A Blogging Milestone: 9 Years

9 years ago this evening, I started MuskogeePolitico. I was 18 at the time. A lot has changed in the intervening years -- I've bought a house, gotten married, become a father (with our second now on the way), spent time in the hospital with an emergency appendectomy... and kept on blogging.

Since starting this site, I've published 2,109 posts, and received 1,028 reader comments. In 2011, my blog was named one of the top three political blogs in Oklahoma. Since 2008, my posts have been referenced in major newspapers, and my readers have included sitting members of Congress and state Supreme Court justices.

Through my blogging, I've made friends and connections across the country that I otherwise would not have met. It's been a great experience.

Sometimes, "real" life gets in the way of blogging. Blogging is not how I make a living to provide for my family (but if you'd like to help out and advertise, let me know!), so while my posts may be infrequent at times, I do my best to keep at it regularly.

Whether you agree with my opinions or not, I'm grateful that you stopped by to read them.

Thanks for a great 9 years, and I look forward to more to come!

Jamison Faught
Blogger, MuskogeePolitico.com

Music Monday: Fanfare for the Common Man

This week's Music Monday is Fanfare for the Common Man, by American composer Aaron Copland.

Enjoy!



Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.

Clean Pro celebrates 30 years this week, ribbon-cutting Thursday

Clean Pro and owners George and Becky Faught are celebrating 30 years in the carpet cleaning and disaster restoration industry this week. Come join the Clean Pro team on Thursday morning from 11am to noon for a celebratory ribbon-cutting at the greenspace across from the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy cookies and lemonade, and receive a 10% off coupon for your next carpet or tile cleaning.

For more information, call 918-686-0222 or visit facebook.com/CleanProMuskogee.

Dana Murphy joins GOP race for Lieutenant Governor

Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy sent this release out earlier today, announcing her candidacy for Lieutenant Governor:

After thoughtful and prayerful consideration, as well as seeking input from my family and those who know me well, I am officially running for Lieutenant Governor.

Over the past couple of years I have faced personal challenges from the unexpected death of my youngest brother to subsequent serious health issues with other family members. The professional challenges have been many as well, from ongoing budget shortfalls to dealing with seismicity to keeping utility rates affordable and reliable for Oklahomans.
My skills as a problem solver have been honed in these times of adversity. Now, more than ever, our state needs an energetic and proven problem solver who is ready to work and partner with others to solve our state's problems.

It is time we address the roots of long-standing problems instead of continuing to treat symptoms of these problems. I am a 5th generation Oklahoma ready to move this position beyond its traditional role to be a part of a new plan for our state that comes from different thinking, planning and resolving.

I can't do this without you. I would be honored to have your support and prayers as I begin this campaign journey. As I have always done, I will be a good steward of your contribution by running a highly efficient, personal and energetic campaign. One I intend to win with your help!

Please help me start strong and build momentum by contributing today. From $1 to $2,700, it all works together to make a difference, just like Oklahomans do. You can donate online or by completing this form and sending it with your check to Friends of Dana Murphy 2018, P.O. Box 7552, Edmond, OK 73013. You can sign up to volunteer here.

Your past support and encouragement, in the best and worst of times, has enabled and empowered me to become the dedicated and proven servant leader I am today. For those of you who have and will continue to support me, I express my deepest and most heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

Gratefully,

Dana Murphy

P.S. Please like my Facebook page.


Murphy joins fellow GOP candidates Dominique Block, Eddie Fields, and Matt Pinnell.

Insurance Commish Doak endorses Hern for Congress

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak Endorses Kevin Hern For Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional Seat

Tulsa, OK – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak has endorsed Kevin Hern for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional Seat being vacated by Representative Jim Bridenstine who has declared to not seek re-election in 2018.

"I am proud to endorse Kevin Hern for the 1st congressional seat,” stated Commissioner John Doak. “Kevin is the right man at the right time – we need a conservative, business-minded leader who has the know-how to take the power back from the federal government and return it to the people. I am excited about supporting Kevin because he has the understanding to untangle the healthcare insurance mess with free-market solutions."

John Doak was elected Oklahoma’s Insurance Commissioner in 2010 and was re-elected to his second term in 2014. Doak is a member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) where he serves as the chairman of both the Property and Casualty Insurance Committee and the Antifraud Task Force.

“I am humbled and encouraged to have received the endorsement of Commissioner Doak in my race for Congress,” said Hern. “The best quality and choice of care is given through a free-market driven healthcare system. It is that type of free-market system Americans appreciate about our options in healthcare, not federal government over-regulation. I have lived this out by creating self-insured programs in my company, and I will take these innovative free-market solutions to Congress.”

As the owner of KTAK Corporation, Kevin leads the operations that own ten McDonald’s restaurants that employ over 400 people in the Tulsa area. Kevin has served in various regional and national leadership positions within the McDonald’s Franchise System. Most recently, he served 5 years as the Chairman of the Systems Economic Team for over 3,000 franchisees that own all 15,000 restaurants across the entire country.

State Sen. Eddie Fields announces Lieut. Gov. campaign

Senator Eddie Fields Announces Campaign for Lt. Governor

WYNONA: State Senator Eddie Fields, a rancher and small businessman from Osage County, announced today his intention to run for Lieutenant Governor in 2018. Oklahoma's current Lieutenant Governor, Todd Lamb, is term-limited and seeking the Republican nomination for Governor.

Fields was first elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 2010. Prior to that he served one term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Rules Committee and Chair of Appropriations Subcommittee of Natural Resources and Regulatory and Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

"For me public service isn't about a new title or a stepping stone to higher office, but rather about improving the quality of life for every Oklahoman. In the legislature, I have worked hard to advance our shared conservative values, to make Oklahoma a more business friendly state and fought to keep our rural schools strong," stated Senator Fields.

Fields graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Agri-Business. He and his wife Christina have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of three daughters; Tailor, Jacie and Tristan. Christina has been a public school teacher in Oklahoma for more than 20 years.

Fields went on to add, "as Lieutenant Governor, I'll focus on the things which really matter to the people of our great state: increasing jobs, enhancing economic development, improving healthcare, making government more efficient, promoting Oklahoma's growing tourism industry and working with legislators, parents and teachers to improve our schools.

"I have a unique perspective and trusted record of experience as both a legislator, a small businessman and leader on agricultural issues. Our Lieutenant Governor also serves as the President of the Senate; thereby helping to oversee the Senate and serving as a vital part of the legislative process. I've been on the frontlines in the Oklahoma Legislature for nine years and know how to fight and win the tough battles necessary for Oklahoma to become a better place to live, work and raise a family.  I am proud to call Oklahoma my home," stated Fields.

Fields joins fellow Republican candidates Matt Pinnell and Dominique Block in seeking the position of Lieutenant Governor.

Music Monday: Variations on 'Happy Birthday'

For my daughter's birthday today, this week's Music Monday is Variations on Happy Birthday to You, by pianist/comedian Victor Borge. Borge plays the song in the style of eleven different composers: Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Frederic Chopin, Johannes Brahms, Franz Liszt, Johann Sebastian Bach, Richard Wagner, Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss, Irving Berlin & Aram Khachaturian.

Enjoy!



Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.

Former State Rep. Dan Fisher to seek GOP gubernatorial nomination

Former state representative Dan Fisher (R-El Reno) has filed a statement of organization with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission indicating his intent to run for Governor. Fisher served two terms in the State House (first elected in 2012), but did not seek reelection in 2016.

He joins fellow Republican candidates OKC Mayor Mick Cornett, State Auditor Gary Jones, Lieut. Gov. Todd Lamb, and attorney Gary Richardson.

On the Democratic side, candidates so far are attorney Norman Brown, former Attorney General Drew Edmondson, House Minority Leader Scott Inman, former State Sen. Connie Johnson. Libertarians Rex Lawhorn and Joseph Maldonado are also running.

House Insurance Committee Chair Endorses Glen Mulready

House Insurance Committee Chair Endorses Glen Mulready

TULSA, OK - Chairman of the House Insurance Committee, Rep. Lewis Moore (R-Arcadia), has endorsed Glen Mulready and his bid to be Oklahoma's next Insurance Commissioner.

"Glen Mulready and I have served on the House Insurance Committee together for the last seven years," said Moore. "I worked closely with him when he chaired the committee, and over the last year as I have chaired the committee, to implement numerous legislative reforms aimed at improving our state's business climate while also safeguarding consumers. I cannot think of anyone more knowledgeable when it comes to our state's insurance laws and I am proud to endorse him to be our state's next Insurance Commissioner."

Representative Moore was elected to the Oklahoma legislature in 2008 and represents portions of Oklahoma County, including his hometown of Edmond.

"I am honored to receive Rep. Moore's endorsement," said Mulready. "We have worked closely together in the legislature and his support is humbling. He is an experienced insurance professional and I look forward to continuing to work with him should I be elected to lead the Insurance Department.

Mulready spent 13 years on the executive teams of Oklahoma’s two largest health insurance companies and for the last eight years has been self-employed as an independent broker working with businesses of all sizes. He has worked in the insurance industry for more than 33 years.

Mulready was first elected to represent House District 68 as a Republican in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as a Majority Floor Leader.

State Rep. Carol Bush (R) endorses Horn (D) for Congress

photo credit: @JustinWingerter

On Thursday, July 13th, Democrat candidate Kendra Horn kicked off her campaign for Congress in the 5th District, seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Congressman Steve Russell.

State Rep. Carol Bush (RINO-Tulsa) attended the event to give her endorsement to the Democrat candidate, calling Horn "authentic" (according to a reporter from the Oklahoman).

Bush made headlines at the end of last year when she gave an interview that sounded like a left-wing Democrat. After sending an apology to the Republican caucus for her comments, she then claimed to have been misquoted -- something the publisher strongly disputed.

source: Kendra Horn for Congress

Bush defeated a conservative Republican in the 2016 primary, then showed her true Republican In Name Only colors after the election. Hopefully, a real conservative will challenge and defeat her in the 2018 election.

Brief Blogging Bullets

Blogging has been on partial-hold due to vacation, so here are some brief blogging bullets to catch up on some of what's happened in the week or so.

• Democrats won both special elections on Tuesday, July 11th:
• Democrat Michael Brooks defeated Republican Joe Griffin in SD44 by a vote of 54.6% to 45.4%. The district has a Republican District Rating of 49.6 (30th most-Republican/18th most-Democrat; 11 GOP-held seats have lower scores, 1 Democrat seat has a higher score), and combining past history with the tremendous baggage of ex-Sen. Ralph Shortey's scandal means this outcome wasn't exactly shocking.
• Democrat Karen Gaddis defeated Republican Tressa Nunley in HD75 by a vote of 52.3% to 47.7%. The district has a Republican District Rating of 56.3 (40th most-Republican/61st most-Democrat), making this the most Republican State House seat held by Democrats. Gaddis' victory caught many people by surprise, but again, this special election was the result of another scandal. The Democrats have an unbeaten record in recent years in scandal-caused special elections, but will it translate into more widespread victories in the regularly-scheduled general election? Only time will tell.
• Edmond education activist and self-described Republican Angela Clark Little "joined with former Gov. David Walters and a who's who of Democratic luminaries to help raise money for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Drew Edmondson."
• Tulsa businessman Kevin Stitt has joined the GOP race for Governor. Stitt is the founder and CEO of Gateway Mortgage Group.
• State Rep. Leslie Osborn was replaced as A&B Chair by Speaker McCall today. A&B Vice-Chair Kevin Wallace will be the new budget chairman. Ironically and rather bizarrely, Democrat leaders are speaking out in support of Osborn.
• A new Oklahoma Republican political consulting firm has launched - Tomahawk Strategies principals include former AFP-OK director and Trump campaign leader Stuart Jolley.
• State Rep. John Michael Montgomery is running for SD32, the lone Democrat-held seat west of I-35 (open seat in 2018 due to term limits)
• Lieut. Governor candidate Matt Pinnell raised over $300k in his first ten weeks as a candidate, including donations from all 50 states.

Doak, Bridenstine endorse Mulready for Insurance Commissioner

State Rep. Glen Mulready, Republican candidate for Insurance Commissioner, announced two major endorsements in the past week:

Insurance Commissioner John Doak Endorses Glen Mulready  

TULSA, OK – Today, Insurance Commissioner John Doak endorsed Glen Mulready and his bid to become his successor at the Oklahoma Insurance Department.

“I cannot think of anyone more suited to be our state’s next Insurance Commissioner than Glen Mulready,” stated Insurance Commissioner John Doak. “I have known and worked with Glen for many years in the insurance industry. In his role as the Chairman of the House Insurance Committee, we have continued to work together on many legislative reforms aimed at safeguarding consumers and creating a more robust business climate. Glen Mulready is the kind of experienced, trusted conservative we need as our next Insurance Commissioner and I am honored to support him.”

John Doak was elected Oklahoma’s 12th Insurance Commissioner in 2011 and was re-elected to his second term in 2015. He is active in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) where he serves as the Chair of the Property and Casualty Insurance Committee and the Antifraud Task Force. Doak is also a member of the Association’s Government Relations Leadership Council, the International Relations Leadership Group and is an NAIC representative to the International Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Prior to being elected, Doak worked in the insurance in Tulsa for 30 years.
“I am honored to receive Commissioner Doak’s endorsement,” said Mulready. “It is encouraging to know that he believes I am the right candidate to fill his shoes at the Insurance Department and I look forward to visiting with Oklahomans across the state about my vision for the department over the coming months.”

Commissioner Doak’s endorsement comes just three days after Mulready was also endorsed by 1st District Congressman Jim Bridenstine.

Mulready spent 13 years on the executive teams of Oklahoma’s two largest health insurance companies and for the last eight years has been self-employed as an independent broker working with businesses of all sizes. He has worked in the insurance industry for more than 33 years.

Mulready has also led numerous efforts to reform our state’s insurance laws in his capacity as a state legislator. He was first elected to represent House District 68 as a Republican in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as a Majority Floor Leader.


On the 11th, Mulready sent out the following endorsement announcement: 

Congressman Bridenstine Endorses Glen Mulready for Insurance Commissioner

TULSA, OK – Congressman Jim Bridenstine has endorsed Glen Mulready for Insurance Commissioner after he announced last week that he had filed his Statement of Organization to form a campaign committee with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.

"I am proud to endorse Glen Mulready for Insurance Commissioner,” stated Congressman Jim Bridenstine, “Glen is a principled leader with more than 33 years of experience working in the insurance industry and seven years as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Glen Mulready will be a great Insurance Commissioner."

Congressman Jim Bridenstine was elected to represent Oklahoma’s First Congressional District in 2012. He is a veteran of the United States Navy, where he flew combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving active duty and prior to being elected to Congress, Bridenstine returned to Tulsa to serve as the Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium.

“I am honored to have received the endorsement of Congressman Bridenstine in the first few days of my campaign for Insurance Commissioner,” said Mulready. “He is a respected lawmaker and his support is humbling and encouraging as I begin traveling the state and visiting with Oklahomans about my experience and vision for the Insurance Department in the coming months.”

Mulready spent 13 years on the executive teams of Oklahoma’s two largest health insurance companies and for the last eight years has been self-employed as an independent broker working with businesses of all sizes. He has worked in the insurance industry for more than 33 years.

Mulready has also led numerous efforts to reform the state’s insurance laws in his capacity as a state legislator. He was first elected to represent House District 68 as a Republican in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as a Majority Floor Leader.

Economist Brian Jackson to run against Mullin following term limits violation

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Economist Brian Jackson Vies for Mullin’s Seat

‎

Muskogee, OK—In March of 2017, Brian Jackson soft launched his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives from OK District 2, the seat currently held by Representative Markwayne Mullin. Dr. Jackson is currently a professor at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah with a Ph. D. in Economics from Oklahoma State University.

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While Brian is thankful to have had a fellow Republican in Congress since 2013, he believes it is time for the second district to elect a new, more conservative representative. He intends to prevent Rep. Mullin from breaking his term-limit pledge by defeating him during the Republican primary election expected in June of 2018.

‎ Brian will be releasing a promotional video to advertise on his Facebook page later today. Although production for the video began on July 3, it is expected that Rep. Mullin’s announcement on July 4 will encourage voters to share the video, as Brian’s message will present a viable alternative to the incumbent. He explains that he wants to fight “for free markets and a free people” by “[going] to Washington to fight for, protect, and defend those freedoms that were handed to us from our parents, so that we can in turn hand them to our children: the right to free speech, assembly, and the practice of religion; the right to bear arms; and the right to life in the first place—even for the voiceless preborn child.”

‎

Following the release of the video, Brian will be speaking at the 2nd Congressional District Republican Meeting on Saturday, July 15. The event will take place at the Northside Assembly of God Church in McAlester, OK and is scheduled for 11:00am to 1:00pm.

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‎ For further information, please contact Brian directly at brian@jacksonforcongress.com, or visit his campaign website or Facebook page.

Music Monday: Summer (Presto) from Vivaldi's Four Seasons

This week's Music Monday is Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "L'estate" (Summer), Movement III: Presto, from 18th-century Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi's famous Four Seasons suite.

Enjoy!




Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.

State Chamber endorses Chambers in HD46 special election

STATE CHAMBER ENDORSES DARIN CHAMBERS IN HD-46 RACE

July 6, 2017 -- The Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce is encouraging voters to elect conservative Republican Darin Chambers in next week's special election primary for House District 46.

"Darin Chambers will be a champion for Oklahoma businesses," says State Chamber spokesman, Jonathan Buxton.  "We know he will be a pro-business legislator focused on making Oklahoma a better place to live and do business.  He will support meaningful reforms that help create quality jobs and opportunities for hardworking Oklahomans.  Darin Chambers understands the issues facing Oklahoma businesses and has the experience needed to lead on these issues."

Darin Chambers believes voters will take this endorsement seriously because, in light of our current budget crisis, the legislature desperately needs the insight of an experienced and successful businessman.

"I have spent my post-military career teaching businesses how to increase efficiency and eliminate wasteful spending," Darin Chambers says.  "I want to bring my business experience to the State Capitol  because we need it now more than ever.  The Oklahoma legislature already has plenty of former State employees voting on how to spend our tax money and we have seen the results.  I will demand strict fiscal accountability for every dollar just as I do for my business and my home."

Darin Chambers is a Navy veteran, graduated from OU with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1991, and earned his MBA from UCLA in 1999.  Chambers now teaches upper-level engineering classes at OU, drawing on his experiences as a general manager for a global services firm working with top executives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.  He and his wife, Dianne, live in Norman with their two daughters and two foster children.

The House District 46 special primary election is July 11th and the general election will be September 12th.

For more information on Darin Chambers visit his Facebook page at Darin Chambers for State Representative District 46 or www.ChambersforStateRep.com.

Rep. Cleveland Issues Statement On Bureau of Investigation’s Audit Request

Rep. Cleveland Issues Statement On Bureau of Investigation’s Audit Request

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Bobby Cleveland released the following statement today after hearing Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Director Stan Florence had requested an agency performance audit by the State Auditor and Inspector.

“I’m relieved to hear Director Florence asked State Auditor Gary Jones for help in this area,” said Cleveland, R-Slaughterville. “It’s clear he wants to improve his agency, and I’m happy he’s taking immediate steps to do so.

“After reviewing numerous complaints from OSBI employees, I’m confident Jones will find areas in need of improvement. The agency will receive nearly $12 million this year from the state of Oklahoma, and we need to ensure our citizens are seeing a good return on investment. The performance audit is an important step in the right direction, and I’ll be anxiously awaiting the results.”

Trump vs. CNN, Indiana Jones-style

Following the now-infamous satirical video of Trump body-slamming CNN to the ground, some folks have taken it upon themselves to come up with other versions. The above screenshots are from my personal favorite, planting Trump and CNN in the famous Raiders of the Lost Ark scene. View the hilarious video here.

In other news, blogging here will be a bit slow for the next two weeks, so take advantage of the other sites and blogs I've linked to on the sidebar. SoonerPolitics.org is a good one for Oklahoma-based news, as well as TheOkie.com and McCarvilleReport.com. HotAir.com, RedState.com, and TheResurgent.com are great places to look for national news.

Tom Coburn reacts to Markwayne Mullin breaking term limits pledge

Dr. Tom Coburn was interviewed yesterday morning on 1170 KFAQ by talk show host Pat Campbell, reacting to Congressman Markwayne Mullin's announcement that he will be running for a 4th term and break his oft-repeated term limits pledge.

Here's the audio of the interview:



A few highlights:

• "I think it's bad for Oklahoma, and I think it's bad for Markwayne Mullin"
• "[Mullin's recent actions show that] the arrogance of power has affected his thinking, and when a man's word doesn't mean anything, nothing else matters."
• Mullin has "drunk the [Washington DC] kool-aid"
• Coburn voiced support for Jarrin Jackson, who challenged Mullin in 2016, should he decide to make another run at the seat

Pinnell to speak to Muskogee GOP this evening

From Muskogee County GOP chairman Rob Raasch:

The Muskogee County Republican Club is hosting Matt Pinnell, candidate for Lt. Governor, at Cowboy's BBQ (401 N. York St.) at 6pm. Matt is the former Oklahoma State Republican Party Chair, worked for the RNC as the National State Party Director, and ran the Trump campaign for the RNC for all 50 states. It's open to the public, so please bring friends to meet Matt Pinnell!

State Sen. Fields files for LtGov, State Rep. McDaniel for Treasurer

Following State Rep. Mulready announcing his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner, I decided to take a look and see if anybody new had indicated their intent to run for other statewide offices. Sure enough, there were some new names. While no official announcements have been made to my knowledge, two more state legislators recently filed Statements of Organization with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission for statewide offices in the 2018 election.

On the 28th, State Sen. Eddie Fields (R-Wynona) filed paperwork for a Lieutenant Governor campaign, joining fellow Republicans Matt Pinnell and Dominique Block.

State Rep. Randy McDaniel (R-OKC) filed his statement of candidacy for State Treasurer on the 13th.

With every statewide seat up for grabs due to term-limits (minus the State Superintendent and Corporation Commission), expect more state legislators to throw their hats in the ring for the various offices.

State Rep. Glen Mulready files for Insurance Commissioner

Glen Mulready Files Statement of Organization for Insurance Commissioner

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Long-time insurance professional Glen Mulready filed a ‘Statement of Organization’ with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission over the weekend to form the Friends of Glen Mulready, 2018 campaign committee. The committee will support the Tulsa businessman’s 2018 campaign for Insurance Commissioner.

“I have spent my career creating insurance solutions for large and small businesses alike and after thoughtful and prayerful consideration with my wife, Sally, I have formed a campaign committee so that I may travel across the state talking to Oklahomans about how I can apply my experience to help safeguard them as their next Insurance Commissioner,” Mulready said.

Mulready spent 13 years on the executive teams of Oklahoma’s two largest health insurance companies and for the last eight years has been self-employed as an independent broker working with businesses of all sizes. He has worked in the insurance industry for more than 33 years.

Mulready has also led numerous efforts to reform the state’s insurance laws in his capacity as a state legislator. He was first elected to represent House District 68 as a Republican in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as the Majority Floor Leader.

Vaughn Graham, President of Rich & Cartmill, will serve as the chair of Friends of Glen Mulready, 2018 and Gip Gibson, President of Commerce Bank, will serve as the Treasurer.

Lamb raises $1.08M in 2Q, sets GOP gubernatorial fundraising record

Oklahomans for Lamb Sets Fundraising Record

Over $1.081 Million Raised During Second Quarter Reporting Period

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, July 5, 2017 – Oklahomans for Lamb announced today it raised over $1.081 million during the April 1 – June 30 second quarter campaign reporting period in support of Todd Lamb’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign.  The total is a record for a Republican gubernatorial candidate during a campaign reporting period. The report includes donations from Oklahomans across the state. Lamb raised over $250,000 in April, over $305,000 in May, and culminated the reporting period by raising over $520,000 in June. Lamb’s campaign began the election cycle with over $1 million, and now has over $1.9 million on hand.            

Lamb said, “I am extremely pleased with our fundraising effort during the second quarter, and look forward to a strong third quarter as well.  Next year’s campaign for governor will be very expensive, especially with several candidates on both sides of the political aisle in the race.  To thoroughly inform our citizens of my plan to renew Oklahoma, fundraising is a necessary component, as is a strong and dedicated grassroots organization which I am proud to say is growing daily.  I am humbled by the support I have received and sincerely thank every Oklahoman who has donated financially or volunteered to assist my campaign to this point. I will continue to meet and speak with as many voters as possible during the remainder of the campaign.”

Keith Beall, Oklahomans for Lamb campaign manager commented, “I have been involved in and observed numerous statewide political campaigns over the past 25 years, and this fundraising effort is certainly the most ever by a Republican gubernatorial candidate within a campaign reporting period. Perhaps most telling is our strongest month was June which is after all other candidates entered the primary.  It is just one validation that citizens from across Oklahoma strongly support Todd Lamb’s candidacy and his vision for Oklahoma’s future.”

Oklahomans interested in contributing or volunteering to Oklahomans for Lamb may visit VoteToddLamb.com, telephone the campaign headquarters at 405.252.4289 or email at info@VoteToddLamb.com.

Mullin officially says he's running for 4th term, breaking term limits pledge

2nd District Congressman Markwayne Mullin released a video today announcing his plans to run for re-election in 2018, acknowledging his intent to break his term limits pledge.

The video was "moderated" by former KFAQ radio host Eddie Huff, and featured Mullin and his wife Christie talking about his decision.



I've been pretty vocal with my disagreement regarding Mullin, but I take no pleasure in seeing a man so flippantly break his word. I have a difficult time respecting someone who repeatedly pledges one thing, and then turns around and does the opposite. That's the problem grassroots conservatives have had with the powers-that-be in Washington, who pledge their adherence to conservative principles only to betray us at every turn.

He says in his video that the "easy decision was not to run again". I disagree. The easy, DC-motivated political decision was to run for a fourth and consecutive terms with the power of incumbency. The hard thing, politically, is to keep a term limits pledge (like Tom Coburn did in 2000).

Former Congressman J.C. Watts spoke to the Muskogee GOP in 2010, and during his speech he said that his biggest regret from his time in politics was when he was seduced by the applause and broke his term limits pledge.

I remember speaking with one of the big figures in Oklahoma Republican politics who was there, and he told me that it was the first time he'd ever heard Watts publicly say that. Watts said that he had made a pledge before God and to his constituents, and when he broke it that fourth term became his worst time in office politically and with his family.

I can't say I'm surprised at Mullin's announcement -- I've said before that I fully expected this -- but I am disappointed and saddened to see yet another elected official break a clear and repeated promise to his constituents.

Keeping one's word is out of style and not political expedient, but it's always the right thing to do.

Music Monday: Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame

Right in time for Independence Day fireworks displays, this week's Music Monday is the hilarious Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame, by the internet comedy duo Rhett & Link.

Enjoy!



Click to go below the page break to see all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.