Almost a year before the assumed deadline for voting on a potential MAPs 3, the jOklahoman has already started the pro-tax movement.

A recent story about the success of MAPs for Kids Kirk’s Legacy buttresses the jOklahoman’s story about “MAPs momentum”… almost cheerleading a MAPs 3.

Granted, there is neither a plan for a MAPs 3 nor a proposal for a MAPs 3. Is MAPs 3 a good idea? Probably. In a time where the nation’s economy is in the toilet but ours is not — we may as well run up the score with capital investments… the same type of investments that brought us to major league status in the first place. (MAPs, not MAPs for Kirk’s Legacy.)

Realistically, the Oklahoma City metro area should work together. Mick Cornett should depart from the “Oklahoma City only” mentality and invite other local leaders, like Edmond Mayor Dan O’Neil and Norman Mayor Cindy Rosenthal to the same table and pound out a plan for central Oklahoma.

Will there be a MAPs 3? Of course. Cornett has his eyes on Goober-Ten or the 5th District seat. What better way to build momentum than by riding the wave of another MAPs? At bare minimum, Cornett would solidify his legacy as one of Oklahoma City’s most influential mayors.

After months of D+ emergency medicine grades caused by Tulsa and Oklahoma’s Second University’s greed, feeble attempts to help by state Rep Jim Wilson (D - Tahlequah), discussion of an $80,000,000 bailout, and a dead last ranking in healthcare, Oklahoma leaders are looking to a public trust for one of Tulsa’s major hospitals.

The problem? Many Tulsans quip that “there is no such thing as a public trust because we don’t trust these people.”

The current plan involves the state spending $28,000,000 to buy/”pay to transfer” the hospital to the public trust mentioned above. Then, OSU’s residency program may stay in Tulsa. OSU will pay $25,000,000 as well to improve the facilities.

To think, I thought that Mayor Cornett was a taxraise fees-and-spend lib. Look at Kathy Taylor– she is practically Hillary Clinton, socializing healthcare.

The okiepolitics Goober-10 Power 10 is a power poll based on the 2010 Oklahoma Gubernatorial Race.

Contributors to okiepolitics provide top ten ballots each month to the Goober-Ten poll.

January 1, 2009 Poll Results:

T10. Miller, Ken (R - Edmond) State Representative
The House A-prop chair could easily raise a bunch a cash if he has any interest in running.

T10. Morgan, Danny (D - Prague) State Representative
Very amiable and easy to like, Morgan may have some problems raising cash and getting his name out there but could be successful if Edmondson melts down and Askins decides to run for something else.

T10. Rice, Andrew (D - Oklahoma City) State Representative
Following a difficult loss to Jim Inhofe, Rice may be able to convert his new found name-recognition to run governor.

09. Terrill, Randy (R - Moore) State Representative
With more name id than the speaker, Terrill has never been one to placate the Republican establishment. A run against Fallin and others could shake the race up. Many of the party’s ultra conservative base would show if Terrill enters.

08. Taylor, Kathy (D - Tulsa) Mayor of Tulsa
Mayor of the state’s second largest city, rumoers suggest that Taylor is putting together a war chest of money and issues, signaling a larger run in her future.

07. Paddack, Susan (D - Ada) State Senator
One really can not ignore that campaign war chest. The state senator is getting ready to run for something.

06. Coffee, Glenn (R - Oklahoma City) State Senator
The majority state senate leader can take credit for first Republican majority.  While it is unlikely that Coffee  will run for the state’s top post since Coffee has never wanted to rock the boat in the Republican party, he could make things interesting.

05. Cole, Tom (R - Oklahoma City) United States Representative
Oklahoma’s powerbroker in the House recently lost clout by dropping out of reelection consideration for House Republican campaign chairman. Consolation prize: a seat on the prized Appropriations committee. Expect Cole to throw his hat in the ring if Fallin for some reason decides not to run.

T3. Askins, Jari (D - Duncan) Lieutenant Governor
Incredibly well liked in the business community, Askins should be interesting to watch how she dukes it out for campaign cash and other resources with Edmondson.

T3. Cornett, Mick (R - Oklahoma City) Mayor of Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s mayor can claim credit for the Thunder and for a recession proof city. Cornett may have some problems running statewide with rural voters and Tulsans. Cornett has a big enough ego believing he can take on Fallin in the primary.

02. Fallin, Mary (R - Oklahoma City) United States Representative
The former Lieutenant Governor turned congresswoman is the likely pick for the Republican nod.  Word in Republican circles is that she is already picking staff for the run.

01. Edmondson, Drew (D - Oklahoma City) State Attorney General (2)
The A-G has made his intentions clear of running for Governor.   He even has bumper stickers.  It will be interesting to see how many voters know who he is.  Expect Republican attacks on his prosecution of Paul Jacobs, his expressed reluctance of defending HB 1804 and one can’t forget the poultry farms.

Here are some of okiepolitics’ goals for 2009:

One post per day, every day

Provide commentary on issues potentially overlooked by the mainstream blogosphere

Make fun of fools

Here are some of the things that okiepolitics learned during 2008…

When faced with difficult decisions, the Oklahoma legislature will punt with a “standstill” budget.

Angering David Letterman can cost candidates elections.

More campaign money in, more bailout out.

“Change” is a viable campaign platform.

Barack H. Obama : Basketball :: George W. Bush : Dodgeball shoe