There’s a contentious leadership race underway in the House Republican caucus involving Oklahoma’s very own Congressman Tom Cole. After loosing around 50 seats in the past two elections, House Republicans are eager to dump the current leadership…well, not exactly.

Cole, who many consider to be the godfather of Oklahoma Republican politics, has been chair of the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) since the Republicans lost the House in 2006. Pete Sessions, who lost to Cole for the post in 2006, is running again and is backed by the Minority Leader John Boehner. Despite House Republicans dismal performance in the recent election, the NRCC post is one of two contested leadership races. Despite a difficult political environment this last cycle, Republicans lost around 20 seats rather than the thirty expected.

So why is Cole being pushed out? Could it be that Boehner has not had the friendliest relations with Cole? According to a post at The Next Right, the White House is also backing Sessions? Why is that? Is it the fact Sessions is from Texas or Sessions’ connections to the Abramoff circle?

The only ray of hope in all this is that backbencher Mike Pence will be Republican Conference Chairman next session.

So what happens if Cole is ousted? It is very well known Cole has harbored ambitions to one day be speaker of the House. In fact, when he was first elected, some of his staffers used to call him Mr. Speaker. If Cole is not reelected to his current post, will he stand for reelection in 2010?

Cole has openly discussed the possibility of running for governor in 2010. This brings up several more questions. It is rather obvious Congresswoman Mary Fallin is setting herself up to run for governor á la Ernest Istook (why else would you run commercials in Oklahoma’s biggest media market when you have a no-name opponent?). Will one demur to the other if Cole wants to run or will they run against each other? The latter scenario is probably unlikely.

The outcome of this leadership election has many potential implications for Oklahoma in 2010.

(If Cole decides to vacate his seat, I’m all ready to endorse recently elected State Senator Steve Russell who was the commander of the forces that captured Saddam Hussein.  I’m pretty sure he lives in the Fourth Congressional District.  Someone can correct me if I’m wrong.)

Want to know how much Oklahoma City values Devon Energy’s new building? Let’s look at what money Devon will receive from other taxing jurisdictions from a reverse Robin Hood TIF.

$ 4,500,000 from the Oklahoma County Health Department, the people who coordinate your flu shots.

$ 11,250,000 from the Metropolitan Library System, one of the foundations for outside-the-classroom learning for all citizens in the metro area.

$ 33,750,000 from the Moore-Norman Technology Institute, where any of us can learn a trade skill or hobby.

$117,000,000 from the Oklahoma City Public Schools, ’cause why would they need money to do their job? They are still short-staffed at several schools and are helplessly behind in terms of school performance. Why help?

Obviously, it is clear, we don’t need this crap. We’re much better served having had the taxmoney we approved for specific purposes to be redirected to Larry Nichols’ multi-billion dollar company’s new building.

Granted, the money will not go directly to the $750,000,000 building. It will go to the areas around the building. You know… paying for sidewalk and street repairs that normally Devon would have to shovel out cash.

Sidewalk in front of Devon’s new building or our children’s education. Hmmmmm. Nothing like the smell of a TIF in the morning.

Okiepolitics Readers,

Hi, my name is Dusty, and I am a political agitator.  Admission is the first step of recovery, I suppose.  Sam has invited me to post for some time now.  Unfortunately, I haven’t had the time until now.

I too was a fan of Dr. Keith Gaddie’s Soonerpolitics.com, and was sad to see it leave.  Gaddie provided an often detached, expert analysis of Oklahoma politics that is sorely needed.  Many journalists who cover politics in the Sooner state know how to write well (at least some) and that is all.  Although I do not claim to be a journalist, it is my hope my contributions will aid this site in filling the void that is political coverage in this state.

So let’s start a conversation.  Please feel free to comment.  I am not an expert, and I am always open to other educated points of view.

Happy 101st, Oklahoma!

In a recent change in heart, Jim Inhofe brought home some money for the Tar Creek Superfund site.

The Tar Creek area is a region where improper mining of zinc and other resources made living unsafe. Former Representative Brad Carson led the charge to clean up the fund. Jim Inhofe now claims part of the success pie by bringing home $6,200,000 to close a town.

Granted, most of the people in the Picher area moved after the May tornado… and there was ample funding from the EPA… and the school district will close this year anyway… but thanks, Jim! Way to spend our tax dollars wisely during a financial and fiscal crisis!