From the archives of Oklahoma’s great political satire writers of decades past, we bring you this classic reprint of a spoof that caused more than a little irritation to the political class on Lincoln Blvd.
OKLAHOMA CITY (OP) – If legislators are good boys and girls, and get a state budget compiled, they will get a puppy, Gov. Brad Henry announced last week.
The offer is the latest in a series of political maneuvers as Democrats and Republicans wrestle over appropriations issues. “I’ve thought it over and, if the Legislature can produce a budget that incorporates funding for all-day kindergarten, we’ll go to the pound and get a puppy,”
Henry said.
“Yay!” said state Democrats. “Certainly, we had hoped for puppy and ice cream, but we are willing to compromise,” said Senate appropriation chair Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore However, soon after the announcement of the offer, Republican leadership accused the governor of playing politics.
“The cuteness of puppies notwithstanding, we reject the governor’s attempts to woo the Legislature,”
said House Speaker Todd Hiett, R-Kellyville. Hiett said Henry had used the tactic in the past, most recently when he promised to take lawmakers to Six Flags if they backed his education lottery bill. While Republicans rejected the puppy proposal, they did leave the door open for future negotiation.
“I want a pony,”
said House Speaker Pro Tem Susan Winchester.
RSS Feed
