Oklahoma - Reddest of the Red States - 2010 Election Summary

Robert W. McDowell, Jr.

Special Editorial by Robert W. McDowell, Jr., Professional Geologist & VP OKRA: Last time the outcome of the Federal elections was discussed, and gratefully acknowledged. It was also suggested that those elected to office would need to be held accountable for their actions and any failures to fulfill campaign promises. The same, of course, holds true for those elected to State and local offices, of which there are numerous in Oklahoma, as well as around the Nation. Unfortunately, the heavily union controlled voters in the Northeast and West coastal states continued to return those of the Socialist/Communist persuasion to office, to the detriment of the whole Nation.

Here in Oklahoma, however, we still maintain the banner of being the "reddest of the red states" by having a clean sweep of ALL statewide elective offices into the Republican category. Only time will tell just how dedicated to principle these victorious candidates will be. Some, sadly, may very well have campaigned heavily as 'conservative; while secretly remaining firmly entrenched in their less desirable philosophical outlook. We will have to watch all of them closely and let them know if and when they digress from their stated intent.

By our voting actions, we have once again led the Nation in the move to a more sensible, constitutionally conservative, and fiscally responsible State government. It is to be expected that there will be somewhat of a reduction in the bloated and overstaffed state employee roster, preferably by the elimination of some, if not all, of the unneeded departments that serve no useful purpose in the fulfillment of the primary duties of the government. It would be sad, indeed, if there were severe cuts in the funding of those departments involved in the primary responsibilities of the government, such as safety, transportation, law enforcement, etc.

Governor Elect Mary Fallin seems to have "hit the ground at a dead run" and already has announced a number of staff appointments. Some are good, some average, some less desirable, and some of an unknown quantity. Hopefully all will turn out to be exemplary in the discharge of their duties. We certainly shall expect the best out of her, based on her performance in twelve years as Lt. Governor.

Lt. Governor elect Todd Lamb has an excellent voting record in the Senate, and is expected to fulfill the duties of his new office fully, including those of being a back-up to the Governor and temporary in her absence from the State.

Much is expected from Attorney General elect Scott Pruitt, but certainly his term will be a marked improvement over the record of justice disarranged by the present incumbent. It is expected that he will be aggressive in confronting the unconstitutional actions of the Federal Government and, with the proper assistant staff, proceed in prosecution of those who have been able to elude penalties for past wrongdoings in, or out of, elective office.

In those endeavors he will, or should be, assisted by the new State Auditor and Inspector, Gary Jones, who was instrumental in providing information and evidence to U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling that resulted in the successful prosecution of former Sen. Gene Stipe and his accomplices. Reports are that Mr. Jones and Mr. Sperling have information and/or evidence that could lead to similar actions against more individuals who have had their 'fingers in the cookie jar' for years.

One looks with hopeful confidence at the line up of the rest of the statewide elected officials, especially those whose offices have a major impact on the well being of its citizens, such as the Corporation Commission and State Superintendent of Instruction.

On the whole, the outlook for the immediate future in Oklahoma government would appear to be bright. One unknown at this time is the future performance of the leaders of the Legislature houses, elected by the respective majority caucuses. The past has not been of the best, but there appears to be improvement. Keep in mind that 2011 will also be the year of re-apportionment, for the first time in State history controlled by the Republican Party. It is expected that it will be done with a more fair and equal result in the districts.

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