The Governorship is up for grabs in my home state of Oklahoma. Thankfully, Democrat Brad Henry cannot run for a third term. So, politicians with dreams and aspirations of living in that historical mansion off of NE 23^rd Street are filing their papers. So far, two Democrats are in the race. First, we have the current Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins. I’ll never vote for a Democrat, and can’t in the primary anyway, so I really don’t have a dog in this hunt. However, I’ve spoken with several state congressmen who have told me Jari is a very nice lady who really means well. She doesn’t appear to be a far left liberal (a professor I had once told me that most Oklahoma Democrats are more in line with New York Republicans). Ms. Askins seems to be a tough political foe, so the second candidate, current Attorney General Drew Edmondson, will have a hard fight. I’m glad. I don’t care for Edmondson. I don’t know the man personally, but the same two who told me about Askins have told me he is a far left liberal. He has done several things (that I won’t go into on this post) that have ticked me off. So, here’s hoping Jari Askins beats the political snot out of him in the primary.

On the Republican side we have (so far) Congresswoman Mary Fallen and state Senator Randy Brogman. I really don’t know much about either of these two, so I will withhold judgment at this time. I don’t know if I’d like either one of them in the State’s highest office. However, I think there’s slim chance Fallen won’t win the primary. It’s almost a slam dunk.

I also predict that Congresswoman Fallen will take the overall job, as well. She’s been around Oklahoma politics for a long time and seems to be well liked. I believe Jari Askins will be her opponent in the General Election, but will ultimately lose. There is enough “Obama backlash” in Oklahoma that will make it hard for any Democrat to take the governorship.

The Congressional races are what I’m really interested in, however. Governors have an important job, but let’s be honest, they are very limited. Now, don’t get me wrong, it shouldn’t be that way. I’m a “states rights” kind of guy, but the truth of the matter is policy is set on the Federal level.

The Fifth Congressional District race should be very, very interesting to watch! Ms. Fallen currently holds the seat, but is resigning to pursue that most coveted state position. One candidate on the Republican side who is trying to fill her vacancy is Kevin Calvey. He ran against her in the primary back in 2006 I believe (my memory fails me right now…with the House elections rolling around every two years they all sort of run together). Now that Fallen is leaving, he’s giving it another try. Most of what I know about him I like, and he seems like he’d make a fine Congressman. He has experience as he is a former state legislator.

Another possibility who recently announced his candidacy is James Lankford. James served for years in a position with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, working in the Student Ministries department. Anyone who can work with teen-agers for years shows they are a strong individual who can endure numerous hardships! Teen-agers seem a bit trying to me, even more so than Congress! I don’t know James personally, although I have met him on a few brief occasions. He seemed like a nice, capable guy. I know several people involved in Southern Baptist ministry who speak very highly of Mr. Lankford. But, as of now, I’m not sure where he stands on the issues. I believe he just announced his candidacy, and I can’t find an official campaign site other than a Facebook profile. There may be other candidates trying for the seat, but I think Calvey and Lankford will be the ones to beat in the primary. So, what’s my prediction? Calvey has experience, and is a very polished speaker. He’s making the rounds to all the right places (Tea Parties, etc), and I’ve heard him on local talk radio. Having run for this seat before, he also has some name recognition. On the other hand, James Lankford will have a very strong following with the Southern Baptist crowd. That is a big group in the State of Oklahoma! He will likely appeal to faith based voters of other denominations as well. So, he has name recognition going for him, too. I’m not ready to give my prediction on this one yet, but it will be a tight race to watch.

I don’t live in the Fifth District, however, so my real interest is the Fourth. Tom Cole is the Republican congressman who currently holds the seat. I believe he’s running for reelection. However, in a rare case, he’s being challenged in the primary by R.J. Harris. Harris isn’t a career politician, which Mr. Cole seems to be. I applaud Mr. Harris because he has the guts to stand up against a fairly popular sitting congressman! R.J. seems to be upset over the same things that have made me upset: Congressman Cole’s support for some of the “bail-out” packages, Obama’s GIVE Act, and several other horrible pieces of legislation. For one who claims to be a conservative, Tom Cole just doesn’t make the grade. This is nothing personal. I’m sure he’s a very nice man who means well. However, being a nice guy isn’t what we need. We need someone who will stand up for the Constitution! R.J. Harris, I believe, would! So, he’ll be getting my vote in the primary.

Enough people are waking up and crying for real change, which might give Harris the boost he needs. It’s a tough job to go against a sitting elected official, and Harris doesn’t seem to be getting the recognition in the media he deserves.  It’s refreshing that there is finally a real alternative being offered for those who truly want change!

I’m sure it will be an interesting political season in the days ahead. I’m not really sure how to describe my political beliefs. Certainly conservative. I’m probably best described as a “paleo-conservative who borderlines on libertarianism,” if that makes any sense. I’m just glad that in my district there is finally someone with my beliefs to actually vote for!