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Coburn Report on Beach Waste

Sen. Tom Coburn’s office has released a report that says the federal government is spending about $100 million a year to replenish beaches while more critical projects, such as levees, are starved for funds.

“Taxpayers know that Congress wastes money,” Coburn, R-Muskogee, said. “Yet, many Americans may be surprised to learn that billions of taxpayer dollars have literally washed out to sea through questionable ‘beach nourishment projects’ while critical infrastructure needs have gone unmet. In the wake of major natural …


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Bonnie and Clyde Files

The FBI put some files regarding gangsters Bonnie and Clyde on its web site for the first time today.…


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So what is a chief information officer anyway?

What a chief information officer would do under the proposed legislation:

A chief information officer would be appointed by the governor. The chief information officer’s salary will be between $130,000 and $160,000. The salary for the governor is $147,000. A chief information officer must be appointed by Jan. 1, 2010.

The chief information officer will oversee the information technology and telecommunications systems of all state agencies. In the first year on the job, the chief information officer must audit the …


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Senate hung up on technology bill

On the last day of session, business in the Senate has stalled after lawmakers are tied at 22. Democrats and one Republican have voted against Senate Bill 980, which creates a chief information officer to oversee technology and computers in state agencies. The vote was taken at 10:40 a.m., Democrats left the Senate at 10:50 a.m. Since then, Republicans have held the vote open.

Below is a release issued by Senate Republicans. In the third hour of the stalled Senate,


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J.C. Watts says he will not run for governor

Former congressman and Corporation Commissioner J.C. Watts says he will not run for governor. Watts’ issued this statement Friday morning.  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 22, 2009) — After much prayer and deliberation with my family and friends. It is with a heavy heart that my wife and I have decided not to run for governor in 2010. 
I have observed with great interest and pride the progress my state is making under the bold and innovative leadership of the state legislature.

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Inhofe, Lucas Against Obama Proposals

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, and Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne, are taking public stands today against proposals of President Barack Obama.

Inhofe will lead an effort to assure detainees at Gitmo won’t be transferred to prison facilities in the United States.

And Lucas is holding a news conference to say rural America will suffer disproportionately from the president’s goal of slashing greenhouse gas emissions.…


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Democrats to honor journalist, late congressman

Oklahoma Democrats gather tonight to acknowledge contributions made by Frosty Troy and the late Mike Synar.

Troy is the founding editor of the Oklahoma Observer and has been a fixture at the state Capitol covering politics for more than 30 years.

Synar was a Muskogee Democrat who represented the 2nd Congressional District for 16 years. He died in 1996.

Troy and Synar’s family will be given the Carl Albert Award, the state Democratic Party’s most prestigious award for service and …


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Democrats to honor journalist, late congressman

Oklahoma Democrats gather tonight to acknowledge contributions made by Frosty Troy and the late Mike Synar.
Troy is the founding editor of the Oklahoma Observer and has been a fixture at the state Capitol covering politics for more than 30 years.
Synar was a Muskogee Democrat who represented the 2nd Congressional District for 16 years. He died in 1996.
Troy and Synar’s family will be given the Carl Albert Award, the state Democratic Party’s most prestigious award for service and …


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Inhofe Questions Gates

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, questioned Defense Secretary Robert Gates this morning about the secretary’s decision to cancel some weapons programs, including the Future Combat Systems manned ground vehicles. One of those vehicles was a cannon that was supposed to be partially assembled in Elgin.

Warning: This clip is full of Defense Department acronymns and jargon.


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NY Times Slams Coburn Gun Amendment

The New York Times today criticized Senate passage of an amendment by Sen. Tom Coburn to allow loaded firearms in national parks.…


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