Texas Democrats commended in Oklahoma House resolution

AP via Salina Journal (KS) ^ | 14 May 2003 | JESSICA DICKERSON

[Stultis]

Posted at 10:05 AM on Wednesday, May 14, 2003

Texas Democrats commended in Oklahoma House resolution

By JESSICA DICKERSON
Associated Press Writer

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma's Democrat-controlled House of Representatives passed a resolution Tuesday commending Texas Democratic House members who fled that state to stifle redistricting plans they opposed.

A Republican-supported resolution that would encourage Oklahoma officials to assist Texas officials in returning the errant lawmakers to Texas failed.

The resolution commending the lawmakers, by Rep. David Braddock, D-Altus, came after dozens of Texas Democrats fled Austin, Texas, after discussing ways to derail a Republican plan to redraw Texas' congressional districts.

The absence of 58 Democrats on Monday left the 150-member Texas House short of the two-thirds quorum needed to conduct business.

The rebellious Democrats holed up in an Ardmore hotel.

The House resolution commends the courage of the Texas Democrats who "have decided to defend the rights of the minority and the more pressing needs of Texas families."

The resolution charges that a Texas congressman and the majority leadership of the House are more concerned with adding Republican members to Congress than the educational, health and other needs of Texas families.

The Democrats earlier blamed Republican U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay for interfering with redistricting.

"I don't think they're breaking their oath of office," Braddock said of the Texas Democrats. "I think they're all fulfilling it by trying to meet the needs of those that have no voice."

Some House members were concerned that a similar move could occur in Oklahoma if the House supports the Texas lawmakers.

Braddock responded by saying members of the Oklahoma House are better at working together than their Texas counterparts.

The resolution, HR 1020, passed 47-44.

Another resolution, by Rep. Greg Piatt, R-Ardmore, requested that Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, Commissioner of Public Safety Bob Ricks, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other law enforcement officials assist Texas officials in returning the errant lawmakers to Texas.

Braddock commented that he wanted the Texas Democrats to stay in Oklahoma.

"This is economic development at its best," he quipped. "We want Texans coming to spend their money in Oklahoma."

The resolution, HR 1019, failed 50-46.

The resolutions do not have the force of law.

In a humorous moment, Rep. Ron Kirby, D-Lawton, read a proposal to grant Texas legislators political amnesty, welcome them to Oklahoma and grant them the honorary title of "Okie."

The proposal also called for a Cub Scout troop to be dispatched to the Red River to protect Oklahoma's border from Texas Rangers.

The idea met with laughter from most, with an occasional "boo."

Earlier Tuesday, Henry said he welcomed the Texas lawmakers, but was "not going to get embroiled in this political fight."

Republican State Chairman Gary Jones criticized Henry for allowing Oklahoma to become a safe haven for the Texas Democrats.

"These Democrat legislators south of our border are wasting taxpayers' money," Jones said. "They are behaving in an obstructionist manner and it's a publicity stunt, plain and simple. I'm embarrassed Gov. Henry and our Democrat-controlled House of Representatives would condone such a childish stunt."

[Stultis]

Any DAY 3 articles or links thereto, feel free to put 'em here.

The resolution COMMENDING Texas Democrats for shirking their duties, and costing Texas taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars immediately, and hundreds of millions prospectively, was actually passed by the 'Rat controlled Oklahoma House on Tuesday (day 2 of the quorum busting chicken run). Strangley, though, this is first article I've been able to find with details, and few others (if any) even mention it. This AP piece wasn't even picked up by an Oklahoma paper, s'far as I've been able to google. What gives?

[Texas Eagle]

In a humorous moment, Rep. Ron Kirby, D-Lawton, read a proposal to grant Texas legislators political amnesty, welcome them to Oklahoma and grant them the honorary title of "Okie."

I second the motion!

[MJY1288]

These democrats are really setting a dangerous precident. 2004 is going to be ugly for them and I can't help but wonder what will come down the pike next from these desperate DEMS

[LurkerNoMore!]

Go figure!

[Dane]

[RasterMaster]

...Henry said he welcomed the Texas lawmakers, but was "not going to get embroiled in this political fight."

Henry's accepting these scum with open arms makes him stand up with them. Therefore, he should fall with them....but too many lazy @sses in this state will give him and state legislature a pass.

[Brett66]

Gag, I despise these clowns in the Oklahoma legislature. At least we got rid of one of the biggest crooks, Gene Stipe.

[Theodore R.]

Wow, OK has deteriorated sharply since Frank Keating left the governorship. That what the GOP gets for putting up an awful candidate named Steve Largent.

[Voltage]

The Gov should just declare the seats vacant, appoint successors, and go with it.

[Diddle E. Squat]

Once again the Democrats go on record as supporting breaking the law if it benefits them.

And what's the deal with Oklahoma? I kept hearing about how it was one of the most conservative state in the country, but it looks to have a Dem guv, Dem controlled House, and Dem controlled Senate. How did that happen?

[clintonh8r]

No surprise here. RATs will always commend illegal, unseemly, deceptive, immoral, smarmy, offensive, unchivalrous, repulsive, vulgar, stupid, ignorant, selfish, arrogant behavior. If I left out any appropriate adjectives, please feel free to post them.

[DouglasKC]

The Gov should just declare the seats vacant, appoint successors, and go with it.

Great idea. He needs to fill those empty slots. The democrats have quit their jobs.

[GiveEmDubya]

"2004 is going to be ugly for them"

If this fiasco draws out much longer, the Texas GOP better bring this up come election time in 2004. If the media is blanketed with well-documented Democrat obstruction, the GOP in the legislature may as well not NEED the Dems to get to a 2/3rds majority anymore.

Democrats fleeing the state to prevent business, Sharpton "slappin' da donkey", filibustering qualified judicial nominees, whining and bitching---this is the face of the Democratic party. Defeat them!

[savedbygrace]

Earlier Tuesday, Henry said he welcomed the Texas lawmakers, but was "not going to get embroiled in this political fight."

Huh? White man Henry speak with forked tongue.

[Stultis]

Contact Info on the Okie who introduced this resolution:

Capitol Address:
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd
Room 537-B
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 557-7369

District Address:
P. O. Box 898
Altus 73522
(580) 482-2260

Email:
braddockda@lsb.state.ok.us

Rep. David Braddock

District 52
Democrat

Committees

Appropriations and Budget Committee

Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Select Agencies, Chairman

Criminal Justice

Higher Education Committee

Judiciary Committee

Public Health Committee

Rules Committee

Leadership

Majority  Caucus Chairman

Speaker's Leadership Team

District Information

View District Map

Biographical Information

PERSONAL:
David was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, March 20, 1957.   His parents are Thomas G. and Ann (Hardy) Braddock.  He is married to Suzie (Downs), and their children are  Adam Shepherd, Rachel Ann, and Anna Elizabeth.

EDUCATION:

B.A., University of Oklahoma,  1979

J.D., University of Oklahoma School of Law,  1982

PROFESSION:

Attorney

ORGANIZATIONS:

Oklahoma Bar Association

Past President, Jackson County Bar Association

Past President Altus Rotary Club

Past Chairman, board of directors, Altus Chamber of Commerce

Chairman, Kicking Bird District for the Black Beaver Council

Boy Scouts of America

Past Chairman, Great Plains Chapter, American Red Cross

Member, Leadership Oklahoma, Class III

Regent Western Oklahoma State College (1991-96)

HONORS:

Distinguished Citizen Award for Military Airlift Command, USAF

Legislative Service

House of Representatives, 46th Legislature to present

[Bogey78O]

'The proposal also called for a Cub Scout troop to be dispatched to the Red River to protect Oklahoma's border from Texas Rangers.'

You hear that Texas. The dems are mocking you.

It's about time an Oklahoman militia repells these Texan invaders using their Constitutionally protected rights.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Have the Texas Attorney General declare them non-residents of Texas and vacate their seats.

[MJY1288]

I wonder if the Governor of Texas can issue an executive order demanding their return or be terminated. I know he said tonight on the Brit Hume show that he will call for a special session in order to complete their work

[Stultis]

To contact the Oklahoma House of Representatives:

PHONE:  1-800-522-8502 / 1-877-299-3468 (TDD)
OKLAHOMA RELAY:
1-800-722-0353 (Voice) / 1-800-522-8506 (TDD)