Taita Academy: Jobs and Vacancies in Kenya

Taita Academy is a mixed boarding secondary school situated in Mwatate, Taita/Taveta District.

The school urgently needs to fill in the following vacancies in its

1. English/Literature
2. Geography/C.R.E/Kiswahili
3. Physics/Chemistry (Readvertisement)
4. History/CRE/Kiswahili teacher. (Readvertisement)

Requirements:

1. University graduate degree in Bachelor of Education or graduate with a Post graduate diploma in Education. Must have majored in the above subjects in his undergraduate degree.
2. A committed Christian willing to positively contribute to the spiritual, social, physical and mental development of the child.
3. A hard worker, focused, dedicated and result oriented.

If you believe to have what it takes to join our hardworking dedicated and loving community of staff kindly send your application to

The school Administrator
Email: info@taitaacademy.com

BBC: Journalism Graduates

The BBC in Nairobi is pleased to announce the launch of its Work Experience Programme.

As part of its commitment to promoting excellent journalism, the BBC will be offering four week attachments to Journalism Graduates or other suitably qualified candidates.

The attachment is unpaid but a fixed stipend will be given to cover basic expenses.

Candidates will be selected once every 6 months.

To Apply:
To be considered for the period between September 2010 and February 2011, please email nairobi.forms@bbc.co.uk and follow instructions.

BBC: Studio Manager

Your main role will be to ensure that all our live and recorded programmes are broadcast at the high level of quality expected by our audience.

You will work mostly in the fast-paced environment of our Nairobi studios, but also from location when necessary.

Experience of operating modern studio equipment is essential.

An understanding of communication networks and of IT systems is also a requirement.

Excellent English and Kiswahili are essential.

You will be expected to work on shifts, with a significant amount at night and weekends.

You will need to demonstrate a highly professional approach to your work.

Punctuality, reliability, pro-activity, as well as outstanding people skills are fundamental to this role.

To Apply:
Applications to be received by Friday, 10 Sept, 2010.

For details and an application form go to www.bbc.co.uk/jobs

UNDP Kenya: Assistant Project Officer

UNDP Kenya, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports seeks to recruit an Assistant Project Officer.

Background

In the recent years, the Government of Kenya has recognized the crucial role that young people play in enhancing development in their communities through empowerment, participation, and creating opportunities for peaceful co-existence of the citizens.

With this recognition, the Government established the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS).

One of the strategic areas of intervention for UNDP Kenya is to build capabilities of organizations and agencies to adequately empower young people.

This is done in key focus areas of livelihood creation, peace building and conflict prevention and capacity building initiatives that are relevant to the needs of the Kenyan youth.

As a part of its commitment, UNDP Kenya, in partnership with MoYAS is delivering the Kenya National Youth Development and Training (KNYD&T) Programme and desires to engage an Assistant Project Officer to support the coordination and implementation of the programme.

Qualifications:

• Completion of Secondary Education (C+ or higher) with a diploma in Education, Development Studies, Social Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Programme Management or other related fields
• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Development Studies, Peace Building, Conflict Prevention, Political Science, International Relations or other related field would be desirable.
• Additional training on conflict management and youth development issues, an added advantage.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in developing and managing peace building, conflict prevention and poverty reduction initiatives preferably among the youth in Kenya.
• Minimum of 5 years in increasingly responsible working experience in the area of youth development.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
  
• Fluency in Swahili would be an advantage.

To Apply:

Interested and qualified persons should apply on the UNDP Kenya e-Recruitment portal located at http://www.ke.undp.org on or before 10 September 2010. Select "careers" and click on staff positions and select the assistant project officer vacancy which will provide you with details for applying for this post on 'erecruit.echo-systems.net'. Applications received via other means will not be accepted

Additional considerations

• Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
• Acknowledgments will be sent only to applicants who strictly meet the requirements of the post

Adept Systems: Senior Brand Manager

Our client is a global multinational Food & Beverage company, worldwide leader in most of its category portfolio. With global or local specific brands and products, the core focus is to meet the diverse needs and preferences of consumers all over the world.

Operating in Africa for more than 80 years, the Company has 5 markets within, the Equatorial African Region being amongst them. The regional operations are co-ordinated from Nairobi, Kenya to offer shared service across countries in Central, East, part of Southern Africa including the Island markets and Horn of Africa.

With this regional expertise, the Company aims at enhancing the business potential of this region,which is seen as an important source of future growth, and bring it up to the level of performance that the Company experiences in other regions of Africa and the world.

By reinforcing business and product categories focus, making operations more efficient, developing cross fertilization or enhancing peoples’ knowledge transfer and empowerment, this shared service expertise is expected to accelerate growth and meet the company’s high ambition for the Region.

Our client continues to be viewed as one of the leading global companies in Corporate Social Responsibility, particularly in the developing world. Being a committed leader in environmental performance, they ensure that natural resources are preserved and that waste management enjoys much attention in all operations worldwide.

The company is an equal-opportunity employer with robust talent management policies, and systems. They value and reward individual and team contributions to business results.

Job Summary
To develop and manage the implementation of the marketing program for availability, visibility,image, price as well as awareness for Nutrition segment in EAR. Continually monitoring the portfolio performance and managing the administration of the portfolio’s expenditure program.

Responsibilities
1. Optimize brand performance
•Delivery of strategic direction for the portfolio in line with Nutrition Health & Wellness (NHW) and Creating Shared Values (CSV) values.
•Delivery of recommendations and action plan (strategies), regarding consumer, competitor following the gathering, analysis and evaluation of relevant information.
•Ensure implementation of marketing program per prioritization agreed with Business Manager.
•Maximize usage occasions and explore new ones.

2. Optimize Point of purchase
•Regular contact with sales, Category Channel Sales Development (CCSD) and consumers (where allowed) and visits to markets to evaluate operational implementation of plans
•Work with sales to identify, analyze and implement alternative trade channel strategies in order to optimise distribution of product.
•With CCSD identify promotional opportunities for Cereals.

3. Pricing
•Following an agreed pricing strategy, setting master pricing and promotional pricing to meet budget requirements.
• Monitoring of pricing within agreed parameters.
• Investigation and delivery of price points to optimise product penetration in the bottom end of the market.

4. Administration
•Liaison with Finance & Control (FICO) to optimise P&L, transfer pricing, SKU performance data, bad goods analyses and any other necessary information
•Responding to queries and supplying Equatorial African Region (EAR) feedback within deadline
•Response to queries from other markets within agreed times
•Use of best practice tools to manage business Product Fixed & Marketing Expense (PFME) spend, volume projections and New Product Development (NPD) process)

5. Promotions
•Setting up, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of promotions beginning with approved briefs and meeting internal audit requirements.
•Manage the implementation and evaluation of approved Consumer Communication plan.
•Regular attendance and input at regional sales meetings.

6. People Leadership
•Oversee brand team and develop marketing competencies of junior staff members

Requirements:
•Analytical & strategic thinking skills
•Excellent Time Management skills
•Ability to effectively communicate with all divisions / groups within the organization
•Effective interpersonal and active listening skills
•Knows their way around the P&L
•Comfortable with systems & tools
•Excellent team player
•Living company principles & values

To apply:
Send your application including a cover letter indicating your desire to work with our client; a detailed CV highlighting relevant experience, details of current and expected salary, a daytime phone contact, email address, and the names of three professional referees by close of business September 2010.
Adept Systems
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
P O Box 6416, Nairobi, GPO 00100
Email: recruit@adeptsystems.co.ke
Web: www.adeptsys.biz

PricewaterhouseCoopers: Human Capital Advisor

PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused advisory, tax and assurance services to public sector entities and private companies, building public trust and enhancing value for clients and their stakeholders.

With more than 7,500 professional staff located in 31 countries in Africa, PwC has the largest foot-print of all professional services firms on the African continent. Local ownership of all our Africa firms assures commitment to the development of our people and economy.

We are seeking to strengthen our Human Capital team in Kenya by recruiting a highly motivated individual for the position of a Human Capital Advisor.

Reporting to the Country Head of Human Capital, the role holder will play a significant role as part of the team to help implement the human capital strategy in Kenya.

Specifically, the key responsibilities of the Human Capital Advisor will be to:

• Be part of the Human Capital team in delivering the Human Capital strategy and the PwC People Experience
• Coordinate the implementation of the Learning and Development (L&D) activities for the non-technical business skills for the firm
• Be part of the of Learning and Development community in the roll-out and monitoring of the Learning Management System
• Maintain relationships with the business leaders, staff and external stakeholders and provide support in employment legislation matters, policy issues and learning and development
• Preparation and analysis of HR management reports regularly as and when required for the business
• Support in actively reviewing the existing policies to comply with the labour legislation and best practice market trends
• Maintain relationships with the business unit leaders to provide information, investigate trends, establish L&D demands and gain feedback on non-technical training offerings
• Drive the strategy for the non-technical training offering and ensure there is consistency across the firm
• Measure and report the effectiveness and value of L&D activity across the firm on non-technical training offerings

The successful candidate will be required to have the following demonstrable skills and competencies:

• Degree in Social Sciences with a post graduate diploma in Human Resource Management
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years of demonstrable experience as a HR generalist in. a HR business partner role or in a similar role. Experience in learning & development and HR policy reviews would be an added advantage
• Knowledge of external market best practices for learning and development delivery including cost effective and efficient transactional services
• Excellent relationship management and influencing skills at different levels in the firm
• Knowledge of employment legislation and best practices in human capital practices and policies

To Apply:
To apply for this position, please send your application with a detailed CV including names of at least 3 referees to recruitment.ke@ke.pwc.com or apply online on our website www.pwc.com/ke/careers

Closing Date: 15 September 2010

© 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers. AH rights reserved. "PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to the network of members firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity

UCL Pharmaceutical Company: Jobs and Vacancies in Kenya

UCL is a growing Pharmaceutical Company in East & Central Africa with presence in 15 countries.

To strengthen our team we require to fill the following vacant positions.

Quality Assurance

• Dynamic Minimum Bsc/Pharmacy degree holder to work in our Quality Assurance Department.

Production Manager

• A highly result oriented Bsc/Pharmacy degree holder to head the production department.
• The person should be self driven and a team leader

Production Supervisors

• Leaders with a flair for production and working as Supervisors.
• Preferably in the Pharmaceutical field.
• The person should be a Diploma holder in Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Technology.

Store Keeper

• Qualified Store Keeper with hands on experience in Store Keeping.
• The person should be a graduate with a minimum of Diploma in related field.

Dispensers

• Qualified Dispensers, minimum Diploma holders in Pharmacy.

QC Analysts

• Self driven Quality Control Analysts who are minimum holders a Diploma/Bsc in Analytical Chemistry and Bsc Microbiology.

Machine Operators

• Machine Operators to operate several machines in our production department.
• The persons should be able to operate the machines, trouble shoot, repair and maintain the machines.
• Diploma in Engineering will be preferred.

Vet Manager

• A graduate in Vet Sciences with hands on experience in sales both domestic and the export market.
• The person should have at least 3 years experience in selling Vet products.
• Expertise in feed supplements will be an added advantage.

Regulatory Affairs

• Degree/Diploma in Pharmacy.
• The person should have hands on experience in registration of drugs and its documentation.

Mechanical Engineer

• Degree/Diploma in Mechanical Engineer.
• The person will maintain and control ail production equipment, analyze root problems, trouble shoot, commissioning of equipment and relevant documentation.

NB

For all above positions:

• Basic computer knowledge is a requirement
• State your current and expected remuneration
• Experience will be an added advantage

To Apply:

For all positions please apply through hro@ucl.co.ke stating on the Subject line which position you are applying.

You can also apply through post:

To The Human Resources Office,

Universal Corporation Ltd,

P. O. Box 2072 – 00902, Kikuyu.

Deadline: 15th Sept 2010

Van Den Berg Kenya Limited: Clinical Officer

Van Den Berg Kenya Limited is a Rose Flower Growing farm located on Moi South Lake Road in Naivasha.

We pride ourselves in quality of our personnel and productivity We seek to fill the above position in our clinic and invite qualified and dedicated applicants.

The Position

Reporting to the Nursing Officer in Charge, the job holder will provide the highest standards of primary and curative health services to the company's employees numbering 1500 and their dependants.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivering clinical services to all levels of company employees including administration of ARV and TB medication
• Treatment and referral for specialized treatment in consultation with the company's Medical Doctor
• Carrying out preventive health services including continuous health education
• Ensuring that the best health and safety practices are adhered to
• Assisting in the development of health and safety guidelines within the company.
• Act as a link between the company clinic and other relevant Government agencies.

Personal Profile

• Mature disposition, unquestionable integrity with meticulous approach to work
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills
• Dynamic, able to take initiative and inspire others
• Goal oriented and ability to work independently

Requirements

• Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery from a recognized institution
• Certificate of registration with the Clinical Officers' Council
• Training in HIV /AIDS & TB management
• Minimum of 3 years experience in a similar position
• Be at least 30years and above
• Computer knowledge will be an added advantage.

To Apply:
Applications with detailed CV indicating current and expected remunerations together with copies of certificates should be sent to the following address:-

Human Resource Manager
Van Den Berg (K) Limited,
P.O. Box 1129, Naivasha.
e-mail: george@roseskenya.com

Applications should be received not later than 2nd September, 2010

Emergency Plus Medical Services: Assistant Accountant

Emergency Plus Medical Services is a private company, limited by guarantee, fully owned by the Kenya Red Cross to offer emergency medical services which include 24hr ambulance service, first aid training and the sale of first aid kits.

The Company is looking to recruit a qualified self driven individual of high integrity to fill the mentioned position.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Prepare purchase orders and send copies to suppliers and to departments originating requests.
• Determine if inventory quantities are sufficient for needs, ordering more materials when necessary.
• Respond to supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations.
• Contacting suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other challenges.
• Review requisition orders to verify accuracy, terminology, and specifications
• Carry out stock takes and generating reports for the same.
• Process payments for suppliers and ensuring all suppliers are paid on time
• Ensure all stocks (ambulance and first aid) are well managed
• Compare prices, specifications, and delivery dates to determine the best bid among potential suppliers
• Track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders.
• Perform related work as required

Qualifications/ Requirements

• B. Com or any accounting degree from a recognised University
• CPA II or equivalent
• Supply and Procurement knowledge/understanding is an added advantage
• High level of integrity and honesty is a must

Closing date: 30th Aug 2010

Location: Nairobi

To Apply:
All applications to be sent by email only to: info@eplus.co.ke

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

For more information, visit www.eplus.co.ke

The Faces Of Victory

Photo courtesy The Edmond Sun

Oklahoma County Courthouse Without Power

The Oklahoma County Courthouse is closed this morning.

Construction crews renovating the heating and air-conditioning system, along with installing a fire suppression system in the historic courthouse, reported a major electrical malfunction this morning around 2:00 a.m.

O.G. & E. crews have been on the scene throughout the night and believe electricity will be restored to the Courthouse building some time this morning, but then they have to run a series of tests before the building can be opened for the judges and the public, a county statement said.

The plan is to open the building at 1:30 p.m. today.

Anyone who has court scheduled this morning should come to the Courthouse building at 1:30 p.m.

Donors Flocked To Lankford In 5th District Runoff

The Oklahoman's Chris Casteel reports that, "Republican congressional candidate James Lankford may be new to politics, but he and his campaign have figured out how to raise money in the last few weeks. Since Aug. 6, Lankford has raised nearly $170,000 just in contributions of $1,000 or more, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Since many people give less than $1,000, Lankford’s overall take in the last three weeks is likely much higher. Nearly 100 people have given $1,000 or more to his campaign since early this month."

Read Casteel's entire story at http://blog.newsok.com/politics.

AFP Responds To Obama's Attacks

Americans For Prosperity (AFP) is releasing this spirited defense of itself following criticism from President Obama and other liberal Democrats.

Stuart Jolly is Oklahoma Director of the group.

Days of sub-standard imports numbered - TBS

BY LYDIA SHEKIGHENDA
25th August 2010

The government is determined to curb current massive importation of sub-standard products into the country by ensuring that all imports are verified at the point of origin to determine whether they meet the requisite quality standards, Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) Director General Charles Ekelege said yesterday.

He told a press conference at the TBS premises in Dar rs Salaam that, the exercise would be undertaken through a ‘Pre- shipment Verification of Conformity to Standards programme’ to be managed by the bureau together with other local and international partners.

The TBS chief executive said the process of securing the local and international partners were currently underway to enable timely take-off of the exercise.

“We are going to announce the international tender basing on the Public Procurement Act next month to get partners who will implement the programme,’ Ekelege told participants to the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) Regional Workshop on Conformity Assessment from 20 eastern and southern Africa countries.

He added that once implemented there would be no sub-standard goods which would be imported into the country because companies that would be contracted to execute the programme would be liable for any imported poor quality products.

According to Ekelege, the international accepted programme was already being implemented by other African countries including Kenya, Uganda and Botswana.

He said the programme would involve all the commodities countrywide and the tender was open to both local and international companies.

Ekelege said the workshop was a starting point as a forum for discussing harmonisation of the conformity assessment procedures in the region with the aim of facilitating the smooth flow and exchange of goods and services in the region.

For his part, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Marketing, Shaaban Mwinjaka said implementation of international standards and conformity assessment practices provided excellent means of technology transfer to developing countries while assisting in overcoming technology gaps.

“International standards are important in improving our developing countries’ access to international markets and to strengthening ability to implement international trade obligations,” he said.

“Consumers shall have more confidence in products bearing a mark of certificate of conformity that attest to quality, safety or other desirable characteristics,” Mwinjaka said, adding that manufacturers needed to make sure that their products met the requirements specified in the relevant standards.

He said assessing products to see whether they met relevant standards further helped manufacturers to avoid costs of product failures in the market.

According to the Deputy PS, Tanzania had already moved a positive step by actively participating in the process of harmonising regional procedures on conformity assessment in both the East African Community and the Southern Africa Development Community.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

http://www.ippmedia.com/

Underdog No More, Lankford Stuns Calvey

James Lankford capped his campaign for Congress today with a stunning, almost 2-to-1 win over the once-favored Kevin Calvey in the Republican runoff for the 5th District seat.

Underdog Lankford, with four precincts still out, had 29,579 votes to just 15,812 for Calvey. That's 65.16 percent to 34.84 percent.

Lankford's longshot bid to win the seat in Congress began a year ago when he resigned as director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp, a position he held for more than a decade.

He was considered a "no-name" candidate in the primary, when all the talk and focus was on Calvey, the Iraq veteran and former House member who spent four years planning this campaign after losing in the GOP primary for Congress in 2006.

Lankford first stunned Calvey in the primary, running first by about one percent. His momentum continued into the runoff and culminated in today's vote.

Lankford faces Democrat Billy Coyle and Independents Clark Duffe and Dave White in the general election.

Final Results For All Runoff Races

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 3 24 OF 24
MATT WEBB 1,424 42.63%
JAMES LOCKHART 1,916 57.37%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 18 36 OF 36
DONNIE CONDIT 1,950 52.86%
CAROLYN McNATT HILL 1,739 47.14%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 21 27 OF 27
JERRY TOMLINSON 1,463 38.79%
NATHAN W. WILLIAMS 2,309 61.21%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 66 18 OF 18
ELI POTTS 601 55.19%
ANDREW THOMAS WILLIAMS 488 44.81%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 86 27 OF 27
JOHN AUFFET 1,998 47.44%
WILLIAM T. WILL FOURKILLER 2,214 52.56%

(REP) FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 2219 OF 2219
JOHN P. CRAWFORD 35,294 29.45%
JOHN DOAK 84,570 70.55%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 2 570 OF 570
CHARLES THOMPSON 7,489 67.27%
DANIEL EDMONDS 3,644 32.73%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 324 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 29,814 65.22%
KEVIN CALVEY 15,899 34.78%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 44 27 OF 27
JAMES DAVENPORT 934 41.70%
RALPH SHORTEY 1,306 58.30%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 27 19 OF 19
JOSH COCKROFT 1,138 71.39%
RICHARD BENNETT 456 28.61%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 100 12 OF 12
ELISE HALL 2,140 62.12%
DAVID LOOBY 1,305 37.88%

All Over But The Shouting...

(REP) FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 1781 OF 2219
JOHN P. CRAWFORD 25,816 29.66%
JOHN DOAK 61,231 70.34%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 2 514 OF 570
CHARLES THOMPSON 7,162 67.41%
DANIEL EDMONDS 3,462 32.59%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 247 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 21,938 64.63%
KEVIN CALVEY 12,008 35.37%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 44 17 OF 27
JAMES DAVENPORT 651 42.63%
RALPH SHORTEY 876 57.37%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 27 16 OF 19
JOSH COCKROFT 935 71.76%
RICHARD BENNETT 368 28.24%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 100 10 OF 12
ELISE HALL 1,574 61.75%
DAVID LOOBY 975 38.25%

Blowout: Lankford Takes Calvey By Huge Margin

8 PM: (REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 100 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 7,016 61.16%
KEVIN CALVEY 4,456 38.84%

8:05PM: (REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 121 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 8,716 61.16%
KEVIN CALVEY 5,535 38.84%

8:16 PM: (REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 168 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 14,465 62.80%
KEVIN CALVEY 8,569 37.20%

8:29 PM: (REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 247 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 21,938 64.63%
KEVIN CALVEY 12,008 35.37%

Hall Tops Looby, 62.6-37.4%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 100 6 OF 12
ELISE HALL 732 62.62%
DAVID LOOBY 437 37.38%

Results Of All Races As Of 8 P.M.

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 3 3 OF 24
MATT WEBB 249 53.43%
JAMES LOCKHART 217 46.57%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 18 10 OF 36
DONNIE CONDIT 636 68.02%
CAROLYN McNATT HILL 299 31.98%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 21 8 OF 27
JERRY TOMLINSON 704 44.53%
NATHAN W. WILLIAMS 877 55.47%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 66 9 OF 18
ELI POTTS 241 59.95%
ANDREW THOMAS WILLIAMS 161 40.05%

(DEM) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 86 15 OF 27
JOHN AUFFET 1,249 48.49%
WILLIAM T. WILL FOURKILLER 1,327 51.51%

(REP) FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 603 OF 2219
JOHN P. CRAWFORD 8,987 31.64%
JOHN DOAK 19,417 68.36%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 2 161 OF 570
CHARLES THOMPSON 2,926 70.83%
DANIEL EDMONDS 1,205 29.17%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 70 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 4,399 60.73%
KEVIN CALVEY 2,845 39.27%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 44 3 OF 27
JAMES DAVENPORT 74 54.81%
RALPH SHORTEY 61 45.19%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 27 3 OF 19
JOSH COCKROFT 79 69.30%
RICHARD BENNETT 35 30.70%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 100 4 OF 12
ELISE HALL 344 60.46%
DAVID LOOBY 225 39.54%

Doak Dunks Crawford

(REP) FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 554 OF 2219
JOHN P. CRAWFORD 6,957 29.84%
JOHN DOAK 16,354 70.16%

Hall Takes Lead Over Looby In HD100

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 100 4 OF 12
ELISE HALL 344 60.46%
DAVID LOOBY 225 39.54%

Lankford Takes Commanding Lead Over Calvey

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 70 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 4,399 60.73%
KEVIN CALVEY 2,845 39.27%

Lankford Lead Over Calvey Grows

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 32 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 2,139 59.75%
KEVIN CALVEY 1,441 40.25%

Lankford Opens 10 Point Lead Over Calvey

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 22 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 1,484 55.77%
KEVIN CALVEY 1,177 44.23%

Doak Widens Lead Over Crawford

(REP) FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 73 OF 2219
JOHN P. CRAWFORD 1,800 37.93%
JOHN DOAK 2,946 62.07%

Multiple Race Returns

(REP) FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 30 OF 2219
JOHN P. CRAWFORD 1,060 39.20%
JOHN DOAK 1,644 60.80%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 2 5 OF 570
CHARLES THOMPSON 128 68.45%
DANIEL EDMONDS 59 31.55%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 11 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 1,106 53.66%
KEVIN CALVEY 955 46.34%

(REP) FOR STATE SENATOR, DISTRICT NO. 44 2 OF 27
JAMES DAVENPORT 66 67.35%
RALPH SHORTEY 32 32.65%

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 27 0 OF 19
JOSH COCKROFT
RICHARD BENNETT

(REP) FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 100 2 OF 12
ELISE HALL 96 49.23%
DAVID LOOBY 99 50.77%

Lankford Takes Early Lead Over Calvey

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 5 11 OF 324
JAMES LANKFORD 1,106 53.66%
KEVIN CALVEY 955 46.34%

Doak Takes Early Lead Over Crawford

(REP) FOR INSURANCE COMMISSIONER 4 OF 2219
JOHN P. CRAWFORD 79 47.31%
JOHN DOAK 88 52.69%

(REP) FOR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 2 2 OF 570
CHARLES THOMPSON 94 68.12%
DANIEL EDMONDS 44 31.88%

Election Returns On TMRO Tonight

Election returns will be available tonight on The McCarville Report Online beginning as soon as they are available; usually, the first returns come in about 7:35.

Supreme Court Strikes Down New Insurance Fee

The Oklahoma Supreme Court today struck down a new insurance fee for health care programs approved by the 2010 Legislature.

The ruling came after Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland filed a lawsuit on July 20, saying the fee on health insurance plans was revenue-generating and needed three-fourths of the Legislature's support to pass.

The bill passed in the final week of the session.

“Today’s decision is a victory for all Oklahomans who believe that our Constitution is worth upholding," Holland said. "State Question 640 was passed overwhelmingly in 1992 granting the people the right to vote on tax increases in the absence of a super majority vote by the legislature. I appreciate the Court’s expediency in looking into this matter. With this decision, my department accomplished all we set out to achieve— to ensure that we adhere to the Constitution and the laws of our state.”

Governor Henry commented through Communications Director Paul Sund: “In the days to come, we will be reviewing the court decision’s short-term and long-term budgetary implications with legislative leaders," Sund said.

“Obviously, from a long-term budgeting perspective, it will be disruptive to lose this revenue source at a time when the state is pulling itself out of a historic budget crisis. Fortunately, the U.S. Congress recently approved new federal funds for state health care needs, and those dollars should help Oklahoma move forward without many disruptions in health care programs in the current fiscal year.

“However, because those federal funds are one-time dollars that must be replaced by the state next fiscal year, Oklahoma will face significant funding challenges in health care and other important programs when the Legislature returns in 2011.”

Oklahomans for Responsible Government Executive Director Brian Downs, who opposed the fee, said, “Taxpayers of Oklahoma can rejoice with the rejection of the 1% health care claims tax by the state’s highest court. The six justices in the majority rightly noted that the measure violated the provisions of State Question 640 approved by voters in 1992 which require a super-majority in the Legislature to raise a tax and prohibit any revenue generating bills from being passed in the last five days of session. It has been OFRG’s position since the budget agreement was announced that this tax wouldn’t have been needed had lawmakers simply increased the average budget cut from 3.4% to 5% in all state agencies. This ruling now sets the precedent that will protect taxpayers in the future from similar taxes disguised as fees.”

That's Gotta Hurt

The difficulty facing Independent candidates for office in Oklahoma was demonstrated anew Monday night during KFOR-TV's newscasts.

Anchor Linda Cavanaugh, ending reports on the 5th District race for Congress, said the Republican nominee will face Democrat "Billy Coyle and two Independent candidates."

The Independents are Dave White and...and....

Apologies to Clark Duffe.

Runoff Polls Now Open; Low Turnout Expected

The polls are now open for voters to make choices in a few races and the expectation is that turnout will be low.

The only statewide Republican runoff is for insurance commissioner, with John Doak and John Crawford the candidates.

The hottest race around is in the 5th District, where Kevin Calvey and James Lankford are the candidates. Turnout in this race could exceed expectations, given the voter turnout efforts being mounted by both candidates.

Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said, "This year, I would say the most high-profile race that we've seen publicized is the runoff in the 5th Congressional District for the Republicans, so I would anticipate you would probably see a higher turnout in that congressional district. I would anticipate we'll have fairly low turnout on Tuesday."

The Oklahoman: Lankford, Doak Best For GOP Nod

Editorial In The Oklahoman ~ Today's Republican runoff is drawing little interest in most of the state, for good reason. Only one statewide office is up for grabs. In Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District, however, that race won't be the only thing on the ballot.

For insurance commissioner, John Doak, 47, is clearly the better candidate against former Commissioner John Crawford, 78. The latter failed to win a second term in 1998 and left office under a cloud. Doak's integrity and industry experience make him the choice to oppose the Democratic nominee, incumbent Commissioner Kim Holland, giving general election voters two good candidates in November.

In the congressional race, two men are vying for a general election spot to succeed Mary Fallin. Former state Rep. Kevin Calvey, 44, is an Iraq war veteran and attorney. His opponent is James Lankford, 42, a political novice.

Lankford offers a breath of fresh air among conservatives. He's studious, reasonable and articulate. Either Calvey or Lankford would reflect the district's predominantly conservative constituency. Their voting patterns would vary little. But Lankford would bring a set of thoughtful ideas to the job that would help him shape policy, particularly if Republicans win back control of the U.S. House. Calvey's campaign has taken an ugly turn toward the negative in recent days.

The GOP nominee is an odds-on favorite to win in November. Thus, for Calvey and Lankford the runoff is for more than the nomination. The Oklahoman recommends Lankford for the job.

Lankford Continues To Dominate Donations Race

James Lankford collected another $5,000 in last-minute donations to his 5th District campaign on Monday, bringing to more than $92,000 the sum he's raised in the campaign's closing runoff days. The reportable sums, those of $1,000 and more, coupled with a surge of small donations, indicate Lankford possibly has raised more than $100,000 since last Thursday.

Opponent Kevin Calvey did not report any new contributions to the Federal Election Commission on Monday. In the final days of his campaign, he's raised more than $20,400.

Doak, Lankford Likely Winners, Poll Voters Believe

Voters in The McCarville Report Online's final primary election season polls believe John Doak will defeat John Crawford for insurance commissioner and James Lankford will top Kevin Calvey for Congress in the 5th District.

The voting was not close in either race.

Doak got 84 percent against Crawford; Lankford got 92 percent against Calvey.

A KTOK poll asked voters who they support in the 5th District race; Lankford had 68 percent, Calvey 32 percent.

None of the polls are scientific and aren't intended to predict results in today's voting. They do tend to show overall sentiment of those who vote in them.

Barresi Announces Committee On Ag Education

Janet Barresi, Republican nominee for superintendent of public instruction, today announced the formation of her advisory committee on agriculture education.

“As a strong advocate of local control, I believe schools should have the ability to develop academic strategies targeted to local students," she said. "The needs of children in the core of Oklahoma City are different than the needs of students in Keyes. As a result, I am a strong supporter of agriculture education courses that introduce students to higher-level math and science content, as well as language arts, in a way that is more meaningful to many young people in rural communities.”

Barresi’s advisory committee on education includes several lawmakers who have been strong advocates for rural Oklahoma and have extensive backgrounds in agriculture education.

The advisory committee includes Rep. Dale DeWitt (R-Braman), who served as an Agriculture Education Instructor at Helena-Goltry Schools and Braman Schools for 29 years; Rep. Don Armes (R-Faxon), a former agriculture educator who chairs the House Agriculture & Rural Development Committee; Senator Ron Justice (R-Chickasha), a retired O.S.U. County Extension Agent who serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee; and Senator Mike Schulz (R-Altus), a farmer and former field representative for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

“Having spent most of my life in agriculture education, I know how important it is that these important programs receive support from the highest levels of state government,” DeWitt said. “I am confident Janet Barresi will be a State Superintendent who supports agriculture education and rural communities.”

“Too many people think they’ve been to rural Oklahoma when they travel up and down I-35,” Armes said. “Janet Barresi knows there’s a lot more to this state than what you can see from the interstate, and I know she will work to improve every Oklahoma school – both rural and urban.”

“If we want our way of life to survive, we have to provide rural students with a quality education,” Justice said. “I believe Janet Barresi is the one candidate in this race who will actively work to make that goal a reality, and she has my strong support.”

“To make a living in farming and ranching without knowledge of high-level math and science is like trying to fish without bait,” Schulz said. “The education needs of rural students are greater than ever, and I believe Janet Barresi will actively work to help kids in rural Oklahoma achieve their dreams.”

Barresi said she would rely on the four lawmakers’ expertise, as well as the input of teachers, when dealing with rural education issues

“I greatly appreciate the support of Representatives DeWitt and Armes and Senators Justice and Schulz. No one can question their commitment to rural schools and growing Oklahoma’s agriculture economy. Their insights are both invaluable and greatly appreciated,” Barresi said.

“They know, as I do, that children in rural Oklahoma must have a quality education to ultimately survive in today’s global marketplace. To overcome the challenges of marketplace fluctuations and master constantly evolving technologies impacting crop production and livestock development, tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers must have a solid foundation in math and science today. As State Superintendent, I am committed to providing every child a top-notch education, no matter where that child lives or what profession he or she wishes to pursue as an adult.”

For more information about Barresi and her stands on education issues, go to http://www.janetbarresi.com/.

Crawford, Doak Discuss 'Nick's Law'

http://oklahoma.watchdog.org/1147/fight-for-nicks-law-continues-beyond-states-borders-doak-and-crawford-comment/

Calvey, Lankford Plan Election Watch Parties

5th District congressional candidates Kevin Calvey and James Lankford will hold election night watch parties for their supporters.

Calvey's event is at the Stone Garden Inn, Northwest 63rd and Broadway Extension.

Lankford's event is at the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, 4040 North Lincoln Boulevard.

Both events begin when the polls close at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Donations Roll In For Lankford; Calvey Lags

UPDATE: James Lankford reported $41,800 in new donations through Sunday, bringing his 4-day total to almost $87,000. Kevin Calvey reported $4,800, bringing his total for the period to $20,400.

Political newcomer James Lankford continues to outpace veteran office-holder Kevin Calvey in fundraising as their race for the Republican nomination in Congress faces resolution in Tuesday's vote.

While Calvey has enjoyed a substantial fundraising advantage over Lankford in the overall, Lankford has outraised him in the closing days of the primary and is doing it again in the runoff.

Federal Election Commission reports for last-minute contributions made on Thursday and Friday of last week show that Lankford outraised Calvey almost 3-to-1.

Lankford reported the receipt of $44,900 and Calvey reported the receipt of $15,600.

Noted Quote: Voting Against The Party In Power

"This will be the third straight election in which people vote against the party in power. The GOP will benefit from that this year, but 75 percent of Republicans say their representatives in Congress are out of touch with the party base. Should they win big this November, they will have to move quickly to prove they've learned lessons from the Bush years." ~ Pollster Scott Rasmussen

Report: Doak Loans Campaign More Money

Republican insurance commissioner candidate John Doak has loaned his campaign 90 percent of the nearly $145,000 raised in the past few days leading up to Tuesday's Republican runoff election, campaign reports show.

Read more: http://www.newsok.com/republican-candidate-makes-last-minute-loans-for-oklahoma-insurance-commissioner-bid/article/3487747?custom_click=headlines_widget#ixzz0xPuP8tPy.

Barbour Schedules Tulsa Fundraiser For Fallin

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour is featured at a fundraiser for Congresswoman Mary Fallin at the Summit Club in Tulsa on Tuesday afternoon.

The event is private.

Fallin is the Republican nominee for governor; she faces Democrat Jari Askins in the general election.

Barbour is a longtime GOP official and office-holder who is mentioned as a potential 2012 candidate for president.

Former Rep. Denton Howard Dead At 85

Former Republican Rep. Denton Howard of Oklahoma City died at his home in Jacksonville, Florida, last week. He was 85.

Howard served in the House from 1996 to 1970.

A World War II veteran, Howard was a petroleum landman who worked for Pan American Petroleum and later for Amarex.

Howard moved to Florida in 2001.

Journalist Wilbur Johnson Dies At 93

Wilbur Johnson, longtime Oklahoma journalist and State Election Board public information officer in the 1970s, has died at age 93.

World War II veteran Johnson was an employee of The Associated Press for 15 years; he joined the new Oklahoma Journal as its first news editor in 1963 and later joined the Election Board.

Edmond Sun: Lankford Best Fit For GOP

Editorial In The Edmond Sun ~ Edmond Republican voters will join their fellow 5th District residents in Oklahoma, Pottowatomie and Seminole counties on Tuesday to finalize who will be the GOP nominee for Rep. Mary Fallin’s open congressional seat.

In the initial group of seven Republican candidates, there were four that had varying strengths and rose to the top of this Editorial Board’s radar. Out of those four, James Lankford and Kevin Calvey remain in contention for Tuesday’s balloting.

In evaluating the two remaining candidates, there is a clear winner in our minds as to who will be the true conservative standardbearer in the race toward the Nov. 2 general election.

If voters are looking for someone who can intelligently speak about most federal issues, a candidate who is willing to defend state rights, a person who is interested in reforming the nation’s Byzantine tax code and someone who will examine the issues from a constitutional perspective, then they need look no further than Lankford. He has since earned the endorsement of four of his previous GOP opponents — Harry Johnson, Rick Flanigan, Mike Thompson and Shane Jett.

The Deer Creek resident is making his first run at political office, but he has surprised most in the Republican establishment by his tenacity, his acumen, his ability to fundraise and more importantly, a now proven ability to win the race. None of the top polls prior to the July 27 primary election showed Lankford as the top GOP candidate. Few in the district knew much about Lankford. Through savvy social media networking and good old-fashioned campaigning, he came from behind to beat not only the early frontrunner, but also Calvey in the primary race.

The margin between Lankford and Calvey was quite tight July 27. But as the debate has continued as to who will be the best-positioned candidate for Republicans, we believe Lankford has proven in the past couple of weeks that he has the integrity, strength of character and a true interest in voter needs and interests to be the best nominee.

Please go to the polls Tuesday and cast a ballot representing your conscience.

Rifle Association Honors KTOK's Reid Mullins

The Oklahoma Rifle Association has honored KTOK morning show host Reid Mullins as a defender of the 2nd Amendment.

Mullins was presented with the 2010 ORA Mike McCarville Media Award during its annual convention Saturday night.

Previous recipients include McCarville (three-time recipient), Patrick McGuigan (The Oklahoman), Cam Edwards (NRA News), Ron Black (Wild Oklahoma), Ed Godfrey (The Oklahoman) and Mark Chesnut (America's 1st Freedom magazine).

Murphy, Lankford Featured On Sunday Shows

Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy is Sunday's guest on The Verdict and GOP congressional candidate James Lankford appears on Flash Point.

The Verdict airs at 9 a.m. on Cox Channel 3 in Oklahoma City and Tulsa and repeats Monday at 9:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Flash Point airs on KFOR-TV, Channel 4, at 9:30 a.m.

Lankford's opponent, Kevin Calvey, declined to appear, moderator Kevin Ogle said, because co-host Kirk Humphreys supports Lankford.

2nd District GOP Candidate's FEC Reports Flawed?

http://www.muskogeepolitico.com.

Political Consultants Give Edge To James Lankford

By Michael McNutt/The Oklahoman ~ The barnburner that is the Republican 5th Congressional District race will boil down to which candidate can get their supporters out to the polls next week and what effect last-minute campaign tactics will have on voters, a panel of political consultants said Friday.

See Consultants Measure Calvey-Lankford Runoff below.

With an expected low voter turnout, the race is considered close, but political newcomer James Lankford may have a slight edge because of his team of volunteers and his use of social media, such as Facebook, they said.

"It's Lankford's race to lose," said Ben Odom, a former state Democratic party official and one of three consultants taking part in a " Political Junkies" discussion in Oklahoma City, sponsored by the University of Oklahoma Political Communications Center.

Kevin Calvey, ahead early on in the campaign only to finish a close second in last month's GOP primary election, seems to be sputtering in the final days of this race, said Pat McFerron, director of survey research for Cole, Hargrave, Snodgrass and Associates, a group that handles Republican political campaigns.

"We've seen a recent rash of what I would classify as a little bit bizarre attacks of Kevin Calvey trying to paint James Lankford as a negative campaigner," McFerron said. "If you look at what he says he (Lankford) says, I don't know how you can say that he's attacked Kevin Calvey.

"It's a classic case of someone launching the throwing of mud like maybe the other person had done it first," McFerron said. "What Calvey is using as a basis for this is false."

"Lankford should be in the best position because these are really desperate attacks by Calvey," McFerron said.

It's unknown whether Calvey's approach will turn off or resonate with voters, he said.

Short political career may limit Lankford
Calvey, a former state legislator who ran for the congressional post in 2006, is better known, McFerron said. He started his campaign hours after U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, announced in March 2009 that she would not seek re-election and would run for governor.

Calvey, a member of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, has stressed his tour of duty prosecuting terrorists in Iraq.

Lankford's message of changing the status quo in Washington seems to have caught on with voters, but he hasn't been on the political scene a long time, McFerron said.

"A lot of voters don't know a lot about him," McFerron said. "The burden of proof is a little bit tougher for him."

Lankford, of Edmond, finished first in last month's GOP primary election. He won 34 percent of the vote while Calvey, of Oklahoma City, won 32 percent in a seven-candidate field. The winner of Tuesday's election faces a Democrat and two independents in the Nov. 2 general election.

Odom said Lankford has an advantage because this is the first campaign for many of his volunteers and supporters.

"Their enthusiasm is all the more important in a low-turnout runoff," Odom said.

Lankford, a former director of the Falls Creek youth camp near Davis, has received a lot of support from Baptists, which also should help him in Tuesday's election, Odom said.

Pat Hall, a consultant and former executive director of the state Democratic Party, said Lankford has to make sure those who voted for him last month head back to the polls and vote for him again Tuesday.

"He's gained all these new dedicated voters," Hall said.

"He's made me a believer in his social media of Facebook. I don't know of any reason why they wouldn't come back and vote for him a second time."

A report in The Oklahoman since the July election that Calvey helped finance his campaign with more than $250,000 in investment gains he earned in a Russian private equity could cost him votes in the conservative district, Hall and McFerron said.

"I had a conservative Republican tell me this the other day (that) he's not voting for anybody that took money from commies," Hall said.

"There's got to be a lot of people thinking that out there."

Read more: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-political-consultants-give-edge-to-james-lankford-in-5th-house-district/article/3487295#ixzz0xF6bo6Vv.

Texas Bank Warns The Bad Guys...

Sign on the front door of the Chappell Hill Bank in Chappell Hill, Texas.

Hat tip to Okie Campaigns.

Calvey Concedes Misuse Of Newspaper's Stories

By Michael McNutt/The Oklahoman ~ Republican 5th Congressional District candidate Kevin Calvey conceded Friday that a campaign item mailed to GOP potential voters wrongly attributed a metro-area newspaper as stating his opponent is not ready to serve in Congress.

Read more: http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-elections-5th-congressional-district-race-heats-up/article/3487344?custom_click=headlines_widget#ixzz0xEqeVuxC.

Group's Leader, Not Group Itself, Endorsed Calvey

Kevin Calvey appears to have misspoken himself Friday morning when, despite having dismissed endorsements as unimportant a few days ago after two primary opponents endorsed his runoff opponent, he said on KWTV-Channel 9 that, "I'm endorsed by The Minuteman Project."

It's a claim that Calvey has made repeatedly during his campaign.

A search of the 5th District candidate's news releases does not reflect such a group endorsement, but it does reflect a personal endorsement from the group's founder, Jim Gilchrist (right) and there's a legal world of difference between the two. A group endorsement given its tax status is illegal; a personal endorsement is not.

Here's the Calvey news release (not included on his website recap of news releases but provided The McCarville Report Online by consultant Trebor Worthen) of August 11: Founder and President Jim Gilchrist of the Minuteman Project, the nation's leading grassroots activist organization on the issue of immigration reform and border security, announced today that they are endorsing Kevin Calvey for US Congress in Oklahoma. America’s Minuteman cited Calvey’s strong stance on securing our borders, denying illegals any form of amnesty, and cracking down on taxpayer funded benefits that attract illegals to the United States. Polls show that immigration reform and border security remains one of the top issues facing voters of the state of Oklahoma in the upcoming August 17 Republican Primary runoff.

Gilchrist stated, “America needs real leaders like Kevin Calvey to take the fight against illegal immigration to Washington, DC. Kevin Calvey will ensure that Congress actually enforce current immigration laws to protect the jobs of Americans and the dollars of taxpayers. While in the Oklahoma Legislature he authored the bill that would demand that recipients of government aid verify their status as American citizens. That is why I wholeheartedly endorse Oklahoma’s conservative Republican Kevin Calvey to the United States Congress.”

Regarding the August 17 Republican Primary Gilchrist said, “For too long law abiding Americans have grown tired of watching the political establishment lack the will to enforce our nation's laws when it comes to border security and immigration policy. That is why friends of the Minuteman Project like I.R.O.N. and former Oklahoma radio talk show host Chris Medlock have told me that only Kevin Calvey has a record showing he will demand that the Federal Government enforce our laws and secure our borders.”

Jim Gilchrist founded the multi-ethnic Minuteman Project on Oct. 1, 2004, after years of frustrated efforts trying to get a neglectful U.S. government to simply enforce existing immigration laws. Called “the world’s largest neighborhood watch”, their volunteer members aid efforts of the US Border Patrol by watching for illegal activity along the US-Mexican border.

The news release gives the impression, without careful reading, that it is the group endorsing Calvey. Research shows that The Minuteman Project itself is a 501c4 organization and thus cannot legally endorse a candidate.

Askins, Fallin Agree To Two True Debates

The campaigns for Republican gubernatorial nominee Mary Fallin and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jari Askins are jointly announcing they have agreed to two presidential-style campaign debates.

The first debate will be sponsored and hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma on October 18. The Tulsa Metro Chamber will sponsor the second debate on October 28 on the campus of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa. Both debates will begin at 7:00 p.m. and last for one hour. The debates will be open to every media outlet in the state, and they will be the only two debates between the candidates for governor.

Details on the format and production of each debate will be announced at a later time and are to be determined by the debate sponsors.

Denney Seeks To Clarify 'Misinformation'

House education leader Rep. Lee Denney clarified today misinformation shes said is circulating among educators about the teachers’ retirement system.

Denney, chairwoman of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education, said she has heard from numerous teachers who have been told the Legislature provided no funding for the teacher retirement system this year.

“This information is blatantly misleading and those spreading it know it,” said Denney, R-Cushing. “They are doing nothing more than trying to spread fear in the ranks for political reasons.”

To set the record straight, Denney stressed that the employer contribution to the teacher retirement system was fully-funded this year. What was not funded by the state Department of Education was a credit that in the past has gone to pay a portion of the teacher’s own contribution into the system.

“This benefit is far richer than you will find anywhere in the private sector and is a benefit that other state employees do not even share,” said Denney. “Unfortunately, this year we have faced incredible financial challenges in our state that have touched every state agency. The State Board of Education was spared from cuts more than most agencies and was also given complete flexibility to spend their appropriated dollars as they saw fit.”

Denney also noted that her caucus has made a number of changes in recent years to help shore up the teachers’ retirement system.

“Our commitment to shoring up the state retirement systems is unquestioned, as seen in recently-passed legislation forbidding an increase in retirement benefits unless it is fully funded and an annual $60 million in additional dollars going to the systems as we move toward solvency,” said Denney. “But, it is important to remember that we are fighting decades of neglect and political posturing that have put the systems in their current financial situation. We have taken proactive steps to stop the bleeding, but this is not a problem that is going to be solved overnight.”

Consultants Measure Calvey-Lankford Runoff

The McCarville Report Online asked several political consultants and operatives not involved in the 5th District congressional race for their opinions about the status of the campaign between Kevin Calvey and James Lankford. Edited only to remove comments about the consultants involved in the campaigns, here are their remarks:

"Run-offs are party faithful elections. Calvey has the advantage there because the party faithful wants a proven conservative record – they usually don’t take any chances. But, Lankford has the momentum. All of the negative mail and push polling is, in my opinion, meaningless and only pushing the eventual turnout down. Get out the vote is the only campaign tactic that either campaign should be spending the lion share of their budget on, not TV and certainly not mail. In Calvey’s case, his mail piece might actually be hurting him. The question is, can Lankford turn out his base that pushed him into the lead in the primary one more time?"

"I think it will be very close. A turnout game. The real question is, what is the effect of the Calvey negative? Does it suppress the 'casual' Lankford voter who liked the message of changing the status quo, but did not really know a lot about Lankford? Or do the attacks ring hollow and backfire? We don't know yet."

"I think Calvey's going to get crazier as the weekend progresses. He is so stinking desperate to be (a) congressman I think he'd sell his children. I heard that he sent out a letter that hit yesterday about him attending St. John the Baptist Church to try and make himself look Baptist. I know very few Calvey supporters."



"Kevin's apparently taken the scorched earth approach here in the final days...I don't think that will work. Lankford's already pretty well defined himself as an outsider and Calvey as the longtime politician, and here Calvey is doing what politicians do, attacking their opponents when they have no traction on the issues. This probably will just fire up Lankford's supporters even more."

"Calvey's coming across as a whiner. Not good."

"Calvey has lost a lot of credibility which many (including myself) predicted.... He has overused his military background to the point many are just saying enough already and even more damaging is that his attacks on Lankford have offended more people than they have won. His close supporters have all but given up on him and if he didn't have so many loyal friends he would have no volunteers. He has lost this race himself and I predict a 15-20 point victory for Lankford."

"Lankford. He's got momentum. I find Calvey's campaign over the top, banal, almost offensive. He's prostituting the uniform and real veterans know it. Runoff leaders win 3/4s of the time. Calvey can still pull it off, but he has yet to make a case for himself."

"I think Calvey has gained some ground. Not sure about the validity of what he's saying, though."

"My sense is Calvey is getting Lankford's people fired up. In a low turnout election advantage James. Calvey has no soul. Curious what he'll come up with today at 11:00."

"I think it is a real race but I would give the edge to Lankford because I believe his base is solid."

Calvey On KWTV Hot Seat; Defends Campaign

http://www.news9.com/Global/category.asp?C=116601&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5043861&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
Kevin Calvey was on the hot seat on KWTV and KTOK this morning as he took questions about his misrepresentation of articles in The Edmond Sun and his attacks on his opponent.

Calvey tried to explain the falsification of the newspaper's quotes in a campaign mailer attacking his opponent, James Lankford, who said Calvey has not yet apologized for the misrepresentation.

Calvey described his service as a JAG officer in Iraq as "in a foxhole."

Lankford said Calvey's last-minute advertising is "beyond the pale" in terms of the "lies" about Lankford. He cited a mailer that claims "9/11 Families Are Against James Lankford."

Calvey used his KTOK airtime with Reid Mullins to claim Lankford is attacking him on numerous fronts when most observers see it the other way around; Calvey is attacking Lankford in direct mail and advertisements.

Calvey claims the "political establishment" favors Lankford. He defended his opposition to MAPs3 in Oklahoma City and said he takes strong positions while Lankford refused to take a position on that issue.