COMANCHE COUNTY DEMOCRAT

CENTRAL COMMITTEE APPROVES DELEGATE PLAN FOR NATIONAL CONVENTION

Oklahoma City, OK- March 27, 2007 - As news nationwide focuses on states jockeying for position in the presidential primary elections, a defacto National Primary Day - February 5, 2008, the Oklahoma Democratic Party's Central Committee on Saturday approved its plan for selecting delegates and alternates to the August 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. 

The plan involves delegate selection and a timeline for the delegate selection process. The plan will be submitted to the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) Rules and Bylaws Committee following a 30-day comment period that begins today. 

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor said the plan is available for review at the ODP headquarters located at 4100 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City and online at www.okdemocrats.org. Comments regarding the plan must be submitted in writing to the Party via mail, email or fax no later than April 27. All comments will be included in the plan submitted to the DNC.

"I'm excited to submit the Oklahoma plan to the DNC and lay the groundwork for Oklahoma delegates to go to Denver in 2008 to officially nominate the next president of the United States," Pryor said.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES VISIT OKLAHOMA

Senator Barack Obama in Oklahoma!

There will be a rally featuring Senator Barack Obama in Oklahoma
City on Monday, March 19th.

The rally will begin at 4:30 pm and will be at the Farmers Public
Market Building (which is located at 311 South Klein Ave. in
Oklahoma City... which is just south of Reno Ave. and just west of
Western Ave.)

Tickets cost $25 dollars a person

There is limited space, so visit this link
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/ok
soon to purchase your tickets.

PLEASE NOTE: this link will also give you specific instructions on
when and how to pick up your tickets at the Oklahoma Democratic
Party in Oklahoma City.

 
Bill Richardson to be in Oklahoma!
Sunday, March 18th
12:30pm - 2:00pm

Home of Sid Musser

601 NE 18th St.

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

(parking available in the South Capitol parking lot)

$2,300 - Friend $1,000 - Sponsor $500 - Supporter

To RSVP please contact Roshan Patel at 505-239-4697 or rpatel@richardsonforpresident.com

*Please make checks payable to Bill Richardson for President Exploratory Committee, Inc. and complete the attached form.

Credit card payments are also accepted.

**Contributions to Bill Richardson for President Exploratory Committee, Inc. are not tax-deductible for Federal income tax purposes, and are limited to $2,300 per individual ($4,600 per couple) per election. Federal multi-candidate PACs may contribute $5,000 per election.

Copy of Word document with Invitation and donation card http://okvoter.com/richardson_032007.doc
 
**Special Note**
The Oklahoma Democratic Party will provide all information about Presidental Candidates visits to Oklahoma as provided by their individual campaigns.

 

DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT MEETINGS PLANNED MARCH 8TH

oklahoma City, OK- February 28, 2007 - All politics begins at the local level and for Oklahoma Democrats precinct meetings are some of the most critical gatherings. The ODP has planned statewide precinct meetings on March 8th. Call the ODP at 405.427.3366 to find your local meeting or log onto www.okdemocrats.org and click the "calendar." State Party Chairman Lisa Pryor said precinct meetings are the most critical meetings for proactive Democrats to attend. "If you want to have a personal and immediate impact in building a better government, one that protects and serves the people of Oklahoma, this is your opportunity to have a voice in the Oklahoma Democratic Party," Pryor said. "Help build the party you want to see." Delegates will cast votes at the County Convention (March 31), the District Convention (April 28th) and State Convention (May 19th). Pryor said the path to victory begins at the precinct level. "It is critical that we have participation at the March 8th precinct meetings. As Democrats our goals are to regain control of both the State House and State Senate, to reclaim a seat in the U.S. Senate, to help a Democratic candidate carry the state of Oklahoma in the presidential election in 2008," Pryor said. "I encourage all Oklahoma Democrats to get involved, to make a difference and be part of this vision. The road to change and the path to victory start on March 8th."

Oklahoma Democratic Party Jason McCarty Communications Director jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org 405.427.3366

OK REPUBLICANS IGNORE CONSEQUENCES OF ESCALATION OF IRAQ WAR

Voting Against Bipartisan Resolutions Oklahoma City, OK- Feb. 20, 2007 Recently, Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe, along with Representatives Mary Fallin, Frank Lucas, John Sullivan and Tom Cole made it clear that they support more of the same failed policies in Iraq by voting against resolutions expressing disapproval with President Bush's plan to escalate the war.  While a bipartisan majority in the House and Senate, including Democratic Congressman Dan Boren, supported the resolutions, the Oklahoma Republicans joined a small group who voted in favor of the President's misguided plan to escalate the war in Iraq.  Over 70 percent of Americans disagree with the president's plan to add an additional 21,500 troops to police a civil war in Iraq. Despite this, Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe, along with Representatives Marry Fallin, Frank Lucas, John Sullivan and Tom Cole voted to protect the President instead of standing with Americans who disapprove of the President's plan.  By voting against the resolutions these Oklahoma Republicans have opted to ignore the lessons of history, the advice of military experts and the recommendations of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.  Additionally, a recent report shows that troops are facing equipment shortages with a lack of armored vehicles, weapons and other equipment.  These shortages continue to hamper efforts in Iraq and will likely be made worse by the President's troop surge plan. "This past week, our representatives in Congress had an opportunity to represent the interests of Oklahoma by voting with the American people and against the President's troop surge plan," said State Party Chairman Lisa Pryor.   "Instead, they chose to back President Bush, placing political party allegiance over the will of the people and the safety of our troops.  "Our troops continue to be stretched thin and are still lacking much needed equipment.  Oklahomans and our brave men and women deserve a new strategy, and a new direction not more obstruction by Republicans like Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe and Representatives Mary Fallin, Frank Lucas, John Sullivan and Tom Cole who are clinging to a failed stay the course strategy.  The President's plan to continue to escalate the war in Iraq and bogging down our troops in the middle of a civil war is unacceptable.  Our delegation of Oklahomans should join Congressman Boren and other Democrats in calling for a forward looking plan which calls for a political solution and gets our brave men and women out of the crossfire of an Iraqi civil war."

Oklahoma Democratic Party Jason McCarty Communications Director jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org 405.427.3366

PRESIDENT'S BUDGET IGNORES CONCERNS OF OKLAHOMA WORKING FAMILIES

Oklahoma City, OK- Feb 06, 2007 President Bush's 2008 budget will cut millions of dollars from critical education, health care, homeland security, and law enforcement programs in Oklahoma, according to analysis by the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress. While the President's $2.9 trillion budget does little to address the rising economic insecurities that middle class Americans are facing, it slashes millions from programs that are essential to thousands of Oklahomans. President Bush's new budget shows that he continues to ignore the will of the American people and by advancing a radical agenda that has already been rejected by the vast majority of the American people. A Newsweek poll last week found that 58 percent of American simply want the Bush Presidency to end.

As in previous years, President Bush has tried to sneak his Social Security privatization plan into the budget, which would undermine the retirement security of 436,100 Oklahomans. The President's budget request seeks to eliminate the Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) program and the Justice Assistance Grants program, which together provided more than seven million dollars in funding to help keep Oklahoma communities safe. While the Democrats in Congress have saved the Community Development Block Grant Program from elimination in each of the last two years, President Bush has it on the chopping block again, risking over $30 million in community development funds for Oklahoma.

"President Bush's budget shows that he still has no interest in listening to the will of the American people," said Oklahoma State Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor. "Last November, the voters demanded real change and real leaders who put working families first. Yet, just like all his previous budgets, President Bush's budget this year offers more of the same cuts to programs that are critical to Oklahoma’s working families. If Oklahoma Republicans like Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe and Representatives Tom Cole, Frank Lucas, Marry Fallin and John Sullivan are serious about doing the work that Oklahomans sent them to Washington to do, they should join Oklahoma Democrats and U.S. Congressman Dan Boren in fighting President Bush's reckless and irresponsible budget cuts."

See how the Bush budget truly effects Oklahomans.

Oklahoma Democratic Party Jason McCarty Communications Director email: jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org phone: 405.427.3366

DEM LEGISLATORS ROLL OUT EDUCATION PLAN

Oklahoma City, OK- Jan 26, 2007 Democrats in the state legislature and Democratic Governor Brad Henry this week rolled out plans to improve Oklahoma’s education system. Democrats are dedicated to increasing opportunities that support K-12 development and growing Oklahoma's college scholarship program, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP). “Governor Henry and Democrats in the State Senate and State House led by Senator Mike Morgan and Representative Danny Morgan have all made expanded opportunities for education a core principle in the 2007 legislative agenda,” Pryor said. “As elected leaders, these Democrats are making sure young Oklahomans have the tools they need to develop and succeed in life. We owe the citizens of Oklahoma a high standard of stewardship and Democrats are committed to building our state with smart investments in our youth – the future of Oklahoma. We are committed to a complete education system that gives Oklahoma students the tools and opportunities to achieve the American Dream." Oklahoma Democratic Party Jason McCarty Communications Director email: jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org phone: 405.427.3366

OKLAHOMA SENATORS BLOCK MINIMUM WAGE BILL

Inhofe, Coburn Join Senate Republicans In Blocking Minimum Wage Hike for Oklahoma's Working Families

Oklahoma City, OK - Jan 24, 2007 Today, the Republican Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn voted to block the Democratic plan to increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25, a plan that would have given a much needed pay raise to 36,000 Oklahomans (U.S. Dept of Labor). As part of its first 100 hours agenda, House Democrats voted to increase the minimum wage for the first time in more than nine years - the longest period in the history of the law. During that time, Members of Congress have received a $31,600 pay raise, while the real value of the minimum wage has plummeted to its lowest level in 51 years.

Despite the fact that nearly 13 million American workers would benefit from an increase in the minimum wage and 89 percent of Americans support its increase, including 72 percent of Republicans, Senators Inhofe and Coburn joined the rest of the Bush Republicans in the Senate in putting their special interest friends ahead of the American people by blocking a minimum wage hike.

"It is deeply disappointing that Senators Inhofe and Coburn ignored the will of the American people and even President Bush's own call for bipartisanship last night by rejecting a minimum wage hike for thousands and thousands of working Oklahomans," said State Democratic Chairman Lisa Pryor.

"Too many of our hard working families go to work everyday and play by the rules seeking to provide a good living for their families, but still live in poverty. Last November, the American people went to the polls and demanded change. Democrats acted swiftly to fulfill our promise to restore America to a country that works for everyone. It is outrageous for Republicans like Inhofe and Coburn to continue to ignore the American people and block this crucial bill. The time has come for our Republican Senators to put partisanship aside and stand up for Oklahoma families," Pryor said.

Oklahoma Democratic Party Jason McCarty Communications Director email: jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org phone: 405.427.3366

DEMOCRATS CUT STUDENT LOAN INTEREST

Jan 18, 2007 Democrats in Congress, including Oklahoma's Dan Boren, took another major step in their first 100 hours agenda yesterday, this time to cut interest rates on student loans in half and help more Americans go to college. The Democratically controlled Congress has already passed several historic pieces of legislation as part of their first 100 hours agenda including bills to reform ethics rules in Congress and end the Republican culture of corruption, to implement the 9- 11 Commission recommendations, and to raise the minimum wage, among others.

The pro-education bill will make college more accessible and affordable by cutting the interest rates on subsidized student loans in half - from the current 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent. Once signed by the President, the law will significantly cut the student debt burden of about 5 million students.

Congressman Boren said, "I was proud to cast a yes vote for H.R. 5 to cut the interest rate on federal student loans in half over the next five years. The cost of attending college continues to skyrocket - putting college out-of-reach for an increasing number of students, especially in rural America. More than ever, the health of our economy rests on having a highly-skilled and well-educated workforce. College access is the key to remaining strong in the face of an increasingly competitive global economy."

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Lisa Pryor said that in Oklahoma, current college students would save an average of $2,450 from the Democratic proposal to cut student loan interest rates. In-state students at public colleges have seen their tuition and fees increase by 41 percent over the past five years, and student debt has more than doubled since Republicans took control of Congress. "Democrats made a commitment to help more Americans reach their dreams by going to college," Pryor said. "The new Democratic Congress is off to a great start in passing key bills that will directly improve the lives of Oklahomans. We urge Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe in the U.S. Senate and President Bush to support this critical move for America's students, and for America's future."

Jason McCarty Communications Director email: jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org phone: 405.427.3366

DEMOS GOING TO DENVER!

Denver to Host 2008 Democratic National Convention; ODP Will Have Greater Role in Neighboring State

Oklahoma City, OK- Jan 11, 2007 Citing continued Democratic gains in the region, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today announced that Denver will host the 2008 Democratic National Convention Monday, August 25 to Thursday, August 28.

State Democratic Party Chairman Lisa Pryor said the DNC Convention being so close to Oklahoma will be a “monumental opportunity for Oklahoma Democrats.”

“We can have a national presence at this meeting like never before and it allows Oklahoma Democrats a chance to be helpful in the planning and visible in the national party structure. It is very exciting for us,” Pryor said.

She said states like Oklahoma and Colorado are important to the future of the Democratic Party.

“The recent Democratic gains in the Mid-West prove that Democrats can win in any part of the country,” Pryor said. “The DNC’s 50 State Strategy is working for Democrats nationwide. We have to be active again at the grassroots level in places where the federal Democratic vote has been dormant. This is critical as we move forward in recapturing the White House.”

Oklahoma Democratic Party Jason McCarty Communications Director email: jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org phone: 405. 427.3366

Include information on trademarks here in fine print.

ODP CALLS FOR GOP TO SUPPORT 100 HOURS LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

  With new polls showing widespread support among the American people for the legislative agenda Democrats will advance in the first 100 hours of the new Congress, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor today called on Oklahoma's Republicans in Congress to put partisanship aside and join Democrats in addressing the priorities of the American people.

According to a new poll, the vast majority of Americans support key elements of the Democratic 100 Hours agenda. Roughly 80 percent support raising the minimum wage, 56 percent support Democratic plans to expand federal support for stem cell research, and 69 percent support the Democratic plan to allow negotiations for lower prescription drug prices.

"By pushing an ambitious reform agenda in the first 100 hours of the new Congress, Democrats are not wasting any time getting to the business of the American people," Pryor said. "I urge Oklahoma’s Republicans in Congress to join Democrats in putting partisanship aside and join us in working to advance the people's agenda.

Pryor said that during last year's elections, Democrats pledged to bring real change to Congress, so that the United States government can finally put the priorities of the American people first.

“Democrats are committed to keeping that promise by passing real ethics reform, making America more secure by implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations, increasing the minimum wage, making college more affordable by cutting interest rates on student loans, allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices, starting America on the path to energy independence, and expanding stem cell research,” Pryor said. "These priorities are the core of the Democratic agenda, one the American people overwhelmingly support as evidenced by the resounding electoral victories in November and overwhelming support in the polls. Congressman Dan Boren and fellow Democrats are working to implement these initiatives. Republicans like Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe, along with Representatives Tom Cole, Frank Lucas, John Sullivan and Mary Fallin need to join Boren in standing up for the values and priorities of Oklahoma's working families."

Pryor said the "First 100 Hours," agenda, will include:

• Draining the swamp - breaking the link between lobbyists and legislation, bring civility to the legislative debate, and committing to pay-as-you-go budgeting; • Making America more secure - implementing the independent 9/11 Commission recommendations; • Giving Americans a raise - increasing the minimum wage; • Making college more affordable - cutting the interest rate in half on federally subsidized student loans; • Making health care more affordable - negotiating for lower prescription drug prices; • Beginning on a path to energy independence - ending subsidies for Big Oil and investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency; • Giving hope to families with devastating diseases - allowing stem cell research.

Oklahoma Democratic Party Jason McCarty Communications Director email: jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org phone: 405.427.3366

ASKINS ASSUMES LT. GOV. OFFICE

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Lisa Pryor’s statement on Jari Askins being appointed by Governor Brad Henry to assume the duties of the Lt. Governor’s office on January 2, 2007. Askins will be inaugurated to her elected term on Monday, Jan. 8th at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City.:

“Jari Askins will be a true champion of progress for Oklahomans. She assumes power in a historic legislative session when the State Senate is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. Jari Askins has the experience, leadership and vision to move our state forward in this Centennial year,” Pryor said. “As the first Democratic woman elected to the second most powerful job in Oklahoma, Jari Askins serves as a role model to all Oklahomans. She is committed to funding statewide education programs, developing new jobs and growing the Oklahoma economy. 2007 will be a great year for Oklahoma and Jari Askins will help assure our Centennial year is a celebration of our past, but also a celebration of our future and the great heights we can achieve.”

POSTED BY TERESA HILL ON BLUE NOTES BLOG

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
January 15, 2007







FEATHURED SPEAKER
REV. DR. JOSEPH lOWERY
Discussion - 2:00 p.m. Cameron University Theatre
Open to the Public
Banquet - 6:30 p.m. Cameron Univerity Fitness Center
Tickets: $20 adult / $13 students

EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED, NOTHING HAS CHANGED: OUR PROGESS IN THE FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE


Sponsored by: Cameron University & Cameron CFampus Ministry
Call CCM at 357-7226 for resevations and information.

OKLAHOMA SENIORS GETTING DUNKED BECAUSE INHOFE AND COBURN REFUSED TO CLOSE MEDICARE DONUT HOLE

For Immediate September 22, 2006

Bush Republicans in the Do-Nothing Congress blocked Democratic efforts to fix critical flaws in the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, the average senior will begin hitting the so- called "donut hole" in the plan's coverage tomorrow, costing seniors and people with disabilities throughout Oklahomas thousands of dollars in out-of- pocket expenses.

The "donut hole" is a result of the fact that the plan was crafted in such a way that Medicare pays 75 percent of the participant's first $2,250 in annual prescription drug costs, but forces them to pay all of their drug costs between $2,250 and $5,100. Nearly 88 percent of Part D enrollees, roughly 7 million Americans, will fall into the donut hole, according to a new report issued by Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee, According to the report, 88,961 (83%) of Oklahoma's 107,145 Medicare beneficiaries will fall into the donut hole.

Oklahomas Bush Rubberstamps in the Republican Do-Nothing Congress could have closed the donut hole by joining Democrats in passing legislation to fix the Medicare Part D plan. Instead, Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn voted to kill a Democratic amendment in the Senate. "The fact that the Bush Congress passed a fundamentally flawed prescription drug plan that only benefited their drug company cronies was inexcusable, but the refusal of loyal Bush Rubberstamps like Inhofe and Coburn to join Democrats in trying to fix this mess was an absolute tragedy," said Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor. "Time after time, Inhofe and Coburn have put their partisan loyalties and special interest friends ahead of the people of Oklahoma. With thousands of our seniors falling into a donut hole that the Bush Republicans refused to close, the need for a new direction in Congress could hardly be clearer, Pryor said.

Democrats are committed to providing a new direction in health care policy-one that puts working families ahead of the special interests, fights to reduce the cost of health care, and works to create a health care system that works for everyone."

JOHN EDWARDS HEADS UP WINPAC AUGUST 3RD FUNDRAISER

ODP PLANS DEMOCRATIC FAMILY REUNION IN OKC JULY 29TH

On Saturday July, 29 the Oklahoma Democratic Party (ODP) will host a Democratic Party Family Reunion 100 days before the general election in November. ODP Chairman Lisa Pryor said the event is free and open to all Oklahomans who care about building a better and brighter future for Oklahoma. Pryor said the event will reflect the unity and excitement with the ODP. The Democratic Family Reunion will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harn Homestead in Oklahoma City (313 NE 16th Street.) Pryor said this historic day will focus on Democratic fellowship, family fun and party building. She said Oklahomas First Family the Henrys has been invited and we want your family to join us as well. We will take the Oklahoma Democratic Family photo at 7 p.m. We expect hundreds of Oklahoma Dems to be in this family photo. We will have contemporary music, games, cold drinks, and political speeches all lined up for your enjoyment. Just bring a picnic with you, a lawn chair if you want, and plan to have an old- fashioned fun evening catching fireflies, listening to music and more. Pryor said the reunion, in coordination with the DNCs national day of action, strengthens our local Democratic family and takes concrete action to give candidates a boost to help them win in November. The idea is to have each person who participates commit to reaching 100 voters by election day. She said every state Democratic Party is doing some kind of event on this date. The DNC is encouraging Democrats all over the country to gather on that day and talk about 100 things that can be done in the next 100 days. At our reunion you will connect with others who want to elect Democrats, Pryor said. Together, we will work to educate voters and build participation in November. We have 100 days to win the 2006 elections. One Oklahoma Democrat said this when she signed up to attend the Oklahoma Democratic Reunion: "We learned a lot in 2004, including that Oklahomans care about being involved in the electoral process and are inspired by their neighbors, friends and family. We want to talk about politics and where we are headed as a nation. We need to keep this critical dialogue going and put as many Oklahoma Democrats in power in 2006 as possible. Joining together with other compassionate, caring and reasonable Democrats is supportive, and it's fun talking with like-minded Oklahomans." - Heather, Tulsa Register to attend and bring your family. Sign up at www.dnc.org under the action tab. Pryor said some of Oklahomas top Democratic leaders and legislators will attend. Visit Our Website email: jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org phone: 405.427.3366 web: http://www.okdemocrats.org/

DON'T FORGET

Don't forget to read OK Blue Notes.

http://www.okbluenotes.blogspot.com/

REPUBLICANS NICKEL AND DIME MINIMUM WAGE WORKERS

Republicans in Congress yesterday proved they just don't care about Oklahoma workers and their families, by blocking Democratic proposals to raise the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 A non-partisan survey, showing that 77 percent of Americans believe raising the minimum wage should be a priority, provides further proof that Republicans are out of touch with the values and priorities of a majority of Americans and Oklahomans.

Oklahoma State Party Chair Lisa Pryor said thousands of Oklahoma workers are struggling to provide a decent living for their families on an indecent minimum wage.

More than 140,000 Oklahomans would benefit from increasing the minimum wage to $7.25, which would make a significant difference in the lives Oklahoma families.

“Oklahoma Republicans continue to play partisan games with Oklahoma working families while totally disregarding the values and priorities of all Americans and putting their party’s misplaced values ahead of Oklahoma’s working families,” Pryor said. “Democrats believe that a fair day's work deserves a fair day's pay, which is why we will continue to fight to increase the minimum wage and will never turn our back on working families.”

Oklahoma state legislators are convening this week at the State Capitol for the Special Session. Pryor encouraged Oklahoma voters to contact their Senator and Representative in both Oklahoma City and in Washington DC, to let them know they should join with Democrats who believe that raising the minimum wage is not just a priority but an American value.

Pryor said Oklahoma numbers are staggering – one out of every seven Oklahoma citizens lives below the poverty line.

“We have a moral obligation to do what is right for the people of Oklahoma,” Pryor said. “Raising the minimum wage is the right thing to do right now.”

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email: jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org

phone: 405.427.3366

web: http://www.okdemocrats.org/