OK2A has released its scorecard for the 2015 Legislative Session.  This is the first year we have released the scores, so allow me to explain the process.  At the beginning of the session, each legislator starts with an A.  We deduct points for each Second Amendment vote missed (-.25) and for each anti-Second Amendment vote cast (-.75).  We also deduct points (-.75) when a committee chairman or floor leader refuses to allow a Second Amendment bill or amendment to be heard and we deduct points when any legislator actively works to stop a Second Amendment bill or amendment.  We add points (+.75) for each Second Amendment bill a legislator authors.  The highest score is an A++, then A+, and so on.  To receive an A+ the legislator must have either authored a Second Amendment bill or helped advance a bill in some tangible way.  To receive an A++ the legislator must author several Second Amendment bills or go above and beyond to advance a pro-gun agenda.

There were 7 A++’s, 29 A+’s, and 50 A’s awarded this year.  A++’s were earned by Representatives Bennett and Calvey and Senators Dahm, Shortey, Silk, David, and Fry.

Our Tory Award goes to anti-gun legislators that receive an F and the Benedict Arnold Award goes to legislators that have been pro-gun in the past but have, for whatever reason, lost their way and actively worked to infringe our Second Amendment rights.  This year, the Tory Award was earned by Representatives Williams, McDaniel (Jeannie), Shelton, Young, and Loring. 

The Benedict Arnold Award was earned by Representative Christian.  Representative Christian used to have an exemplary pro-gun record.  However, over the last couple of years, he has steadily moved to the other side.  He refused to support our proposed amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution last year and this year actively worked to kill several important Second Amendment bills assigned to his committee.  Even more concerning was his effort to have the Oklahoma County District Attorney prosecute the NRA-ILA representative for Oklahoma for simply doing what lobbyists do.  She sent him a text message informing him that if he refused to hear Second Amendment bills it would adversely effect his NRA score.  His reasons may be unclear, but his actions are not.  He is no longer a friend of the Second Amendment and has therefore earned the Benedict Arnold Award.

To see the complete scorecard, you may download them from the links below:

Click here for an alphabetical list
Click here for a list sorted by score, highest to lowest

Today is Governor Fallin’s last day to sign SB41 into law.  We are worried she may bow to pressure from the OKC Chamber of Commerce to veto the bill.  After her veto of three 2nd Amendment bills last year, we cannot take for granted that she will do the right thing and sign the bill, especially in the face of the Chamber’s pressure. 

Please call Governor Fallin and strongly (but politely) urge her to sign SB41 into law.  You can reach the Governor at (405) 521-2342.  It is critical that she hear from you TODAY.  When you get through, press 2 to speak to a secretary (DO NOT press 1 for the comment line as she may not get your message in time).

SB41 was amended late in the process with language that will bring an end to cities abusing the 2nd Amendment by prohibiting the lawful and peaceful carrying of firearms during city festivals on city streets, such as was the case with the Norman Music Fest.

SB41 was amended on the House floor at OK2A’s request to include language to deal with cities allowing private entities to “rent” a street and then ban the carrying of firearms, such as with the Norman Music Fest.  The amendment was adopted and the bill was sent back to the Senate for a final vote.  The bill is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting her signature.

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce is urging Governor Fallin to veto the bill.  Once again, the Chamber is worried about a problem that does not exist.  Businesses are not going to leave Oklahoma because SB41 is signed into law.  We need gun owners to make two phone call TODAY to support SB41.

Please call or email the Governor’s office and urge her to sign SB41.  The Governor’s phone number is (405) 521-2342.  You can email her by going to her website.  Click the “email Governor Fallin” link in the Contact the Governor drop down menu.

Also, call the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and tell them to stop promoting gun control.  Inform them you will urge any of their members you do business with to withdraw their membership.  You can reach the OKC Chamber at (405) 297-8900.

Meetings held at restaurants: It is not required that you order dinner but we encourage everyone to patronize these businesses that do not restrict your ability to carry.
This Week:

Monday, April 27 – Ponca City group meets at 7:00 pm at The Miss…

The Norman Music Fest kicks off tonight in Norman with venues on Main Street and Gray Street from Porter Street back to the west.  We want to encourage everyone to attend and have a great time this weekend.  We do encourage gun owners who decide to legally and peacefully carry to do so responsibly, which means do not consume alcohol while carrying.  If you witness anyone breaking the law by consuming alcohol while carrying, please report them to security or the police.  Also, remember to honor the wishes of business owners who may have their establishments posted; do not carry into these businesses.  Finally, be respectful of those who may have differing opinions on this issue. 

It is our hope that those who are concerned about firearms being allowed in the area will see that gun owners are responsible and polite.  For information on the festival, please see the Norman Music Festival website.