CMA Strategies celebrates 100% win rate

CMA Strategies Clients Celebrate Big Wins on Election Night

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The consulting team at CMA Strategies led their clients to election success last night, winning every race they were involved in.

After being involved with the issue for six years, the CMA team helped navigate State Question 792 to victory, resulting in unprecedented modernization to the state’s alcohol laws. CMA was responsible for the campaign’s strategy and messaging, including advocating to voters that passage would ultimately benefit the Oklahoma economy and provide convenience for consumers. CMA was also involved in the legislative effort to get the state question on the ballot. SQ 792 passed with 66% of the vote.

Another CMA Strategies client who came out of election night with a win was the Oklahoma Deserves Better Coalition, the group who advocated against the education sales tax increase. With only weeks to put together a coalition, strategy, message and a team to execute the plan, CMA turned the tables on SQ 779.

In late-September, polls showed the state question easily passing with more than 60% of vote. However, the team at CMA successfully conveyed to voters through an aggressive paid and earned media campaign the holes in the ballot language. The campaign focused on the impact passage would ultimately have on the economy, without helping teachers the way it was promised to. On election night, SQ 779 failed with 59% of the vote.

CMA also worked for the independent expenditure group, the Oklahoma Federation for Children Action Fund, which had a very successful night, electing 14 candidates supportive of school choice to the Oklahoma Legislature, demonstrating the people of Oklahoma overwhelmingly support needed changes to the education system that empower parents to choose the highest quality education for their children.

The Maintain OKC Schools Committee, formed to help pass three bond issues benefitting Oklahoma City Public Schools, also worked with CMA. The campaign focused on the “Yes the Yellow Ballot” message highlighting the need to protect funding for school infrastructure, transportation and technology. Each of the bond issues passed with more than the 60% of the vote required.

Other CMA 2016 general election clients included Congressman Tom Cole, Congressman Mike Pompeo, and the Oklahoma Judicial Information Network. All CMA clients were victorious on election night, leading the firm to a 100% win rate.

CMA Strategies is led by principals Sharon Caldwell and Pat McFerron and associates Matt Ball and Keili McEwen. Alyssa Loza, Mike Gunter and Karla Jackson provide creative and administrative support.

Tidwell replaces Ball as AFP-OK State Director

AFP Oklahoma Announces New State Director

Matt Ball Pursues New Opportunity; John Tidwell Joins AFP November 1

OKLAHOMA CITY - Americans for Prosperity (AFP) – Oklahoma, the Sooner state’s leading grassroots advocate for economic freedom and limited government, announced that Matt Ball would be stepping down and John Tidwell will be named State Director beginning November 1.

“I am proud to have served as State Director for AFP,” Ball said.  “This organization’s mission to fight for economic freedom, free markets, and limited government is absolutely critical to preserving the future of America and our great state.  We have built strong momentum as a state chapter and I am confident my successor will continue that momentum into 2014 and beyond," continued Ball.

"John Tidwell brings our organization a true passion for free market policies and a background of fighting for entrepreneurs throughout Oklahoma.  His leadership will be key in taking our organization to the next level fighting for taxpayers against government overreach and misguided public policy."

Tidwell has worked in Oklahoma politics for nearly two decades. He worked as director of communications for Congressman John Sullivan for 12 years and more recently as a Senior Account Executive at Jones Public Relations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, a free-market public relations firm.

AFP President Tim Phillips said the following: “Matt is a dedicated defender of economic freedom and he has charted a winning strategic direction for our Oklahoma state chapter.  We wish him well in his new opportunity and we are equally ready to have John Tidwell assume the State Director role in Oklahoma to build upon past success and grow our presence for the future."

Ball will leave AFP effective October 31st and will begin his new position as Director of Corporate Affairs for CMA Strategies, November 1st and John Tidwell will assume the role of State Director on the 1st.

[Blogger's note: Ball leaves AFP-OK after a rather brief stint in the position, having replaced previous director Stuart Jolly at the end of February. Jolly served as state director for six years.]