>>August, 2008
Volunteer of the Week: Mr. Edward Orr, OKC
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 8/26/2008
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Mr. Orr is retired from the Air Force and the State of Oklahoma. His wife works at the Baptist Retirement Village.Edward got involved in our campaign because he felt that he needed to do something to help Andrew win. Since becoming a volunteer, Ed has been busy making phone calls and helping with mailings.
Edward said he knew he was coming back to volunteer when the Rice staff showed their gratefulness for his support. His favorite thing about working at the Rice campaign is the laid back attitude of everyone in the office.
Edward plans on volunteering a lot more before November.
Energy and frustration
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 8/8/2008
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Yesterday, Jim Inhofe called on his supporters to send their gas receipts into his campaign office so that he can send them to Sen. Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader. Apparently, Inhofe is trying to show his frustrations that Congress adjourned without bringing any relief on energy prices.
Oklahomans, though, should be more frustrated with Jim Inhofe’s decades of doing nothing to avert an energy crisis – and ready to make a change in their leadership.
Inhofe has a long record of backing oil companies, so his concern about the price of oil may seem odd. However, it's nothing new for Oklahoma's senior senator to try to distract from our energy problems by pointing fingers and shifting blame.
Rather than taking responsibility for his own inaction on gas prices and energy independence during his 22 years in Congress, Inhofe chooses to accuse those who disagree with him of "an attempt to misinform and frighten the public" (Inhofe in a July 9, 2002 floor speech) and "fear-mongering" (Inhofe in a January 4, 2005 floor speech). He used two hours of the Senate's time last October to discuss Leonardo DiCaprio, the Weather Channel, and his climate change denial, when he could have used that time to put forward solutions to the growing energy crisis.
During the 14 years Inhofe has been in the Senate, gas prices have nearly quadrupled. Yet he seems content to blame others and takes no responsibility for his own failures.
It's time Oklahoma's voters held Jim Inhofe accountable, and it’s time we elected a better leader who will work toward real solutions.
In the state senate, Andrew Rice has fought for common-sense solutions to our energy problems that are both fiscally and environmentally responsible. This week, he endorsed a bipartisan plan to diversify our resources to pave the way for a more secure, independent, and responsible energy future. He will continue this fight in the U.S. Senate, working toward solutions that will help everyday Oklahomans.
>>July, 2008
On to November!
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 7/29/2008
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Andrew Rice - Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate!
LIVEBLOG from the watch party!
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 7/29/2008
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We're liveblogging from the watch party at Daily Kos - go here, and keep up with the latest on the Oklahoma primary election and Andrew's great evening!
Vote today; watch party tonight!
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 7/29/2008
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Today is the primary election and, though Andrew has one opponent on the primary ballot, we're hoping for a tremendous victory tonight to keep our momentum going into the fall election.
Check back to our site at 7pm tonight. As soon as the polls close, we plan to turn our eyes toward electing Andrew on November 4th. I'll be posting some live updates from the campaign watch party, and we'll be launching some new elements to our website.
Also, if you are in the Oklahoma City area, come to our watch party to Andrew accept the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, if we win the election. Whether you're at the party or not, tune in to OETA tonight around 9:15 to see Andrew live during their election coverage.
Austin: Day three
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 7/21/2008
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So a former vice president walks into a conference…
Not the beginning of a joke. Day three at Netroots Nation started out incredibly. During a discussion with Nancy Pelosi, the current (and first female) speaker of the House of Representatives, she pulls out her Blackberry to – insert air quotes – look up an email from a friend in response to a question about the environment.
Over the speakers, a booming voice begins, “Dear Nancy…” Just as the identity of the voice hits me, in walks its owner, surprise guest Vice President Al Gore.
A great discussion followed, in which V.P. Gore discussed the fallacy of solving a fossil fuel crisis by drilling for more fossil fuels. He called it the “hair of the dog” strategy – and I think that name is going to stick.
I tried to jot down a few phrases that struck me as particularly insightful, but between typing, applauding, listening, and sipping coffee, I only got a few. (Fortunately the entire discussion is archived here – Gore’s appearance starts at about 5:45 in the video.) Not surprisingly, the ones I did write down had the most to do with our campaign and the important differences between Andrew Rice and Jim Inhofe.
Gore: “The defenders of the status quo are the ones who have dug us into this hole.”
Jim Inhofe has been a staunch defender of the status quo when it comes to our energy policy, protecting the oil industry (which funds Inhofe more than nearly any other legislator).
Pelosi: “The [energy] solutions we need must be done in a bipartisan way.”
Jim Inhofe blames the Democrats for $4/gallon gas, when he’s the one who has been in D.C. since 1987 and never worked in anticipation of this crisis – which we’ve known has been coming for years. He’s looking to place blame, not find solutions.
Gore: “You are at the cutting edge of a new era of history. You will tell your grandchildren about coming to Austin.”
I think there was more to this sentence, but I started clapping.
We are on the edge of a new time in which “big oil” is no longer big, but replaced by clean and renewable energy sources. Some new ideas that will take us through this transition to a new energy economy are already here, and are growing – wind power is expanding, simple solutions such as CFL light bulbs are taking hold. But much of what’s next is only in development or in the visions of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs – biofuels from high-yield switchgrass is just being tapped, geothermal power has tremendous potential, and technology for improved storage and distribution of electricity is being perfected as we speak.
So who’s better to lead us into this new era of history, to look out for our state and our nation rather than his own bottom line: Jim Inhofe or Andrew Rice?
If you answered Andrew Rice, of course, you’re right. Inhofe’s lack of action on these issues is well-known, so take a look at our issues page to see more on what Andrew will do in the U.S. Senate to change our nation’s energy policy and economy.
Austin: Day two, session two
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 7/20/2008
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The second session on day two that I attended also goes into a major issue of our campaign, one I’ve learned so much about since I started working for Andrew: veterans’ issues. The panel included several Democratic candidates who are also veterans, including Rick Noriega of Texas, Ashwin Madia of Minnesota, John Boccieri of Ohio, and former candidate Andrew Horne of Kentucky. Also on the panel were representatives from VoteVets.org – a great organization with a mission of electing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to public office, holding our leaders accountable, and supporting our troops.
Though VoteVets is non-partisan, all the candidates on the panel were Democrats – and for some, their military service inspired them to be more active in Democratic politics. Andrew Horne, who was a Marine for 27 years, even stated, “I was an independent until I got back from Iraq.”
The panelists spoke about being both servicemen and citizens, and how the two play together in their roles as candidates and activists. Rick Noriega quoted George Washington, saying, “When I picked up the sword, I did not lay aside the citizen.”
All the candidates on the panel spoke about how their military experience resonates as they speak with people and influences the policies they seek to implement. Their patriotism and love of country is unquestionable, but they don’t agree with all of the policies and priorities when it comes to our troops and our veterans.
The panelists universally agreed – we’re not doing enough on the issues of keeping our troops safe and well equipped, and we’re not doing nearly enough to honor and support our veterans.
Democrats are coming together to take action on these issues, but these fights should not be partisan. I was reminded of this year’s legislative session in Oklahoma when Andrew authored a bill to make health care accessible for working veterans who earn too much to qualify for low-income based VA health benefits but still can’t afford private insurance. That bill was quashed by partisan politics. Of all the issues that should have unified backing across party lines, supporting our troops and our veterans is foremost.
Hearing from veterans who have taken on some of the highest roles and burdens of citizenship to advocate for these important issues reinforced why troops’ and veterans’ issues are central to Andrew’s campaign. They are central responsibilities of our government, and falling short on these issues is a critical failure.
It’s important to note that Jim Inhofe is guilty of falling short on troops’ and veterans’ issues, having voted against them two dozen times in the last five years alone. It couldn’t be clearer that Jim Inhofe has failed our troops and our veterans, in Oklahoma and nationwide.
Austin: Day two, session one
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 7/20/2008
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Great morning for day two at Netroots Nation. The first sessions I attended spoke to issues at the heart of Andrew’s campaign.
The first was a discussion energy options and the need for new leadership in energy policy, laid out the energy debate in a frame of practical solutions. Blogger A Siegel (who has listed Andrew on his Energy Smart page on ActBlue) was joined by three Congressional candidates whose respective ideas for energy conservation mean that Andrew Rice will be in good company when the next Congress attempts to jump-start the new energy economy. They are Debbie Cook in California, Mark Begich in Alaska, and Jeff Merkley in Oregon. They discussed not only the need for new energy solutions in our nation, but also the best approaches to solving the enormous problems that face us.
One thing that stood out was the emphasis on the need for practical and visible changes to energy policy that, as Jeff Merkley said, people can get their hands around. For example, as mayor of Anchorage, Mark Begich changed the city’s holiday light displays to LED, and not only did the city save 80% on their electrical bills for the light displays, but they also created a demand for these energy-saving lights.
Debbie Cook made an important point, also: Changing energy policy is not going to be the undertaking of a small group of people, like the Apollo project or the Manhattan Project. It’s going to be a large-scale, citizen-driven movement more along the lines of what we saw during World War II. It’s in our hands.
It’s interesting to hear from candidates and activists from diverse states speaking about the same themes Andrew has been highlighting throughout this campaign. We’ve been emphasizing that the debate over whether or not we need to take action is long past, and that we need to focus on solutions. Even Andrew’s proposal in the legislature last year to reduce energy consumption in school districts over the next five years reflects the kind of practical, small-scale solution that could have long-term impact and inspire people in the community to change their own energy consumption. Policymakers don’t have to continue to debate the science – they have to look forward and put together a plan of where we go from here.
It’s clear from watching this panel that Andrew will be part of a freshman class in Congress that will storm Washington and take this country in a new direction on energy policy. I’m excited be working to help Andrew lead on these issues as a U.S. Senator. But we all have to become a part of this conversation – and I’m inspired by the possibilities.
Live from Austin...
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 7/18/2008
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This election year more than any before, the netroots is playing a key role in every political campaign – including ours.
This week, bloggers, podcasters, and the like come together for the largest-ever gathering of Internet activists, at Netroots Nation.
Along with authors and activists, candidates and citizens, I’m here to connect with the netroots and see what we can achieve together to elect better leaders – including Andrew Rice.
For updates from Austin, check this blog or our netroots page. I’ll be updating from the convention on how this all connects into our shared goal of making Andrew Rice our next U.S. Senator.
Austin: Day One
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 7/18/2008
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A brief story on NPR yesterday talked about the 2,000 bloggers descending on Austin this week to talk about what we do at Netroots Nation. And you can tell we're here by looking around near the convention center - a high ratio of people are carrying coffee, tapping on computers, or wearing issue-based or candidate t-shirts - some (like me) all of the above.
The first thing to strike me is the ease of connecting in real life with people whom I know only from a backlit computer screen. With my Andrew Rice for US Senate t-shirt on Thursday, I received cheers and smiles of excitement about our campaign from people watching our campaign both anonymously and writing out loud in the netroots sphere.
But beyond the greetings, it's clear from being here that our campaign is on many levels a part of a larger, national push for change in American leadership. Governor Howard Dean, leader of the Democratic National Committee, came to Netroots Nation to deliver words of hope for change, from the Presidential race on down. He summed up what's happening this election year in a very simple phrase: "We're going to win in states we haven't won in in a long, long time." Democrats are going to open up a wider majority in the House and Senate, and our party will have the opportunity to reshape our nation.
Yet, the tone of dialogue hasn't been laced with pure partisanship. In fact, it's quite the opposite - the blogosphere allows for greater conversation on issues than the limits of soundbites and column-inches that can confine mainstream media outlets. The discussion here reflects that. It's about having better leaders who will listen to active citizens, such as bloggers, on issues that are important to them. It's about forming ties so that we have a government that will respond to us individually and as a community. More than a conference, this strikes me as a four-day town hall meeting.
Day two is promising some great sessions on issues from energy to veterans, and more from Austin is coming..
My Brother Was Killed on 9/11 with Republicans and Democrats
Posted by: Senator Andrew Rice on 7/17/2008
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My older brother David Rice was a Democrat. He was killed on the 104th floor of the South Tower in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11th, 2001. David was killed with Republicans, Independents, and Democrats. On that day, they were not members of political parties, they were Americans. Some Americans and politicians apparently believe my brother was to blame for his own murder because he voted Democratic, which apparently surrendered our borders to those who want to kill us. Mr. Meehan's divisive and desperate attempt to scare Americans with his billboards urging "Please Don't Vote for a Democrat" beside an image of the burning World Trade Center is unfortunately not the example of an isolated, fringe politico, but instead is part and parcel of a trend in American politics where right-wing hacks love their extremist ideology more than their country. They care more about winning elections and achieving power, than building good government. It would have been naive to think we could have permanently transcended our differences as Americans out of 9/11, but it is not too idealistic to hope that we could have found common ground on how to protect our country and preserve our common values. There are those in politics who will continue down this road because they simply have nothing else to offer. They have no coherent policy to marginalize extremism in the Middle East. They show no willingness to ask Americans to commit themselves to the shared sacrifice that is needed to deal with the climate crisis and transform our energy policy. They have no message except to demonize their political opponents and, in turn pollute America's faith in our otherwise inspiring democratic process. But there are others of us who are entering the political process to steer our country away from this pathetic and un-American demagoguery. I meet candidates and grassroots activists in Oklahoma and around the country who insist that our elections and public policy can embody more substance and visionary solutions while at the same time avoiding the lazy and cowardly political impulses of the last 8 years. My brother was murdered alongside people who gave money to George W. Bush's 2000 Campaign and voted for him. He died among others who did the same for Al Gore. He was killed alongside Christians and non-Christians. All of the victims had families who loved them. All of the victims and our families want Americans to be safe and free. All of us. We have a choice. We can find ways to set out as American citizens to rescue our politics and our faith in the American system so we can meet the complex challenges together, or we can continue to extinguish the dwindling faith everyday Americans have for our political parties, and thereby reduce the public policies of the future to shallow and meaningless attacks against each other. I am proud to say that I choose to be part of a broad-based coalition of Oklahomans and Americans who take part in our political process so we can give our country the chance to meet the growing challenges we will face. And I do this with humility. I know I will make mistakes, but I also know that I will not demonize other Americans and demean our process. We cannot afford to allow the Mike Meehans of our country to divert and distract us from achieving the great promise that lies before us. I am committed to this challenge not just in memory of my brother David, but in memory of those who he died with who I would not have agreed with about politics. What is at stake is too important for us to keep going down the road of the last 8 years.
One of those Americans is Mike Meehan of Orlando, Florida.
Even an oilman gets it
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 7/9/2008
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Even one of our country’s biggest oil magnates understands the importance of diversifying our energy supply.
Oklahoma native T. Boone Pickens, CEO of BP Capital Management – one of the nation’s biggest energy investment funds – recently released the “Pickens Plan,” an approach to our energy future that involves increasing development of wind, natural gas, and other alternatives to oil. He promoted the plan this morning with a column in the Wall Street Journal, in which he emphasized the need for immediate action to diversify our energy sources and wean our nation off of foreign oil.
In the Wall Street Journal, Pickens writes:
“I'm 80 years old and I've been an oilman for almost 60 years. I've drilled more dry holes and also found more oil than just about anyone in the industry. With all my experience, I've never been as worried about our energy security as I am now. Like many of us, I ignored what was happening. Now our country faces what I believe is the most serious situation since World War II.
“The problem, of course, is our growing dependence on foreign oil – it's extreme, it's dangerous, and it threatens the future of our nation.”
The Pickens Plan outlines similar themes to Sen. Rice’s energy strategy, emphasizing both the urgent need to take action to expand alternative energy sources, and the huge opportunity for economic growth here at home by weaning ourselves off of oil.
From the Pickens Plan:
“Developing wind power is an investment in rural America. […]
“In addition to creating new construction and maintenance jobs, thousands of Americans will be employed to manufacture the turbines and blades. These are high skill jobs that pay on a scale comparable to aerospace jobs.
“Plus, wind turbines don't interfere with farming and grazing, so they don't threaten food production or existing local economies.”
Our opponent, Jim Inhofe, continues to push for more oil drilling on American soil as a solution for our current energy crisis. However, securing our energy independence does not mean drilling for more oil in places such as ANWR. Our energy future lies in developing alternative energies, harnessing wind and solar power, and using cleaner-burning fuels such as natural gas.
Pickens wrote, “Can't we just produce more oil? […] Oil is getting more expensive to produce, harder to find and there just isn't enough of it to keep up with demand. The simple truth is that cheap and easy oil is gone.”
Andrew Rice knows what our nation’s energy future must look like, and how to secure a win-win situation for Oklahoma. We can have home-grown energy solutions that help both our environmental and our economic futures. Jim Inhofe’s record is clear – he’s not willing to act to push for alternatives to oil. Andrew will fight to change the status quo so that we lead the way in development of alternative energy.
Rice Family Caravan: Day One
Posted by: Tyler Douse on 7/7/2008
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Today was the first day of The Rice Family Caravan across Oklahoma. Andrew and Team Rice began their day by rolling out of Oklahoma City at around 6:30a.m. After coffee at the Daylight Donuts in Perry, we joined local Perry residents for a great breakfast at Kumback, the oldest restaurant in Oklahoma that still operates with the original name and location. Folks at the Kumback were glad to see Andrew and had plenty of questions about his campaign.
Denise Allen, of the Noble County Democratic Women, accompanied Andrew and Apple on a tour of downtown Perry, including a walk-through at the Noble County Courthouse. Andrew met a large number of people in Perry and heard their concerns about our state and our country.
After leaving Perry, Team Rice headed to Guthrie, where Senator Rice spoke
to a good crowd at The Rotary Club and heard a presentation about social
security. Team Rice canvassed several precincts in Guthrie, passing out
information about Andrew and his campaign for the U.S. Senate.
When Team Rice arrived in Stillwater this afternoon, the Payne County
Democrats had packed their Main Street headquarters for a grand opening
rally. Senator Rice spoke about the importance of this election and his
vision for our country.
It was a great first day for the Caravan! Team Rice thoroughly enjoyed our
time in Perry, Guthrie, and Stillwater. We met a lot of great folks who are
ready for change and ready for new leadership in Washington.
We are all looking forward to tomorrow!
Final Day to Register to Vote in the Primary
Posted by: Tyler Douse on 7/3/2008
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If you want to vote in the Oklahoma primary election, today is the last day to register! To register to vote you can go to your county election board or to any tag agency. You can also download a registration form from the Oklahoma Election Board’s website.
The upcoming primary is your chance to show your support for Andrew! If you’re not registered, get registered today and vote in the July 29th primary election.
This is an important election and Senator Rice needs your support! If you have any questions about registering to vote, feel free to call our office (405) 606.2288 or email us at info@andrewforoklahoma.com
YOU Did It!
Posted by: Tyler Douse on 7/1/2008
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Yesterday closed out the second financial quarter of 2008. It was an important target because it helps us determine our plans for the rest of the campaign.
We asked for your help, and you came through with incredible support!
Yesterday morning we launched '100 By Midnight' calling for 100 online
contributions by midnight last night. Not only did we meet our goal, we more
than doubled it! By the end of the day, an incredible 213 people donated to our
campaign through ActBlue raising $16,935 in one day! And that's not even
including our online donors through our website.
We met our goal of 100 just after noon yesterday, so we raised the stakes: 125 new contributions. That goal was met not long after so we raised the stakes again: 150. By midnight it was evident that the people of Oklahoma are serious about supporting Andrew Rice for the U.S. Senate.
Andrew understands the challenge ahead – and he's ready for it. But more importantly he understands that he cannot meet it without your help.Because of you the momentum is growing! Keep it up! We are on our way to a very significant victory in November!
>>June, 2008
Stubborn and alone...
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 6/25/2008
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But a spokesman for Smith's Democratic opponent, Jeff Merkley, said Smith canceled the event because he did not want to be associated with the political action committee's donations to "right-wing Republicans" such as Oklahoma Sen. James Inhofe, a well-known skeptic of global warming. [...]
The committee [Impact America] has given $10,000 to Inhofe, who has led GOP efforts to block a landmark bill - supported by most Democrats - to cut greenhouse gases and address global warming.
Rice endorsed by League of Conservation Voters
Posted by: Tres Savage on 6/24/2008
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Andrew was endorsed Monday by the League of Conservation Voters, an independent political voice for the environment that has seen 80 percent of the candidates it endorses win since 1996.
The official endorsement was announced at Bergey Wind Power Co. in Norman where LCV's Tim Greeff discussed why Andrew's campaign is so important and company president Mike Bergey discussed tax credits that could help him create more jobs at his 30-year-old wind turbine factory. .
Bergey also said he was fed up with Inhofe's refusal to help promote renewable energy in Oklahoma.
"It's frustrating that the Senator doing the most for Oklahoma's wind industry is from Colorado," Bergey said. "Sen. Inhofe is busy helping the coal industry in Wyoming."
Urge Senator Boxer to Choose Andrew Rice!!
Posted by: Tyler Douse on 6/18/2008
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Senator Barbara Boxer's Political Action Committee, "PAC for a Change 2008", recently launched a contest to choose a Senate challenger to be featured in a fundraising email to the PAC's online community. If Andrew wins, this could potentially add tens of thousands of dollars toward his effort to spread his message for change across Oklahoma.
Go
Young Democrats, and Veterans of All Ages
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 6/9/2008
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This weekend, I attended the Oklahoma Young Democrats Convention – both as a Young Democrat and as a member of Team Rice. With a strong turnout and many new faces, the convention itself showed that the under-35 crowd is well motivated to be active this election year. After this weekend, Oklahoma's YDs will be hitting the ground running to work for outstanding Democratic candidates such as Andrew Rice.
But the most powerful part of the convention transcended the boundaries of age and party. An incredible short film, entitled "Oklahoma Veterans and Jim Inhofe," was screened at the convention. The film contains interviews with four Oklahoma veterans who discuss their experience in service and with Oklahoma's senior senator. Few know better than our men and women in uniform the impact of Jim Inhofe's abhorrent voting record on veterans' issues and his lack of support for our troops.
The video, embedded below, is also available for viewing on the website of the film's production company, Brave New Films. They also have tracked Sen. Inhofe's votes on issues of greatest importance to our troops and our veterans – go to their site and read about his long history of failing our men and women in uniform.
Since this video was posted and screened, it's been spreading rapidly online, as Oklahomans - and concerned people all around the country - have reposted the video and emailed it to their friends and family. I hope you'll do the same.
In this election year, Jim Inhofe will try to claim steadfast support for our troops and our veterans, but his dismal voting record and his reputation among veterans precede him. He may try to say the right things to try to win in November, but Andrew Rice and our veterans will send a message to Jim Inhofe that his actions have spoken louder than his hollow words.
The Hardest Working Facebook in Politics
Posted by: Tyler Douse on 6/5/2008
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Today as I was going through our campaign email, I came across a message from Facebook. It was a friendly warning because, apparently, we had been "over-using" our account. I guess we've just had so much activity going on this week that we've just about reached our limit.
Growing demand for wind power
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 6/4/2008
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During a week when Jim Inhofe is working to block legislation that will help America transition to the new energy economy, companies back home are already seeing the benefits of the growing demand for renewable energy sources.
Inhofe, who has vowed to block any legislation “that would impose controls on carbon emissions,” has tried to hold Oklahoma back by pouring more federal tax dollars into fossil fuels while starving developing energy sources such as wind and biofuels from switchgrass. Meanwhile, a Tulsa company is proving the tremendous job and economic potential Oklahoma has in the wind energy sector alone:
Increased demand from the growing wind energy industry has pushed up expansions at a Tulsa wind power manufacturing plant that only began production last December.
DMI Industries, based in West Fargo, N.D., announced Tuesday it will expand both its Tulsa and North Dakota plants immediately, increasing capacity by 100 percent in Tulsa and 40 percent in West Fargo.
And the company plans to add 200 more jobs in Tulsa. […]
At the 500,000-square-foot Tulsa plant near the Port of Catoosa, between $10 million and $11 million will be spent to add more equipment and use about 200,000 square feet of unused space, said general manager Kevin Ishmael.
While Inhofe continues his increasingly lonely fight and tries to hold Oklahoma back from becoming a leader in the growing new energy sector, Oklahoma is moving forward without him. And our state will be better poised to move forward with Andrew Rice in the U.S. Senate; Rice will be a leader on new energy opportunities and will advocate for Oklahoma’s economic future.
>>May, 2008
New video on the fight for Steffanie's Law
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 5/28/2008
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Yesterday, the DSCC released a video in which they spoke with Monty Collings about his daughter Steffanie's life and the fight to pass "Steffanie's Law," a bill authored by Sen. Rice that would require insurance companies to retain coverage of routine medical costs for patients enrolled in clinical trials:
Memorial Day
Posted by: Sen. Andrew Rice on 5/26/2008
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Today, we all take time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the preservation of our country and for the protection of their fellow citizens. Though Memorial Day is for many a day of rest and relaxation with our families, I ask all of you to take a moment to reflect on the lives that passed before us to allow us to live as a free nation. Apple and I wish to honor those who have given their lives in war, thank those who now serve or have served our country, and pray for peace.
Videos from the campaign trail
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 5/22/2008
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The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) sent a representative to Oklahoma a few weeks ago to see what was going on with our race for the U.S. Senate. The result of her trip? Several videos that show just how ready Oklahomans are for a change, how out-of-touch Sen. Inhofe has become, and how Andrew Rice is connecting with voters across our great state.
Placing blame vs finding solutions
Posted by: Karina Henderson on 5/19/2008
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First, it is easy to point the finger at oil companies. That is the easiest "out," because everyone has this perception that all oil companies are doing great.
[F]or all the good work of entrepreneurs and inventors in finding cleaner and better technologies, the fundamental incentives of the market are still on the side of carbon-based energy. This has to change before we can make the decisive shift away from fossil fuels.
Picher, OK
Posted by: Team Rice on 5/12/2008
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Sen. Rice made this statement today on the tragic losses this weekend in northeastern Oklahoma:
"Too many Oklahomans have lost life and property to severe storms and now we have to add the community of Picher to that legacy. The thoughts and prayers of Apple, me and our entire campaign community go out to the individuals and families of Picher who suffered through the devastating tornado last Saturday. As we hear about the tragic moments and courageous acts during and after the storm, I am reminded of the enduring resilience that Oklahomans have relied on over the years to live and prosper. As a State Senator, I have assured Governor Henry that I will support every effort by the State to provide assistance and comfort to the people of Picher."
>>April, 2008
Meeting the needs of our troops
Posted by: Team Rice on 4/28/2008
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After asking so much of our men and women in uniform, some members of Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Brigade, an Oklahoma-based National Guard unit recently deployed to Iraq, are being asked to sacrifice even more – much more than is reasonable.
From KOCO in Oklahoma City:
Howard Fleshman contacted Oklahoma City TV station KOCO after receiving an e-mail from his daughter, Kristy Fleshman, 26, who said she and her fellow soldiers were working up to 10-hour shifts in desert heat without any food.
Specifically, the e-mail read:
“Hey Dad, I have an issue I think I need the family's help on. Someone decided to quit serving all the soldiers at the compounds lunch.”
This latest incident is part of an unfortunate trend set by the Bush administration to stretch out deployments, squeeze funding for VA benefits, delay provision of potentially life-saving body armor. There is no excuse for withholding full rations of food and water from our troops, who are already sacrificing so much. And there is every reason to ensure the health and safety of our men and women in uniform, as well as our veterans.
Rock, Roll and RICE - and thanks!
Posted by: Team Rice on 4/25/2008
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35 for 35!
Posted by: Team Rice on 4/23/2008
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In his 35 years, Andrew Rice has accomplished a lot.
He represents a diverse Oklahoma City district in the state senate, where he has established himself as a consensus-builder and a strong advocate for children and families. As a freshman senator, he has already built an impressive legislative record that includes cosponsoring and helping pass the “All Kids Act” – legislation similar to SCHIP – and forming a bipartisan coalition to create the Hunger Task Force, in order to find solutions to Oklahoma’s hunger crisis.
Before his election to the state senate, he received a master’s degree in theology, worked with the Texas Freedom Network, founded the Progressive Alliance Foundation, and performed other humanitarian work abroad. After his brother, David, was killed on 9/11 in the World Trade Center, Andrew became heavily involved in the push for the creation of the 9/11 Commission and worked with victims’ family groups in opposing the Iraq War, citing it as a distraction from the fight to destroy the terrorist networks that killed his brother.
Not bad for someone turning 35 today.
But Andrew sees more that he can do in his lifetime of service. He’s running for U.S. Senate to continue his life’s work of fighting for everyday people, of listening to their hopes and concerns, and taking action to address the issues that affect them most.
Will you wish Andrew a happy birthday by buying a piece of his campaign? It seems fitting to ask that you send him $35 today. Give him the gift that keeps on giving, and the gift that gives back to all of us – because if Andrew Rice is elected to the U.S. Senate, we’ll all be better off.
YOU raised $1 million
Posted by: Team Rice on 4/16/2008
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The headlines in newspapers around the state are crediting Andrew Rice with a tremendous fundraising effort in his efforts to unseat Jim Inhofe:
Urgent call for help on Steffanie's Law
Posted by: Team Rice on 4/4/2008
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We've written previously about the story of Steffanie Collings and her family. Steffanie passed away last month, hours after Steffanie's Law - a bill that would mandate insurance companies to cover routine medical costs for patients who enroll in clinical trials - passed the Senate.
Unfortunately, the struggles of the Collings family haven't ended with the loss of their daughter. They still owe about $400,000 in medical bills accrued from Steffanie's insurance company's denial of coverage. And their efforts to aid families in similar situations and pass the law that bears their daughter's name, may be dashed by partisan power struggles at the state capitol.
Sen. Andrew Rice introduced the bill, SB1521, this February, and even in a split Senate (with 24 Senators from each party), the measure passed overwhelmingly on a 31-13 vote.
Despite that strong support from both sides of the aisle, one House Republican, Rep. Ron Peterson, says he is “uncertain” if the bill will be heard in the House committee he chairs. If he blocks Steffanie’s Law, it will not be given a chance in the House. Rep. Peterson has authored his own related bill, HB3111, which would severely limit insurance mandates like Steffanie’s Law from ever passing.
Sen. Rice issued a statement today, in which he made it clear that this is unacceptable:
This kind of game is not democracy, and it’s not good government. Almost half of the 50 states have required insurance companies to continue paying for routine medical costs for patients who enroll in clinical trials. When the stakes are as high as they are for families like the Collings, petty partisanship should not be a barrier to good laws.
I urge you all to help now to get this law heard in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives. On Monday I’ve been invited by the Collings family and other health care advocates to participate in a rally to demonstrate to the leadership of the House of Representatives that they should to put the needs of Oklahomans ahead of the interests of insurance companies. Join us Monday at noon and show your support for the Collings and for families in similar situations. Join us to hold the insurance companies to their word and not play games with people's lives. Join us to stand up for good governance and an end to partisan games.
>>March, 2008
Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff agrees with Andrew Rice
Posted by: Team Rice on 3/28/2008
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In an interview with National Public Radio aired this morning, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Michael Mullen made clear that America's commitment to Iraq’s civil war is hindering the fight against terrorists and the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Admiral Mullensaid that the U.S. "clearly" needs more troops in Afghanistan, but they’re only available if they come from Iraq. "And so, should we be in a position where more troops are removed from Iraq, the possibility of sending additional troops there, where we need them clearly, certainly it’s a possibility but it really is going to be based on availability of troops. We don’t have a lot of troops – we don’t have troops, particularly in brigade combat team size, sitting on the shelf ready to go."
DFA Endorses Rice
Posted by: Team Rice on 3/27/2008
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The latest organization to endorse Andrew Rice's U.S. Senate campaign is Democracy for America. Their endorsement this morning of Andrew's efforts to "Beat a Republican Extremist," Jim Inhofe, shows that not only is it time for Jim Inhofe to retire, it's time for Andrew Rice to be our new Senator.
From Jim Dean, head of DFA:
I know you've heard of Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe.
He claimed that Global Warming is "the second-largest hoax ever played on the American people, after the separation of church and state." He believes the Weather Channel is behind the hoax to attract viewers. And he's compared environmentalists to "Nazis" and the Environmental Protection Agency to the "Gestapo."
We can make this Sen. Inhofe's last year in office.
Andrew Rice has a proven record in the Oklahoma Legislature having worked on issues like health care, veteran's rights, and the environment. Andrew will bring his experience to Washington to fight to end the War in Iraq, provide access to health care for all Americans, and solve the crisis of global warming.
The DFA endorsement comes on the heels of several other endorsements, including the Sierra Club and Oklahoma's AFL-CIO. Andrew's campaign is gaining momentum as more and more people are convinced that he is the candidate to defeat Jim Inhofe.
Why Andrew Cares... and Why You Do, Too
Posted by: Team Rice on 3/26/2008
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This morning, Sen. Rice sent out an email to all his supporters discussing why he made the difficult decision to run for U.S. Senate, and why he continues to work to fight the status quo.
[A]s much frustration as there is out there, there is even more motivation for an end to the assumption that we cannot be hopeful about our government and its ability to do innovative and great things for the country it is supposed to serve honorably. […]
It may seem cliché to some of you to say I'm doing this for my kids, but this is the easiest and most sincere way to explain why I care about what happens in the United States Senate, and why I want to have a seat at the table in deciding what happens. I'm not very optimistic about the world we are leaving Parker and Noah, and my two children have a good deal more financial, educational, health, and personal security than a lot of American children. Obviously, I don't think the incumbent who I'm running against is doing a very good job, or else I would not be running. It is not that I think he does not care about our children. I just think the world has passed him by and that he does not seem capable of working with others to solve the complex problems we now face. It is nothing personal; it is about government incompetence and a Senator who loves partisan politics more than good government.
If you’d like, please go here and read the entire email. As Andrew writes later in the email, we’d also like to know why it is that you care – why you are inspired to be involved in this campaign, what moves you most deeply, and what it is you’re fighting for. Send a picture and a few words about why you care to info@andrewforoklahoma.com.
Antarctic Ice Shelf about to Collapse
Posted by: Team Rice on 3/26/2008
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The edge of a major ice shelf in the Antarctic is on the verge of collapse in an incident