Inhofe Second Spot 'Africa'

Sorry just not following this, since when did Africa become such a big issue. And here is the real head scratcher, Iraq is in Africa?

Corporation Commission

The GOP candidates are offering an early preview of their July 29th showdown. The challenge by Rob Johnson of Dana Murphy's candidacy is so technical in nature, that the 11th Commandment seems to be completely forgotten, Reagan is surely rolling in his grave. It seems as if Murphy, the former State GOP Vice-Chair will survive Johnson's challenge of her candidacy. However unclear is whether she will survive Johnson's better fund primary run. One thing does remain clear this primary race will be very costly and surely won't be a pretty one to watch.

Oh and by the way, while the GOP candidates will be blowing hundreds of thousands running against each other, the Democratic incumbent will be raising hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jim Roth already reported $175,000 as of the April 1st. I wouldn't be surprised if Roth takes $300,000 in the 3rd quarter alone. The list of Roth's honorary chairman explains it all: Aubrey McClendon, George Kaiser, Harold Hamm and Clayton Bennentt.

Inhofe's Veteran's voting record questioned.

State Senate Race Becomes Clearer

With the 24-24 split of the Senate a few key races will be where control is decided. There will be four key races were all sides could spend $1 million dollars on each race. The contested seats are District 15 in Norman, District 21 in Stillwater (where there are 2 Dems running), District 31 in Lawton and, District 37 in Tulsa (2 GOP candidates).
On the Republican side there will be heated primaries for District 35 in Tulsa and District 45 in Oklahoma City. My early picks to win each seat are former Tulsa City Councilor Cason Carter, and in 45 LTC Steve Russell who played a key role in the capture of Saddam Hussein. It's hard to beat a record of service like his.
On an interesting note Bowdy Peach is running as a Democrat in district 27 which has long been held by the GOP. Peach is the son of Terry Peach who is the Secretary of Agriculture. Peach represents a serious candidate on the Democratic side for the first time in a while in this area. Peach, a rancher and professional bull rider, during filing said, "My values are right on track with most of the people in western Oklahoma and the Panhandle."

Jim Inhofe hits the Airwaves

Jim Inhofe is already spending money to buy ad spots, he has a lot of cash on hand but not enough to stay up uninterrupted until election day. This ad is like most intro ads as it seeks to frame the debate long before his opponent can define him.
He focuses on three issues central to his record. First the stopping the BRAC base closings, second finding a solution for Tar Creek (even though the State started a limited buyout before the feds), and increasing funding for roads in the State.
It appears that the abandoned road that Inhofe is walking down is the decommissioned section of the Will Rogers Turnpike in Catoosa.

State Senate Preview

Things are finally heating up now that the legislative session has now ended the State Senate races are heating up. I will now preview a couple of hot races.
District 37
This race will most likely be the most expensive and competitive of all. Sen. Nancy Riley will run for re-election for the first time since she switched her registration to the Democratic Party. She has maintained her voting record the last two years so on issues none of her stances have changed. Her top priority is education, she is pro-life, and remains committed to programs for child wellbeing. Her opponent is a mortgage lender Dan Newberry. So far the biggest difference between the two would be in their commitment to education, Riley was a school teacher before coming to the Senate and is one of common education's strongest advocates. Newberry would not make education a priority like Riley has. Another boost to Riley's campaign is the bond package that includes 25 million for improvements to the Arkansas River which runs through all of district 37.

Other districts where competitive races will occur are
District 21, Stillwater area, where former OSU President Halligan is the current favorite to take the seat from outgoing Democratic leader Mike Morgan.
District 15, Norman area, where Senator Nichols will face a challenge from Diane Drum.
District 31, Lawton area, where Senator Barrington will face a challenge from Keith Erwin.

District 33, Tulsa, which was a very competitive district in 2004 as Senator Adelson won by less than a 1,000 votes seems to be moving toward a strong democratic hold as Adelson has raised over $300,000 and the republicans have yet to announce a candidate a few weeks from filing.

Mitt Romney "Ocean"

This ad is one of the biggest fluff pieces yet, all talk, no plans. Plus for the Romney campaign it doesn't even show his face for much more than a second.

Ann Coulter vs Elizabeth Edwards

Ann Coulter vs Elizabeth Edwards on Hardball 6/26