HIGH ENERGY COSTS -- RILEY WAS FOR THEM BEFORE SHE WAS AGAINST THEM

For Immediate Release CONTACT: Randy Swanson
July 11, 2008 405.607.2971

*** NEWS RELEASE ***
HIGH ENERGY COSTS --
RILEY WAS FOR THEM BEFORE SHE WAS AGAINST THEM
Tulsa Senator Now Emulating John Kerry and Barack Obama



OKLAHOMA CITY – Just last weekend, Tulsa Senator Nancy Riley expressed her thanks for high gas prices because "That is what is helping sustain the state's economy" (Broken Arrow Ledger, July 5, 2008). Now, just four days later, Riley is quoted in another suburban Tulsa newspaper lamenting high energy prices because of their impact on local school districts.


According to the Sand Springs Leader (July 9, 2008), she bemoaned high energy prices, saying "They (local school districts) will now have to balance their budgets on the backs of our kids."


“So, it appears Nancy Riley was for high gas prices before she was against them,” said Randy Swanson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Republican Senatorial Committee. “Another John Kerry moment from Nancy.”


Swanson’s reference to “another” refers to Riley’s vote against a pro-life bill which would have prohibited state-owned facilities from performing abortions (SB 714) in 2007, and twice to sustain Governor Henry’s veto of the bill -- only to later vote in favor of a similar bill (SB 139), which became law. This flip-flop came after she had signed a pledge to vote against any taxpayer funding of abortions when she first ran for the Senate.


Riley has also flip-flopped on lawsuit reform legislation over the past years. See was for lawsuit reform before she was against it.


“Nancy Riley can’t decide who she is or what she stands for,” said Swanson. “But it’s very clear who she patterns her political career after.


“First she runs for office as a conservative Republican, and then switches to become a liberal Democrat, much like Hillary Rodham Clinton.


“Then, she follows Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lead in supporting higher energy prices -- but then bemoans the high cost of energy. She was for it before she was against it, a la John Kerry,” he continued.


“Throw in Barack Obama’s flip flops on the important issues of the day, and one clearly see can whose campaign playbook Nancy Riley has been studying.


“Does Nancy Riley have any core values? The voters of Senate District 37, and indeed the citizens of Oklahoma deserve to know,” Swanson concluded.


www.oksenategop.com

Coffee Echoes Henry's Obama Invitation

http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com/2008/08/coffee-echoes-henrys-obama-invitation.html


Friday, August 22, 2008
Coffee Echoes Henry's Obama Invitation

From Oklahoma Senate Republicans ~ Echoing Governor Henry’s invitation for Presidential candidate Barack Obama to campaign in Oklahoma, Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee offered to roll out the red carpet for the Democrat standard-bearer.

"Speaking on behalf of all Oklahoma Republicans, and in the spirit of true bi-partisanship, I want to join Governor Henry in inviting Barack Obama to Oklahoma. We’ll break out all of the Oklahoma hospitality we can if Obama would campaign alongside Nancy Riley, Robert Murphy, Keith Erwin and Richard Lerblance," said Coffee.

"Senate Republicans would welcome him with open arms," he continued. "Better yet, let’s take a statewide bus tour."

With public polls showing Obama running a distant second to John McCain in the state, Republicans are eager for a visit by Obama.

Coffee suggested a swing starting in Lawton with Democrat Senate candidate Keith Erwin; north to Stillwater with Senate candidate/judge applicant Robert Murphy; then to Tulsa to go door-to-door with Nancy Riley; and a wrap-up rally in McAlester with Senator Richard Lerblance.

"We’ll even pay for their meal at Pete’s Place or The Isle of Capri in Krebs, if Obama likes great Italian food," Coffee added.

"If that schedule is too taxing, a rally on the south steps of the Capitol, with a photo-op of Obama standing, arms aloft with Riley, Murphy, Erwin and Lerblance – and any other willing Democrat – would be sufficient," he continued.

"If Obama doesn’t have the time or inclination to visit his good friends in Oklahoma, I urge my Democrat friends in the Senate to make public their support for the top of their ticket.

"Why wouldn’t Nancy Riley, Robert Murphy, Richard Lerblance or Keith Erwin declare their allegiance?" Coffee asked. "They’re mysteriously silent on this issue.

"If the Democrats need any help in planning the logistics for the Obama visit, have them call me. I’ll be glad to put the full force of our campaigns behind this effort," he offered. "They know my number."