Oklahoma Dems Win at State Level – Tea Leaf Readers?
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I don't think the board has addressed a story from last week about two state seats picked up by Democrats in Oklahoma.
For those Politics & Debate board members across the pond, Oklahoma is deep-red state – some would also call it a fly-over state, and none of it particularly gay-friendly. And the Democratic wins came against two Republicans charged with sex crimes -- one soliciting topless pics from former female aides, and the second, for initiating (apparently consensual) sex with a teenage boy.
I've used a conservative site for the story link, if only because they were kind enough to include a nice arrest pic of the second alleged law breaker -- and even worse, young heartbreaker. (Honestly, could he not ferret out some lonely 19-year-old? Sigh. And if you're going to pursue any gay liaison, perhaps better to first change your surname from "Shortey.")
Just one more bio detail on Shortey, the naughty bear, from the article:
"Five years ago, Shortey received attention for pushing a bill that would have prohibited 'the sale or manufacture of food or products which contain aborted human fetuses,' per the Oklahoma State Legislature’s website." Begs the question, where can one go in that state, and still get a decent Placenta McMuffin?
The article is a lovely, tawdry way to start the weekend. Anyway, what does our esteemed panel – and you Guests, we see you out there! -- think about any angle of this political kerfuffle?
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You know I pride myself in being the fact-checker of this board, So I have to make a few things clear after reading the article you cited.
First if you notice the headline "Democrats Are a Little Too Excited About Those Oklahoma Special Election Wins
They won seats vacated by two Republicans accused of alleged sex crimes and impropriety, for starters. Apparently they won against lackluster Republicans, not against the scandal-plagues two, who hd actually resigned their seats.
Second, although you hint at it, Shortey was charged with solicitation of a minor (his pup was 17).I do agree with the general gist of the article. This probably does not mean Oklahoma is turning purple or the Democratic party i on the resurge nationally. It also shows that sexual misconduct crosses party lines.