Political consultant deeply involved in Tulsa elections (Tulsa World)

[Hoss]

For those of you not behind the paywall sofar this month:

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=334&articleid=20110710_11_A12_Republ125264

This is a little concerning to me.

[RecycleMichael]

Obviously, having the same PR guy for so many candidates could cause concern.

But did the candidates decide to hire a guy who is a proven winner or did the PR guy go out and find candidates he thought could afford his services?

[Hoss]

Obviously, having the same PR guy for so many candidates could cause concern.

But did the candidates decide to hire a guy who is a proven winner or did the PR guy go out and find candidates he thought could afford his services?

I'm not going to directly copy the entire piece, but I will quote some things that lend a little concern for me anyway.

And Ahlgren's influence isn't limited to campaigns. He was paid by the leadership of the state Senate to consult on redistricting and advised behind the scenes on the drawing of new council districts.

Ahlgren, who did not return calls for comment, has previously told the Tulsa World that he was looking for candidates in other districts, too.

Councilor Bill Christiansen said many believe that Ahlgren is doing the mayor's bidding by targeting incumbent councilors. Christiansen would have faced Lakin but is not seeking re-election.

Bartlett admits he's been vocal about wanting a new council, but he denies he's been working with Ahlgren to accomplish that outcome.

But the mayor said he has suggested some candidates use Ahlgren in their campaigns and has placed congratulatory calls to some challengers of incumbents.

Disturbs me.

[AquaMan]

Wow. Those were the most well written reader replies after the story that I've ever seen in the TW. No doubt they came from local politicians who know something about our landscape. One noted that since Dewey skated on his attempted overthrow that he is now empowered to do what he pleases. Good insight.

Ewing is impressive. My district is well served by either of those candidates. Otherwise the city continues in turmoil I fear.

[Red Arrow]

Disturbs me.

I have frequently thought you are "disturbed".

[Hoss]

I have frequently thought you are "disturbed".

That's nothing new, the ex-wife said the same thing almost daily...

[sgrizzle]

I'm not running this round, but have been involved enough that I knew everything in the article before I read it. He wants to put people in office and if you won't work with him, he will find someone who will.

[carltonplace]

is sleazy politician an oxymoron?

[rdj]

He wants to put people in office and if you won't work with him, he will find someone who will.

Bingo! 

Its capitalism, right?  I do a job and get paid for it, I need clients to have a job, if prospect 'A' turns me down, I go find another prospect.

However, when its our government it seems sleazy and dirty.

For what its worth, I don't agree with the tactics, but I see why he does what he does.