My mood this week after the mid-term elections, which were especially bad in Oklahoma, the ultimate red state. Statewide officials from top to bottom went overwhelmingly Republican, from Governor all the way down to dog catcher. I knew it was going to be bad but I didn't think it would be an overall extermination of Democrats across the state!
Here are some of the other low lights:
Representative Kris Steele of Shawnee looks to be the next Speaker of the Oklahoma House. He's a minister, awesome.
"Little Dixie" in the Southeast region of the state went Republican in areas for the first time since statehood.
Republicans lead in the state Senate 32-16.
Republicans lead in the state House 70-31.
And my most favorite:
My new Congressional Representative to the U.S. House in the 5th district, James Lankford. I just got a cold chill down my spine...
Where do Oklahoma progressives, liberals, and Democrats go from here? I have no clue. Just when I think it can't get any worse politically around here another election proves me wrong. I think it may be easier to move to another state than fight to change this one.
Thoughts and opinions?
2 comments:
I believe the party leadership has to be cleaned out, to start. Too much effort has been spent arguing over building space, while too little time was spent trying to define what it is that we support, raise money, or even support our candidates. We have to have the backbone to tell these long-serving "activists" that we appreciate their efforts, but it's time to step aside.
A predominantly liberal party will not sell in rural Oklahoma, while a moderate may. However, we cannot be a mirror image of Republicans and expect the people to elect us! Honestly, when given the choice of a real Republican, or a fake one, people will choose the real one. Mimicking the Republicans has long been a mistake perpetuated by the party. It's stupid and we have reaped monumental failure as a result.
On the other hand, I believe the religious fervor will eventually cause these hypocrits to overreach and, as a result, swing the public back to reason. We have to moderate. We have to be prepared to be a viable choice.
So, in a nutshell, we need to moderate, give the public a true choice between right-wing nonsense and common sense. We have to support our candidates. We have to develop a network that includes the entire state. We have to define ourselves, and talk about it. We have to reach young people. And, we have to start now!
A good friend once said, "I'll fight 'em until Hell freezes over, and then I'll fight 'em on the ice." Can you imagine a network with that committment? Now that's a party.
Well put! I've never seen anyone work so hard for a local candidate as I did with you and Sen. Corn! Hell you converted me!
The time to act is now. I've become aware that just getting out and voting is not enough. We need to start now by finding good moderate candidates, getting everyone envolved, and especially raising money.
And you hit it the nail right on the head, Democrats acting like Republicans is a losing situation. A clear choice is needed. Though I'm a foaming at the mouth liberal, I now understand that we can do so much better for our great state. I'm ready to be more involved while I still call this place home. I'll be in touch. I'm ready to put on my ice skates!!
Thanks for the comments. :)
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