There’s an old rule in politics that needs to be explained to the Oklahoma GOP: Republican voters choose Republican nominees; the party doesn’t do it for us. Yet days before Tuesday’s runoff election, the Oklahoma GOP State Committee decided to put their thumb squarely on the scale, formally endorsing Mike Mazzei for Governor, James Taylor […]
Drew Williamson
Posted inOp-Ed
Oklahoma’s Choice: Drummond Beef or Mazzei Manure
Gentner Drummond kicked off his campaign for governor at the Osage County Fairgrounds, where several hundred Oklahomans gathered and were served Drummond Beef burgers. It was an appropriate backdrop. Because whatever you think of Drummond, nobody is asking, “Where’s the beef?” As attorney general, Drummond has delivered plenty of protein. His office has repeatedly challenged […]
Posted inOp-Ed
Mazzei Math
My first real encounter with Mike Mazzei was when a friend sent me a white paper he had authored in late 2022 about economic incentives being offered in the Filmed in Oklahoma Rebate Program and how they ultimately benefited the Oklahoma economy. It was flawed and misleading, claiming the state’s $30 million annual rebate to […]
Posted inOp-Ed
A Lesson In Mazzei Math: It often Doesn’t Add Up
My first real encounter with Mike Mazzei was when a friend sent me a White Paper he had authored in late 2022 about economic incentives being offered in The Filmed in Oklahoma Rebate Program and how they ultimately benefitted the Oklahoma economy. It was flawed and misleading, claiming the state’s $30 million annual rebate to […]
Posted inCommentary
Is Mike Mazzei’s Tax Plan Built On Sand?
The fastest way to win a Republican’s heart is usually through a big tax cut, and that rings particularly true when it pertains to Oklahoma’s GOP Gubernatorial primary election. Mike Mazzei seems to be attempting to take this path via “A Plan” being pitched to Oklahoma voters, promising to eliminate our state income tax and […]
Posted inNews
HELTER SMELTER: Mike Mazzei’s Flip Flop on Inola Project Sheds Light On A Dirty Deal.
If you want to understand politics in Oklahoma this year, start in Inola. That’s where Kevin Stitt’s administration has spent the last twelve months, promoting what could become the largest aluminum smelter in the United States- a $4 billion industrial project backed primarily by Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) a company controlled by sovereign wealth interests […]
Posted inCommentary
THIS Show Must NOT Go On …
Special thanks to President Donald J. Trump for recently sending J. Kevin Stitt back from D.C. with his tail between his legs. By refusing to endorse Stitt for the upcoming Senate election to replace MarkWayne Mullin, in favor of Representative Kevin Hern, Trump may have finally done what Oklahoma’s Republican legislators, donor class and establishment […]
Posted inNews
Invest in Oklahoma Act
It’s been 50 years since Oklahoma Gov. David Hall was indicted on charges of racketeering and extortion for conspiring to steer state employee retirement funds to a private investment firm in exchange for a payoff. Hall was convicted and served 19 months in federal prison, making him the only Oklahoma governor (three have been indicted) […]
Posted inCommentary
Oklahoma Should Give Todd Russ The Byrd
If Oklahomans are serious about competence, credibility and basic fiduciary responsibility, then the choice for State Treasurer in June’s Republican primary shouldn’t be close. It’s time to de-elect Todd Russ and replace him with someone who understands stewardship of public funds: Cindy Byrd. Let’s be blunt: Todd Russ has turned what should be a nuts-and-bolts […]
Posted inNews Analysis
Invest in Oklahoma Act: Public Funds and Private Profits
It’s been 50 years since Oklahoma Gov. David Hall was indicted on charges of racketeering and extortion for conspiring to steer state employee retirement funds to a private investment firm in exchange for a payoff. Hall was convicted and served 19 months in federal prison, making him the only Oklahoma governor (three have been indicted) […]