The Death of Honor in the GOP

Being a Republican used to mean something. A higher standard of conduct was demanded and expected. Honesty and integrity were commonplace. We policed our own. We were "the Party of Family Values".

Looking at the news today, one can witness the death of honor in the Republican Party.

It's indicative of the culture at large, in one sense. A society that increasingly rejects God and His standards will elect men and women who do the same. To paraphrase Scripture, they profess one thing with their lips but prove another with their actions. However, our inherently sinful nature does not excuse wrong actions.

Here are just a few examples I'm thinking of.

Republicans in Congress spent seven years claiming they would "Repeal and Replace" ObamaCare as soon as they were given control of the U.S. House U.S. Senate White House. American voters gave them everything they asked for, but when the time came, they were unprepared and unwilling to do what they had promised to do for seven years and four election cycles. They lied to the American public. They said what they needed to in order to get elected, never intending to actually follow through, otherwise they would have been prepared to act when they time came.

You can even look at the nomination of Donald Trump, a man with a crude and immoral past, who exhibited no change on the campaign trail, belittling and demeaning those who opposed him, and who fabricated and circulated false and (to be honest) slanderous quotes and stories about his GOP competitors.

Oklahoma Congressman Markwayne Mullin made a pledge to run for only three terms in Congress. He repeated that promise numerous times and through his re-election campaigns. Now, he brazenly breaks it without remorse, and expects us to be fine with it.

Republicans in the Oklahoma Legislature have seen unprecedented scandal and outrage in the past two years, and last eight months in particular. A state representative resigned after allegations he sexual harassed his assistant. A full ten percent of the State Senate GOP caucus has left office for crimes: one state senator went to federal prison for embezzlement of nearly two million dollars, another is likely going to prison for a very long time due to child prostitution and child porn, another broke campaign finance laws by embezzling $100,000 from his campaign for his private use, and another just resigned and was charged with sexual battery after previously getting in trouble for drinking and driving. The governor's chief finance officer has had repeated drunk driving charges, and still holds his position. Several former legislators have had run-ins with the law, or are rumored to have not sought re-election in order to avoid scandal coming to light.

Three other state representatives ran for office, only to turn around and resign to take private sector jobs within as little as 24 days of being re-elected. They spent time and money asking voters to elect them to represent them, then spurned that duty in favor of greener pastures. They thus denied their constituents of the representation they voted for and cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by causing special elections.

Republican candidates (nationwide and in Oklahoma) spend millions of dollars on the campaign trail touting conservative principles, only to betray those values when they get in office. The pressure from leadership, lobbyists, and groups desperate for more government taxpayer money, along with the siren call of power, is too much for them to withstand. They take the easy road, tossing aside their campaign rhetoric (which they neither believed nor intended to keep) -- and along with it what voters expected them to do based on what they were promised.


All of this, and Republican Party leaders and elected officials (by and large) just shrug, and say "well, look at the Democrats."  That's not good enough. The Party of personal responsibility needs some serious self-examination. Democrats aren't the ones who have been in the Oklahoma news these last two years with scandal after scandal. Democrats get in Congress and do what they said they would do.

The responsibility doesn't lie solely with the candidates and elected officials; we, the voters share some of that blame, because we've fallen for the slick campaigning and elected and re-elected these individuals. "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me."

The Republican Party needs to clean up house from top to bottom. If the elected officials won't do it, then Party officials need to speak up. The silence has been deafening.

Voters have a responsibility to weigh the actions of each elected official against what they pledged to do and against what they ought to do, and throw them out if they fail to match the standard. If we don't do our duty, we can expect the Republican house to begin to crumble.

Newberry resigns from State Senate, creates 7th vacant legislative seat this term

Whether it's failing to oppose unconstitutional tax hikes or simply serving out their entire term in elected office, it appears that the Oklahoma Legislature is full of individuals who are unwilling to fulfill their pledge of service to the people. State Sen. Dan Newberry has submitted his irrevocable resignation from office, to "pursue a promotion in his professional career".

Newberry was re-elected to a four-year last November. Let me say that again - just seven months ago, he spent over $336,000 and asked his constituents to send him to represent them for four years in the State Senate. Voters trusted his offer, and gave him the seat.

This creates the seventh empty seat in the state legislature since the 2016 election. The other vacancies are State Rep. Tom Newell (for a private sector job), State Rep. Dan Kirby (sexual harassment allegations), State Rep. Scott Martin (for private sector job), State Sen. Ralph Shortey (child prostitution arrest), State Sen. Kyle Loveless (campaign finance violations investigation). State Rep. David Brumbaugh's sudden passing created another vacancy requiring a special election.

All have been Republicans; four in the State House, and now three in the State Senate. This is getting out of hand. I hope the State Election Board got a significant boost in funding in the recently-passed state budget since legislators themselves are causing extra expense for them.

Here's the Newberry press release:

Sen. Dan Newberry resigns Senate seat to pursue professional promotion

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, is resigning his seat to pursue a promotion in his professional career. Newberry’s resignation will be effective January 31, 2018. The governor must set a date for a special election to replace Newberry.

“It has been a true honor to serve as the senator from District 37. I want to thank my wife, my children, family and friends for their unwavering support during my service in the Senate,” Newberry said.  “Just as importantly, I want to thank the citizens of District 37 for placing your trust in me to represent you at the Capitol for nearly 10 years.

Newberry was first elected as senator from District 37 in 2008, and was re-elected in 2012 and 2016. He and his wife, Laura, have four children: Claire, Paige, Eva and Alex. Newberry is an executive at the Tulsa Teachers’ Credit Union.

During his time in the Senate, Newberry was known as a conservative champion and an advocate for small business, most recently serving as chairman of the Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee.

“This wasn’t an easy decision to make—however, Laura and I have made the difficult but necessary decision to focus on the needs of our family.  While we are optimistic about this new chapter in our lives, we are equally excited for the State of Oklahoma,” Newberry said.  “I am certain the people of District 37 will choose a wise leader to help steward this great state to a prosperous future.  I will miss serving in the senate, but will work with my successor to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted representation for the district.”

Newberry said he’d miss the many friends he made during his time in the upper chamber of the State Legislature.

“I can say without any hesitation that the men and women serving in the Oklahoma Senate – regardless of their party affiliation – are some of the most honorable and dedicated public servants who work each day to make Oklahoma an even better place. I will miss my Senate family, but will be praying and cheering them on as they continue to make Oklahoma the best place to work, live, and play.”

Newberry led recent reforms of the state’s unemployment benefits program, lowering unemployment taxes paid by Oklahoma employers. The reforms also strengthened the state’s workforce system and unemployment insurance trust fund which assisted in keeping unemployment low during the recent recession.

He has received multiple awards from Americans United for Life and Oklahomans for Life for authoring legislation which protects the sanctity of human life at all stages. He established the Gold Star Medal of Honor, which is given to the spouse or family members of an American soldier killed in action since 9/11. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau named him a member of the prestigious “100 Percent Club,” and the Oklahoma State Chamber honored him with the Guardian of Free Enterprise award for championing the economic development and growth of business in our state.

Special Election: Nunley advances in HD75, Taylor holds HD28 for GOP

Results are in from today's special elections in HD28 and HD75, and it's good news for the GOP for once.

Republican Zack Taylor won the special election in HD28 to replace former Rep. Tom Newell, who resigned in early December to take a new job. Taylor received 50.48% of the vote, holding the seat for the Republican Party.

In HD75, Republican Tressa Nunley easily dispatched her three primary opponents, receiving 64.08% of the vote, and will face Democrat Karen Gaddis in the July 11th general election. This seat became vacant with the February resignation of former Rep. Dan Kirby, who left under a cloud of possible sexual harassment.

Taylor's victory in HD28 breaks a streak of GOP losses in special elections dating back to April 30th, 2015, when Democrat Kevin Matthews won the SD11 special election (no Republican filed). After that, Democrats won special elections in HD73 (no Republican filed), and rather unexpectedly HD85 and SD34.

Yazel, Faught endorse Tressa Nunley in HD75 special election

Tressa Nunley, Republican candidate in the HD75 special election to replace Dan Kirby, has received endorsements from Tulsa County Assessor Ken Yazel and State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee).

Yazel was first elected Tulsa County Assessor in 2002, winning reelection in 2006, 2010, and 2014.

Rep. Faught said, "Congratulations to our friend Tressa Nunley for following the call to run for office. She would make an excellent Representative for House District 75 - she is a strong Conservative with a compassionate heart!"

The primary will be held on May 9th. View a map of HD75 here.

Special Election Candidates in HD28 and HD75

With the resignations of Republican State Reps. Tom Newell (for a new job opportunity) and Dan Kirby (to avoid expulsion for behavior unbecoming of a legislator), special elections have been called for both seats, and candidate filing has closed.

HD28 Special Election

The winner-take-all primary is on Tuesday, March 7th. The Republican and Democratic victors will face the Libertarian candidate in the general election on May 9th. View a district map here.

• Steve Barnes (D-Wewoka). Raised $5650, spent $4729, $1521 on-hand as of 2/22.
• Billy Choate (R-Seminole). No finance reports filed.
• Yasminda Choate (D-Saskawa). Raised $5580, spent $4167, $1413 on-hand as of 2/28.
• Blake Cummings (D-Maud). Raised $6579 ($5000 loan), spent $5209, $1370 on-hand as of 2/23.
• Jason Leonard (D-Seminole). No finance reports filed.
• Mike Matlock (R-Prague). Raised $30598 ($20087 loan), spent $10276, $20321 on-hand as of 2/27.
• Daniel Matthews (R-Meeker). Raised $12135, spent $8051, $3834 on-hand as of 2/27. Supported by OCPAC and the State Chamber (ironically enough!).
• Cody Presley (L-Wewoka). No finance reports filed.
• Marilyn Rainwater (D-Seminole). Raised $3672, spent $310, $3363 on-hand as of 2/27. HD28 Democratic nominee in 2012 (37.2%), SD28 in 2014 (28.3%), and HD28 in 2016 (33.18%).
• Zack Taylor (R-Seminole) raised  $42814, spent $27543, $14771 on-hand as of 2/27. Supported by ex-Rep. Tom Newell and former U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn.

HD75 Special Election

The winner-take-all primary is on May 9th. The Republican and Democratic victors will face each other in the general election on July 11th. Filing for this race ended yesterday, so there's not much information out there on these candidates yet. View a district map here.

• Nik Berg (R-Broken Arrow) - age 21.
• Karen Gaddis (D-Tulsa) - age 67. Democratic nominee in 2016, got 40.44% of the general election vote.
• Tressa Nunley (R-Tulsa) - age 49. Supported by State Rep. George Faught.
• AJ Oatsvall (R-Tulsa) - age 32.
• Jamie Smith (D-Broken Arrow - age 29.
• Skip Steele (R-Tulsa) - age 67. City councilman from 2011-2014, defeated in 2014, lost re-match in 2016.

Facing expulsion vote, Kirby resigns (for real, this time) [UPDATED]

State Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa) has released a statement saying that he will resign from office, just a few days in advance of an expected vote to expel him from the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

"I cannot, in good conscience, continue to fight against unfounded accusations and what I believe to be unreasonable committee recommendations when the end result will ultimately be that the people of House District 75 will not have a voice at the State Capitol for the next two years. The committee has ensured that this would have been a lose-lose situation for me and my district."

Legislative leadership had said that a vote to expel Kirby would be taken before any legislation would be considered. The legislative session begins Monday, so any action would happen then (after the Governor's 'State of the State') or Tuesday.

UPDATE 1

Here is Kirby's resignation letter, which raises more questions for me:

His resignation "shall become effective Wednesday, March 1st, 2017", rather than immediately, or even before the legislative session kicks off on Monday. Will the House still move to expel?

UPDATE 2

I spoke with Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (R-OKC) about the resignation date and a vote on expulsion. While legislative leadership has not met about the issue since Kirby's resignation announcement earlier today, Rep. Echols said that if Kirby intends to still show up and participate in voting and legislative deliberations, he would expect a expulsion vote to be scheduled and taken before any major action is taken on legislation.

Committee recommends expulsion for Kirby, training and restrictions for Fourkiller

The House Rules Committee investigating sexual harassment allegations against sitting representatives is recommending expulsion for embattled State Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa) and sensitivity training for State Rep. Will Fourkiller (D-Stillwell) as well as a prohibition from interacting with the House Page program for one year.

The news just broke on Twitter (first posted) by @OklahomaWatch after a press conference that began at 1pm, and is still going on at this moment.

Here is the full press release:

Committee Recommends Expulsion for Rep. Kirby, Reprimand for Rep. Fourkiller

The bipartisan Oklahoma House of Representatives’ Special Investigation Committee released a report of its findings and recommendations today following a nearly month-long investigation into the circumstances that lead to the wrongful termination settlement agreement paid to a former employee in November out of House funds.

The Investigation Committee recommended the expulsion of Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa) from the House of Representatives.

The Committee also recommended that Rep. Will Fourkiller (D-Stilwell) attend sensitivity training and be prohibited from interacting with the House Page Program for one year.

Specifically, the Committee made the following recommendations regarding Rep. Kirby:

• Expulsion from the House of Representatives,
• Loss of Committee Chairmanship,
• Loss of Committee appointments,
• Bills authored removed from consideration,
• Loss of privileges to a legislative assistant,

Specifically, the Committee made the following recommendations regarding Rep. Fourkiller:

• Attend one-on-one sensitivity training on appropriate workplace conduct,
• Prohibited from contact with the House Page Program  for one year (though Rep. Fourkiller will still be allowed to host student pages from his district in his Capitol office.)

“This has been a difficult process, and I am thankful for the members of the Committee who participated and meticulously investigated this matter,” said Committee Chairman Josh Cockroft, R-Wanette. “This was a bipartisan effort, and every member who participated took this matter seriously and received all of the evidence with an open mind. It was a fair and thorough investigation, and the members of the Committee believe our recommendations are appropriate.”

In addition, the Committee found that the House has the legal authority – and acted upon that authority – to expend operational funds to settle the wrongful termination claim brought by a former employee.

The Committee also recommended that the Speaker establish a bipartisan committee of members to review and vote on any future legal settlements that may arise.

House Speaker McCall yesterday acted upon that recommendation, going a step further by creating the bipartisan House Expenditure Oversight Committee and authorizing it to review and authorize all large capital and/or extraordinary expenditures that exceed $15,000.

The recommendations of the Committee will now be considered by the full body of the House of Representatives. Expulsion from the House requires a two-thirds majority vote of the body, or 68 members.

Rep. Kirby should resign or be expelled

State Rep. Dan Kirby (R, Dist. 75)

State Rep. Dan Kirby (R-Tulsa) has now been accused of sexual harassment by two of his former legislative assistants. The House Rules Committee is reviewing those claims, as well as allegations against other members of the House. That investigation should continue.

The first accusation against Kirby was settled out of court, at a cost to taxpayers of nearly $45,000. After news reports uncovered the secret settlement, Kirby announced that he would resign, only to rescind that resignation several days later.

Kirby claims that the first allegation is groundless and that he will be found innocent, and that he had no idea of the situation until it hit the news. I find that hard to believe. He acknowledges that major details of the second allegation, portions of which were reported on today by the Oklahoman, are true. This includes a "consensual" (according to Kirby) relationship with his legislative assistant -- which is against the rules and practice of the House.

Kirby acknowledges conduct that is unbefitting of an Oklahoma state legislator, and is an abuse of his office as an elected official. He should resign.

If he fails to do so, the House of Representatives should follow Article V, Section 30 of the Oklahoma Constitution and expel him for disorderly and inappropriate conduct.

3 Oklahoma legislators endorse Rubio, bring total to 17

More OK Legislators Endorse Rubio, Bring Total to 17

The Marco Rubio for President Oklahoma State Chairman, Senator David Holt, has announced the names of three more Republican legislators who are endorsing U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s candidacy to become the next President of the United States.   The three join the 14 other Oklahoma legislators who have already endorsed Rubio, as well as U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin.

The three new endorsers are Senator Frank Simpson (R - Springer), Rep. Dan Kirby (R - Tulsa), and Rep. Paul Wesselhoft (R - Moore).

“While the Democrats are stuck in the 1990s, Marco Rubio is prepared and ready to lead us into the 21st Century,” said Senator Simpson.

“Senator Marco Rubio is the most effective candidate for President, that is, if we really want to win, and not just make some political statement with another candidate,” said Rep. Wesselhoft.

Said Rep. Kirby, “Marco Rubio has the intelligence, experience and creative new ideas that are needed to move America forward.  He is a leader and will be an excellent President."

The full list of 17 Oklahoma legislators and one Oklahoma Congressman who have endorsed Senator Rubio is as follows:

• Senator David Holt (R - Oklahoma City), State Chairman
• U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin (R)
• Senator Kim David (R - Porter)
• Senator Eddie Fields (R - Wynona)
• Senator Jack Fry (R - Midwest City)
• Senator A.J. Griffin (R - Guthrie)
• Senator Wayne Shaw (R - Grove)
• Senator Frank Simpson (R - Springer)
• Senator Jason Smalley (R - Stroud)
• Senator Roger Thompson (R - Okemah)
• Rep. Josh Cockroft (R - Wanette)
• Rep. Randy Grau (R - Edmond)
• Rep. Katie Henke (R - Tulsa)
• Rep. Dan Kirby (R - Tulsa)
• Rep. Terry O’Donnell (R - Tulsa)
• Rep. Leslie Osborn (R - Mustang)
• Rep. Paul Wesselhoft (R - Moore)
• Rep. Harold Wright (R - Weatherford)

With today’s announcement, Senator Rubio still has more publicly announced endorsements from Oklahoma legislators than any other candidate for President.

Senator Rubio will be a candidate in the March 1st, 2016 Oklahoma Republican presidential primary.  Senator Rubio most recently visited the state this Fall, when he paid his respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and delivered a speech outlining his energy plan.  Oklahoma supporters of Senator Rubio’s campaign can receive updates from Senator Rubio's campaign in Oklahoma by following @TeamMarcoOK on Twitter or liking TeamMarcoOK on Facebook.