 |
|
News release
issued September 27, 2000, effective immediately. Note:
This event occurred in 2000. Please see our news releases
section for upcoming events. Turpen, Hargis Bring Politics Back to Ardmore ARDMORE, Okla. -The last time Burns Hargis and Mike Turpen brought their political road show to Ardmore, the nation was wrestling with the issue of impeachment. Now the focus is on the November presidential election, and Oklahoma's favorite political commentators will be back in Ardmore a few weeks before ballot day to exchange their good-natured verbal blows. Political analysts Burns Hargis (Republican) and Mike Turpen (Democrat), co-hosts of Flashpoint, a weekly Sunday morning talk show on KFOR Television in Oklahoma City, will be at the Goddard Center in Ardmore at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, as part of the Noble Foundation's Profiles and Perspectives community enrichment series. The Hargis-Turpen presentation, which is free to the public, is expected to focus on the fall elections, especially at the presidential and congressional levels. An informal reception at the Goddard Center will follow the evening presentation. Earlier in the day, the dynamic duo of political pundits will present two programs to area students. "Burns and Mike are absolutely never at a loss for words," said Joe Lobell, Noble Foundation communications manager. "Their ability to debate and discuss the issues is second to none. Their presentations are insightful, informative, entertaining and humorous. We're delighted to have these guys back in town so close to election time." Despite vocal differences on most matters, both men are former gubernatorial candidates – Hargis as a Republican in 1990, and Turpen running on the Democratic ticket in 1986. Both also are practicing attorneys in Oklahoma City, are family men, and have held gubernatorial-appointed posts on the state level. Hargis is vice chairman of Bank of Oklahoma and has served as the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber vice chairman for economic development. As gubernatorial appointments, he has served as vice chairman of the Oklahoma State Election Board (1975-80) and chairman of the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services (1987). In 1986, he was appointed chairman of the Mayor's Economic Development Committee for Oklahoma City. His resumÈ also includes serving with the Great Expectations Foundation and Oklahoma Lawyers for Children. Turpen was Muskogee County District Attorney (1977-82), and state Attorney General (1983-87). He is a member of several bar associations, as well as Oklahoma District Attorneys Association, National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA), the Oklahoma Academy of State Goals, and Rotary Club. He received the Donald Santarelli Award for developing several bills, which collectively became the Victim's Bill of Rights in Oklahoma. He has published articles in legal journals and was appointed in 1978 as commissioner of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The Hargis—Turpen program is the second installment in the 2000-2001 Profiles and Perspectives series. Storyteller Jiaan Powers kicked off the current Profiles series in September. A presentation by professional storm chasers is scheduled for Dec. 11. "We plan to provide a mix of programs of interest to both students and the general public. In December we will focus on the logistics, the science and the thrill of chasing tornados," Lobell said. "In the spring we plan to have a motivational speaker and a program on the future of agriculture and food technology." In the meantime, the political wit of Hargis and Turpen takes center stage. "Burns and Mike don't pull any punches when it comes to discussing politics, current events or even their favorite football teams," Lobell said. "They seldom agree on anything, but they have an uncanny rapport that keeps the discussion civil." Their program was a big hit with both students and the general public when they were here in the spring of 1998, Lobell added. "We expect it to be even more lively this time around. Simply put, it will be way too much fun to miss!" ### The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a non-profit organization conducting agricultural, forage biotechnological, and plant biology research; providing grants to numerous non-profit charitable, educational and health organizations; and assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs. To learn more, check out the Noble Foundation Web site at http://www.noble.org. More news releases available at www.noble.org/Press_Release downloadable headshots: |
| © 1997-2008 by The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. |