To unsubscribe please send an email requesting removal at ModernPatriot@hotmail.com .

Invite your friends to receive the best political cyber-newsletter in Oklahoma. Tell them to subscribe by sending a subscription request to Cadman12@swbell.net or go to www.ModernPatriot.net and click on the email icon.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
M odern P atriot C hronicles
An Eleventh Commandment Free Zone
Vol. 1, Issue 11
October 2, 2002
By Craig Dawkins

Oklahoma's Gubernatorial Candidates Spar at State Chamber Forum
Henry Declines to Endorse Sandy Garrett, Richardson Says He Likes Lloyd Roettger, Where does Largent Stand?
Republican Take-over of State House In Doubt
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Surveys!! Surveys!! Surveys!! Surveys!! Surveys!! Surveys!!

With all the talk of improving public education, do you feel Democrat Sandy Garrett deserves another term as State Superintendent? Yes, she's done a great job. Or… No, it's time for new ideas.

Go to www.ModernPatriot.net and vote today!
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
SIGN UP A FRIEND FOR MPC NEWSLETTER!

Do you know a Liberty loving, Freedom fighting patriot who would enjoy reading like- minded news and commentary? If so, send them to www.ModernPatriot.net or send an email request to ModernPatriot@hotmail.com and they can receive a free copy of MPC Chronicles! Tell them to join up today!
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Oklahoma's Gubernatorial Candidates Spar at State Chamber Forum

Gubernatorial hopefuls Brad Henry-D, Steve Largent-R and Gary Richardson-I debated and sparred at a State Chamber of Commerce conference on Tuesday. Each of the candidates were given time to sell their ideas to the business community. There were representatives from many companies both large and small. Former Governor George Nigh was in attendance and was recognized by Henry as one of his advisers. Flashpoint warriors Burns Hargis and Mike Turpen were the moderators.

Brad Henry stressed his underdog status as he touted his plans for a State lottery and education. In fact, Henry said the words "education" or "schools" 12 times in less than 10 minutes. Henry said he was proud of several key reforms he helped pass in Workers Compensation, Tort claims, HMO's and a Patients' Bill of Rights. Henry charged that Largent's consumption tax was regressive and would shift taxes to the poor. Henry was the least comfortable of the three candidates on the stage. At times, he reminded me of a substitute Baptist preacher uncomfortable with the congregation.

Steve Largent was relaxed and at home on the stage. The only hitch with his presentation was an intermittent problem with his microphone. But his message came through loud, clear and confident. Largent stressed the small business component of Oklahoma acknowledging that 95% of Oklahomans work in a small business environment. He stressed that his vision for Oklahoma is job growth. Stressing that he didn't believe that Oklahoma should be the 7 th poorest state in the union, he wants to stop exporting our children to other states for employment.

He also pointed to education. He mentioned the words "education" or "schools" 11 times in ten minutes. Surprisingly, Largent referred to public schools as "government schools." He lambasted the State legislature for having too many government mandates and too many school districts. His vision is to return local control to our public schools. He said that he wants to start an incentive program for teachers and give them protection from lawsuits in administering discipline in classrooms.

Largent called Henry's tax plan regressive saying, "It doesn't pay to be poor in Oklahoma." Largent said that he wanted to phase out the income tax over a 10-year period replacing it with a consumption tax. He attributed Washington, Nevada, Texas and Florida as becoming the fastest growing states in the U.S. by eliminating their income tax. He also said that he would eliminate the Corporate Franchise Tax. Largent stressed that his consumption tax proposal would require everyone to pay taxes, "even lawyers." He denounced the idea of exempting special industries or interests.

Largent referred to lotteries and doing away with toll roads as "small ideas." Referring to lotteries he said, "We already have a lottery. Just fall down in front of a small business and go find a trial lawyer." Largent said that part of his vision involves tort reform. He commented that Gary Richardson made most of his money filing lawsuits against small businesses.

Gary Richardson started off by responding to Largent saying, "While you (Largent) were out catching footballs, I was working to put criminals behind bars. I was a U.S. Attorney."

Richardson stressed that Oklahoma isn't a poor state but a poorly managed state. He noted that the states problems remained un-addressed through 8 years of Democratic Administrations and 12 years of Republican Administrations. He recounted a story where he was speaking with former law partner Gov. Frank Keating, telling him of his decision to run for governor. Not as a Republican but as an Independent. Keating asked him why not as a Republican? Richardson said, "I've seen your challenge. I wouldn't have your job. We couldn't even redistrict in our state." He cited the recent redistricting debacle where both parties seemed more interested in foiling the other party then to serve the needs of the people.

Richardson said that only an Independent could move important reforms forward. Listing Minnesota and Maine as states where Independents made the difference, because they had Governors who weren't involved in party wars. He said, "If you want to see gridlock, elect a Governor from one of the parties and watch him try to lead the other party."

Richardson returned to his theme of eliminating the Turnpike Authority returning the oversight to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. He stated that Oklahoma is a donor state due to the fact that Turner Turnpike keeps the state from receiving $200 million in federal funds. He said that the Turner Turnpike draws $38.5 million. Richardson mentioned education only twice in his ten minutes.

Richardson was relaxed and confident on the stage. He had a strong presence and handled questions with confidence. He was heads above Henry who seemed overwhelmed at times. Richardson's presentation was close to Largents in detail and clarity. Richardson and Largent might both beat Henry in the general election.

Turpen asked each candidate to cite his favorite movie. Richardson said his favorite movie was "The Sound of Music." Largent said his was "Braveheart." He said that his favorite quote from the movie was when William Wallace said, "People don't follow titles. They follow courage."

Brad Henry said his favorite movie was "Animal House." Why am I not surprised?
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Are you Liberal or Conservative? Find out at www.Politopia.com .
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Henry Declines to Endorse Sandy Garrett, Richardson Says He Likes Lloyd Roettger, Where does Largent Stand?

With all the discussion of education reform where Republicans and Democrats claim it's their number one goal, I wanted to know where the candidates stand on the importance of the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Sandy Garrett has been our state's Superintendent for 14 years. With both parties clamoring that education is run-amok in our state, I asked Brad Henry and Gary Richardson if they felt the State Superintendent job was important and, if so, did they believe a change is in order or did they favor the "status quo." "Status Quo" meaning to re-elect Sandy Garrett.

Brad Henry refused to endorse or even embrace Sandy Garrett. He said that he wasn't going to advocate a position in that race. He said that he thought the position was an important one.

Gary Richardson said that he favored a change. He said that he liked some of Lloyd Roettger's proposals and that he felt it was "time for a change and new ideas."

I was unable to reach Steve Largent. I contacted his office and asked for a position on this important race. I am still waiting for a response. When I get an answer I will publish Largent's position in the newsletter.

If education is a mess, and everyone running for Governor says it's one of their biggest priorities, how can the person directly responsible for its oversight be immune from the reform? If I were running for Governor as a Republican, I would want someone in that office who I could trust to enact my reforms. Is Sandy Garrett that person????
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Republican Take-over of State House In Doubt

This is supposed to be the year that Republicans take over the state house. But in looking at the political landscape, it's becoming more and more clear that Republicans have an uphill battle and may not even achieve the current 49-51 split.

Two developments in house races make picking up seats unlikely. Republican incumbents Chad Stites HD71 and Mike Ervin HD28 will likely be defeated. Rep. Thad Balkman-R HD45 is in a dogfight with former Democrat incumbent Wallace Collins. Rep. Kent Friskup-R HD32 is fighting for his life and the race appears to be a toss-up. Rep. Robert Worthen-R has got a VERY COMPETITIVE opponent. Rep. Mark Liotta-R HD77 has a tough race going. Rep. Carolyn Coleman-R HD53 has a legitimate opponent in a three-person race.

Republicans have even chances winning two seats held by Democrats. Rick Kibbe-D will have a tough time with Gus Blackwell-R and Rep. Al Lindley-D HD93 is getting all he can handle from Rafael Hendrick-R.

In my opinion there are four races totally up for grabs. HD18 - Angela Hendrix-R vs. Terry Harrison-D. This seat is Democrat leaning and is Lloyd Fields old seat. HD32 - between Frishkup-R vs Danny Morgan-D. HD56- Rep. Ron Lanmacher-D vs. Phil Richardson-R. HD87- Robert Worthen-R vs. Alex Greenwood-D.

Here is how I see the breakdown after November. Republicans will win the following house seats - HD1, HD9, HD13, HD37, HD39, HD45, HD47, HD48, HD53, HD61, HD63, HD68, HD69, HD75, HD80, HD81, HD84, HD85, HD93, HD96, HD100, HD101.
Democrats will win the following house seats- HD5, HD6, HD10, HD18, HD19, HD20, HD21, HD24, HD27, HD28, HD30, HD33, HD36, HD42, HD44, HD52, HD56, HD57, HD62, HD64, HD65, HD66, HD71, HD73, HD77, HD78, HD92, HD98.

When I add this all up, Republicans have 45 seats and Democrats still have 51 seats. If Republicans win the 4 toss up seats, which isn't likely, they will have 49 seats once again. I HOPE I'M WRONG. But if you care about this issue, you might want to call the Republican candidates above and offer some HELP. At this point and assuming no changes in current trends, I would have to predict that Republicans will lose a seat or two from the current total of 49.