Wes, Lou Watkins Endorse Rowe At Durant Fundraiser

Dustin Rowe family

A long list of supporters of 2nd District candidate Dustin Rowe gathered in Durant last night to raise money for Rowe”s campaign and hear former Congressman Wes Watkins and his wife, Lou, endorse Rowe.

A report put the crowd estimate at 150.

Rowe seeks the Republican nomination for Congress. An attorney, he’s the former mayor of Tishomingo (elected while he was still in high school) and once served on Watkins’ congressional staff.

Watkins, in an announcement for the event, wrote, “As a former member of my Congressional staff, I know Dustin Rowe to be a common sense, hardworking, outstanding young man with high moral values and tremendous ability. Lou and I know the citizens of the 2nd Congressional District would be well-served if they elect Dustin Rowe as their Congressman.”

Florida Congressman Cites Behenna Case In Letter To Obama

Michael Behenna

Florida Congressman Allen West today invoked the name of imprisoned Army 1st Lt. Michael Behenna of Edmond in a letter criticizing the Obama Administration’s release of a known Hezbollah terrorist to the Iraqi court system.

West wrote of the decision, involving a terrorist responsible for the murder of an Army officer and four other service members:  “It is with great disappointment and concern that I write to President Barack Obama today with regards to Ali Musa Daqduq and the decision by the Administration to release this madman to an Iraqi court, who in turn set this known terrorist free.

“Ali Musa Daqduq led a well-planned and coordinated attack in Karbala, Iraq in 2007 in which one American soldier, Captain Brian Freeman, was killed and four other service members were abducted and later murdered. > The Administration mistakenly used the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA),  which required Iraqi citizens to be handed over to Iraq before December of 2011, as a reasoning for Daqduq’s release to an Iraqi court.  However, since Ali Musa Daqduq was born in Lebanon, and was in fact a Lebanese citizen at the time of his capture, SOFA should not have applied to him.

“As someone who served 22 years in the United States Army and served in both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, I can tell you that true leadership means making responsible decisions, not necessarily popular ones.  The President had options when dealing with this terrorist.  Daqduq could have been transferred to Guantanamo Bay where he could have been tried in front of a military commission.

“The fact that our President makes these kinds of decisions, while American soldiers like Michael Behenna, William Hunsaker, and Joseph Mayo remain imprisoned at Fort Leavenworth for incidents that occurred during the heat of battle, is pure hypocricy (sic).

“I find the release of Ali Musa Daqduq to be an utter betrayal, not only to those who perished at the hands of this terrorist, but to all men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I ask President Obama for a prompt and personal response to this decision. As the Commander-in-Chief,  he owes the American people nothing less.”

For a copy of the letter Rep. West sent to President Obama, click here. http://west.congressnewsletter.net/mail/util.cfm?mailaction=clickthru&gpiv=2100088674.17517.297&gen=1&mailing_linkid=9785.

Gary Jones Endorses Faught

Congressional candidate George Faught announced today that Auditor & Inspector Gary Jones has endorsed him in the 2nd District Republican primary.

Jones, former Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman, said, “As a proud Oklahoma Republican, I am honored to endorse George Faught for Congress. George is the trusted and proven conservative in the 2nd District race. He has personally invested in growing the Republican Party throughout District 2, working at the grassroots level. When George goes to Washington he’ll continue to fight for our country the way he’s fought for Oklahoma at the State Capitol,” said Jones. “George has the backbone to stand and proudly represent Oklahoma values in Congress. He is truly a principled conservative. I urge Oklahomans from all across our state to support George. Let’s send a good man to be Oklahoma’s newest Republican Congressman to Washington this November!”

Dustin Rowe Wins Dual Endorsements

Derby Dumps Faught In 2nd District Flareup

Owasso Rep. David Derby, who has supported Rep. George Faught in the 2nd District Republican primary, has withdrawn his endorsement.

In a communication with Michael Bates of Batesline, Derby wrote, “I pulled my support from Faught because his press release said he was disappointed with the Republican caucus. I’m part of the Republican caucus, and there is no way I will ever stand for being called pro-choice. I chaired the health committee that personhood came through. I kept the liberal amendments from being added. I voted yes on all the whip counts to hear the bill. So I was disappointed in Faught’s press release by not calling out leadership. I will not be called pro-choice, nor will I stand for a press release that implies that I am pro-choice. I have an adopted son, and my wife and I personally have had issues that led us to adopt, and thus my pro-life stance. I hope and pray that this clears up the confusion.”

Lankford Applauds Armedariz Resignation

Congressman Lankford’s Office

Congressman James Lankford issued the following statement after the resignation of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 Director Al Armendariz.

“I affirm the resignation of EPA Director Al Armendariz in light of the controversial use of his position as a bully pulpit toward American oil and gas companies,” said Representative Lankford.  “His comments are congruent with an increasingly defamatory, EPA-wide viewpoint toward the private businesses involved in extraction of fossil fuels to provide American-made energy.

“It seems that Al Armendariz is the one regional director who was bold enough to actually say what the EPA really believes,” continued Representative Lankford.  “Armendariz’s flippant and inflammatory remarks demonstrate an attitude of power and control from a federal agency that was formed to serve the American people, not ‘crucify’ them.  The EPA has transitioned into an agency determined to destroy energy production, not help our nation develop our abundant domestic energy resources.

“Based on the nation-wide EPA emphasis on attacking American energy exploration, it is unlikely that Armendariz is the only one in the EPA who holds his belief and practice. We must continue to monitor this type of executive agency rhetoric and action to ensure that the EPA is accomplishing its primary function of protection rather than pacification,” concluded Representative Lankford.

Henry Endorses Wallace In 2nd District Democrat Primary

Wallace Campaign

Former Governor Brad Henry has announced his endorsement of Rob Wallace for Congress in Oklahoma’s 2^nd Congressional District.

Henry cited Rob Wallace’s deep understanding of the community, his proven record protecting our families as a prosecutor, and his ability to put our people back to work and grow our economy as reasons for his endorsement.

“There is no person better prepared to serve the people of eastern Oklahoma than Rob Wallace,” stated Henry.

“Rob is committed to improving the quality of life for our families and putting people back to work.  Having seen Rob in action as a tough prosecutor, I know he has what it takes to stand up to the Washington special interests and fight for Oklahoma jobs.”

Wallace said that Henry’s support would energize his campaign as it continues to build momentum.  “I am honored to have the endorsement of Gov. Henry.   His support will bring new energy and enthusiasm to our campaign,” said Wallace.

“As Governor, Henry gave a voice to those who often weren’t heard – people who were struggling.  As I travel this district, I constantly meet people who are struggling to make ends meet.  They feel like their voice is not being heard.  That’s why I am running for Congress – so we can give the working men and women a stronger voice and so we can create new and better jobs here in eastern Oklahoma.”

Henry concluded his statement by saying, “Believe me, Rob Wallace will always stand up for the hard-working people of eastern Oklahoma, and he’s a tough prosecutor who will get the job done for us in Congress.”

Congressional Corner: Student Loan Interest Rates, Right To Know

Congressman Tom Cole released the following statement after House passage of the Interest Rate Reduction Act, which will extend the current 3.4 percent interest rates on federal student loans for one year.  The cost of the bill is paid for by eliminating unnecessary spending in the president’s health care law:

“In this challenging economy, a college degree is both more important and more expensive than ever.  Keeping student loans more affordable gives college students a better chance to succeed, and that’s good for the economy.  Unlike the Democratic proposals, this legislation helps students deal with rising tuition costs without requiring taxpayers and businesses to foot the bill.  President Obama should embrace this reasonable solution.”

Congressman James Lankford issued the following statement after his bipartisan bill, H.R. 3609, the Taxpayers’ Right to Know Act passed the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

“With committee passage of this bill, Congress is one step closer to following through on a rising cry from the House of Representatives and the nation to provide openness in the federal government.  The Taxpayers’ Right to Know Act will strengthen government accountability and transparency, furthering the goal of a more streamlined, efficient, and cost effective federal government,” said Congressman Lankford.

Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) has also introduced companion legislation, S.1957, in the Senate.

“The American people deserve to have a better understanding of how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent,” said Lankford.  “One of the reasons I was elected was to prevent waste, duplication, and inefficiency.  This bill provides Congress with the tools to see the waste and act on it.  Currently, it is impossible to navigate federal agencies when there is no list of programs, defined metrics or clear cost.  The Taxpayers’ Right to Know Act simplifies the process by establishing reporting requirements to identify inefficiencies.

“I look forward to the discussion of the Taxpayers’ Right to Know Act on the House floor after this successful committee hearing,” concluded Lankford.

Lankford has been named a conferee for the joint House-Senate highway bill conference legislation.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with my fellow conferees from the House and Senate to iron out the details of this important legislation,” said Lankford.  “I remain committed to the House rule banning earmarks and look forward to utilizing this opportunity to move forward with surface transportation funding free of the more than 6,000 earmarks included in the previous highway bill.”

The House recently passed a 90-day reauthorization for highway funding.  The Senate also passed a  $109 billion, two-year extension.  Now, the two chambers must work out the details between the two bills.

“Congressman Lankford has proven to be an intelligent and diligent member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and I am pleased he will be an active member of this conference responsible for completing this important transportation initiative,” added Congressman John L. Mica (R-FL), Chairman, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“I want to see long-term funding solutions to demonstrate clarity and certainty from Congress.  This is a rare opportunity for Members on both sides of the aisle and both houses of Congress to work together to serve the American people and show our commitment to real reform and not Washington’s business as usual,” concluded Lankford.

Columnist Anthony G. Martin, writing for Conservative Examiner, reports that an Alaska Congressman has put the pressure on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for what he termed “hassling” gun stores in his state.

Congressman Don Young, R-Alaska, sent a letter to the ATF two days ago stating that he has heard from several gun store owners who are complaining that the agency is harassing them to turn over their bound books containing the records of gun and ammunition purchases, the customers’ names and addresses, and their official background checks.

Boren Favors Indian Lands Tax Credit Extension

Congressman Dan Boren testified before the House Committee on Ways and Means about the importance of extending tax credits for businesses on former Indian lands.

Boren spoke in support of H.R. 1039, a bill he leads with Congressman John Sullivan (OK-01).  The legislation would permanently extend the Indian lands tax credit and the Indian employment tax credit.  Representatives Boren and Sullivan have long been leaders in the effort to extend these important tax credits.

The Indian lands tax credit permits businesses locating or expanding to former Indian lands to qualify for an accelerated depreciation schedule, allowing them to recover their costs more quickly than in other parts of the country.  The Indian employment tax credit provides an additional deduction for businesses located on Indian lands that employ Native Americans.

“Because of Oklahoma’s Native American heritage two thirds of the state, including my entire district, qualifies for a tax incentive for businesses located on former Indian lands,” said Boren.  “With tribal unemployment rates soaring to 80% in some regions, these tax credits are especially important because they encourage businesses to employ Native Americans.  They also encourage business to increase wages, helping to fight the high Native American poverty rate.  This tax credit is absolutely vital to the continued growth and development of tribal communities.”

“The Indian lands tax credits are extremely beneficial to economic development in Oklahoma–these substantial tax incentives not only create jobs, but also improve the quality of life across our state,” added Sullivan.  “Any business that chooses to operate on federally recognized Indian lands is eligible to receive this credit, since two-thirds of Oklahoma’s land meets this criteria, it provides an economic boom to our entire state.  Extending these tax incentives will not only help to attract new business to Oklahoma, but will also allow our existing businesses to plan for the future.”

Hugo News Makes Rare Endorsement: Dustin Rowe

Second District congressional candidate Dustin Rowe has a new distinction today: He’s the first candidate of either party to be endorsed by the Hugo  Daily News in more than a decade.

The newspaper’s Page One endorsement says Republican Rowe has the qualities needed in Congress.

The endorsement comes as Rowe announced today that he will fight federal regulation that threatens thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity in the area surrounding Lake Texoma.

“As I have campaigned in Eastern Oklahoma over the past 10 months, the number one complaint I hear is about federal regulation’s negative impact at the local level,” said Rowe, a Republican candidate for the Second Congressional District seat. “Proposed federal regulation to measure blue-green algae would devastate Eastern Oklahoma tourism when there are more sensible ways to deal with the problem that won’t destroy the economy.”

The recreation and tourism business created by Lake Texoma has become a major economic driver in the region, benefiting sales, profits, jobs, tax revenue and income in the area. Lake Texoma generates an estimated 2,767 jobs, including 1,245 in Oklahoma. Those job figures are comparable to the impact of the General Motors plant in Arlington Texas.

“General Motors spent $500 million on a single plant to create roughly the same number of jobs as Lake Texoma,” Rowe said. “That shows how incredibly difficult it would be to replace the economic impact of Lake Texoma if federal regulations needlessly drive people away from this beautiful natural resource.”

Blue green algae blooms can create hypoxic zones in water sources, effectively depleting oxygen concentrations. While there is a clear need to address the problem, Rowe said local officials should be in charge of that regulation.

“I support efforts to allow the Corps of Engineers to apply state regulations to measure blue-green algae, not federal regulations based on World Health Organization guidelines,” Rowe said. “If the federal WHO-based regulations are imposed, our lakes could effectively shut down in late May. Clearly, state-level regulation based on legitimate science and administered by local experts who live in the area would be far more effective and far less destructive.”

Rowe recently met with Bill Bailey, owner of Little Glasses Marina on Lake Texoma to discuss the federal government’s response to the algae issue.

Overall, Rowe noted that hunters and anglers support an estimated 20,000 jobs in Oklahoma, spend more than $1 billion annually, and (at an estimated 602,000) actually outnumber the combined populations of Tulsa, Norman and Lawton, according to figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other groups.

“For rural Eastern Oklahoma, tourism has became a cornerstone of the economy, and now federal regulators are poised to shatter that foundation and leave the area economy in shambles,” Rowe said. “As your congressman, I will fight federal overreach and work to allow state-level solutions to environmental challenges. These decisions are best made by local officials who are familiar with the challenges of local communities, not some far-off bureaucrat on the East Coast or paper pusher at a foreign-dominated organization like the World Health Organization.”