When the Oklahoma legislature convenes in January 2010, it will consider HB 1072, which lowers the number of signatures for a political party to get on the ballot. The bill has already passed overwhelmingly in both houses, but because the two houses passed different versions, the bill hasn’t passed yet. This progress had been made possible because OBAR (Oklahoma Ballot Access Reform) hired a professional lobbyist. However, it is always a struggle paying for the lobbyist.

Leaders of the Constitution Party have initiated a fundraising event near Oklahoma City on August 13 for OBAR. The event is non-partisan and is hosted by Free & Equal, but Constitution Party activists have done much of the work. Chuck Baldwin, the party’s presidential candidate, will be the keynote speaker. Also speaking will be Oklahoma State Senator Randy Brogdon (co-sponsor of the ballot access bill in the Senate) and Christina Tobin, founder of Free & Equal.

The dinner costs $50, and will be held between 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm. For tickets, contact Thom Holmes before August 10 at 918-866-2256 or holmesta@hotmail.com. The location is the Joyner Room at the Sheraton Hotel/Reed Conference Center in Midwest City, Oklahoma. The exact address is 5750 Will Rogers Road, Midwest City, 405-455-1800.