Rogers invites Emerson to SD37 GOP Primary debate

Cody Rogers, Republican candidate for Senate District 37, has challenged fellow Republican candidate Chris Emerson to a live, on-air debate to be held before March 15th.

Senate District 37 is currently held by Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman, who won a 2017 special election by 29 votes. The seat opened up when Republican Senator Dan Newberry resigned to take a private-sector promotion. Given the narrow margin of victory in a special election, SD37 is a prime pick-up opportunity for the GOP.

Rogers' invitation is below:

Democrats flip SD37, GOP holds HD76 and SD45

Three legislative special elections were held today - House District 76 (vacated by Rep. David Brumbaugh's death), Senate District 37 (vacated by Sen. Dan Newberry resigning for a private sector job), and Senate District 45 (vacated by Sen. Kyle Loveless' resignation over campaign finance violations).

All three seats were Republican-held. Democrats last won SD37 in 1996 (although Nancy Riley switched from Republican to Democrat in the middle of her final term in 2006), SD45 in 1976, and never in HD76.

In HD76 (Republican District Rating of 61.9), Republican Ross Ford won with 68.35% of the vote . In SD45 (RDR of 59.5), Republican Paul Rosino got 56.78% of the vote.

In a nailbiter of a race in SD37 (RDR of 57.6), Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman defeated Republican Brian O'Hara by 31 votes, 2234 (50.35%) to 2203 (49.65%). The vote was close enough that O'Hara might seek a recount; either way, due to Newberry's resignation date being January 31st, 2018, the winner won't be sworn in until February 1st, 2018.

Ikley-Freeman (a therapist at a nonprofit mental health agency) defeated O'Hara (a former Jenks city councilor and district director for Cong. Bridenstine) by virtue of receiving 60 more votes on election day, while O'Hara led the absentee and early voting total by 29. Ikley-Freeman becomes the third openly homosexual individual (she is married to another lesbian) to be elected to the Oklahoma Legislature, and the first outside of the HD88/SD46 area in Oklahoma City.

Democrats have now won 4 of the 7 special elections held this year (HD46, HD75, SD37, SD44).

Hern holding special election campaign kickoff Thursday

Kevin Hern for Congress Announces Kickoff Event

Tulsa, OK –Kevin Hern invites you to join his family, John Doak, and Don Newberry as he formally announces his candidacy in the special election for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District and kickstarts his campaign this Thursday, September 14, 2017. The special election is taking place due to President Trump’s nomination of Representative Jim Bridenstine to head NASA.

“For the past 19 years, my family has had the honor to call Tulsa home,” said Mr. Hern. “In that time, I have been proud to get to know members of our diverse community through both living and working here. These relationships have led to a newfound passion for serving the people of Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District in the United States Congress.

“Now, more than ever, the American people understand that we need proven problem solvers, who understand how to create jobs, representing the people’s interest in Washington D.C. I have first-hand knowledge on not only how to create jobs, but also on the damage government bureaucrats cause to our economy. I will use my experience to change the way business is done in Washington. I look forward to sharing my solutions to the problems facing our nation as I campaign throughout the district.”

The event will be held at Jenks Central Park, 208 N. Elm, from 6:00-7:30PM. The event is free and open to the public.

Cong. Bridenstine endorses Brian O'Hara for SD37 special election

Congressman Jim Bridenstine sent out the following email this evening, endorsing his Deputy District Director Brian O'Hara's run for Dan Newberry's newly-vacated State Senate seat:

I am happy to support and endorse Brian O'Hara in his run to serve the people of State Senate District 37. Brian O'Hara is a friend, a conservative, and a man of integrity. I am confident he will serve his constituents with honor in the Oklahoma State Senate, and I am proud to endorse him.

Please join me for a O'Hara for Oklahoma kickoff event at Los Cabos in Jenks on Monday, June 19th, at 6:30 PM.

With Brian O'Hara, we will be electing a conservative that we can trust to get the job done in Oklahoma City.

God Bless,

Jim Bridenstine

State Rep. Chuck Strohm is the only other publicly-announced candidate that I'm aware of.

State Rep. Chuck Strohm Announces for Senate District 37

Representative Chuck Strohm Announces Candidacy for State Senate District 37

TULSA, OK- Representative Chuck Strohm has announced his candidacy for State Senate District 37. The seat is being vacated by Senator Dan Newberry who is resigning. Strohm currently represents Jenks, Bixby and areas of Tulsa in House District 69 and was first elected to serve in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2014. Strohm and wife Angela have four children and are members of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa. Strohm is a graduate of Oral Roberts University, a research and development engineer of over 27 years, a small business owner and an author.

Strohm serves on the House Education Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and the Government Modernization Committee. During his time as State Representative, Strohm has supported legislation to increase teacher’s salaries (HB 1114), protect the life of the unborn (HR1004), and to call for performance audits to promote transparency and government efficiency (HB 1511). Strohm has a strong record of supporting conservative Oklahoma values through positions of leadership in the State House. Strohm currently holds a 97% lifetime conservative rating from The Oklahoma Constitution. Additionally, Strohm was one of the founding members of the Oklahoma Republican Platform Caucus in an effort to hold elected officials accountable to the platform they were elected to represent.

“For the last three years I have been honored to serve my constituents in Jenks, Bixby, and Tulsa. During that time I have worked to uphold our conservative values by limiting government, opposing tax increases, and supporting the Constitution. Now it is more important than ever to have strong voices in the State Senate that will stand up for the people against government waste. I have a proven track record of doing just that. If elected, I would be honored to represent the people of Senate District 37,” Strohm said.

The date for the special election for Senate District 37 has not yet bet set. For more information about the campaign and how to get involved visit www.ChuckStrohm.com

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.

Lankford endorsed by 4 Tulsa State Senators, Shannon by 4 OKC State Senators

In the past week, U.S. Senate candidates James Lankford and T.W. Shannon each gained endorsements from four metro state senators: Lankford was endorsed by four Tulsa-area senators, and Shannon was supported by four OKC-area senators.

Lankford's press released, posted on the McCarville Report:
Four Tulsa area state senators have endorsed Congressman James Lankford in his bid to win the Republican nomination for the U. S. Senate.

“I endorse James Lankford with confidence because I know he will fight for Oklahoma’s working families and small businesses during tough economic times, while standing up for Oklahoma values and the Right to Life at all times.”
Senator Rick Brinkley - District 34

“Oklahoma families have been presented with difficult decisions as the economy struggles to recover.  I know that James Lankford shares my belief that government should not make decisions even more challenging for our families, and I trust him to fight for lower taxes and responsible spending on behalf of Oklahoma taxpayers.”
Senator Mike Mazzei - District 25

“I’m excited to see the groundswell of support for James Lankford in our great state. More than ever, it’s critical that we send leaders to Washington, D.C. who understand what matters to Oklahomans because they’re listening to us and working on our behalf.  James Lankford will be that type of leader in the U.S. Senate.”
Senator Dan Newberry -District 37

“As a small business owner, I believe it is important to elect someone who will fight to keep federal agencies from burdening our businesses with massive regulations that are stifling economic growth and job creation in our state. Because of his managerial experience, his passion for our state, and his commitment to our hardworking families, I’m proud to endorse James Lankford.”
Senator Gary Stanislawski - District 35

Shannon's press release, posted on TheOkie:
Conservative Oklahoma state Senators David Holt (District 30), Kyle Loveless (District 45), Rob Johnson (District 22), and Ralph Shortey (District 44) today endorsed T.W. Shannon for U.S. Senate.

“Addressing our nation’s unprecedented challenges will require the kind of consensus we have rarely enjoyed the last three decades,” Senator Holt said. “Building that consensus will demand extraordinary leaders who can relate to the America of 2014. T.W. represents a new generation of leadership. He stands for common sense fiscal conservatism and free market values. He has a proven record of success as Oklahoma’s Speaker of the House. He is an Oklahoman, born and raised. He is a principled man of faith supported by a loving family. He has demonstrated his willingness to do what must be done, even if it makes some special interests uncomfortable.”

Senator Loveless said, “Having worked in Washington, D.C., and now as a state senator, I have worked with and known T.W. Shannon for over ten years. He is a conservative stalwart. He is a leader, he is a great dad, and he led the effort to ensure that those on welfare that were able-bodied had to work to get their benefits. As a small business owner, we need leaders like T.W. who have a background in business and who understand the burden the federal government is to economic growth in Oklahoma. He will be an excellent U.S. Senator for Oklahoma, I am proud to endorse T.W. Shannon for the U.S. Senate.”

“I have worked closely with T.W. in the legislature,” Senator Johnson said. “He’s a true conservative and a man of faith, vision and character. T.W. is a natural leader and we need him to bring that leadership and vision to Washington, D.C., as our next U.S. Senator.”

“I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Speaker Shannon on many conservative issues,” Senator Shortey said. “Not only have I been impressed by his strong conservative principles but also by his leadership in advancing those principles. Whether it was by creating the States’ Rights Committee or standing against increasing bonded indebtedness in our state, T.W. has shown constant conservative leadership. I believe he is the conservative leader we need in the U.S. Senate and am honored to offer my support and endorsement.”

“Though still just a candidate,” said Senator Holt, “T.W. Shannon has already captured the imaginations of Oklahomans and Americans across the nation, and this is nothing for which he should apologize. T.W. possesses the rare gifts that make great leaders. T.W. Shannon is the man for this moment. It is an absolute certainty that he will be a national leader immediately upon his election. Our party needs that leader. Our nation needs that leader. Oklahoma can deliver that leader.”

“I’m humbled to receive the endorsements of my colleagues in the Senate,” Shannon said. “As conservative legislators we worked together in the fight to reduce debt, cut spending and reform welfare for Oklahoma.”

Legislative Leaders Form Joint Immigration Reform Committee

 

Legislative Leaders Form Joint Immigration Reform Committee 

OKLAHOMA CITY – State House and Senate leaders today announced the formation of a special joint committee to develop immigration reform proposals.

The group will include four members each from the House and Senate, as well as Attorney General Scott Pruitt.

“There must be consequences for those who intentionally break the law, particularly for those who endanger public safety or divert taxpayer resources,” said House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee. “The committee members will carefully consider proposals and develop a comprehensive reform package that truly meets the needs of Oklahoma.”

“We must remain committed to the will of our constituents who rightly believe that we are not finished with immigration reform,” stated President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa.  “It is important that we do what we said we would do and find solutions to Oklahoma’s problems.”

“I believe that we must respond to Washington’s failure to secure the border,” Pruitt said. “As the state’s attorney and top law enforcement office, we witness firsthand the consequences of Washington’s failure to do their job.  I look forward to contributing to the committee’s efforts toward finding sound solutions.”

The group’s members include the following:

• Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee, co-chair
• Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, co-chair
• Sen. Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee
• Sen. Dan Newberry, R-Sand Springs
• Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus
• Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa
• Rep. Ben Sherrer, D-Pryor
• Sen. Ralph Shortey, R-Oklahoma City
• Attorney General Scott Pruitt

Among other things, the committee will develop a reform package that addresses public safety issues and targets crimes associated with illegal immigration.

As part of the effort, the group will also consider proposals to better protect taxpayer money from subsidizing illegal immigration.

Throughout the process, the special committee will seek input from private citizens and organizations.