EDITORIALS Opinions from the staff of the Tulsa Beacon Beacon endorsements for Nov. 7 Here are the recommendation’s from the Tulsa Beacon. Governor – Ernest Istook Republican Ernest Istook is a proven conservative with a vision for reform and economic expansion. Brad Henry brought class three gambling to Oklahoma – a development that could adversely affect Oklahoma for generations. Lt. Governor – Todd Hiett As Speaker of the House, Hiett fought for reform legislation, including landmark bills restricting abortion. Attorney General – James Dunn Drew Edmondson is a career politician that creates legal work for his friends and supporters. Republican James Dunn will fight for equal justice under the law and Oklahoma’s traditional values. State Auditor and Inspector – Gary Jones A former Comanche County Commissioner and head of the Oklahoma Republican Party, Jones proved his effectiveness and fiscal conservatism. He is more qualified for this job than Jeff McMahan. State School Superintendent – Bill Crozier Sandy Garrett is a liberal who thinks you cannot spend too much money on public education, despite its ineffectiveness. Commissioner of Labor – Brenda Reneau Insurance Commissioner – Bill Case Corporation Commissioner – Bob Anthony First District Congress – Bill Wortman Wortman is a genuine conservative and would be effective in Congress because he doesn’t owe favors to party leaders. The First District is under-represented and Wortman would take a message to Washington, D.C., about politicians who say one thing and then do another. Third District Congress – U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas Lucas is an expert on agriculture and an active spokesman for small business. He is a proven conservative and an excellent spokesman for the interests of Oklahoma. Tulsa County Commissioner, District 1 – John Smaligo Wilbert Collins is a tax-and-spend Democrat who promoted one of the biggest tax increases in Tulsa history. Smaligo is a proven conservative and the best choice. Tulsa County Assessor – Ken Yazel In four years, Ken Yazel has saved taxpayers a lot of money in costs and in fairly assessing property. He’s not afraid of the rich and powerful and we need that in county government. State Senate, District 34 – Sen. Randy Brogdon Brogdon has fought to bring state spending under control. He championed the TABOR amendment and stood up to the unbridled growth of state government. State Senate, District 36 – Bill Brown Brown is a Christian conservative who will replace the retiring Scott Pruitt. State Representative, District 69 – No recommendation State Representative, District 70 – No recommendation State Representative, District 74 – No recommendation State Representative, District 77 – Rep. Mark Liotta As a key member of transportation committees, Liotta has been a champion for road funding without tax increases. State Representative, District 78 – Jesse Guardiola Guardiola is a conservative Tulsa police officer who has great communication skills and the enthusiasm to make a difference in the House. State Representative, District 80 – Ron Peterson Peterson is an experienced legislator who is in tune with the needs of a growing Broken Arrow. State Representative, District 98 – John Trebilcock Trebilcock is a natural leader of the much-needed reform movement in the House. After the Republicans took over the House, Trebilcock fought hard to pass laws that were waiting in the wings for decades. Trebilcock represents the new generation of Oklahoma conservatives. District Judges District 14, Office 1 – Cliff Smith District 14, Office 4 – Daman H. Cantrell District 14, Office 8 – Thomas Thornbrugh District 14, Office 10 – Deirdre Dexter District 14, Office 13 – Jonathan Sutton Associate District Judge – Dana Kuehn State Question 724 – Yes This Constitutional amendment would suspend pay to legislators in prison or who plead guilty or no contest to crimes. State Question 725 – No This amends the Oklahoma Constitution to make it easier to spend money from the Rainy Day Fund. State Question 733 – No This would allow liquor stores to be open on election days. State Question 734 – Yes This allows for an exemption on property tax for goods that are only in the state a short time. Oklahoma Supreme Court Justices Votes to Retain Steven Taylor - No Marian Opala - Yes Yvonne Kauger - No Tom Colbert - No James Edmondson - No Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Judges No recommendation Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals Judges No recommendation

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