What To Do If You Have A Problem At The Polls This 2024 Election

November 1st, Michael and Jenni had their election integrity friends, Amber Evans and Wendi Montgomery Dial back to talk about what to do if voters run into issues at their polling place. All the resources in this video clip can be found here on the blog. If you have questions - if you think something might be wrong - ask questions and - if necessary - call your county sheriff.

Sample Ballots Can Be A Great Help At Your Polling Place

Wow, today's LIVE podcast was a wide-ranger! We brought up various websites that provide voter information and walked through them a bit. We also talked a whole lot about our voting philosophies, so you won't want to miss the whole video here on YouTube and Rumble. Jenni talks about how much of a help it was for her mom when Jenni would print out her sample ballot, take it to her house and walk through her voting options. Then, her mom would take it to her polling place to use it as a cheat sheet. Don't hesitate to use this method if it will help you recall the people/issues you've decided to give your vote!

What Happens When We Give Non-Citizens, Citizenship Rights?

In the full video (found here on YouTube and Rumble), we talked about the fact that there is very little way that this Task Force is talking about any other than non-documented citizens – those coming across the border – not the ones already here, or coming here, with Visas to work. People who hire foreign workers – like those they seem to be talking about in the recommendations on H1B Visas – do so directly. A worker here on an H1B Visa doesn’t just ‘show up’ for work – they have to be recommended by their employer to work for them, or they have to be sponsored by a church or another sponsoring organization. These pathways are already well-known and well-used by Oklahoma employers. It may seem nuts for Jessica to say that the majority of undocumented people can’t even read in their own language before entering the country (making them a HUGE liability in every way – including public schools!), but I found a study done in 2017 – before it became racist to say “illegal immigrant” – which clearly shows that English literacy hovered around 40% for immigrants. With our own student scores now at 49th in the nation, how could we expect anything different for those coming to this country – especially those coming illegally? Since the Biden/Harris Administration’ open borders policies, child sex trafficking has more than TRIPLED. Do we think this will get better with illegals acting like citizens because they have a card that lets them drive? That just opens up a whole new world of TRAFFICKING via – legal driving! Bottom line, NOTHING THE GOVERNOR’S TASK FORCE RECOMMENDED SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS POLICY IN 2025. The recommendations grows government, is a joke to public safety and doesn’t address the fact that most skilled workers coming here to work already have a path to that job without Oklahoma getting involved.

How Is It Public Safety To Give People Who Can't Read In Their Own Language A License To Drive?

Cam reached out with numerous insights that Michael and Jenni hadn’t heard in the press, so we asked him to come on and talk about them. Since Jessica serves with him on the Governor’s Hispanic Council, Cam suggested she come too. Of course, one of the topics discussed was the Task Force’s plan to provide – no joke – Driver’s Privilege Cards to non-citizens. Here’s Jessica talking about SOME of the problems this would cause. Seriously, we should all call out Lt. Col. Joe Williams, designee of the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety for having zero clue about what constitutes PUBLIC SAFETY. I scoured the section of the recommendations under the heading “The Task Force recommends issuing Driving Privilege Cards to qualifying non-citizens to address public safety concerns” and couldn’t find a single place in which they said that the ‘non-citizens’ getting these cards would be TESTED like regular Oklahoma citizens are, TO DRIVE. That’s honestly outrageous. None of this Task Force's recommendations can become policy in 2025! They are all HORRIBLE.

Election Integrity Bills - What Is Ranked-Choice Voting?

Wendi Montgomery Dial joins us to discuss the election bills she's following so far this 2024 session here in Oklahoma. Several of these regard Ranked-Choice Voting. Do you know what that is and how damaging it can be to the ability of citizens to exert their voice in Oklahoma elections? Watch this brief video to learn about Ranked-Choice voting and see the list of bills Wendi is following. To see the full list, check out our blog here: https://rope2.org/2024/02/11/election-integrity-bills-that-need-our-attention-as-of-2-11-24/

The Corruption Belt: SPECIAL ELECTION STEAL ALERT: UNKNOWN Group Runs Ads Against Candidates Opposing Fount Holland (CAMP) Clients In The August 23rd Run-Off

Conservative Policy Network is yet another group in a long line of groups which is using money from who knows where (Dark Money) to influence Oklahoma elections.

One Two Three, What Are We Voting For?

After spending nearly a decade heavily involved in politics, it's quite a departure for me to admit I can't name all the candidates running for Lt. Governor off the top of my head. I'll be honest...I'm not even sure I can name all 27 - or however many - gubernatorial candidates.

Sadly, I'm not dying about it. Why? I'm still plugged in enough to know who to go to for voting advice and I still READ. Yes, it's true! There are actually things you can READ to get information enough to make informed voting decisions!

Teacher Caucus - Oklahomans For Public Education - Link To Hofmeister Debacle - VOTE NO On OPE-Endorsed Candidates? (PART 2)

Joy Hofmeister and OPE Administrator Angela Little at
the Hofmeister watch party November 2014

Early this year, much media fanfare (Tulsa World, NewsOK, Oklahoma Watch) welcomed a new political action committee (PAC) - one started by Oklahoma teachers and parents specifically to advance public education.  It arose from a Facebook group, Oklahoma Parents and Educators for Public Education (OPEPE), and was called Oklahomans for Public Education (OPE).

General Elections 2014 - How ROPE Will Vote

I have finally had it with the majority of my fellow Americans and their stubborn refusal to quit watching Dancing With The Stars long enough to become educated about the laws that govern the country from which they get so much they have time to sit on their posteriors and watch TV.  Originally, I was going to say I had finally had it with all levels of government, but then I realized there is no one to blame for the state of our American government, than the American people themselves.

Last week I posted the blog, "Seven Reasons Why Common Core Repeal in Oklahoma Isn't". Here, I explained why and how Common Core hasn't been removed from our state, yet ROPE's Facebook page has gone from a high of nearly 80 thousand views per week in May to less than 5 thousand views a week in October. I'm reading this as, now that Common Core is "dead" in Oklahoma, there's no need for participatory government; "We came, we saw, we conquered" and now it's time for everyone to go back to their 'regular' lives and TV schedules.

Let me be frank. Common Core is not about education standards, it's a policy representing the natural thought process of decades of people trained via schools, the media and churches, to believe government is their friend - that government can be all things to all people; the chicken in every pot, the protector of rights and liberties, the provider of services citizens can't provide for themselves - the be all, end all. This is categorically 100% false. The federal government has no power other than what it is dictated in the Constitution (the Enumerated Powers in Article 1 Section 9) and states allow it to have, yet how many people have educated themselves (because government schools won't do it) on the Constitution, what it says and how the Founders felt about their actions and how they ascribed the words they committed to that parchment so long ago?

Newsflash; the Founders expected American citizens to exhibit the concept of SELF GOVERNMENT - the governing of one's own actions - in order to prevent interference from a body politic excepting in certain, rare instances.

Yet, today America is nearly 18 TRILLION dollars in debt, and Americans have allowed

• an unconstitutional, socialized system of healthcare (the website for which won't even work), 
• failed immigration and border protection policies leading to the growth and spread of diseases we never thought we'd have again or thought we'd ever see in a first world country, 
• rapid growth and spread of radical Islam, 
• massive intrusions of personal privacy via the NSA and IRS (bureaucratic agencies that have ZERO power to even blow their own nose if we followed the Constitution), 
• government cronyism (GM? Solyndra?) leading to the loss of free enterprise, 
• vast usurpation of property rights via the EPA and Department of Interior, 
• failed government institutions such as the VA and the Post Office, 
• government scandals such as Benghazi and Fast and Furious 

I could continue this list for pages, yet nothing on it is the fault of any government. The fault lies with countless American citizens who choose not to vote, place uneducated votes, vote for party ahead of policy, vote though they have little understanding of the role of government or civics and/or refuse to participate in their system of government at all on any level out of sheer laziness and/or contempt for the country that provides them a better standard of living than, arguably now, any country in the world.

Unfortunately for Oklahomans, our state is following right behind. 

As Dave Bond, (CEO of OCPA Impact) says in a recap of this years' legislative session, 

"Lawmakers passed a $7.12 billion budget that is the largest in state history and contains hundreds of millions of dollars in nonessential spending, including golf courses and rodeos."

This on top of the fact that, while sales tax receipts are at an all time high, the Oklahoma legislature couldn't pass a reduction in state income tax to 4%, settling on 5% by 2016 (currently we're at 5.25% - Kansas' system is much better).

Every year since 2008, I have provided election thoughts and analysis to anyone who wanted to read it. In 2008 I was vilified for referring to President Obama as a Marxist (a political philosophy in opposition to the American Constitution). Please read the above list again and then the definition of Marxism. America is there. Oklahomans must protect our state from this nonsense, but we MUST have legislators willing to put a stop to federal government intrusion at all levels - not just healthcare. Educating citizens on the Constitution and civics and exercising our right to an informed vote are our only hope.

VOTER GUIDE

Here is the list of statewide candidates for office in the 2014 general election November 4.

Go here to get a SAMPLE BALLOT for your district November 4. Please print it out and complete it BEFORE you enter the ballot box. 

Voting information for JUDGES and STATE QUESTIONS can be found here.

PLEASE NOTE: NONE OF THE CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR OR STATE SUPERINTENDENT COMPLETED OUR CANDIDATE SURVEY! The only candidate that even responded at all was Hofmeister who said it was too long to complete with her current time constraints.

LYNN'S PICKS: Straight Party Republican

I just can't vote for a Democrat for a powerful, visible position like Governor. I do not agree with the Democrat party at all - more government, dependence on government, that government is the answer instead of individuals solving their own problems and succeeding on their own. I understand those statements are big and sweeping. The democrats will, of course, try to make a comeback in OK, this is the way for them- a so-called moderate that is riding Mary's coattails of controversy - NOT on his own merit. Even if he wants more money in education- where is it going to come from? How will he make sure that money is used properly?  I see more money in education always goes to new programs, not the classroom or for teachers. 

I read a Homeschool survey - Joe's one answer in question is "homeschoolers should take standarized tests annually" - that is philosophically against homeschooling. They would have to teach CC, and then would be in the data collection trap! That tells me Joe is so much more big government than he lets on. That is unacceptable. I do not agree with Medicaid expansion, I do not agree with increase in minimum wage, and fracking does not cause earthquakes - all things I have heard Joe support. 

So, could Joe actually get anything done - probably not with the Republican legislature, so whats the harm in voting for him? I want to reform (elect more conservatives) the republican party, not empower the democrat party. I am in it for the long haul - I believe it will take many election cycles. 

What I have seen in entry level employees over the last 30 years in my business is terrible. The quality of entry level employees is deteriorating - I see it is because of more dependence on government and the entitlement philosophy, not because of standards. I will vote against that every time. 

We must get back to self empowerment, individual responsibility. For me the question is do we get closer to that with Mary or Joe? Mary showed last session she is pushable- with CC and with Obamacare. Some powerful liberal pacs are supporting Joe ( afl-cio for ex) - they will want something. My hope is we elect more conservative republicans in the house and senate and we push the republican governor that way. We don't have great choices - but I also don't believe in not voting because of bad choices. We all need to vote and then hold all elected officials accountable!!

JOYS PICKS:

I believe in the republican platform. I think it necessary to continue to strive for better candidates and not cede power to the hands of a party that wishes to fundamentally transform our state and nation. Just because I support any candidate doesn’t mean they are immune to public and private scrutiny and accountability. I have only listed those candidates whom I wish to endorse. With that said here are my picks.

• Governor: Mary Fallin – While I am displeased with several of the actions and decisions of our sitting governor, I cannot partner with a candidate who seeks to challenge my freedom as a homeschooling mom, grow government, and spend more money. Governor Fallin requires some elbow grease while in office, but she can be compelled to do the right thing when necessary. I challenge the Senate and House to pursue conservative principles and not seek the blessing of the governor!
• Superintendent: Joy Hofmeister 
• Commissioner of Labor: Mark Costello
• US Senator: Jim Inhofe
• Congress 5th District: Steve Russel
• State Senator 6th District: Josh Brecheen
• State Senator 44th District: Ralph Shortey
• State Senator 48th District: Duane Crumbacher
• State Representative 10th District: Travis Dunlap
• State Representative 36th District: Sean Roberts
• State Representative 43rd District: John Paul Jordan
• State Representative 76th District: David Brumbaugh
• State Representative 87th District: Jason Nelson

• JUDGES: I will vote against all judicial retention.

• STATE QUESTIONS: Yes on all three. 1) I believe a person serving in the US military should be able to concurrently service in office. 2,3) I believe property taxes should be eliminated altogether. We currently lease our property from the government and do not own it. Providing exemptions on homesteading for those who have served in our military is a great start.

JENNI'S PICKS:

• Governor: Governor Fallin's record is that of having to be pushed (as Lynn says) into taking the conservative path on nearly every issue. She talks a good game, but she'll pick the federal government over her state citizens nearly every time while saying she won't or didn't. Why? I believe the cause is a lack of Constitutional knowledge and a staff that believes most Oklahomans are not smart enough to make their own decisions so they must make our decisions for us. I believe Governor Fallin governs the way her paid staff advises in order to produce the best political advantage. Throughout her time in Congress and again as Governor, Fallin has shown me her compass rarely finds true North. **While I've heard a few things that concern me about Joe Dorman's ideas for Oklahoma, I believe he truly cares about the state and her people. In fact, I don't see him filling his office with stiff-arming, dismissive, rude staff, which would be a really nice change. In addition, Dorman's voting record is not awful, and is, in fact, arguably better than some of our currently seated Republicans. Though a Republican-led legislature has tended to back our current Republican Governor all the way down the trail of higher taxes and more government intrusion into our regular, everyday lives, they may choose to balk if these plans come from a Democrat. I don't like the idea of supporting the Democratic party in any way shape or form - as you can tell from the screed above, but I won't hold my nose and vote Republican ever, ever again. I have actually not decided whether I will actively vote for Dorman or simply not vote for this office (I'm considering neither of the Independents in this race) - I may not know until I'm in the voting booth. The definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing time and again expecting different results and I don't need to add to my insanity level.
• Lt. Governor: Lamb
• State Superintendent: Hofmeister. I think Dr. Cox is a very nice man, but I also believe the Republican-led legislature will find excuses not to work with him. I also believe he will not manage taxpayer dollars (which he refers to as "public money") conservatively, and we'll have the same lack of fiscal transparency we saw with Barresi. I feel certain Cox will try to stop a lot of the mandates that have been stifling public schools, but again, I don't believe he'll get any traction with the legislature. Because the state Board of Education has been handpicked by Governor Fallin, though Dr. Cox may choose to battle them on any number of issues, the office of Governor (thanks to our Republican legislature) now holds all the keys to the board, not the State Superintendent. No matter how Cox chooses to confront the Board or education issues, the Board can stymie every single issue on which he chooses to go to battle. Net result - ZERO. Hoffmeister has a working relationship with much of the Board and is publicly supported by a chunk of the legislature. She has a record of allowing ROPE to educate her on a number of issues. If she chooses to follow our admonitions about a number of education policies, she has the ability to create movement with the Board and the legislature and that is really the issue here. In addition, she has successfully run her own business for years (Kumon) indicating to me she understands how to manage the fiscal aspects of the job.
• Commissioner of Labor: Costello. Frankly, if Mark Costello were running for Governor, the Republican party would have my vote. Mark is one of a very few conservatives I have ever met that just intuitively understands the ideals of conservatism.
• Senate: Inhofe
• Senate (unexpired term): Though James Lankford is the only real choice here for conservatives, I won't be voting in this race either. Mr. Lankford continually frustrated me with his "go along to get along" positions while in Congress - particularly those which continue to fund the government ad infinitum. This is certainly not personal - I think Mr. Lankford a fine man personally, he's just not conservative enough for me - and again, I will no longer hold my nose and vote Republican. (Yes, please feel free to lambaste me for my comments, my shoulders are big enough to take it).
• Congress 5th District: Steve Russell 
• Congress 1st District: Jim Bridenstine
• Congress District 2, 3, 4: If I were in these districts, I would again, refuse to vote. None of these candidates are reflections of our conservative state, nor have they been in recent years. 
• Josh Brecheen must be re-elected.
• Jason Nelson must be re-elected.

• JUDGES: Please see the blog on judges.

• STATE QUESTIONS: Though I don't like monkeying with our state Constitution as a rule, I'll vote yes on all three state questions. Property taxes are flat unconstitutional (the Founders warned us not to go there). If we're going to start allowing Homestead Exemptions for certain individuals, let us now decide to ultimately release ALL property owners from such an unconstitutional, Founder-hated, tax. Though I've heard grumbling about crossing two branches of government (lawmaking and peace keeping), I don't see this as an issue here. If voters are particularly concerned about a candidate for office being in a military position, they should oppose his election. SQ 769 simply allows for the option of a candidate also serving in the military - the voters ultimately have the final say - as it should be.

NOW, GO VOTE, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4th. Polls are open from 7am to 7pm.

Voting Information For Judges and State Questions!

Every election season, people come to me and say, "What judges do I vote for?" I always have to laugh and tell them that I haven't a clue - I only seem to look at education policy. I never know how to vote in these elections myself! Granted, this blog post isn't about education, but it is about citizenship and being an informed voter and that's SO IMPORTANT!  

Recently, I received an email from Sharon Annesley of the Oklahoma Liberty Tea Party in Blanchard. This is HANDS DOWN the best information on judges I've EVER SEEN! This is awesome and I asked her permission to share it with you! The best part of the whole piece was that she has listed ALL the URL's she used for research, so if you want to go check them out yourself, you darn sure can! Thank you again so much for sharing Sharon! I hope this helps you as much as it helped me!  If anyone has any information they want to add to the post, please do! Discussion is great!

NOV. 4^th ELECTION INFORMATION

·         Important Dates…

·         Link to List of All Candidates…

·         Judicial Retention Elections…

·         State Questions on the Ballot….

IMPORTANT DATES

The election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4^th, 2014.  Absentee ballots are already being sent out. 

General Election:                               Tuesday, November 4

Last day to register to vote:                October 10

Deadline to request absentee ballot:   5 p.m. October 29

Early voting:                                       Thursday, October 30, 8 AM - 6 PM

                                                Friday, October 31, 8 AM - 6 PM

                                                Saturday, November 1, 9 AM - 2 PM

LIST OF ALL CANDIDATES/OFFICES AROUND THE STATE:

A list of all the Statewide Candidates on the Nov. 4^th Ballot can be found at the following:

http://www.ok.gov/elections/documents/General%20Election%202014%20Candidates.pdf

JUDICIAL RETENTION IN HIGHER COURTS:

In the following Judicial Retention comments, I have completed a cursory review of these candidates and this is how I’ll probably vote. However, you can and should look into the judges as much as possible to make a valid decision based on your personal values….If I get further information related to these people, I will forward on to you to help you with your decision-making….

For information on the DA and District Judge Elections for District 21, see original information below this email.  For elections in other Judicial Districts, see link above to “All Statewide Candidates”….

A Summary of my Overall Preferences on the Judicial Retention Elections:

RETAIN:

 ”YES” to GARY LUMPKIN – OK Criminal Appeals Court

 “YES” to BRIAN JACK GOREE – OK Civil Appeals Court

DO NOT RETAIN:

  “NO” to JOHN F. REIF – OK Supreme Court

  “NO” to TOM COLBERT – OK Supreme Court

             “NO” to JOSEPH M. WATT – OK Supreme Court

             “NO” to JERRY L. GOODMAN – OK Civil Appeals Court

             “NO” to JANE P. WISEMAN – OK Civil Appeals Court

             “NO” to DEBORAH BARNES – OK Civil Appeals Court

             “NO” to KEITH RAPP – OK Civil Appeals Court

DISCUSSIONS:

Historically, no High Court Judge has ever been “voted out” in an Oklahoma Retention Election…however, as voters become more educated, this could change…”If in doubt, vote'em out”…..

OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT JUSTICES

DISTRICT NO. 1 – JOHN F. REIF – VOTE “NO”, not to keep

Reif was originally appointed by Governor Brad Henry (D) in 2007.

BIO:  http://www.courtfacts.org/project/reif/  

CASES: http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK&judge=REIF&cd=Supreme%20Cour%20of%20Oklahoma

DISTRICT NO. 6 – TOM COLBERT – VOTE “NO”, not to keep

Colbert was originally appointed by Governor Brad Henry (D) in 2004.

BIO:  http://www.courtfacts.org/project/colbert/

CASES:  http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK&judge=COLBERT&cd=Supreme%20Court%20of%20Oklahoma

DISTRICT NO. 9 – JOSEPH M. WATT – VOTE “NO”, not to keep

Watt was originally appointed by Governor David Walters (D) in 1994.

BIO:  http://www.courtfacts.org/project/watt/

CASES: http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK&judge=Watt&cd=Supreme%20Court%20of%20Oklahoma

Probably one of the most publicized cases out of the OK Supreme Court this past year was when the OK Supreme Court took it upon themselves to "stay" the execution of two inmates despite the fact that this stay of execution was the responsibility of the OK Court of Criminal Appeals and not the OK Supreme Court.  By law, the OK Supreme Court handles no criminal cases.  The OK Court of Criminal Appeals voted NOT to stay the execution.

Colbert, C.J., Reif, V.C.J., Kauger, Watt and Combs, JJ., concurred with allowing for a Stay of Execution, even though it was fully outside of their jurisdiction per Oklahoma State Law (Constitution).

On the other hand Winchester, Edmondson, Taylor and Gurich, JJ., dissented with this Stay, claiming "The Appellants have maneuvered this Court right where they set out to put us and that is, for the first time in this Court's relevant history, in the middle of a death penalty appeal.  We have never been here before and we have no jurisdiction to be here now." (Justice Taylor)

No matter how the execution came out, the Justices who voted Yes were wrong in trying to “stay” the execution within the OK Supreme Court. We don’t need Supreme Court Justices who believe they can work outside the law and outside their jurisdiction.

http://law.justia.com/cases/oklahoma/supreme-court/2014/112741-0.html

http://law.justia.com/cases/oklahoma/supreme-court/

http://time.com/71098/oklahoma-supreme-court-execution-stays-granted-lethal-injection/

In 2008, the OklahomaConstition.com commented on these same 3 Justices…indicating that people should Vote “NO” for all three….

http://oklahomaconstitution.com/ns.php?nid=132&pastissue=1

http://judgepedia.org/Oklahoma_Supreme_Court

OKLAHOMA COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS JUSTICES

DISTRICT NO. 3 – GARY L. LUMPKIN – VOTE “YES”, to keep

Lumpkin was originally appointed by Gov. Henry Bellmon (R) in January 1989.

BIO:  http://www.courtfacts.org/project/lumpkin/

http://judgepedia.org/Oklahoma_Court_of_Criminal_Appeals

http://law.justia.com/cases/oklahoma/court-of-appeals-criminal/2014/

Cases:  http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK%20CR&judge=LUMPKIN&cd=Oklahoma%20Court%20of%20Criminal%20Appeals

In October 2012, political science professors Adam Bonica and Michael Woodruff of Stanford University attempted to determine the partisan ideology of State Supreme Court Justices in their paper, State Supreme Court Ideology and 'New Style' Judicial Campaigns.  A score above 0 indicated a more conservative leaning ideology while scores below 0 are more liberal.  Lumpkin received a Campaign Finance score (CF score) of 0.88, indicating a conservative ideological leaning.  This is more conservative than the average CF score of 0.33 that justices received in Oklahoma.  The study is based on data from campaign contributions by judges themselves, the partisan leaning of contributors to the judges or, in the absence of elections, the ideology of the appointing body (governor or legislature).  This study is not a definitive label of a justice, but an academic gauge of various factors. 

http://judgepedia.org/Gary_Lumpkin

In 2008, the OklahomaConstitution.com commented on this same Justice…recommending the people Vote “Yes” on Justice Gary Lumpkin.

http://oklahomaconstitution.com/ns.php?nid=132&pastissue=1

OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS JUSTICES

DISTRICT NO.  1

OFFICE 1 – JERRY L. GOODMAN – VOTE “NO”, not to keep

Goodman was appointed by Governor Frank Keating (R) in 1994.

BIO:  http://www.courtfacts.org/project/goodman/

CASES:  http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK%20CIV%20APP&judge=GOODMAN&cd=Oklahoma%20Court%20of%20Civil%20Appeals

OFFICE 2 – JANE P. WISEMAN – VOTE “NO”, not to keep

Wiseman was appointed by Governor Brad Henry (D) in 2005.

BIO:  http://www.courtfacts.org/project/wiseman/

CASES:  http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK%20CIV%20APP&judge=WISEMAN&cd=Oklahoma%20Court%20of%20Civil%20Appeals

http://www.whoislog.info/profile/jane-wiseman-1.html

DISTRICT NO.  2

OFFICE 1 – DEBORAH B. BARNES – VOTE “NO”, not to keep

Barnes was appointed by Governor Brad Henry (D) in 2008.

BIO:  http://www.courtfacts.org/project/barnes/

CASES:  http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK%20CIV%20APP&judge=BARNES&cd=Oklahoma%20Court%20of%20Civil%20Appeals

Steve Fair, Republican, of Duncan, OK recommended a Vote of “NO” for Barnes in the 2010 election.  Although, Steve mostly recommends a “No” vote based on whether they were appointed by a Democrat or Republican Governor.

http://stevefair.blogspot.com/2010/09/here-comes-judges-up-until-1967.html

OFFICE 2 – KEITH RAPP – VOTE “NO”, not to keep

Rapp was appointed by Governor George Nigh (D) in 1984.

BIO:  http://www.courtfacts.org/project/rapp/

CASES: 

RAPP (All but 2003, 2005)

http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK%20CIV%20APP&judge=RAPP&cd=Oklahoma%20Court%20of%20Civil%20Appeals

KEITH RAPP (2003)

http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK%20CIV%20APP&judge=KEITH%20RAPP&cd=Oklahoma%20Court%20of%20Civil%20Appeals

RAP (2005) http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK%20CIV%20APP&judge=RAP&cd=Oklahoma%20Court%20of%20Civil%20Appeals

DISTRICT NO.  6

OFFICE 2 – BRIAN JACK GOREE – VOTE “YES”, to keep

Goree was appointed by Governor Mary Fallin (R) in 2012.

http://article.wn.com/view/2012/08/21/Oklahoma_state_Capitol_briefs_for_Aug_21/

BIO:  http://www.courtfacts.org/project/goree/

CASES:  http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/judges.asp?court=OK%20CIV%20APP&judge=GOREE&cd=Oklahoma%20Court%20of%20Civil%20Appeals

If you believe blogs, it appears that Justice Brian Goree is most likely a pro-gun and a pro-life person….

http://www.prolifeblogs.com/articles/aggregator.php/exclusive-former-abortion-clinic-worker-speaks-out-for-life/ht%20...%3C/aggregator.php?entry=1241193

In 2008, the Oklahoma Constition.com commented and recommended the following vote….

It is recommended that all four of these judges up for retention, Jerry Goodman, Jane Wiseman, Keith Rapp, and John Fischer, should be replaced.  VOTE NO on all four (Note:  3 of which are included in the 2014 election).   http://oklahomaconstitution.com/ns.php?nid=132&pastissue=1

http://judgepedia.org/Oklahoma_Court_of_Civil_Appeals

http://law.justia.com/cases/oklahoma/court-of-appeals-civil/2014/

http://okciviljustice.com/judical-evaluations/court-civil-appeals-judicial-evaluations

STATE QUESTIONS:

There are 3 State Questions on the ballot.  I will probably vote YES (to pass) on all 3, unless I hear something about them that is not so obvious....NOTE:  Always be careful how you vote on State Questions.  I don't have the actual wording on these and sometimes a "NO" vote is a pass-vote and sometimes a "YES" vote is a pass-vote...read them carefully.....

SQ 769  (Summary:  Modifying the current law in order to allow some of those who hold office to simultaneously be in a Reserve or Guard Unit, even if they are called to active service while holding office)

THE GIST OF THE PROPOSITION IS AS FOLLOWS:

This measure amends Section 12 of Article 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution.  That Section currently imposes limits on an individual simultaneously holding certain government offices.  The amendment would permit those serving in state offices of trust or profit to also hold certain military positions.  Holders of an Oklahoma office of trust or profit who currently cannot simultaneously hold certain military positions, include:

    Legislators;

    State Judges;

    District Attorneys;

    Statewide elected officials, such as the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer;

    Members of State Boards, Agencies and Commissions, and Many County Officers.

The measure creates a state constitutional right permitting holders of Oklahoma offices of trust or profit to also serve and be called to active duty or active service in the following military positions:

    An Officer or Enlisted Member of

    The National Guard,

    The National Guard Reserve,

    The Oklahoma State Guard, or

    Any other active militia or military force organized under State law;

    An Officer of the Officers Reserve Corps of the United States or

    An Enlisted Member of the Organized Reserves of the United States.

The Measure empowers the Legislature to enact laws to implement the amended Section.

SQ 770  (Summary:  A Special Homestead Exemption for disabled veterans and spouses of disabled veterans)

THE GIST OF THE PROPOSITION IS AS FOLLOWS:

This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution.  It amends Section 8E of Article 10.  This section provides a homestead exemption to certain qualifying disabled veterans.   It also provides a homestead exemption to the surviving spouse of qualifying disabled veterans.  This measure would allow either the veteran or his or her surviving spouse to sell the homestead but acquire another homestead property in the same calendar year.  The exemption would apply to the newly acquired homestead property to the same extent as the original exemption for the homestead property that was sold.

SQ 771  (Summary:  A Special Homestead Exemption for spouses of military personnel who have died in the line of duty)

THE GIST OF THE PROPOSITION IS AS FOLLOWS:

This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution.  It would add a new Section 8F to Article 10.  It would create a homestead exemption for the surviving spouse of military personnel who die in the line of duty.  The United States Department of Defense or the applicable branch of the United States military would make the determination regarding whether the person engaged in military service died while in the line of duty.  It would provide the surviving spouse of such person with a one hundred percent (100%) exemption for the fair cash value of the homestead until the surviving spouse remarried.  This measure would allow the surviving spouse to sell the homestead, but acquire another homestead property in the same calendar year.  The exemption would apply to the newly acquired homestead property to the same extent as the original exemption for the homestead property that was sold.  The exemption would apply beginning in calendar year 2015.  The exemption would also apply for the 2014 calendar year if the surviving spouse meets applicable requirements.

THE CANDIDATES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND DISTRICT JUDGE DISTRICT @! (Cleveland, McClain and Garvin Counties)

Overall, my opinion on the Judicial Retention Elections (not those candidates below) are "If in doubt, vote them out"....

Generally, I vote NO to all judges that are on the "retention" list ballot unless I know them to be truly good and fair judges who do not want to legislate from the bench...

The two candidates for DISTRICT JUDGE are:  

STEVE STICE

JEFF VIRGIN

This new District Judge position will be principally located in Cleveland County.  Both of these men are currently working as Special Districat Judges in Cleveland County (Stice) and McClain County (Virgin).  

Steven Stice previously owned a small business and worked with others regarding business law for several years.; he worked in private practice for quite a few years; and, he has been a Special Judge for a few years.  His experience is broad-ranged.  He believes that it is important that both parties who come to court, be it criminal or civil cases, should be treated equally under the laws of the State and as applicable to law.  He did not believe that it was good to have "political" endorsements as he believes they should remain apolitical as the job calls for.  He has several judges within the state who endorse him.  He believes it is not his position to "legislate" from the bench.

Jeff Virgin is younger than Stice and essentially has less experience.  He has worked with the DA's office and he has worked as a Special Judge for a short time.  He has been endorsed by the Sheriffs' offices in all 3 counties and the DA's office.  He also has been endorsed by US Rep. Tom Cole and several of the State Legislators.  He is proud of these endorsements and he indicated that his experience as a Special Judge in McClain County has given him much broader experience than would be normally anticipated due to their heavy workload.

The meeting in Norman gave me a lot of insight into these two candidates and really helped me to make up my mind which one I believe to be the better candidate.  I think both candidates are worthy of the position; however, due to life and legal experience, I believe Steve Stice to be the better of the two candidates at this time.  I have no real problems with Jeff Virgin.  I agree with Steve Stice that judges should remove themselves from the political arena as much as they can.  I would also like for Jeff Virgin to obtain a little more experience.

My Choice:  STEVE STICE - DIST. JUDGE, D-21

The two candidates for DISTRICT ATTORNEY are:

GREG MASHBURN (incumbent)

MIKE MILLSTEAD

The District Attorney (along with the Assistant DA's appointed by him) work in all 3 counties (Cleveland, McClain, and Garvin Counties).

Greg Mashburn is the incumbent DA for District 21.  He has been our DA for 8 years.  Overall, Mashburn did not impress me too greatly.  His prosecution of many different crimes seemed to be somewhat "mechanical" in his viewpoint.  In example:  He commented that he gives drug offenders 5 chances (with various stepwise increasing punishments) and then sends them to prison.  His attitude didn't seem to take into account various types of scenarios that could occur with these people.  

Mike Milstead openly admitted that he has an "ax to grind" against Mashburn.  This appears to be his greatest reason for running for Dist. Attorney.  This "ax" appears to be marijuana (probably the legalization of it).  He believes that the possession and use of marijuana should not be a prison offense.  When asked questions about various issues, he seldom gave any answer unless the question related to marijuana.  I believe that he would "enact" marijuana legalization by poor or no prosecution of most offenders.  I don't know if he would do too well at anything else either.  His views and his overall presence pushed me to only consider Mashburn as a viable candidate.

My Choice:  GREG MASHBURN - DIST. ATTORNEY, D-21 

http://www.normantranscript.com/news/article_29daada0-3e8e-11e4-a231-170fe564136a.html