By Constitution Staff

For some reason, we continue to get feedback that some out there mistakenly refer to the Oklahoma Constitution's Oklahoma Conservative Index, as the "OCPAC Conservative Index." This is much like saying that the infamous beauty pageant judge Perez Hilton is the Miss USA Contest. A few years ago, the Oklahoma Constitution ownership opted to invite the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC) to vote on the specific bills and votes used for the Oklahoma Conservative Index. The product itself is the property of the Oklahoma Constitution, not OCPAC. While we appreciate the assistance of the membership of OCPAC in compiling the Conservative Index, we ask our readers to correct those that mistakenly call the Oklahoma Conservative Index "OCPAC's Index."

NEW STATE GOP CHAIRMAN

On June 26, the Oklahoma Republican Party elected Matt Pinnell of Tulsa as its new chairman. He was the only candidate for the post and was elected during a state committee meeting in Oklahoma City. He succeeds Gary Jones -- who is resigning to run for state Auditor and Inspector. This is the second time that Jones resigned as chairman to run for the post. The 30-year-old Pinnell worked as director of operations for the state Republican Party from 2007 to 2009 before becoming a regional director for the John Hancock Committee for the States, which raises money for conservative political groups. Pinnell served in his first political job as an intern in the Tulsa office of Sen. Jim Inhofe.

GOP GOVERNOR STRAW POLL

Senator Randy Brogdon, candidate for governor, had one of those rare opportunities to reveal the distinctions between fellow candidate Mary Fallin and himself and he has to be elated with the results. The Oklahoma Republican Committee met in June to select a new state Chairman. A straw poll of the committee members gave Senator Brogdon a huge victory as he obtained 54% of the vote to Fallin's 42%. Robert Hubbard came in 3rd with 3% and Roger Jackson received 1% of the vote.

IMPOUND UNINSURED VEHICLES

Under legislation recently signed into law by the governor, law enforcement agencies will be able to impound vehicles driven by uninsured drivers. House Bill 2331, by state Rep. Steve Martin (R-Bartlesville), takes advantage of a recently activated instant-verification system available to law enforcement officers. The system allows officers to immediately determine if vehicles are covered by qualifying liability insurance. "Now law enforcement officers can instantly determine if a car is insured by entering the license tag number into an onboard computer or by having that done by a dispatcher," Martin said. If a car is uninsured, it could be seized immediately by the officer and towed to an impoundment lot until the owner of the vehicle can produce proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a valid driver's license.

The instant verification system, ordered by an act of the state Legislature in 2006, has been created through cooperation of the insurance industry and the State of Oklahoma. "It has been estimated that one in four cars on Oklahoma roads has no liability insurance in spite of our mandatory insurance law," Martin said. "My hope is that this new law will reduce the number of victims of these uninsured motorists." It is believed that a large number of the uninsured are illegal aliens.

OKLAHOMA NEEDS ARIZONA LAW

The arrest of an alleged high-ranking member of a Mexican drug cartel in Oklahoma City proves the need for Oklahoma to pass "an Arizona-plus illegal alien law," says state Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore). "The border war is spreading to Oklahoma. Tough illegal alien laws in one state create a domino effect forcing these criminals into other states. We need to respond by duplicating the Arizona statute in Oklahoma law and enhancing it." The Arizona law largely duplicates existing federal law and allows local law enforcement officials to request valid documentation of citizenship.

At least nine people were arrested as part of the Sinaloa Cartel bust. In that sting operation, law enforcement officials were able to track hundreds of thousands of dollars in wire transfers to Mexico due to Oklahoma law. Under legislation authored by Terrill in 2009, the state assesses a 1-percent fee on funds wired out of Oklahoma. Individuals with a valid Social Security number can recoup the cost of the fee on their tax returns. As a result, the law mostly impacts drug traffickers and illegal aliens. Terrill said he plans to file legislation to duplicate and enhance the Arizona law in Oklahoma.

MISS OKLAHOMA (USA)

Last year, Perez Hilton, a judge in the Miss USA pageant, asked Miss California, Carrie Prejean, if she believed in gay marriage. Prejean said she didn't, and many argue that it cost her the Miss USA title. At this year's pageant, a disbelieving crowd booed Miss USA judge Oscar Nunez when he asked Miss Oklahoma, Morgan Elizabeth Woolard, if she supported Arizona's law which requires police to verify a person's immigration status if there's "reasonable suspicion" that the person is in the country illegally."I'm a huge believer in states' rights. I think that's what's so wonderful about America," Woolard said. "So I think it's perfectly fine for Arizona to create that law." Woolard finished first runner-up to winner Rima Fakih of Michigan, and many speculate that her support of Arizona's SB 1070 may have cost her the crown.

NEW MISS OKLAHOMA (AMERICA)

Emoly West was crowned Miss Oklahoma 2010 on June 12 in Tulsa. West, competing as Miss Edmond Liberty Fest, beat out 42 contestants in the annual scholarship pageant. This year's competition was the fifth time West has tried for the title. She will move on to represent the state in the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas in January. West, 24, is a senior at the University of Central Oklahoma working toward a degree in dance performance with a minor in broadcast journalism.

Be ready for another controversy if a pageant judge asks a political question. She was raised in a politically conservative family. Her grandmother, Mollie Harris, was an active member of Eagle Forum and worked in the STOP ERA effort in Oklahoma. Her mother, Stephanie, brought Emoly in a stroller to the state capitol and lobbied for Pro-Life legislation. When West was in her teens, she and other home-schoolers attended the Wednesday lunch meetings of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC) as part of their social studies education.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD LETTER

A recent fundraising letter by Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma reveals the anti-Christian bias of the pro-abortion organization. The letter asserted that Oklahoma had "just found itself in the top ten in a few dubious categories," including "conservative religious practices." Other "dubious categories," in the opinion of Anita Fream, the chief executive officer of the group, included "violence against women." Fream said that the "work we do at Planned Parenthood" includes enabling "transgendered individuals to become the person they've always thought they were." Finally, Fream lamented that, "Oklahoma is a tough place in which to operate," for the agenda of Planned Parenthood.

ROCKETPLANE CRASH

George French Jr., owner of Rocketplane Inc., filed bankruptcy papers on June 15. In 2003 his company received $18 million transferrable tax credits from the State of Oklahoma to develop a space plane and send tourists into space from the "Oklahoma Spaceport" created at Burns Flat. The company turned the tax credits into cash, but the company contiguously missed target dates and the space plane was never built. Hope sparked anew that the company would get back on track after it was awarded a $200 million NASA contract to build a rocket ship to carry cargo to the International Space Station. The company was awarded the contract in 2006, but NASA pulled the plug a year later due to the company's failure to meet financial deadlines. After earlier shutting down operations at Burns Flat, the company closed their Oklahoma office last year. According to the bankruptcy filing, French and his companies had assets of $108,000 to $287,000 and liabilities of more than $8 million. The debtors include vendors Rocketplane had contracted with for services and parts, and back taxes.

This was the latest failure by state lawmakers in their "economic development" schemes. Others include Great Plains Airline ($27 million), Quartz Mountain Areospace ($32 million), and the MG Car Plant. It is hoped that future lawmakers will learn from these failures and leave economic development to the free-market.

DIVERSION OF FEES CHALLENGED

In May, retired Oklahoma City attorney Jerry Fent asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to prohibit 18 boards and commissions from transferring 10 percent of the licensing fees they collect to the state General Fund. Fent says the fees should be used to regulate the standards and activities of those licensed and not diverted to the General Fund to be used for other purposes. The lawsuit alleges the fee transfers violate a section of the state Constitution that says "no tax levied and collected for one purpose shall ever be devoted to another purpose." Fent charges that the Legislature first began illegally diverting the fees in 1933, and that over $50 million has been moved since that time. More than $2 million was transferred last fiscal year.

On June 9, Fent presented oral arguments to a state court referee who will issue a report to state Supreme Court justices. The court must decide whether to accept original jurisdiction of the lawsuit or require that it first be filed in district court. Fent fears that if the court rejects his case, legislators will increase the percentage of license fees they take from boards and commissions and divert it to help offset state revenue shortfalls.

Over the years, Fent has filed over a dozen lawsuits challenging the methods used by state lawmakers to raise and spend state revenue and has been successful in a number of those cases. The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently ruled in Fent's favor in a similar case. In a 6-2 decision in January, the court declared that the diversion of civil court filing fees to support non-court related activities, like voluntary adoption registries and the attorney general's Victim Services Unit, was unconstitutional.

ISRAELI TALK RADIO

An American-born Israeli radio talk show host is coming to Oklahoma City as part of a national tour which includes stops in New York, Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Nashville, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas and Los Angeles. His name is Yishai Fleisher and he experiences, on a daily basis, the reality of living in the land of Israel. As Program Director of Israel National Radio and also the host of his own talk show, Yishai & Friends, he is a dynamic voice for Israel. Yishai is a graduate of Cardozo Law School, a reservist Israeli Defense Force (ISF) Paratrooper, as well as a husband and father who currently resides in the community of Beit El. He is well-versed in the current political dynamics of the region and speaks on the challenges that face the people of Israel. His Oklahoma City lecture will be Tuesday, August 3rd, 7:30PM, at the Chabad Jewish Center at 3000 West Hefner Road. The lecture is open to the public. He's also scheduled for an interview on KTOK 1000-AM Radio with Reid Mullins, the morning prior to his talk.

DEATH OF MARK SHANNON

Popular Oklahoma City conservative talk radio host Mark Shannon lost his battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia on May 8. He was 58. Weeks prior to his death, Shannon said his condition was worsening and though he was not giving up, he was preparing for death. "I've had a life blessed beyond what I deserve, and I have few regrets," he wrote on his website. "If my time here is up, then I am confident that God will prepare me, much as everything leading up to this point in my life has prepared me for the next step in life."

Born as Mark Fullerton, in Lincoln, Nebraska, he served in the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller. He began his radio career in 1974 in Montrose, Colorado as Mark Stone and later worked as a disc jockey in Sioux City, Iowa and Amarillo, Texas. His Oklahoma City radio career, where he began using the name Mark Shannon, began in 1983 at KJYO and later moved to KRXO. He did a short stint at The Sports Animal and KXXY before moving to WLAC in Nashville as morning host for the 50,000 watt news/talk station. In 2003 he returned to Oklahoma City as talk radio host during morning drive-time on SuperTalk 930 WKY. In an effort to target Oklahoma City's growing Hispanic population, "SuperTalk" ended in January 2006 and the station went to Mexican music. In December, 2007, Shannon became the afternoon drive-time host at Newsradio 1000-AM KTOK. The station had gone through several hosts following the retirement of Mike McCarville in 1995. The sometimes controversial Shannon became active in conservative activities and was MC for many of the Tea Party rallies, including his last public appearance on April 14.

FORMER REP. MINA HIBDON

Former state Rep. Mina Hibdon and her husband were found dead at their Norman home on May 21. Mina Hibdon was 83, and her husband Jim was 85. Jim Hibdon was a retired University of Oklahoma professor, and adjunct professor with the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, an Oklahoma-based conservative think tank. The couple were found by their daughter and according to a police spokesman, the deaths were not considered suspicious. Because the deaths were unattended, the bodies were directed to the State Medical Examiner's office. Rep. Mina Hibdon (R-Norman), was elected to the State House of Representatives in a Special Election in 1973 and served through 1976. She was the first Republican and the first women to be elected to the House District 44 seat.

FORMER REP. HANNAH ATKINS DEAD

Former state Rep. Hannah Atkins, 86, the first black woman elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, died of cancer on June 17 in a Maryland hospice. Atkins was elected in 1968 to represent House District 97 in Oklahoma City and served through 1980. She was the first woman to chair a House committee. She earned a liberal record in the Legislature (10% Conservative Index rating) and was one of the main proponents for ratification of the so-called Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). After a dozen years serving in the Legislature, Gov. Henry Bellmon appointed her Secretary of Social Services, Secretary of Human Resources and Secretary of State. Atkins was involved with many organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed her a delegate to the 35th General Assembly of the United Nations, and she served as commissioner to the U.N. Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) until1982.

OFRG LAUNCHES NEW MISSION

Oklahomans for Responsible Government (OFRG) is narrowing its mission to deal with all levels of transparency in government in Oklahoma. The move will not change the group's organization or staff. "Since OFRG started in January of 2008, the one issue that has gotten the most attention has been making government more transparent," said Brian Downs, OFRG Executive Director. "From our Blueprint for Transparency series that looked at information provided on school district and municipal websites to tracking stimulus spending, Oklahomans have continually told us that they want a brighter light shining on how government is spending money and providing information."

With the change, OFRG will step away from the legislative process and solely focus on educating taxpayers on how all levels of government are operating. The organization will recognize individuals and groups that are working to provide more transparency and foster the Government 2.0 model to become a resource for those wanting to improve the connection between government and its citizens. OFRG's mission statement had included improving transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility in state government. A more open process will result in more responsible spending and citizens holding lawmakers accountable for that spending. OFRG will also continue its fight against State Question 744 on the ballot in November. For more information, please visit www.ofrg.org.

OFRG RELEASES LIST

In June, Oklahomans for Responsible Government (OFRG) released its first Legislative Index and Scorecard for Taxpayers (LIST), showing how lawmakers voted on legislation concerning transparency and fiscal responsibility in state government. The LIST is comprised of 21 measures that would have a big impact on taxpayers. If a lawmaker voted with taxpayers, a point was given. The total points divided by the total votes for which a lawmaker was present makes up his or her score. On the House side, the average score was 83.1% while in the Senate, it was 80.1%. Eight House members and one Senator received perfect scores. The goal of the LIST is to hold lawmakers accountable for their votes. "We've made it easy for anyone to look up their lawmaker and see how they voted on bills that promote a more efficient and transparent government,"said Brian Downs, OFRG Executive Director. Check out your Senator and Representative. If they didn't receive a perfect score, ask them why they voted the way they did on certain bills. You can view the details of the LIST on the OFRG website: www.ofrg.org.

OFRG LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR

Oklahomans for Responsible Government (OFRG) honored State Representative Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa) with its Legislator of the Year Award. Sullivan finished up his third term in the Legislature serving as Chairman of the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee. He was one of eight House members to receive a perfect score on OFRG's Legislative Index and Scorecard for Taxpayers (LIST). "Representative Sullivan consistently voted in the taxpayers favor," said Brian Downs, OFRG Executive Director. "His LIST score and sponsorship of important bills that brought about worker's compensation and school audit reforms showcase why he is our choice for this award."

"I'm honored to receive OFRG's award," said Rep. Sullivan. "Since coming to the Legislature, I've had the taxpayers' best interests in mind. The best way for Oklahoma to grow and prosper is to let people keep more of their money and make government more transparent to its citizens." Sullivan is the third recipient of OFRG's Legislator of the year award. This is the first year OFRG has released its Legislative Index and Scorecard for Taxpayers.

INHOFE MOST CONSERVATIVE

Senator Jim Inhofe was the only member of the Oklahoma congressional delegation to

score a perfect 100% on the New American magazine's "Freedom Index." Fellow senator Tom Coburn scored 89%, tying for second in the delegation with Representatives John Sullivan and Mary Fallin. Scoring 80% were Representatives Tom Cole and Frank Lucas, with Representative Dan Boren managing only 50%.

USS OKLAHOMA MAST

On July 10, a 40-foot section of the mast from the USS Oklahoma was unveiled as a new piece in the USS Batfish War Memorial Park and Museum in Muskogee. The USS Oklahoma was part of the fleet of American ships attacked at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The ship capsized within 12 minutes after being struck by Japanese torpedoes. A total of 429 lives were lost. In 2006, a section of the ship's mast was discovered. Through the efforts of officials and volunteers, this section has been acquired by Muskogee's War Memorial Park and will be the centerpiece of a new exhibit at the museum commemorating the service and sacrifice of those aboard the USS Oklahoma. "This piece of history is going to be a wonderful addition to the USS Batfish War Memorial Park, and Muskogee is grateful to have the honor of commemorating the USS Oklahoma," said State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee). USS Batfish War Memorial Park and Museum is located on N. 43rd Street East off of Muskogee Turnpike.