OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A conservative state senator who embraced the tea party movement and received nearly 40 percent of the vote in last week's GOP gubernatorial primary has backed his one-time opponent, U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon of Owasso announced his endorsement Wednesday at Fallin's campaign headquarters after the two met privately for about 30 minutes.

Brogdon said the endorsement was delayed because he and his wife took a few days off after the July 27 primary election. He said he also wanted to meet with Fallin first to discuss her position on various issues.

During the primary race, Brogdon attacked Fallin for what he said were ``liberal compromises'' because of her vote in 2008 to bail out the nation's financial industry.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - In a state dominated by Democrats for nearly a century, Oklahoma Republicans hope to ride a conservative wave and extend their grip of state government into the governor's mansion.

The GOP already controls both of Oklahoma's U.S. Senate seats, four of the five U.S. House seats and the Oklahoma Legislature.

Now Republicans have a conservative wind at their backs and a bitter rejection of President Obama, who failed to win a single of the state's 77 counties in 2008.

Republicans are likely to extend their majorities in the Legislature and could capture the governor's seat and several open statewide offices.

If successful in November, it would be the first time since statehood that the GOP controlled both houses of the Legislature and the governor's office.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - In a state known for having more women in prison than in elected office, Oklahoma has two female politicians battling it out to become the state's next governor.

Democratic Lt. Gov. Jari Askins (left) and Republican U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin both won primary races Tuesday, guaranteeing that a female politician will succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Brad Henry.

With just five women in the 48-member Oklahoma Senate and 12 females in the 101-member House, Oklahoma currently ranks 49th among the 50 states for its percentage of women in the Legislature.

Oklahoma also has an incarceration rate of 131 women per 100,000 residents, the highest in the nation and nearly twice the national average of 69 per 100,000. (Photos courtesy the News On 6) 

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Longtime Attorney General Drew Edmondson says his unsuccessful race for the Democratic nomination for governor of Oklahoma is his last.

A day after narrowly losing the primary election to Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Edmondson said Wednesday he plans to retire from elective politics. Edmondson says he has no interest in running for the U.S. Senate or another other position.

But the 63-year-old attorney general says he plans to stay involved by supporting candidates in other political races. He has already offered to help Askins in the general election.

Edmondson says he plans to finish his job as the state's top law enforcement officer. Edmondson, who stepped down as attorney general after 16 years to run for governor, has about six months remaining in the job.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The top candidates for Oklahoma's open governor's post each gave up political offices they likely could have successfully defended. They'll discover Tuesday whether their gambles paid off.

Attorney General Drew Edmondson and Lt. Gov. Jari Askins each gave up a statewide seat in hopes of keeping the governorship in Democrats' hands.

Republican front-runners in the bid to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Brad Henry are U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin and state Sen. Randy Brogdon of Owasso.

By throwing open the four seats, the major candidates for governor already have shaken up Oklahoma's political landscape.

Democrats hope changing demographics can help them claim Fallin's seat, but Republicans say an anti-Washington backlash could help them to a statewide sweep of major offices in 2010.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok. - A group of labor leaders and others want Congress to pass an extension to unemployment benefits. During a news conference at the state Capitol yesterday Central Oklahoma Labor Federation President Tim O'Connor said Oklahoma's senators need to remember that the jobless are real people. "I'm here today to say enough is enough with the partisan bickering and to tell Senator Tom Coburn to quit playing politics as usual with unemployed workers in Oklahoma and the United States that are suffering right now," O'Connor says. He accuses Senator Tom Coburn and other Republicans of holding unemployed workers hostage to make political points on deficit spending.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Members of Oklahoma's entire congressional delegation are heavily favored to return to the nation's capital.

Nearly 600 candidates filed for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, judicial offices, district attorney and Oklahoma House and Senate during a three-day filing period, setting the stage for the 2010 election season.

U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn (left) drew only token opposition from little-known candidates, and Democrats didn't even bother to file against U.S. Reps. John Sullivan of Tulsa (right) or Tom Cole of Moore, though both face a primary challenge.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Conservatives rallied at the state Capitol against a federal government they say is grabbing more and more control over their personal lives.

About 500 people participated Thursday in the Sooner Tea Party rally that coincided with tax day, the deadline for federal income tax forms to be mailed.

Stuart Jolly, state director of the conservative group Americans for Prosperity, says the government is steadily stripping away the personal freedoms of Americans. Jolly says Congress showed no courage when it passed a health care plan that requires Americans to buy health care insurance.

Tea party leader Al Gerhart says the movement is part of an effort to gain control of the Republican Party.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A darling of the tea party movement who has said he likes the idea of a volunteer state militia says his political views are in line with most Oklahoma voters and that he expects to win this year's race for governor.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon said Thursday his message of standing for constitutional principles resonates best with voters who this year will replace Gov. Brad Henry.

Brogdon said in an Associated Press story Monday that a citizen militia already was authorized by state law and the U.S. Constitution and said it could challenge affronts to state sovereignty. Thursday he backed off the idea and said his remarks were taken out of context.

Despite his claims to the contrary, AP audio reveals Brogdon called a militia ``a great idea.'' He said it would reinforce the idea that Oklahomans will stand up to what he described as an overreaching federal government.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok. - Republican Congresswoman Mary Fallin kicks off her official campaign for Governor. Fallin says she'll spend the next two weeks traveling through 21 counties in a campaign she calls "Working Across Oklahoma". She says, "To talk to our employees, to talk to out employers, our small businesses, about how we can transform Oklahoma into a state of greater prosperity and opportunity for all of our citizens." She says her goals, if elected, will be to end what she calls the state's economic stagnation deal with the budget deficit and to work on lost opportunities that Oklahoma families have faced.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Legislative Black Caucus is criticizing Sen. Randy Brogdon for a remark he made about fried chicken during a debate on federal health care legislation supported by President Barack Obama.

Caucus chairman Rep. Jabar Shumate of Tulsa Wednesday called on Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee to admonish Brogdon. Shumate says Brogdon's comment is part of a pattern of disrespectful and inflammatory actions and statements.

Brogdon, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, made the comment Tuesday during debate on whether the state should try to opt out of parts of the health care bill.

He said Congress has no more authority to tell Oklahomans where to buy health insurance than it does to tell them where to buy a fried chicken dinner.

Brogdon says he was not referring to Obama.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Republican state Sen. Clark Jolley of Edmond says he's not running for state attorney general.

Jolley said Friday he plans to remain in the Senate and continue serving as assistant majority floor leader in the GOP's majority caucus. Jolley is serving his second four-year term in the Senate and says he plans to seek re-election in 2012.

Jolley says he is not willing to neglect his duties as a state senator to mount a successful statewide campaign.

Longtime Democratic Attorney General Drew Edmondson is not seeking re-election and is running for governor this year. Two other Republicans, Ryan Leonard and former state Sen. Scott Pruitt, have announced plans to run for attorney general. Democrat Jim Priest is also running.

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - A member of Stillwater's volunteer planning commission has filed a petition seeking the recall of Mayor Nathan Bates.

Becky Teague, who serves as the commission's chairwoman, was one of 117 people who signed the petition submitted Friday to the Payne County Election Board.

County Election Secretary Glenna Craig says once the signatures are verified, the 27-year-old Bates has 10 days to submit a written response.

That response would be included on another petition to request a recall election. City staff members have said about 600 people would have to sign that petition for such an election to be held.

Bates has denied the allegations in the initial petition, which accuses him of using his position for personal benefit, interfering with police officers on duty, public intoxication and asking a woman to expose her breasts.

TULSA, Ok. - Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett orders city department managers to cut their budgets and plan for more layoffs. He says the sales tax is down and there is no sign of improvement in the foreseeable future. Tulsa City Councilor Bill Christiansen (shown) finds it's a hard job to do. He says, "The budgets in all the departments have already been cut and now they're going to be cut even more and it's a really difficult task." The new city council met for the first time last night. The mayor told his managers to have the cuts ready by next Friday. They would go into effect after the holidays.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Sen. Jim Inhofe says he opposes a government proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent by 2020.

The Oklahoma Republican says he plans to travel to a climate conference in Europe next week to tell participants the proposal has little support in the U.S. Senate.

The Environmental Protection Agency has said scientific evidence shows greenhouse gases threaten public health and that the pollutants should be reduced. But Inhofe says he believes emissions, mainly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, have little effect on the climate.

Inhofe has called for an investigation into allegations that some scientists manipulated data to provide proof of global warming. A climate change skeptic, Inhofe says e-mails leaked from climate scientists indicate researchers suppressed data.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma City voters have approved the third Metropolitan Area Projects proposal.

With all 271 precincts reporting Tuesday, a little more than 54 percent of voters approved the extension of a one-cent sales tax. That tax in recent years has helped transform downtown and provided a boost for local schools.

Under the $777 million MAPS 3 proposal, city leaders have promised a new convention center and 70-acre park, a downtown streetcar system, bicycle trails, sidewalks, senior centers and improvements along the Oklahoma River.

Proponents of MAPS 3 said it would sustain what they call unprecedented progress in the state's largest city.

Opponents had argued a recession is not the time to extend a sales tax.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation say they're encouraged that President Obama is sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan.

Obama told the nation Tuesday night that his new policy was designed to bring the war ``to a successful conclusion.''

Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Okla., said she has concerns about whether 30,000 troops are enough to defeat the resurgent Taliban, and she disagreed with Obama's announcement of a withdrawal date.

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., said even though Obama committed to 10,000 troops less than what commanding general, Stanley McChrystal, requested, the decision shows the president listened to his field commanders.

Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla., said the decision was ``overdue,'' but agreed it is ``the right course of action.''

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The state's largest state workers organization says it agrees with Republican state Senate leaders who are calling for a special session of the Legislature in December.

The Oklahoma Public Employees Association said Monday declining revenues are forcing many state employees to face furloughs, reductions-in-force and voluntary buyouts and that immediate action is needed.

State revenues came in below expectations for the 10th straight month in October. State financial officials have already ordered 5 percent cuts in state agencies' budgets through the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

Those cuts followed a 7 percent cut at most agencies in May.

Gov. Brad Henry has proposed a special session in January, after the state Board of Equalization meets on Dec. 21 to release available preliminary revenue estimates.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - State Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones has filed a lawsuit that claims he was cheated out of election as state auditor and inspector in 2002 and 2006.

Jones filed the lawsuit Monday in Logan County. It asks for unspecified damages from former Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan and his wife, former state Sen. Gene Stipe and former Auditor Clifton Scott, among others.

Jones alleges the defendants committed fraud, violated federal racketeering statutes and intentionally inflicted emotional distress.

Jeff McMahan is serving eight years and one month in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy in June 2008. He was convicted of taking illegal campaign contributions, trips and jewelry.

McMahan's wife, Lori, is serving six-and-a-half years after being convicted in the same trial.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Senate Republican Caucus wants Gov. Brad Henry to call a special session of the Legislature for December.

Henry, a Democrat, had suggested earlier this week that a January special session might be possible to deal with the state's ongoing budget issues, after the state Board of Equalization releases revenue estimates on Dec. 21. State revenues have been below projections for the last 10 months.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee of Oklahoma City says it's clear that more reductions in spending are inevitable and that state agencies are waiting for direction from the Legislature on how much their budgets might be reduced.

Henry says it's important for lawmakers to do budget homework first before calling for a special session.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Brad Henry says he's open to the idea of a legislative special session in January because of what he calls continued uncertainty in the state's fiscal forecasts.

Henry said in a statement Tuesday that ultimate budget decisions will depend on revenue estimates from next month's meeting of the state Board of Equalization.

He says legislative budget committees should expedite public hearings on possible reductions. Most state agencies took a 7 percent budget cut when the fiscal year began in July and since have taken an additional 5 percent in cuts because of declining state revenues.

Henry says that after the new revenue estimate is issued and legislative hearings are held, he'll discuss the possibility of a January special session with legislative leaders.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Two state lawmakers from Tulsa are forming a bipartisan caucus to promote the interests of Oklahoma's second largest city.

Rep. Eric Proctor (left) and Sen. Gary Stanislawski say the new Tulsa Caucus is open to all Tulsa-area legislators and elected officials. It will meet before the end of the year to review legislative priorities.

Proctor, a Democrat, says Tulsa's needs are being crowded out at the state Capitol. He says it's important that the city's infrastructure needs are met.

Stanislawski, a Republican, says Tulsa has been the main economic engine for Oklahoma for over 100 years. But Stanislawski says the city has been a net donor to Oklahoma's treasury.

He says the new caucus wants to make sure Tulsa's interests are not overlooked.

TULSA, Ok. - Three candidates for the Tulsa mayor's job attended a forum last night at Clinton Middle School in west Tulsa. Republican candidate Dewey Bartlett says we need to live within our means and make sure trained police are not doing clerical work instead of police work. "We should move those officers out of that position and get them back in the street where they can accomplish the job that they were trained to do. Consolidate that position with other clerical positions that are manned by civilians," Bartlett says. All three candidates say they don't want to decrease the number of cops on Tulsa streets.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A state lawmaker who described homosexuality as a greater threat to the United States than terrorism will face a transgendered attorney in her next race for the state House.

Democrat Brittany Novotny announced Sunday she will try to unseat Republican Rep. Sally Kern (shown) from the House District 84 seat in northwest Oklahoma City.

Kern made national headlines in 2008 when she said the ``homosexual agenda'' is destroying the U.S. Earlier this year, she launched a campaign for a morality proclamation that criticizes the government for drifting from traditional Christian values.

Novotny says she wants the campaign to be about issues and not her personal decision to become a woman. She says Kern should spend more time helping bring jobs to constituents and improving education.

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (AP) - Three northeastern Oklahoma lawmakers are planning a health care forum in Broken Arrow.

State Sen. Bill Brown and state Reps. Mike Ritze and John Trebilcock - all of Broken Arrow - say they plan a presentation of the health care issues at stake under a health care reform plan proposed by President Barack Obama.

Ritze, a physician, says there are problems in the nation's health care system. But Ritze says he thinks the federal approach will only make the problems worse and create an undeniable tax burden for future generations.

Ritze says he plans to critique the proposed federal plan and offer some alternatives.

The forum is planned Sept. 29 at Arrow Heights Baptist Church in Broken Arrow.

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin once called the federal economic stimulus package a ``Big Brother spending program'' that didn't do enough to finance needed infrastructure projects.

She later joined Democratic Rep. Dan Boren in asking for $8.4 million in stimulus money for repairs to buildings at two Oklahoma National Guard sites.

Democrats say Republicans are trying to have it both ways. Republicans say there is no inconsistency in opposing wasteful spending while also backing worthwhile projects.

The money Fallin and Boren sought isn't in the Pentagon's spending plans.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Republican State Sen. Todd Lamb of Edmond says he is running for lieutenant governor.

Lamb is the Senate's majority floor leader and is the fourth candidate to announce for the job being vacated by Democrat Jari Askins. Askins is running for governor.

Lamb is an Enid native and previously has worked for former U.S. Sen. Don Nickles and former Gov. Frank Keating.

Lamb says his top priorities are to retain current Oklahoma businesses, recruiting out-of-state businesses to come to the state and focusing on making Oklahoma a tourism destination.

The other announced GOP candidates for lieutenant governor are state Rep. Colby Schwartz of Yukon and state Rep. John Wright of Broken Arrow. Democratic state Sen. Kenneth Corn also is running for the office.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson is expected to announce whether he'll run for governor in 2010.

The Democrat has press conferences scheduled today at the state Capitol, the Tulsa Press Club and his hometown of Muskogee to discuss his ``future political plans.''

Edmondson has not formally announced he'll seek the post next year, but he's filed organizational reports with the state Ethics Commission and raised nearly $500,000 for a campaign.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins already has announced plans to seek the Democratic nomination. Republican candidates include U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin and state Sen. Randy Brogdon.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The state Capitol will be the site of one of several National Tax Day Tea Party rallies across the country, driven partly by conservative political activists.

Alan Webb of Edmond, organizer of the Capitol rally, says the main emphasis will be on excessive government spending.

Jason Carini of ``Getrightoklahoma.com'' says three tea parties are being planned in Tulsa, including one at LaFortune Park featuring Rep. John Sullivan.

Unlike a Feb. 27 tea party rally at the Capitol, Webb said today's event will not include any politicians as speakers.

Sites of other rallies include Duncan, Durant, Lawton, Miami, Muskogee, Norman, Poteau and Tahlequah.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Members of Oklahoma's delegation say they'll work with President Obama and others to bolster the nation's faltering economy, but they also criticized a $787 billion economic stimulus package and other proposals to deal with the crisis.

Republican Reps. Tom Cole, Mary Fallin, Frank Lucas and John Sullivan commented after Obama's speech last night to the American people and a joint session of Congress. Sen. Jim Inhofe released a statement on his Web site.

Cole and Lucas agreed with Obama that the GOP and the Democrats must work together to solve the country's problems.

Cole said that overcoming the present challenges will take sweat equity. But he also disagreed with Obama's push to allow tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 to expire next year and with the cost of the stimulus package and a proposed spending bill.

Fallin said she had concerns about the budget deficit and whether Obama would keep his pledge to cut it by reducing military spending and increasing taxes on small businesses.

Lucas also was critical of the stimulus plan and proposals for increasing spending, but he agreed with Obama that the United States will recover.