Why real political power can be found in Ada, Oklahoma

Saw the headline and started chuckling. Not only does Ada have the Chickasaw Tribal Headquarters but they sit in the center of oil,  gas, and ranch country.

In 2008 while part of the Rudy for President campaign in Oklahoma found out that Rudy was going to have a fundraiser in Ada, OK. My initial reaction was WHY? In researching Ada and surrounding area for Rudy's background paper, I discovered why. This small town and area is home to a lot of money and political donors.

One small example -- The airport in Ada had been undergoing renovation and was still going to be closed so Rudy was going to land at Ardmore and travel to Ada by car. Next thing we knew the airport work speeded up after a few phone calls from 'local' people and Rudy landed in Ada.

Meeting people at the fundraiser made me realize that I see these same people at other fundraising events around Oklahoma and how Ada is a major player in politics for such a small area. In fact, if I was advising anyone running for President in the future like a Mike Pence, John Thune, or Tim Pawlenty, I would send them to Ada, OK, for a fundraiser.

The Chickasaw Nation under Governor Anoatubby has done so much for that area of Oklahoma including a new hospital.  They also actively support local public schools plus East Central University in Ada which has been growing in stature over the years. This summer the Chickasaw Nation opened a Chicksaw Cultural Center in Sulpher, OK, not far from Ada. Anyone traveling to Oklahoma or driving through the State should make plans to visit this Center.Their tribe is very diverse in what they do including with Chickasaw Industries.  One thing that has remained throughout the time Bill Anoatubby has been Governor and that is giving back to the community by the Chickasaw Nation. 

Understand very well why this small town of Ada made the zip code list for voters nationwide. It just doesn't look like it when you drive though the town from I-35 although they do have the Chickasaw Turnpike now which should be a tip off to the money that is in that area of Oklahoma.

Why real political power can be found in Ada, Oklahoma
By: Mark Tapscott
Editorial Page Editor
10/08/10 10:11 AM EDT

Center for Responsive Politics' OpenSecrets.org web site is publishing the series, "Races to Watch: Investigating the cash behind Election 2010."

Ever been to Ada, Oklahoma? I have, many times. Grew up in Oklahoma and rode through Ada three or four times a year with my family as we drove from Oklahoma City to Tyler, Texas, where my parents grew up. Ada wasn't a big town then and it's not a big town now.

Even so, Ada is one of the genuine power spots in American politics. If you doubt me, check out Dave Levinthal's fascinating "Tiny Tracts Put Political Zip in 2010 Elections" on OpenSecrets.org. Here's Levinthal's entry on Ada: "Little Ada, Okla., 74820? The gambling industry -- no small thanks to it being the home of the Chickasaw Nation, which operates a nearby casino."

....

Levinthal's piece is one of a superb series of reports from the Center for Responsive Politics this past week, published under the rubric of "Races to Watch: Investigating the cash behind Election 2010."

Like me, you likely won't agree with every observation or conclusion in this series, but it's guaranteed to tell you lots of facts about campaign finance, special interests, and contemporary political tactics that you didn't know before you started following the series. This is a journalism series that deserves one of the profession's highest awards for public service reporting.

Read more at the Washington Examiner