Oklahoma Lawmakers Get Earful From Voters On Debt Impasse

Ashli Sims, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Some Green Country voters are fed up with all the bickering on Capitol Hill.

The President called on Americans to pressure lawmakers to reach a deal. And Tuesday, Oklahoma's lawmakers have gotten an earful.

Congressional phone lines are ringing off the hook, tying up the switchboard and even crashing email servers after an appeal from the President.

"So I'm asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your Member of Congress know," he said, during a speech to the nation Monday night.

And that's the message that was delivered to Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn's office.

Of the 601 constituent calls, his office says it received on Tuesday, nearly a third support the House Republican plan of cut, cap and balance and sticking with conservative principles.

A majority supported a balanced approach or compromising with the President and Democrats.

"Something needs to happen. come to some sort of agreement. There's got to be a compromise that will work," said Tulsa resident Kelly McCollom.

Some frustrated voters showed up at Congressman Tom Cole's Norman office to share their concerns about cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

As the debt clock ticks down, some Tulsans say their patience is running out and it's time to set politics aside.

"Looking at it, it looks like everyone is trying to get re-elected and not doing the right thing. And I'm not picking sides, both sides. There's a lot more at stake than just political dogma," said Tulsa resident Dave Maher.

Senator Inhofe's spokesperson says during an average hour, Congress handles about 25,000 calls. Tuesday, they were up 10,000.

But to put that in perspective, in the heat of the healthcare debate the calls doubled to about 50,000 an hour.