Oklahoman endorses Todd Hiett,
takes note of bipartisan leadership

The Oklahoman Editorial

ORDINARILY, the race for lieutenant governor draws scant attention.

Lieutenant governors have come and gone with little notice from the public, and the office has rarely been a stepping stone to higher office.

This year is different. Throughout the 2006 campaign season, the race for lieutenant governor has been more visible, more interesting than usual.

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In our view the nod goes to Hiett, a man with whom we've disagreed on occasion. In the past year (his last in the Legislature, due to term limits), he's matured as a leader. He and Gov. Brad Henry, although in different political parties, came together on a budget agreement that would have ended the 2006 session on time.

Senate Democrats (many of them also term-limited lame ducks) held up the people's business and forced a special session. The Senate, under Democratic control for as long as Oklahoma's been a state, has been the place where good bills go to die. This obstructionism must end.

The race between Hiett and Askins is especially important. Even if Republicans can't win a Senate majority, they might be able to equal the number of votes held by Democrats. A 24-24 tie would mean the lieutenant governor would cast tie-breaking votes, possibly including matters such as leadership positions and committee chairmanships.

Although Askins would make a fine lieutenant governor, we fear continued Democratic control of the Senate will impede the state's progress as it enters its second century.

Hiett, 39, is a small businessman, a plain-spoken and affable gentleman who's shown an ability to work with Henry and well as the most conservative Republican House members. He would function well in an office that carries few constitutional duties but much ceremonial importance and the possibility that the No. 2 state executive could become No. 1 on a moment's notice.

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Nevertheless, unity is no substitute for progress. If Senate control comes down to the political party of the lieutenant governor, the state needs Hiett in that role. Democrats have had their chance. Change is vital for the Senate, and a Republican lieutenant governor could tip the scales in the right direction.

Latest News:

For More Information:

Sara Pawelka, Campaign Coordinator

Todd Hiett for Lieutenant Governor

Phone: (918) 351.4366

Sara@ToddHiett.com

J.C. Watts Endorses Todd Hiett for Lieutenant Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 18, 2006) – One of Oklahoma's top conservative leaders, former U.S. Congressman J.C. Watts, today announced his endorsement of Todd Hiett as the state's next lieutenant governor.

Watts praised Todd Hiett for his outstanding record of accomplishments he put together while a state representative and as the state's first Republican Speaker of the House in more than 80 years.

"A unique leader in his own right, Todd Hiett pushed through the largest tax relief package in state history for the second straight year," said Watts. "His record speaks for itself.

"Todd Hiett is a dairy farmer and rancher who rose to lead Republicans to a historic majority in the state House. He shares the same traditional values as the majority of Oklahomans, and he advanced the most significant pro-life reforms in Oklahoma in three decades."

Watts also described Hiett as a modest and decent man who cares deeply about working Oklahomans.

"Under Todd Hiett's leadership in the state House, Oklahoma has literally set a new course," said Watts.

In June, Hiett capped two years of Republican control of the state House of Representatives by passing the largest tax relief package ever for Oklahoma taxpayers, totaling a record $750 million in tax relief every year – a more than $6 billion boost for taxpayers over the next decade.

"I'm honored and humbled by the support of J.C. Watts," said Hiett, who is a dairy farmer and rancher from Kellyville.

"J.C. Watts has moved Oklahoma forward with his leadership. His endorsement is further confirmation of what we've heard from hardworking families across this state: Oklahoma is on the move, and we must keep our momentum."

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For More Information:

Sara Pawelka, Campaign Coordinator

Todd Hiett for Lieutenant Governor

Phone: (918) 351.4366

Sara@ToddHiett.com

Frank Lucas Endorses Todd Hiett for Lieutenant Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 20, 2006) – U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, a national leader on agricultural and rural issues, today announced his endorsement of Todd Hiett as Oklahoma's next lieutenant governor. Lucas praised Hiett's conservative track record as the state's first Republican Speaker in more than 80 years.

"Todd Hiett is a dairy farmer and rancher – a small businessman with a positive vision for our state's future," said Lucas (R-Cheyenne), whose congressional district covers half the state including Hiett's hometown of Kellyville. "As a former state representative and rural lawmaker myself, I know how hard it has been to fight the old liberal guard at the state capitol.

"Conservatives can be proud that Todd Hiett pushed forward with major pro-life reforms, billions of dollars in permanent tax relief, getting rid of the death tax, workers' comp reform and more. Under Todd Hiett's leadership in the state House, Oklahoma has literally set a new course."

Hiett in June closed a special session with the largest tax cut ever for Oklahoma taxpayers, totaling a record $750 million in tax relief every year and eliminating the state's unfair death tax -- a more than $6 billion boost for taxpayers over the next decade.

As Speaker, Hiett also formed the REDI (Rural Economic Development Initiative) task force. The REDI task force toured the state last fall, gathering ideas and community feedback before moving forward with a comprehensive legislative package. Congressman Lucas played a key role in the REDI program.

"Frank Lucas is one of the most respected and admired leaders in our state, particularly in the area of agriculture and rural economic development," said Hiett (R-Kellyville). "I'm honored that he has endorsed our efforts to move Oklahoma forward."

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