ELECT REPUBLICAN GOVERNORS
ELECT A BUSH MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE
DEFEAT DNC/DASCHLE/CLINTON/GEPHARDT DEMOCRATS IN ALL RACES!
Posted on 10/27/2002 8:54:04 AM PST by PhiKapMom
Oklahoman Editorial: For Steve Largent
2002-10-27
STEVE Largent is our choice to be Oklahoma's next governor. Of the three gubernatorial candidates on the Nov. 5 ballot, we think Largent is the one most capable of helping state government through its budget difficulties in the short term and providing leadership that will help Oklahoma prosper in the long term. Additionally, his experience in Congress is invaluable, for he understands the often complicated relationship between Washington and state capitals.
On key issues, education and taxes, in particular, we like Largent's ideas and willingness to question the status quo yet work in collaborative fashion to move Oklahoma forward.
On education, he supports boosting teacher pay beyond the regional average, shifting more education decisions and dollars back to the local level, and expanding efforts to bring experts from other fields into classrooms where certified teachers are in short supply.
On taxes, Largent's proposals are the most visionary of the three candidates. He would work to eliminate the state inheritance tax, the state sales tax on groceries and the franchise tax on businesses. He also favors overhaul and eventual elimination of the state income tax, an impediment to keeping and attracting businesses with high-paying jobs.
Largent also supports continued overhaul of the workers' compensation system and tort reform, keys to Oklahoma's growth.
As importantly, Largent, unlike his opponents, has refused to promote a state lottery to cure Oklahoma's ills, and understands that turnpikes can't be freed from their tolls anytime soon.
We agree with Henry Bellmon, the pre-eminent political statesman in Oklahoma, who says of Largent: "He has avoided endorsing unworkable, simplistic answers to complex problems, a pitfall into which each of his opponents has fallen."
We endorsed Brad Henry in the Democratic runoff last month, because we were convinced he would best represent the party in the general election with his experience, smarts and honesty. We haven't been disappointed. So far Henry has run a relatively clean campaign, focusing mostly on issues.
But we think Largent's views on how to solve the challenges facing Oklahoma are closer to the mark than that of Henry and independent candidate Gary Richardson.
Steve Largent is the best candidate in this race, and we urge his election.
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Oklahoman Editorial: For Jim Inhofe
2002-10-27
For the U.S. Senate, Jim Inhofe best represents Oklahoma interests and is a clear choice for re-election over former Gov. David Walters. Name any issue, taxes, spending, energy, defense, and the Tulsa Republican reflects the common-sense conservatism typical of so many Oklahomans who want government to be lean, fair to all taxpayers and efficient in key roles, such as defending the homeland.
Since his election in 1994 to finish the unexpired term of Sen. David Boren and his re- election in 1996, Inhofe has been a strong voice for lower taxes and spending restraint.
He voted for President Bush's 2001 tax-cutting package and has voiced support for making its components, such as repeal of the estate tax permanent. He has received awards or high marks from a number of taxpayer-watchdog groups, including the National Taxpayers Union and Americans for Tax Reform.
On energy, Inhofe is for decreasing America's vulnerability to foreign suppliers by increasing domestic production, including oil exploration in a tiny sliver of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on Alaska's northernmost coast.
On defense, Inhofe has voted consistently to strengthen our armed forces by supporting better equipment, training and pay. He backs development of a national missile defense, so timely with the recent revelation that North Korea has been pursuing nuclear weapons.
Inhofe has responsibly looked out for his state during the controversy over the Army's Crusader artillery vehicle, working with the Bush administration to get an alternative to the now- canceled weapons system. Money for a smaller, lighter cannon that will be assembled in Elgin is included in the defense spending bill signed into law last week.
As for experience, Inhofe is well-positioned for leadership roles in the Senate, especially if Republicans capture control in next month's elections. Inhofe would become chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee and within just a few years could be in line to chair the powerful Armed Services Committee.
Walters, Inhofe's opponent, has said Inhofe's voting record is too conservative, claiming it lets Bush take him for granted. But a senator's first concern, as we see it, should be that his votes reflect the interests of his state.
In that regard Jim Inhofe is in step with Oklahoma, and should be returned to Washington for another six years.
WFTR
Bill
Keep him in and get him to the chair of Armed Forces.
The survival of the nation against the Chinese threat depends upon the few leaders of the caliber of Jim Inhofe.
I haven't seen the polls, but I hope to GOD that (issue-less, hillbilly, negative campaigner) Richardson doesn't spout enough lies and half-truths to sway the uneducated ("feed-me-the-information-because-I'm-too-lazy-to-do-any-research") voters. That's the only way Henry could win, Richardson splitting the conservative vote.
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