew Edmondson or Jim Dunn?
Jim Dunn. While I doubt he will beat Edmondson, I believe it’s important he make a showing to remind Edmondson that the people are watching and they aren’t completely happy.

8. Jeff McMahan or Gary Jones?
Gary Jones is too much about “party politics.” I’m just sick of having two parties so far apart and unwilling to work together. While admittedly, Jones has had some good moments in the Republican Party, he has also had some questionable. But just to lighten the mood, if you to see Gary Jones on the national level, check out this HBO video with Borat on which he was featured (WARNING: This video is not for the easily offended) : YouTube - Borat (Ali G) Learns to Give a Speech

Seriously, McMahan has been doing a good job and hasn’t played party politics too much. I really liked Clifton Scott as State Auditor. He also did a great job. Jeff worked under Scott. So I think in the long term, he will continue running that office honorably and the way it should be. I see no reason to change

9. Brenda Reneau or Lloyd Fields?
Don’t care. Probably Reneau since she’s there.

10. Scott Mecham or Howard Barnett?
Don’t care.

11. Sandy Garrett or Bill Crozier?
Really hard to care.


mranderson, could we add another one to the list?:

12. Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices up for retention:
*Note: These are non-partisan judicial retention races. Retention means whether or not to retain or keep the justice in office. The justices are not running against each other. Voter vote to decide whether or not they believe each justice should remain in office. As long as a justice gets a majority, he or she will remain in office. So it’s a yes or no vote.

Steven W. Taylor
I know he oversaw the state trial against Terry Nichols.

Marian P. Opala
I will vote to retain. There’s gotta be something good about the one justice who the others want to keep from being Chief Justice again. I’ve read his story of being a resistance fighter in Europe during WWII, read his opinions and writings, and watched as he has fought to maintain the integrity of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He’s not suing the others to become Chief or for money. Instead, he is taking his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to make the Oklahoma Supreme Court return to the rules that it established, but then changed over a power struggle amongst the justices. Opala seems like the one person who we should keep there.

Yvonne Kauger --- Involved in Native American issues and Red Earth. And the only woman on the court.

Tom Colbert --- The first black justice on the court. Met him and liked him. I think I will vote yes.

James E. Edmondson --- Drew Edmondson’s brother.

Of course, there are those who say the only way to keep our Supreme Court justices honest is to vote “no.” They basically will never be voted out on a retention ballot. But at least they will know the citizens of Oklahoma are watching. For me, I just can’t vote again Opala. I think he’s on the side of truth, integrity and justice.

OKCNative: To add: Opala, even at his age is BY FAR the most prolific Justice. While the other justices each receive six figure salaries, they MIGHT only write one opinion every other month (maybe less). Opala's opinions are better written, and he puts out maybe 3-4 per month.

On average, it takes the Supreme Court about two years to write an appeal. For things like family law cases, two years is way too long. I'm going to seriously consider my votes on everyone but Opala.

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midtowner,
Since you are obviously in the legal profession, I will defer to you. Perhaps we should all consider voting against retaining the justices --- other than Opala. I think you just helped me make up my mind.

Keep Opala!

Send a message to the rest!

The three races I am most interested in and the candidates I want to see win:

- District Attorney - David Prater! Wes Lane has gotta go.

- Corporation Commission - Bob Anthony. The epitome of a public servant.

- State Auditor - Jeff McMahan. Honest, fair...another excellent public servant.

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Lane Versus Prater:
Prater had me until he buddied up with Brian Bates and his wife. He said that he would accept help from anyone to get elected. Should have pushed that one back. Also he was spotted out to lunch with Mrs BB. He is not their attorney so what could that be about?? I agree that what we have ain't so great but, I do think Prater can be trusted. Either.

OOPS REdo Prater can not be trusted Either.

Bates is a jackass. I think Prater doesn't really have much of a choice in Bates' election to endorse him. Bates would endorse anyone who ran against Lane.

As far as being 'spotted out to lunch' with Ms. Bates, that sounds like whisper campaign stuff to me. This is the nastiest D.A. race in recent memory.

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1. Brad Henry

2. Jari Askins

3. Mary Fallin

5. Bob Anthony

6. David Prater

7. Jim Dunn

8. Jeff McMahan

9. Brenda Reneau

10. Howard Barnett

11. Sandy Garrett

I know some of you here feel like Bob Anthony did a great job at saving you a few cents on your telephone bill. Actually, he did a lot more harm to Oklahoma by all of the lost jobs that went to other states.

I agree with Midtowner regarding campaign whispers about Prater having lunch with Mrs. Bates. Even if Prater did have lunch with Mrs. Bates, so what? Maybe they just ran into each other at a restaurant and Prater is too much of a gentleman to act rudely to Brian's wife. Prater distances himself from Brian Bates all the time. But should he be a jerk to Mrs. Bates? I doubt he would be because he's too much of a gentleman.

Whispers...coincidence...innuendo? Who cares?! Get a life folks!

(And OKLApi, you said in previous posts you are in the private eye/bail bonds business. You of all people should know that when someone is doing something questionable, they don't go to a public restaurant and have lunch. They hide in the shadows and hope Bates doesn’t catch them.)

Yah, so I guess we should just let telco and other such companies bribe public officials in order for policy changes?

You think SBC moved out of town because it got its hands caught in the cookie jar?

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Who are you accusing of bribery? What proof do you have of this?

SBC Vice President -- Anthony turned him in to the FBI.

My proof is an indictment, a guilty plea, and a conviction.

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