Michael Behenna Deserves a Fair Trial

From the McCarville Report:

WASHINGTON ~ The Oklahoma Congressional Delegation today sent a letter to the Commandant of the United States Disciplinary Barracks, located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, as the Army Clemency and Parole Board begins consideration of 1LT Michael Behenna’s clemency request.

In March, 1LT Behenna was convicted of unpremeditated murder while serving in Iraq and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Previous cases of similar or more aggravating circumstances, where the defendants were found guilty of premeditated murder, have resulted in less severe sentences, which prompted the delegation’s appeal to the Clemency Board for a careful review of this case and relevant precedent.

“We must ensure the Uniform Military Code of Justice is applied fairly for all of our service men and women and that, when discrepancies arise, we examine the circumstances as carefully as possible,” said Congresswoman Mary Fallin (OK-05). “I am grateful for Mr. Behenna’s service to our country and hope the circumstances of this case are carefully evaluated by the Clemency Board during this process."

Fallin said today’s hearing was in addition to ongoing efforts to secure a new trial for 1LT Behenna. “Since this case was first brought to our attention, we have never made any presumptions about guilt or innocence. Our only concern has been due process and the fair and equitable distribution of justice for our service men and women,” said Fallin.

Fallin Statement on September Revenue Collections

Mary Fallin released the following statement today in response to the announcement that state revenue collections are below estimates for the third straight month:

“Another month of revenue collections coming in below estimates shows me how important it is for Oklahoma to have a leader who is focused on improving our economy. I plan to be that leader. I will work tirelessly in the governor’s office to promote the kind of job growth and economic development we need to ensure an adequate source of revenue and sustained prosperity and security for our citizens."

“While the financial picture is not what we would like it to be in Oklahoma, it’s still brighter than in other states. As these states raise taxes or suffer from poor budgeting choices, we have the opportunity in Oklahoma to attract businesses looking for a business friendly environment. As your governor, you can bet I’ll seize that opportunity.”

Mary Fallin to Speak to OSU Students

Mary Fallin will be speaking to the Oklahoma State University College Republicans about her campaign for governor.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Monday and will be held on campus at the OSU Student Union, Room 408.

The meeting is free and open to the public. Pizza and drinks will be provided.


WHO: Mary Fallin

WHAT: Speaking to OSU College Republicans about her campaign for governor

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: OSU Student Union, Room 408

Fallin column on "Cap and Trade" and domestic energy production

Here's a column Mary wrote for The Hill on the need for a national energy policy that focuses on increasing production of energy at home!

We need a comprehensive national energy policy that simultaneously reduces carbon emissions, diversifies our energy sources and reduces our dependence on foreign energy. Unfortunately the Cap and Trade bill passed this spring would do exactly the opposite. Controlling which energy sources are available to businesses, consumers and producers will drive up costs and drive employers out of business, to the tune of 20,000 lost jobs in Oklahoma alone.

That’s why we need an all-of-the-above domestic energy strategy - which includes oil and gas, wind, solar, nuclear and biofuels – rather than empowering the federal government to pick winners and losers. American-made energy means American-made jobs, which is especially critical during a recession.

When we increase domestic production of all energy sources, everybody wins. We create American jobs and secure our own energy independence. Last week I introduced the “Federal Exploration and Production Reform Act,” because I believe it is a step towards this goal. My legislation would significantly shorten the time it takes the Bureau of Land Management to process permit applications for exploration and production by eliminating much of the bureaucratic red tape that has discouraged domestic energy production.

In my home state of Oklahoma, drilling companies have waited up to two years for a drilling permit, which significantly stifles our ability to increase energy production at home. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation, which is a sensible starting place for incentivizing domestic production.

- Mary Fallin

The Online Grassroots Continue to Grow

The support and momentum of our online grassroots movement continues to grow! Recently the Mary Fallin Facebook Fan Page (say that three times fast) surpassed 3,000 followers - the most of any Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate.

The page is a great way to interact with Mary and the campaign. And if you snap a few photos while attending a campaign event or wear a Fallin t-shirt to parade or other event, post your pictures in the "Fan Photo" section.

Did you know that Mary has a presence on Twitter too? We're just now over 400 followers and growing more and more every day. Click here to can follow the latest tweets from @MaryFallin.

Thanks to everyone who has helped make our online presence a tremendous success.

And don't forget to check out the campaign Web site at www.maryfallin.org. As always, you can sign up for e-updates, let us know when you want to volunteer or even securely donate to the campaign.

And just a heads up ... changes are coming soon to the Web site. Stay tuned!