Pray for Tori and Sam

The Turner family

(L-R) Aleigh, Clay, Victoria, Lauren, Samuel

Saturday evening, there was a terrible wreck on U.S. 69/75 in Calera, OK. A pickup going approximately 60-70mph rear-ended a minivan at a stoplight that had just turned green.

The aftermath of the wreck. Victoria's carseat can be seen through the back window.

The minivan was driven by my Sunday School teacher and his wife, and was carrying three of their grandchildren. The children's father, Clay Turner, is the assistant pastor at Lindsey Chapel Baptist Church, where my wife and I are members. Miraculously, by the grace of God, all five passengers survived. However, the oldest child (Samuel, 5) and the youngest (Victoria, 2) were seriously injured.

Sam had a badly broken leg, fractured pelvis, and lacerated liver. Tori sustained major head trauma, with numerous skull injuries and severe swelling and bleeding in the brain. They were both life-flighted to Dallas Children's Hospital.

Sam was released last night, but will be experiencing some physical difficulties over the coming weeks and months related to his injuries. Little Tori continues to be in critical condition. These precious children, along with their entire family, need our prayers.

Family members and friends have set up a Facebook page for updates. If you feel led to contribute towards their expenses, a GoFundMe page has been set up to accept donations, or you can mail a check to Lindsey Chapel Baptist Church, Rt. 4 Box 7060, Eufaula, OK 74432 (put 'Turner family' in the memo).

Meet the Candidates: Dave Weston, OKGOP Chair

Dave Weston, Oklahoma Republican Party Chair and candidate

Delegates to the Oklahoma Republican Party's State Convention on April 11th will be choosing between at least three candidates for State Chair: Randy Brogdon, Pam Pollard, and incumbent Dave Weston. Like I did in 2013, I contacted each of the individuals, and they have all filled out a survey that I hope will help delegates be more informed for the convention. Brogdon's survey can be seen here, and Pollard's is here.

Closing out the candidates, here's Dave Weston.

1. Tell us a little bit about your personal side.

I am a fourth generation Oklahoman whose family originally homesteaded in Northeastern Seminole County in the township of Schoolton. I have been a resident of Lexington, OK for seventeen years.  I  graduated  from Custer High School and Oklahoma State University with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics. My wife Tyra and I have been married for eighteen years and we have three children, Tanner, 16; Savana, 14; and Sela, 12.  We attend church at First Baptist Lexington.  Professionally I was employed for twenty plus years in the financial services industry.

2. What is your past and present involvement with the Republican Party (from precinct-level to RNC)? If possible, include approximate dates.

I first decided to get involved in the Republican Party around 1998 because I believed in Right-To-Work.  Since then I've been blessed to serve in multiple capacities from precinct chairman, to district committeeman, to county executive committee.  I also worked at the state party as a staff member during 2005 and 2006 and I've been blessed to serve as the chairman since 2013.

3. What political involvement have you had outside of the Republican Party (i.e. campaigns, elected office, political groups, etc.)? If possible, include approximate dates.

I have volunteered and served as an advisor for multiple candidates at all stages from City Council to the Federal Level.  Of note:  I was very active in Cleveland County during Steve Largent's 2002 gubernatorial campaign as a volunteer and Dr. Coburn’s 2004 Senate campaign as a County Victory Coordinator.  I also served on the Oklahoma team for Gov. Mike Huckabee’s 2008 presidential campaign.  In 2009 I was blessed to consult with James Lankford on his initial and subsequent congressional campaigns and in 2011 I was proud be one of Cong. Jim Bridenstine's initial campaign advisors.

4. What prompted you to run for chairman this year?

2016 is rapidly approaching and in my short tenure as Chairman, we’ve been blessed with outstanding success beginning with the surprising come-from-behind reelection of Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, then our efforts and approach were validated by huge successes last November.

I have had the privilege to meet and work closely with some of the brightest minds in Republican leadership across the country to develop a winning strategy.

 In working with them, the principle of continuity has struck me time and again as essential to long term success. Among those leaders are three great examples: Roger Villere, Chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party; Doyle Webb, Chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party; and Chris Devaney, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.

 Their states are also some of the reddest in the union and they play a pivotal role in ensuring that conservative leadership expands at levels. Each has one thing in common: continuity in leadership. Each of those chairmen has served multiple terms for his party which has allowed them to keep making progress without the setbacks and inefficiencies associated with a turnover in leadership.  That’s why I’m seeking re-election.

5. What do you view as the top three duties of the state chairman?

I'm a firm believer that it's going to take a generation of GOP control to fix the problems we've inherited from the liberal regressive good old boys who previously controlled Oklahoma. But we are going to have to achieve our objectives incrementally.

So we have to build and sustain our majorities by winning elections.  This is best achieved through developing resources and services which our candidates can utilize to be successful.   After all, we have many wonderful organizations that are raising money to give money to candidates but none are positioned to develop resources and services like the OKGOP.  Second, we need to continue to train candidates on how to most effectively run and win.  Finally, we have plenty of critics and watchdogs in the political process. Someone must carry the banner of the Republican Party for our candidates with messaging about the benefits of conservative principles while also pointing out the fallacies of the liberal regressive ideologues who oppose us.

6. What are your top priorities if elected chairman?

We were blessed during the past cycle with unprecedented success throughout the state.  We won in areas where many thought we could never be successful like Idabel and Okmulgee.  While we’ve managed to turn those districts red, we need to continue to build upon our momentum and carry our achievements down to the courthouse, schoolhouse and municipal hall.

Additionally we need to continue to improve and coordinate our messaging, so we will work to establish projects like a media room at the state party headquarters that our candidates and elected officials can use.  We also just began hosting a monthly communications luncheon with the Federal Delegation, Statewide Officials and the State House and Senate media personnel.

7. Fundraising is an important aspect of running the state party. How much do you expect to need to raise to fully fund effective party operations, and how do you intend to approach fundraising for that goal?

For this year we will need to raise approximately $600,000 to fund our operations and we are well on our way toward meeting this goal. Fundraising needs to come from a multifaceted approach of large statewide events, smaller regional events as well as, a combination of direct mail and individual solicitation from the Chairman.  Now that our donors have seen our successes they are even more willing to help fund our operations.

8. The individual elected at the state convention will be in office for the 2016 presidential primary. Do you have any plans to increase Oklahoma's influence in the primary process, or to attract more visits by the candidates?

Those plans are well underway; we actively petitioned the Southern Region Members of the National Committee and were unanimously selected to host the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, which will take place on in Oklahoma City May 21st, 22nd and 23rd.  This will undoubtedly be the largest political event to take place in Oklahoma.

To date we've already been able to confirm Gov. Bobby Jindal, Gov. Scott Walker, Dr. Ben Carson, Sen. Rick Santorum, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina and Donald Trump. In addition we are having an active dialogue with all of the other presidential hopefuls about coming to Oklahoma for this historic conference.

In addition, we are exploring options that will improve the probability of visits into 2016 as well.

9. List some of the individuals who are publicly supporting your candidacy that delegates might recognize.

I have been personally told by dozens of County Chairman, District Chairman, Women’s Club Presidents and elected officials at all levels that they are pleased with the job we have been doing at the State Party.  The most common statements that I hear are, “There is no need to fix something that isn’t broken.” and “Let’s keep a good thing going!”

To date: National Committeeman Steve Fair, Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, freshman State Senator’s Roger Thompson and Joseph Silk, and newly elected Dewey County Commissioner Dillon Berry represent a small fraction of those who have sent us statements of endorsement that we will be making public.  We will be rolling out many more as the convention approaches.

10. Here's your closing statement - cover whatever you want to talk about (250 words or less).

My objective as Chairman has been one simple thing: to build upon the foundation that was laid by my predecessors. Each played a critical role in making our party what it is today.  It is upon that foundation that we have just enjoyed the most successful election cycle in Oklahoma history.  From the Courthouse to the State Capitol and up to the DC Beltway we were blessed to win 70% of the races in November.  

Moving forward, we are poised to host the largest political event in Oklahoma history when we kick off the Southern Republican Leadership Conference this May.  Oklahoma is positioned to become the center of the political universe during this event, and we will undoubtedly have more influence than we have ever had in determining our party's presidential nominee.

Due to term limits, the next four years pose a challenge to our party that requires steady leadership. And what we do will determine whether we continue our success in preparing and equipping a new generation of conservative control.

 It is with that vision in mind that I am seeking re-election as Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party.  Let’s keep a good thing going and institute a generation of GOP control in 2016 that will continue to move Oklahoma, and our nation, onward and upward!

Thank you for participating, Dave.

You can view fellow chair candidates' surveys at these links: Randy Brogdon, and Pam Pollard.

Mullin takes heat for suggesting to vote Democrat for President if "a leader"

Did an Okla. Republican congressman 

urge people to vote for a Democrat?

by Rick Manning, contributor to TheHill.com

Sometimes, unexpectedly, the true feelings of a politician and perhaps even the establishment he represents seep out, and it is often stunning.

The Tulsa World reported on one of these few glimpses into the mind of an establishment Republican member of Congress at a forum attended by most of his colleagues, where Rep. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma's 2nd District launched into a non-sequitur response to a question about the Keystone XL pipeline that left jaws dropped to the floor.

Here is what he reportedly said:

"When we look forward to the 2016 election, are we going to be looking for another politician, or are we going to be looking for a leader?

"And before you answer that, are you willing to support a leader who might have a 'D' after their name?"

He continued: "I know the room goes 'oooh' when I say that, but if we elect somebody who divides this country because he's as far to the right as this president [Barack Obama] is to the left ... we're going to still be at an impasse.

"If we don't start looking at our politicians as leaders, as individuals who are going to unite this country, and put this country way before anything else, we're going to be talking about another subject in 2017."

In one short, off-the-cuff statement, Mullin dismisses any conservative candidate for president as not having the leadership qualities necessary to unite the nation while openly contemplating supporting a Democrat whom he presumes has that ability.

Apparently Mullin has been asleep for the past six years as the man who ran as a national uniter, and stood as a symbol that you can rise to the very top of the American political structure regardless of race, has spent the past six years dashing that hope, using his administration to sledgehammer our nation's racial divide.

Mullin has eaten the poisonous fruit that claims that our nation must move inexorably to the left and anyone with the courage to oppose this erosion of liberty cannot lead or unite America.

His analysis that a conservative who stands up against the constant grind against freedom cannot bring the nation together assumes that America rejects the underlying notion of individual liberty that has been its foundation. It is also an admission of his own acceptance of the Marxist historical imperative argument that is posed so often under the guise of the inevitability of government growth and "progress."

Mullin was elected in 2014 to throw sand in the gears of President Obama's fundamental transformation of America. If, as his statement reveals, Mullin accepts that transformation as being the new normal that America should unite around, his constituents should unify around a suitable replacement, and it doesn't matter which political party they represent. After all, unity is the only standard that Mullin believes in, no matter what or whom the people are unifying behind.

Manning is president of Americans for Limited Government.

Meet the Candidates: Pam Pollard, OKGOP Chair hopeful

Pam Pollard, candidate for Oklahoma Republican Party chair

Delegates to the Oklahoma Republican Party's State Convention on April 11th will be choosing between at least three candidates for State Chair: Randy Brogdon, Pam Pollard, and Dave Weston. Like I did in 2013, I contacted each of the individuals, and they have all filled out a survey that I hope will help delegates be more informed for the convention. Brogdon's survey can be seen here, and Weston's will be posted in a few days.

Now up, Pam Pollard.


1. Tell us a little bit about your personal side.

I am happily married to my husband Glenn, the step-mom to 6 and Mimi to 12 grandchildren. Glenn and I met in Church soon after he had become a widower and have been happily married for 27 years. I am originally from Florida and played softball for the Univ of Florida, earning the honor of All-Conference pitcher in my sophomore year. After graduating with a degree in Forest Engineering I was sent to work in Idabel, OK. Yes, from Orlando to Idabel, but I fell in love with Oklahoma and have been here 33 years. 

I decided on a career change and in 1988 graduated with a degree in Accounting from East Central University in Ada. I am self-employed which allows me time to be a volunteer, spending most of that time with politics. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the HUGS Project, an organization that supports our troops by sending needed supplies to our troops overseas and is currently raising money to support the Patriot Clinic, a hyperbaric treatment facility to help veterans recover from PTSD and brain trauma.

2. What is your past and present involvement with the Republican Party (from precinct-level to RNC)? If possible, include approximate dates.

Republican Party Offices (Volunteer)  

*=Elected Positions
STATE OFFICES:
*OK GOP State Vice-Chairman (2011-2013)
*Delegate Republican National Convention (2008)
*Republican National Convention Credentials Committee member (2008)
*State Committee Member (2005-present)
*State Convention Delegate, 1998-present, not skipping and years
 State Executive Committee (2008-present)
 State Budget Committee (2011-2013)
 State Credentials Chairman (2005-2011)
 State Platform Committee Member
 State Rules Committee Member 

DISTRICT OFFICES (4th Cong. Dist):
*District Committeewoman (2002-2004)
*Delegate, Republican National Convention (2004)
*Republican National Convention Credentials Committee member (2004)
*District Convention Delegate, 2000,2004,2008,2012
 District Credentials Chairman (2012) 

COUNTY OFFICES (Oklahoma County):
*County Chairman (2005, 2007-2009)
*State Committeewoman (2009-2011)
*County Convention Delegate (1998-present, not skipping any years)
*Precinct Officer (1998-present)
 County Treasurer (2008-present)
 County Credentials Chairman (2001-2005)
 County Platform Chairman
 County Rules Committee Member 

Republican Party Positions- Paid
OK County 72 Hour Program Coordinator, Get Out The Vote 2004
State 72 Hour Director, Get Out The Vote 2012

OK Federation of Republican Women Offices (Volunteer)
CLUB MEMBERSHIP: OKC RW (2013-present), Mid-Del RW (1998-2010, 2012)
Charter member, Heartland RW (2011) 

STATE OFFICES:              
*State President (2014-present)
*State Treasurer (2005-2007)
 Chaplain (2011-2013)
 Oklahoma’s First Ladies (2007-present)
 State Historian (2007-2011)
 State Credentials Chairman (2001-2005)
 Executive Committee (2005-present)
 Board of Directors (2001-present) 

CLUB OFFICES (Mid-Del RW, Heartland RW):
*President-2011 (MDRW)
*2nd VicePresident-2008-2009 (MDRW)
*Treasurer-2003-2007(MDRW), 2010(HRW)
*Secretary-2002 (MDRW)

3. What political involvement have you had outside of the Republican Party (i.e. campaigns, elected office, political groups, etc.)? If possible, include approximate dates.

Brian Maughan for State Senate, Volunteer Coordinator, 2003
Istook for Governor, Office Manager & Scheduler, 2006
Assistant State Director, Americans for Prosperity, 2007-2009
Fallin for Governor, State Director of Coalitions, 2009-2010
Governor Mary Fallin Inaugural Committee, Food Drive Liaison, 2010
State President, Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women, 2014-present

4. What prompted you to run for chairman this year?

I have a deep concern for the future of our Party. The voters have placed their trust in the OKGOP with their votes and their registration, but I continued to ask myself, “But what next?” One major concern is the division between conservatives in our state. I am involved with many political organizations and hear the conservative principles being discussed, yet we are divided. I felt a strong calling to be the leader to unite republicans across the state. I have been involved as an activist and worked along-side almost every organization in the state and have a deep respect for the work each group focuses on. I don’t see differences as a threat; I see them as part of the great mosaic of the Republican Party. 

I love the youth in our party and they know I am there for them! I have continued to work closely with College and Young Republicans and serve on the Exec Comm of the Young Republicans today. We must get these groups reorganized once again!! 

I received many phone calls asking me to step-up and lead the Republican Party to the next level. I felt the burden and said, YES!

5. What do you view as the top three duties of the state chairman?

Because of term limits instituted in 2004 we will have 30 open seats in 2016! We are behind in recruiting leaders to run for these seats, 7 of which are currently held by women. I will work hard to find candidates, be a resource for information and raise funds to provide support for our nominees. We must re-institute the Victory program with its unique financial structure and statewide organization which benefits all candidates from the federal level to the courthouse. 

I will organize, train and support active parties in all 77 counties. We currently have chairs in only 70 counties and I will work to get the message of our Statement of Principles to the counties and raise awareness of the Republican Party in Oklahoma.  

I will raise the necessary funds to support the Party. As OK County Chairman I raised over $100,000 and gave over $25,000 directly to candidates. As OK Federation of Republican Women President I exceeded my fundraising budget by almost $7,000. As State Vice-Chair I worked closely with Chairman Matt Pinnell and the donors who responded with generous support in 2010-2013. I am not afraid to ask for dollars!  

6. What are your top priorities if elected chairman?

My first priority is to create an open line of communication with all republicans in Oklahoma. I believe that trust is built through communication and will organize a quarterly “Conservative Leaders Roundtable” to begin the process of working together to strengthen the greatest asset we have to offer as a party, the people of the Republican Party. 

A very close second priority is fundraising, pure and simple. We must have the necessary funds to operate the Party. I will create a Finance Committee as specified in our rules. I already have the Finance Chairman committed and ready to serve if you put your trust in me to be your next State Chairman. 

WIN THE 30 OPEN SEATS in 2016! I will get to work right away in finding and recruiting conservative republicans to run for office. I am not just looking for legislative seats but we need to work on county, city and school board candidates with equal fervor. OK is a red state but I will not be satisfied until we have conservatives in every level of government.  

7. Fundraising is an important aspect of running the state party. How much do you expect to need to raise to fully fund effective party operations, and how do you intend to approach fundraising for that goal?

As stated above, I have a Finance Committee Chairman waiting for the G-O to get to work raising the resources needed for the busy 2016 election cycle. I know the donors who traditionally support the party and from experience I know they respond to a comprehensive business plan with accountability and proper reporting of the financial status. I will create building “bricks” and ask for support of each brick. That is how roads are paved, one brick at a time and donors love to have their name on the brick. 

For 2016, you’re most likely looking at a $500-750,000 budget. I know in the 2012 cycle it was over a million. I was the Vice Chair and I know what it takes, I am up to the challenge.  

Times have changed with the creation of “dark money” but the unique role of the Republican Party has not changed. I will make sure our donors know that elections are won because of voters and the OK Republican Party will use its resources to reach voters with messaging and organization that will bring the greatest “economy of scale” than any investment they can make. 

8. The individual elected at the state convention will be in office for the 2016 presidential primary. Do you have any plans to increase Oklahoma's influence in the primary process, or to attract more visits by the candidates?

We are in the process of adopting new rules regarding the Presidential Preference Primary in Oklahoma. These new rules will be adopted at our GOP State Convention and I will work with whatever rules the convention adopts. 

I was State Vice Chair during the last Presidential Primary and saw first handed how candidates responded to invitations to come to the Red State. Because of the reputation of our state and the many years of hard work from conservatives, the Southern Republican Leadership Conference will be held in OKC in May of this year. Most Presidential candidates will come to our state and try to win the straw poll for “frontrunner” status. 

My experience has taught me that candidates will come once to a state for the voters then want to return several times for the money! Last cycle we got commitments from the candidates to hold meetings for the voters and not just become a money stop. I will make the same request and organize rallies and meet & greet events so that candidates must face the voter with each stop. Again, the strength of the OKGOP is her PEOPLE!

9. List some of the individuals who are publicly supporting your candidacy that delegates might recognize.

Lynn Windel, former National Committeeman
Bunny Chambers, former National Committeewoman
Mary Rumph, former National Committeewoman
Tom Montgomery. Chairman 2nd Congressional District
Alice Boydstun, Chairman 3rd Congressional District
Lonnie Lu Anderson, President Pittsburg County Tea Party
Margie Drescher, President OKC Tea Party
Mark Keeling, President Grady County Tea Party
Stuart Jolly, Exec Director, Education Freedom Alliance
Bob Dani, President High Noon Club
Morgan Dunsmore, Founder, High School Young Conservatives Club

10. Here's your closing statement - cover whatever you want to talk about.

EXPERIENCE. That is what separates me. While others talk about what they will do, I am reminding delegates of what I have already done. 

My work has been recognized by the OKGOP and in 2009 I received the Party’s Skip Healey Party Builder Award. In 2009 I was also awarded the Americans for Prosperity National Grassroots Activist of the Year Award, 1 of 4 in the nation.  

From training activists, to working on campaigns, to building coalitions, to raising money, to organizing the grassroots, to helping county officers, to working with the young conservatives, to reaching out to minorities, to running statewide organizations, to being elected county chairman, to serving on every committee within the GOP structure, to leading the charge to turn out voters to the polls, I have a successful record in each. 

The future of our party is in diversity; diversity of age, race and gender. We must grow or become obsolete. I am the leader who can build a stronger, unified, youthful and diverse party.   

2016 is about winning elections. As GOTV Director in 2010 I led the program that elected 77% of our candidates and resulted in the headlines of the Tulsa World, “Triumph of Turnout.” 

Who do you trust the most to run an effective Get-Out-the-Vote Victory Program? The answer is who you should cast your vote for State Chair. I believe I’m best positioned to carry out that plan and I look forward to talking to State Convention delegates about that vision.

Thank you for participating, Pam.

You can view fellow candidate Randy Brogdon's survey here, and stay tuned for incumbent chairman Dave Weston's as well.

Meet the Candidates: Randy Brogdon, OKGOP Chair hopeful

Randy Brogdon, candidate for Oklahoma Republican Party chair

Delegates to the Oklahoma Republican Party's State Convention on April 11th will be choosing between at least three candidates for State Chair: Randy Brogdon, Pam Pollard, and Dave Weston. Like I did in 2013, I contacted each of the individuals, and they have all filled out a survey that I hope will help delegates be more informed for the convention. I will be posting their responses over the coming days.

First up, Randy Brogdon.

1. Tell us a little bit about your personal side 

I have been married to my high school sweetheart Donna for 42 years. We have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and our first grandchild Jack is 5 months old. I have attended Woodlake Church in Tulsa for 47 years. Over the years I have served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, youth leader, and even janitor. I owned a small business for over 30 years in the air conditioning industry.

2. What is your past and present involvement with the Republican Party (from precinct-level to RNC)? If possible, include approximate dates. 

I registered as a Republican at 18 years old in 1971.  I served the Republican Party as the State Platform Chairman for the State Conventions in 2006 and 2008. In 2014, I along with a few others, refined and defined the principles that we as a Party now prominently display. I have attended precinct meetings, county conventions, and state conventions for many years and have served in a number of roles throughout those years. 

3. What political involvement have you had outside of the Republican Party (i.e. campaigns, elected office, political groups, etc.)? If possible, include approximate dates. 

My entrance into public service began by serving for three years as a city counselor in Owasso.  I won a three way race by 50% plus one vote to avoid a runoff.  I also served as Mayor of Owasso.  I served in the Oklahoma State Senate from 2002-2010.  The Senate Republican caucus twice elected me to leadership positions, first as a Whip and then as Assistant Floor Leader. 

In 2006 I led a statewide campaign to reign in government spending via a ballot Initiative called The Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).  We collected over 300,000 ballot signatures in 90 days. I left the Senate having the highest conservative voting record, scoring 100% seven of the eight years with a life time average of 93%.  Since leaving office I have been involved in a number of grassroots organizations promoting the principles of limited government. 

4. What prompted you to run for chairman this year? 

After a number of fellow Republicans from across the state urged me to consider a run and after much prayer and deliberation, I decided that running for State Party Chairman would provide me with another opportunity to serve our Republican Party once again. As Senator I was able to pass conservative legislation under Democrat control, which shows that not only am I able to work with those I may not agree with, but that I am capable of sharing conservative Republican principles in a way that appeals to many different types of people. As a small business owner for over 30 years, I have the executive experience that our State Party deserves. I believe that my years in the private and public sectors gives me an advantage in helping to further the goals of our Republican Party. 

5. What do you view as the top three duties of the state chairman? 

The State Party Chairman has many roles and responsibilities. One is to enforce and uphold the rules of the Party and carry out the directions and resolutions of the State Committee. A strong State Party is reliant on a strong and educated State Committee as well as informed County officers. The Republican Party Chairman has a responsibility to disseminate information to all within our party.  Whether you are a precinct activist, a candidate, or a county party officer, you should receive the same courtesy and information the Party has to offer. I will work to see that all of our committees and counties have the proper information and education while tackling the issues we face. From proper party finance reports to regular party updates, I will work to ensure the right information gets to those who need it most. 

The Chairman also has a responsibility to assist in National and State campaigns. As Chairman I will never interfere in primaries or work against those who decide primaries are a necessary action. I believe that all of our Republican candidates deserve the same respect from our State Party. Once the Republican primary voters decide on a Republican nominee, I believe it is vitally important to work with the nominee and their campaign team, not around them or above them, to ensure they have the necessary support and resources to reach victory. Support and resources can mean a number of things; up-to-date data within their district, social media support, volunteers, and of course donations. Unfortunately the state party was absent in the donation category this last election cycle having gave no donations to any Oklahoma Republican. I would take the path of my friend, former State Chairman Matt Pinnell who distributed checks to every nominee in the 2012 campaign cycle. I believe that a well-rounded State Party will produce stronger Republican campaigns across the state. 

It is also the duty of the Chairman to appoint the secretary, treasurer and general counsel of the Party. In order to help build existing county parties and to fill vacant county seats, we must have a State Party office that is in direct communication with our Republican leaders from across the state. As State Party Chair I will see to it that my office is accessible, reliable, and available to all of those who need our support. 

6. What are your top priorities if elected chairman? 

I’ve mentioned a number of my priorities above, but here are a few more: 

I will actively work to restore confidence in the Republican Platform.  The most effective way to do so is to share the principles of our Party.  The chairman must be able to effectively communicate not only what is in the platform but also how those principles make our lives better.  The chairman should be able to articulate our Party principles whether to the media or to the general public. I believe that when our party base recognizes that they have a Chairman who is willing to promote these principles, the Minute Man fundraising program will once again be a vital way to collect small donations from across the state. 

One of the most compelling features of the GOP is its diversity. From its formation, the identity of the Republican Party could be found in the free thought of its members.  We are not now, and have never been monolithic in our thinking.  Unification is not accomplished when everyone thinks alike, rather Party unity is realized when everyone has the freedom of expression within our party structure.  Open and fair debate is critical if we are to unify the GOP around our principles, and open debate should never be muted at our conventions.  Another way to unify our Party is to aggressively share our values with minorities, Hispanics, African-Americans, and the younger generation.  The principles of Limited Government and the Expansion of Liberty, transcends all cultures and age groups.  As State Party Chairman I will share the values of our Party and help to unify through growth. 

As Chairman I will lead the effort to energize the grassroots around the state to become more active in the Republican Party.  Our party structure is designed to be led by the people. Just as the government is supposed to be, of the people, by the people, and for the people, so is the Republican Party.  As Chairman I will serve the people within our Party by giving them the necessary support and tools needed so they can be better equipped to be successful in their endeavors to promote and expand their county party and while working for Republican nominees.

7. Fundraising is an important aspect of running the state party. How much do you expect to need to raise to fully fund effective party operations, and how do you intend to approach fundraising for that goal? 

Party fundraising is currently down from previous years.  I will improve the fundraising efforts by implementing a three tier strategy consisting of large donors, elected officials, and grassroots. One way to get grassroots Republicans, the base of our Party, to once again have enough trust in the Party to donate is found in involvement. Not only should the Chairman be involved with his party and its members, but those who have a desire and willingness to serve our Party should be encouraged to do so. I believe by being an accessible, reliable, and available Party Chairman and by encouraging participation and unity; we will once again have a strong showing of small donations.  The most current Party budget was set upwards of $500,000. After taking office my first priority would be to sit down with the team and go through every detail. With 2016 right around the corner, we must have an appropriate budget and strategy to be able to stop Hillary Clinton or Elizabeth Warren from taking the Presidency. 

8. The individual elected at the state convention will be in office for the 2016 presidential primary. Do you have any plans to increase Oklahoma's influence in the primary process, or to attract more visits by the candidates? 

While I believe it is not the proper role of the chair to interfere in primary elections- in particular the Presidential process- there is a great opportunity to use the Republican Presidential primary to engage Republicans from across the state and raise money here in Oklahoma. As the reddest state in the nation each candidate should be making appearances to introduce themselves to voters here in Oklahoma. Additionally, because people tend to follow Presidential politics more than local politics, the 2016 primary is a perfect time to reach out to newly registered Republicans who want to get involved but simply don't know how. It is also important that we create a support framework to ensure those Republicans remain engaged once we successfully place a Republican in the White House in 2016.

9. List some of the individuals who are publicly supporting your candidacy that delegates might recognize. 

I am excited to announce that a number of my peers and colleges from National, State-wide, and local offices have decided to endorse me in my run for this position. A few of those leaders include State Senator Anthony Sykes, and State Representative Jason Murphey. I am greatly honored to have their support, and I look forward to working with them in advancing the goals of our Republican Party. Over the next several weeks I will be releasing more endorsements from Republican leaders. Be sure to visit www.RandyBrogdon.com like my Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/RandyBrogdon and follow me on www.Twitter.com/RandyBrogdon to find out who they are.   

10. Here's your closing statement - cover whatever you want to talk about.

Ronald Reagan once said a great leader isn't necessarily one who does great things, rather a great leader is one who inspires others to do great things. The last 20 years of my life I have focused on conservative policy, now my focus will not be so much on the policy side of things, but on the people side. I am ready to round up the troops and prepare them to battle for conservative solutions in the war of public debate. We hear a lot about the rising numbers of registered Republicans in the state, and while that is a good trend, my goal will be to raise the number of Republicans active within the Party; precinct, county and state. I believe that in order to prevent a Colorado type flip from red to blue, we must have educated and engaged activists who are willing and able to go out and do great things. 

 Our party was birthed by those who had desire to protect our God given rights of life, liberty, and property. Promoting the ideals of free market principles, self-reliance and responsibility and diversity of thought, will make our party stronger.  Debating issues while sharing our values is a sure way to inspire the party faithful, and a great way to attract minorities and millennials who believe with us. 

 I would appreciate your support and your vote on April 11th. If you stand with a stronger Oklahoma Republican Party, let us know by using the hashtag #OKGOPUnite on social media and be sure to visit www.RandyBrogdon.com. 

Thank you for participating, Randy.


Stay tuned for the surveys from fellow chair candidates Pam Pollard and Dave Weston.

Muskogee County GOP announces 2015 scholarship application deadline

Muskogee County GOP Offering More College Scholarships

The Muskogee County Republican Party is accepting scholarship applications from graduating high school seniors residing in Muskogee County. Over the years, the MCRP has bestowed nearly twenty students this monetary award. Several $500 scholarships will be given to students who meet the following criteria:

• Have at least a 3 point grade average their senior year.
• If 18 years of age, be a registered Republican.
• If student is not 18, one parent must currently be a registered Republican.
• Must be a first year freshman Fall 2015 semester.
• Must be a resident of Muskogee County.

Students meeting the above criteria may email muskogeerepublicans@gmail.com
or mail a completed application to P.O. Box 2278, Muskogee, OK 74402, no later than Monday, March 23rd. An appointment will then be set for an interview with the MCRP Scholarship Committee prior to April 3rd.

Public announcement of scholarship winners will be made at the 2015 Lincoln-Reagan Dinner hosted by the Muskogee County Republican Party on Thursday, April 9th , at the Muskogee Civic Center. The keynote speaker will be U.S. Senator James Lankford. Scholarship recipients are requested to attend and will receive free admission for themselves and their parents.

Applications are available at every Muskogee County highschool or online at MuskogeeRepublicans.org/downloads.

Coming Soon: Answers from the OKGOP Chair Candidates

Coming soon, I will be posting answers from a questionnaire I sent to the three announced candidates for Oklahoma Republican Party chairman - incumbent chairman Dave Weston, OFRW President Pam Pollard, and former State Senator Randy Brogdon.

Some of the topics they will be addressing include their top priorities, their view of the Chairman's duties, fundraising, and how to increase Oklahoma's influence in the 2016 presidential primary.

Stay tuned!