With new law, Oklahomans can donate to scholarships under new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit

Crosswhite Hader Celebrates Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Becoming Law

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 30th) – Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, today is reminding Oklahomans they can opt-in on a federal income tax credit next year for individual contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). Funding is to be used for scholarships for elementary and secondary education expenses.

Crosswhite Hader is the House author of House Bill 3704, which recently was signed into law by the governor. She said the federal program is similar to the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship program, a state tax-credit program that supports scholarship efforts in Oklahoma.

Senate passes bill to criminalize delivering (but not ordering!) abortion pills

This is another piece of legislation that dances around actually abolishing abortion in Oklahoma and treating all participants in the murder of the unborn equally. Under this bill, it would be a felony crime to deliver — but not to order — abortion pills. 

That's right. An individual ordering a murder pill and originating the process of this infanticide would be exempt from prosecution, but the person "knowingly or intentionally delivering" the pills would be criminalized. 

Why must pro-life Republicans try so hard to be 'cute' and play around the edges when it comes to ending abortion? For decades now, the Republican-led legislature has advanced piecemeal half-measures, rather than attacking the issue in a full-fledged, all-encompassing, equal-justice manner.

This bill passed by a vote of 37-10, with abolitionist State Sen. Warren Hamilton (R-McCurtain) debating and voting against it, arguing for a measure that actually accomplishes the goal of ending abortion, rather than nibbling around the edges. Hamilton was a coauthor of a bill in 2025 that would have addressed the pro-life "loopholes" that Attorney General Gentner Drummond is using to not enforce Oklahoma's existing ban [Oklahoma Statute 63-1-733] on self-managed abortions, i.e. abortion pills at home. 

It's not that Sen. Bullard or Rep. Hader's motivation is bad; their hearts are in the right place, seeking an end to abortion. It's just that this isn't the way. It's that we can do better, but the leadership won't allow it.

We absolutely can pass a bill to fully abolish abortion. There's a bill in the legislature that does that very thing. Leadership could still allow it to be heard, but they refuse to.

The only thing preventing the Oklahoma Legislature from abolishing abortion is the cowardice of the GOP leadership. Instead, they want to placate the grassroots who want to see abortion ended by giving them tiny bites at a time.

Senate Gives Final Passage to Bill Creating Crime of Abortion Pill Trafficking

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 30th) – Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, has advanced to the governor’s desk legislation that would outlaw the home delivery and distribution of abortion pills.

Today, in a vote of 37 to 10, the Senate passed House Bill 1168 to make it a felony crime to traffic abortion pills.

The measure creates a felony offense for anyone to knowingly possess or deliver abortion-inducing drugs — including mifepristone, misoprostol and methotrexate — to someone who intends to use them for an abortion.

Senate committee passes bill to criminalize abortion pill trafficking

Bullard Bill to Criminalize Abortion Pill Trafficking Clears Senate Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 22nd) – Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, on Monday passed legislation through the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that would make it a felony to traffic abortion pills.

House Bill 1168 would create a felony trafficking offense for someone to deliver or possess with the intent to deliver abortion-inducing drugs if that person knows or has reason to believe that the drug will be used by someone to have an illegal abortion as defined in law.

The bill will crack down on those distributing abortion-inducing pills, including delivery services that facilitate home delivery of mifepristone, misoprostol or similar drugs, Bullard said.

Bill to ban trafficking of abortion-inducing drugs passes OK House

Crosswhite Hader Bill to Penalize Trafficking of Abortion-Inducing Drugs Moves to Senate

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 28th) – Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, on Tuesday passed legislation in the House that would outlaw the trafficking of chemical abortion pills.

House Bill 1168 would create a felony trafficking offense for anyone who knows or has reason to know that another person intends to use an abortion-inducing drug and knowingly delivers such a drug to that person or who possesses the drug with intent to deliver it.

Small: Conservatives gain in legislative races

Though I have some minor quibbles with Small regarding school choice (primarily as it relates to protecting homeschool freedoms from future government intrusion), but I agree with him that the recent Republican primary results were great news for conservatives. In fact, it may well have been the best election for Oklahoma conservatives in the past decade.

Conservatives gain in legislative races

By Jonathan Small

Last month’s primary elections resulted in the Oklahoma Legislature likely being more conservative next year. That’s good news for voters who care about issues such as judicial reform, taxes and education.

This year’s legislative session ended without reform to Oklahoma’s secretive and liberal process for nominating judges in Oklahoma and without personal income tax reductions.

But many candidates who prevailed or advanced to runoffs in Republican primaries advocated for conservative reforms to change the secretive process for how Oklahoma nominates judges and for cutting or eliminating the personal income tax. Also, voter support for school choice has become undeniable.

Crosswhite Hader files bill making distribution of abortion-inducing drugs a felony

Crosswhite Hader Bill Would Penalize Purveyance of Abortion-Inducing Drugs

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 2nd) - Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, has filed legislation that would penalize with a felony anyone who distributes or possesses with the intent to distribute abortion-inducing drugs when the intent is to cause an abortion.  

Oklahoma Legislature passes two election reform bills

Both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature passed election reform measures this week. The State House passed HB 1415 (a trigger bill in case federal election laws conflict with state laws), while the Senate passed SB 426 (dealing with voter registration address accuracy). Read about both measures below:

State legislators file resolution to recognize day of mourning for aborted babies

Resolution filed to recognize day of mourning for aborted babies

OKLAHOMA CITY – Since the U.S. Supreme Court passed Roe v. Wade on January 22, 1973, more than 62 million abortions have been performed. To mourn the loss of those precious lives, Sen. Jake Merrick, R-Yukon, and Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, have filed Senate Concurrent Resolution 14.

“It’s a common practice in our country to have special days or fly flags at half-staff to mourn the loss of great Americans,” Merrick said. “We want to do both in recognition and honor of the millions of children whose freedoms and lives have been taken from them so brutally. They’ll never have the opportunity to be great because they’ll never get to pursue their dreams or fulfill their destinies. For that tremendous loss, we will take time on the anniversary of that awful day when abortion was made legal to mourn their sweet souls.”

SCR 14 seeks to recognize Jan. 22 as the Day of Tears in Oklahoma and encourage Oklahomans to lower their flags to half-staff in mourning of the infant lives lost.

Carol Hefner announces candidacy for OKC Mayor

CAROL HEFNER ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR MAYOR OF OKLAHOMA CITY

Oklahoma City, OK-- Today, longtime community leader Carol Hefner announced her candidacy to be the next Mayor of Oklahoma City.

"We need a bold leader in the Mayor's office, someone who won't bow to BLM protestors or the Biden administration like our current Mayor. President Biden has a negative 50 point approval rating in Oklahoma, yet our current Mayor has become one of Biden's biggest cheerleaders, endorsing Biden's agenda," Hefner said.

The campaign released this video with its launch:

Leaders from across the Oklahoma City community have already announced their immediate endorsement of Hefner.

House, Senate make appointments to Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

Pro Tem Greg Treat makes Senate appointments to Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, on Thursday announced the Senate appointments to the newly created Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR).

Previously, Treat named Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, as co-chair of the joint committee made up of members from the Senate and the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

The Senate appointments to JCAR are:

• Sen. Julie Daniels, co-chair
• Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, co-vice chair
• Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City
• Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair
• Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City
• Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow
• Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater
• Sen. John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton
• Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa
• Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond

Senate Bill 913 created the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to ensure a more transparent and thorough process before administrative rules are approved or repealed.

“The Legislature lacked an effective method to stop executive branch agencies’ encroachment on legislative authority, until now,” Treat said. “This is a monumental shift at the state Capitol, and one that is long overdue. With the creation of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, the Legislature has a powerful and effective tool to protect legislative authority and stop executive branch overreach. I am confident that Senator Daniels and the other members of JCAR will be thorough and diligent in their work to review administrative rules moving forward.”

Daniels said she is working with Senate staff on preparations for the committee’s work.

“I am honored to be named by Pro Tem Treat to co-chair the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. Not only will this be an important tool to protect legislative authority and ensure the checks and balances of our system stay intact, but it will also serve to provide a transparent and open process of reviewing administrative rules before they are approved or repealed,” Daniels said.

House appoints JCAR members

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House members on the newly-created Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) will be the same members on the existing House Administrative Rules Committee, House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, announced Thursday.

Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, will serve as co-chair of the joint committee, made up of members from both legislative chambers as prescribed in legislation enacted last session. 

The House appointments to JCAR are:

• Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, co-chair
• Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont, co-vice chair
• Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin
• Rep. Stan May, R-Broken Arrow
• Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond
• Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Sallisaw
• Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa
• Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman
• Rep. Wendi Stearman, R-Collinsville
• Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton

Oklahoma Legislative Dems vote against bill to remove dead people from voter rolls

Dead-voter bill passes over Democratic opposition

by Ray Carter (Director, Center for Independent Journalism)

[April 14, 2021]  Legislation that requires swift removal of dead individuals from voter rolls has passed the Oklahoma Senate over the united opposition of Senate Democrats.

House Bill 1752, by Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader and Sen. Dave Rader, requires county election boards to remove the names of deceased individuals from voter rolls within 30 days of notification.

“What this bill is trying to do is close an open-ended process,” said Rader, R-Tulsa.

Under current law he said the process for removal “could be carried on forever,” although he said some county election boards promptly remove the names of deceased individuals.

Crosswhite Hader made a similar point when she presented the bill on the House floor in March, saying the legislation simply provides a deadline for action that election boards can easily meet.

“Many times these county election boards are actually doing it even faster than 30 days,” said Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont. “I’ve heard even as quickly as a week.”

Even so, the bill faced opposition in both chambers.

In the Senate, HB 1752 passed on a vote of 38-8. All Democrats present voted against the bill’s passage.

That largely continued a trend begun in the Oklahoma House of Representatives where HB 1752 previously passed on a vote of 81-15. All opponents in that chamber were also Democrats, although four House Democrats did join Republicans in support.

Gov. Stitt signs major regulatory reform bill creating Joint Committee on Administrative Rules

GOVERNOR STITT SIGNS GROUNDBREAKING REGULATORY REFORM INTO LAW

SB 913 streamlines rule making process to cut red tape, reduce burdensome regulations for Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 12, 2021)— Governor Kevin Stitt signed groundbreaking regulatory reform into law today, building on the Break the Tape initiative and fulfilling another priority of the People’s Agenda. Senate Bill 913 will create the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
to review agencies’ rules throughout the year and streamlines the rule repeal process to help get unnecessary and costly regulations off the books quicker.

“I am thrilled to sign this reform into law and am grateful for the shared commitment in the Legislature and across all level of government to cut red tape and reduce burdensome regulations for Oklahomans,” said Governor Stitt. “SB 913 builds on our Break the Tape initiative and is another step forward to foster Oklahoma’s pro-business environment as we strive toward becoming a Top Ten state.”

State House GOP picks leadership for upcoming session

House Republicans Elect Leadership for 58th Legislature

O’Donnell Named Speaker Pro-Tem-Elect; Dills Named Caucus Chair

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Republican Caucus this week elected its leadership for the 58th Legislature. The legislative session convenes Feb. 1, 2021.

Elected by the Caucus to serve as speaker pro-tempore-elect was State Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa. He replaces State Rep. Harold Wright, R-Weatherford, who was term-limited this year.

“I’m grateful to have been selected to fill this leadership role in the House,” O’Donnell said. “I look forward to working closely with the caucus and the speaker’s office to advance meaningful legislation that will make Oklahoma the best place to live and do business, and to help ensure members follow House rules and appropriate decorum.”

O’Donnell has served the House as majority whip since the 56th Legislature and served as the chair of the Energy & Natural Resources Committee the past two years. He also is a member of the House Appropriations & Budget and the Judiciary Committees as well as a member of the House and Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations & Budget.

State Rep. Charles McCall, R-Atoka, is speaker-elect as no one else filed for that position. This would be his third term as speaker.

Denise Crosswhite Hader announces for HD41

Denise Crosswhite Hader Seeks Oklahoma House District 41 Seat

Denise Crosswhite Hader, Republican, officially announced her candidacy for Oklahoma House District 41 for the 2018 election cycle.  District 41 is currently represented by John Enns.  District 41 includes all of Piedmont, Surrey Hills, Waukomis, Drummond, Lahoma, Carrier, Hillsdale, Bison, and portions of Enid, Cashion, Deer Creek, and Oklahoma City.

Crosswhite Hader has had a passion for impacting public policy her entire life.  Having learned governmental and legislative processes as a Congressional Field Representative, a Legislative Liaison to Former Labor Commissioner, Mark Costello, and as a House staff member at the Oklahoma State Capitol; Denise will hit the ground running to rein in out of control government programs and focus on the core functions that state government should provide.  Crosswhite Hader served on the Tinker Bond oversight committee which provided enhancements to the base to protect our state’s largest employer against BRAC closure.  Her legislative priorities are transportation infrastructure, military, public safety, corrections, and giving more freedom and local control to public education.

“Like the vast majority of Americans, I am tired of folks who run for political office claiming the values of opinion polls and then betraying their claimed convictions as soon as they are elected.  In me, if I receive the privilege of being elected, the citizens will have a representative with a servant’s heart, which will work to eliminate legislative and bureaucratic entanglements in their lives.  I want to restore the American Dream for the citizens of District 41 and the State of Oklahoma by allowing them to take back more control of their own lives.  I am excited to meet the citizens of District 41 face to face, to ask them about their priorities, answer their questions, share my qualifications, explain my convictions, and ask for their vote.” Crosswhite Hader said.

Crosswhite Hader is a 1983 graduate of Piedmont High School and has a degree in Government from Oral Roberts University.  She owns a small property management company.  Denise and her husband, Marc Hader, live in Surrey Hills.  They have two daughters and sons-in-law who live in the metro area, and are enjoying their grandchildren, Reagan, Lincoln and Grant, ages 3, 2, and 1.

OKGOP 2013 State Convention

The Oklahoma Republican Party's 2013 State Convention activities commence tomorrow afternoon, with the convention itself starting at 9:00am Saturday morning. This will be my fifth convention as a delegate, and it looks to be as interesting as any of the recent editions.

Important information for delegates

• Proposed Convention Rules
• Proposed Platform
• Five proposed State Party Rules changes
• Friday registration is from 2:00pm to 7:30pm
• Saturday registration is from 7:00am to 9:00am. You must be in line by 9am.

I have conducted a survey of each of the candidates for State Chair and Vice-Chair, which can be viewed by clicking on this link.

Candidates for Chair 

in alphabetical order, with links to their websites

 Amanda Teegarden                     Dave Weston

Candidates for Vice-Chair

in alphabetical order, with links to their websites

                     Richard Engle                   Denise Crosswhite-Hader                         Sara Jo Odom

See you at the convention!

P.S. If you're on Twitter, tweet with hashtag #OKGOP, and follow me at @JamisonFaught.

Meet the Candidates: Sara Jo Odom, OKGOP Vice-Chair hopeful

Sara Jo Odom, candidate for Oklahoma Republican Party vice-chair

With the 2013 Oklahoma Republican Party State Convention coming up next weekend, we continue our series on the individuals who have publicly announced their candidacy to replace outgoing Chairman Matt Pinnell and outgoing Vice-Chair Pam Pollard. Today, let's look at the responses from the last public Vice-Chair candidate, Sara Jo Odom.

The other announced candidates are Denise Crosswhite Hader (her survey is posted here) and Richard Engle (his survey is posted here). For chairman, Dave Weston and Amanda Teegarden are the current candidates. You can view Weston's survey here; I still have not received a response from Teegarden.

Now, meet Sara Jo Odom.

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

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, graduated Northwest Classen High School and The University of Oklahoma. Spent 30 years away from Oklahoma, living in several other states, 2 years in Germany, and 20 years in New Hampshire. Three grown children and six grandchildren. In 1997, I was blessed to be able to return to Oklahoma– definitely God’s Country! Registered Republican as soon as I was old enough to vote! Active member at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, Edmond.

2. What involvement have you had in the past with the Republican Party (from precinct-level to RNC)? If possible, include approximate dates.

•  National Federation of Republican Women – Board of Directors – 7 years
• Secretary; Legislative Chairman; Nominating Committee; Leadership Committee
• Region 9 Director – Liaison with Republican Women in CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, RI and Washington, D.C.
• Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women
• Served as President for four years
• Current member OKCRWC; Associate Member Heartland Republican Women & Edmond Republican Women
• Oklahoma City Republican Women’s Club
• Various officer positions and President for two years
• Currently serving on Outreach Committee
• Vice-Chairman – Oklahoma County GOP
• OK GOP Executive Committee
• Worked for Republicans in New Hampshire while living there, and have been an active volunteer for Republican candidates since moving back to Oklahoma

3. Do you currently hold any Republican Party office?

I am currently on the Executive Committee of the OK County GOP and received an award for volunteer work back in February. Current NFRW Secretary; Current Executive Committee -- Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women

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

Outside the Republican Party -- a member of Eagle Forum, Oklahoma; Americans for Prosperity; Concerned Women for America; -- all of these since 2006.

5. There have been eight state conventions in the last decade; how many have you attended (and which)?

I have attended all of the state conventions since 2003.  (I lived away from Oklahoma until my return in late 1997.)

6. What prompted you to run for this office?

I decided not to run for higher office of the National Federation of Republican Women, and that I should concentrate my volunteer work in Oklahoma.  I believe that my leadership experience is a good fit for this position.

7. What are your top priorities if elected as vice-chair?

 Top priorities: 

• a)  To "keep the ball rolling" by continuing to register new Republicans, and target conservative Democrats and Independents to register Republican;
• b) to immerse the Oklahoma Republican Party in any and all ways of communicating and training around the state, i.e., webinars, conference calls, live-streaming meetings, etc. and
• c) hold countywide round-table discussions, inviting ANYONE who would like to become involved in our Party to participate.  Then, use the best of the ideas we receive and share them with all the counties.

8. What five issues should the Republican Party focus on politically?

1. Decreasing the size of government
2. Protecting our individual liberties
3. Reducing taxes
4. Immigration reform
5. National Security.

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

Steve Fair, National Committeeman (Fair says he "has not taken a public position in the Vice Chair race"); Carolyn McLarty, National Committeewoman; Evelyn McCoy, President of the Oklahoma City Republican Women's Club; Sandra Leaver, President of Edmond Republican Women; Heather Cline, President of Heartland Republican Women; and many others

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

I believe that I am eminently qualified for this position of leadership -- having served in leadership positions in Rotary, Chambers of Commerce, Eagle Forum, Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women and National Federation of Republican Women.  I believe that the first responsibility of a leader is to raise up other leaders, and that a GREAT leader has left his/her ego behind -- and gives credit to anyone who helps get the job done.  I love Oklahoma, and I am a very loyal and devoted Republican -- having registered Republican back when it wasn't popular to do so.  The Oklahoma Republican Party has come such a long way in the past 15 years, and now that we have all statewide offices as well as all our Congressmen and Senators, I believe we should make sure that we hold all of them accountable.  We can't take anything for granted!  If Oklahoma can flip from a Democrat-controlled state to a Republican-controlled state -- then it can flip back!  We need to keep educating young voters, minority voters and women voters as to why the Republican Party stands for the highest ideals and values, and is the ONLY party that wants to truly protect their rights.

Thanks for participating, Sara Jo!

[UPDATE]

Current candidates for OKGOP Chair:
Dave Weston -- survey here
Amanda Teegarden -- survey here

Current candidates for OKGOP Vice-Chair:
Denise Crosswhite Hader -- survey here
Sara Jo Odom -- survey here
Richard Engle -- survey here

Meet the Candidates: Richard Engle, OKGOP Vice-Chair hopeful

Richard Engle, candidate for Oklahoma Republican Party vice-chair

As time draws closer to the 2013 Oklahoma Republican Party State Convention, we continue our series on the individuals who have publicly announced their candidacy to replace outgoing Chairman Matt Pinnell and outgoing Vice-Chair Pam Pollard. Today, let's look at Richard Engle's response to our candidate survey.

The other announced candidate is Denise Crosswhite Hader; her survey is posted here. For chairman, Dave Weston and Amanda Teegarden are the current candidates. You can view Weston's survey here; I have not received a response from Teegarden yet.

Now, meet Richard Engle.


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

My wife since 1985, Denise, is the Deputy Insurance Commissioner, handling all matters of Property/Casualty, Rate and Form Filing, Continuing Education and Workers Compensation. Our Daughter, Destiny, is 21 and living on her own in Oklahoma City.  Denise and I live on a small farm between Mustang and Tuttle.  We are members of, and I an Elder for, Faith Church in Oklahoma City.  I own a business, BellWest America which is Oklahoma's largest independent telephone directory publisher. I believe that serving and building the Republican Party is an important part of God's plan for my life.

2. What involvement have you had in the past with the Republican Party (from precinct-level to RNC)? If possible, include approximate dates.

I have been actively involved in grassroots Republican Party activities for over 30 years.  As stated by former Speaker of the OK House, Lance Cargill, "Richard has knocked more doors, for more candidates than anyone in Oklahoma."  From founding the Christian Coalition in Central Oklahoma, to co-founding OCPAC - the largest membership PAC contributing to conservative Republican candidates only, and as President of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies, I have been consistent and active from the ground up.

3. Do you currently hold any Republican Party office/position?

I currently serve as State Committeeman for Canadian County, Chair of the Committee on Rules and the County Courthouse Campaign Committee for the OKGOP.

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

Unlike other candidates, I have been elected to public office, twice.  I self imposed term limits in accord with a promise to my constituents.  I also serve as the Republican member of the Canadian County Election Board, and served for ten years as the Commissioner of Archives and Records for the State of Oklahoma - being appointed by Gov. Keating.  I regularly write for the Oklahoma Constitution Newspaper and other publications from time to time.  I have vast experience speaking in public and have been interviewed hundreds of times for radio, television and newspapers. 

5. There have been eight state conventions in the last decade; how many have you attended (and which)? 

My recollection is that I have been a Delegate to every OKGOP convention for the last two decades.
I was elected by the 6th Congressional District convention (as was my wife) to the national Convention in San Diego in 1996.  I am told we were the first married couple so elected in Oklahoma, but another married couple was elected by the 2nd District Convention later the same day.

In 2000, I was chosen to be on the Executive Committee Slate as a Delegate to the national Convention in Philadelphia.  My fellow Delegates elected me to serve on the National Rules Committee.

In 2004, I hosted a hospitality suite for the Delegates to the national convention in New York for the National Federation of Republican Assemblies with Phylis Schlafly, Alan Keyes and several others as my co-hosts.  It was gratifying to serve the Delegates, Alternates and guests.  Denise was an Alternate to this and the previous convention as well.

In 2012, I was honored to carry the proxy for our National Committeeman to the RNC and its Rules Committee for the two RNC meetings leading up to and including the convention in Tampa.

While attending national conventions is enjoyable, I am only interested in those in which I can contribute in a substantive way.

6. What prompted you to run for this office?

It is a position of service, and that fact is what motivates me most.  I have spent most of my time in politics (all grassroots) in the party and in supportive roles.  This office gives me the opportunity to serve, support and build our party as a conservative, constitutional force in Oklahoma.  I truly wish to take that service to the next level.

7. What are your top priorities if elected as vice-chair?

As promised last year, I will continue to work to empower the grassroots and to elect Republicans at the local level.  I wanted to move forward with those priorities and I did.  The Committee on the Rules will continue its work where I am advocating for grassroots empowering revisions and more importantly I will continue to work to elect Republicans at the local level.  The County Courthouse Campaign Committee saw extraordinary success when (for the first time) the state party financially supported county candidates.  Last year, not one Democrat defeated an incumbent Republican for county office while eleven Republicans defeated incumbent Democrats.  60% of the challenger candidates the state party supported won!  Republican pick-ups at the county level exceed those in the State House, Senate and Congress combined!

I am eager for the opportunity to bring these priorities to the next level as Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party.

8. What five issues should the Republican Party focus on politically?

I am eager for the Republican Party to take its platform even more seriously.  A platform is something you stand on if you are a leader, and something you stand beside if not.  It is time we stand on it, firmly resolved that those issues the Oklahoma GOP proclaims as our agenda are settled matters and I will advocate for them with every elected official and with any access I might have with the press.  I have every confidence in the conservative nature of our party and have no qualms with the issues it will put in the platform.

I believe it is incumbent on me, as Vice Chair of the state party to support each plank of the platform or (if absolutely necessary) hold my tongue on any issue I could not support.  If I could not fulfill this pledge then it would be proper to relinquish the role.  It is a representative role and the Delegates to the 2013 OKGOP convention may have confidence that I will represent them well.

To secure that I have fully answered your question, I will list my priorities for public policy.

1. I am pro-life and will only support the GOP as a pro-life party.
2. State sovereignty: As we see our national government fall into ever deeper debt, our state must be well prepared to stand up for Oklahomans.  For the time being, the best way to do that is to secure our sovereignty and work to prevent the federal government from imposing unconstitutional mandates on us, thus bankrupting Oklahoma as is being done to our national government.
3. Individual liberty: Our nation was devised as one that recognized that all men were created equal and that they were endowed by their creator with inalienable rights.
4. Smaller government:  Democrats controlled the state for nearly 100 years.  The Republican minority voted against nearly every expansion of government.  Yet, when we have won control of the legislature and the Governor's office, we have seen very little reduction in government programs the Republicans opposed in the first place.
5. Pro-business on a level playing field.  We must build our economy, but never in a way that creates favoritism.

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

I am honored by the support of two Statewide elected officials.  I haven't spoken with all the others yet.

Insurance Commissioner, John Doak and Labor Commissioner, Mark Costello.  Also of note are Sen. Randy Brogden [sic] and Rep. Charles Key.  

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

My platform is simple. I want to empower the grassroots and I want to elect Republicans at the local level.  I said it so many times, in so many venues last year, I think people believed I meant it.  This year, as they have seen me fulfill those promises and stand for those goals, they are sure to acknowledge that I was, and am, sincere in it.

I look forward to an agreeable convention as we have seen the integration of many new Republican activists who previously were less familiar with and thus less confident in our processes.  Over the last year we have seen some healing in our relationships one with another.  We all lost the bid for the White House, we all have cause to come together.

I believe we can move forward, welcoming those who have the same principles even if they have differing priorities.  We can overcome the spirit of factionalism.  The Republican Party is "the party of liberty, the party of equality, of opportunity for all, and favoritism for none." as stated in the preamble of the national Rules of the GOP.  We can All agree with that!

Finally, I want to say that I appreciate the opportunity I had to run last year and I am gratified that Steve Fair and I have been able to work together (on the Committee on Rules) and I look forward to working with him as we continue to build the OKGOP.

Thanks for participating, Richard!

[UPDATE]

Current candidates for OKGOP Chair:
Dave Weston -- survey here
Amanda Teegarden -- survey here

Current candidates for OKGOP Vice-Chair:
Denise Crosswhite Hader -- survey here
Sara Jo Odom -- survey here
Richard Engle -- survey here

Meet the Candidates: Denise Crosswhite Hader, OKGOP Vice-Chair hopeful

Denise Crosswhite Hader, candidate for Oklahoma Republican Party vice-chair

Continuing our series on the 2013 OKGOP Convention races, let's learn more about one of the two announced candidates for Oklahoma Republican Party Vice-Chair. Current Vice-Chair Pam Pollard is not seeking reelection, putting the second-in-command slot up for grabs at this year's convention. Denise Crosswhite Hader was the first candidate to announce for the position, and the first Vice-Chair hopeful to respond to our survey.

The other announced candidates for Vice-Chair are Richard Engle and Sara Jo Odom. For chairman, Dave Weston and Amanda Teegarden are the current candidates. You can view Weston's survey here; I am awaiting responses from Teegarden, Engle and Odom, and will post them when I hear back.

Now, meet Denise Crosswhite Hader.

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

• Born and Bred in Oklahoma
• Piedmont High School and Oral Roberts University (BA-Government)
• Married to Marc Hader; two daughters and two wonderful sons-in-law; first grandbaby expected in October
• Church: The Bridge (Mustang Assembly of God)
• First-Line Service - multiple financial facilities
• Field Representative and Constituent Services - Congressman Ernest Istook
• Analyst – Commercial Property Review for Zoning
• Legislative Liaison and Research Analyst – Oklahoma Labor Department

2. What involvement have you had in the past with the Republican Party (from precinct-level to RNC)? If possible, include approximate dates.

• First State Convention at 14 years old (1980)
• College Republicans (1985-1987)
• Previously held all Precinct positions (many times, different years)
• House District 100 Chairman (approx. 1998)
• OK County Vice Chairman (2009-2010)

3. Do you currently hold any Republican Party office?

Precinct Secretary

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

• Dr. Tom Coburn for Senate: Office and Volunteer Coordinator (2004)
• Istook for Congress: Volunteer Coordinator, Ethics Reports, and Campaign Manager (1992-1998)
• Gary Jones for State Auditor: Campaign Manager (2002)
• Stan Inman for Oklahoma County Commissioner: Campaign Manager (2002)
• Candidate for State Senate District 47 (Came in 2nd of 4-winner Todd Lamb)
• Multiple Volunteer efforts for various campaigns, including: James Lankford for Congress; Mark Costello for Labor Commissioner; Greg Treat for State Senate; and many others from Federal offices right down to the local school board
• Volunteer service to advance policy issues, such as: Stop HB1017 (education);
• Right-to-Work; State Question 640 (tax increase limits) and more
• Member, both past and present of countless GOP clubs and auxiliary conservative organizations

5. There have been eight state conventions in the last decade; how many have you
attended (and which)?

I think I have been to every one.

6. What prompted you to run for this office?

As a Christian, I have grown to love serving others to assist them in accomplishing their goals and endeavors. Like the UPS commercials we’ve all seen, I love logistics and that is my strength. I have a knack for helping others do their job more efficiently by figuring out the most effective way to get people working together to accomplish combined goals.

7. What are your top priorities if elected as vice-chair?

• To help anyone and everyone that wants to participate in our Party’s process to find a place to do so
• To gain a Republican registration majority in the State of Oklahoma
• To find and recruit quality, conservative candidates, from the courthouse down to the schoolhouse, for elections, while maintaining our majorities in Congress, with our statewide offices, and the State Legislature
• To support our Republican Leadership in advancing the conservative cause
• To ensure that the GOP has representatives on hand at every naturalization swearing in ceremony for citizenship, to celebrate, welcome and register new American citizens with the GOP
• To create committees within the GOP with a heart for reaching out to the Latino and Asian communities, by soliciting meetings in their churches, educating them on the principles of our party, and empowering them to become active in shaping the government
• To empower and support our rural and suburban county party structure to better impact their Communities

8. What five issues should the Republican Party focus on politically?

• Personal Responsibility: We must exercise it and educate those that don’t have that ethic on why it is beneficial to them.
• Fiscal Responsibility: The government spends more than we make. Stop it.
• Size of Government: Reduce it at every level.
• Scope of Government: Reduce the intrusion into our lives.
• Life is precious from the beginning to the end. We should honor life with our legislation.

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

I have a number of people who have pledged support. However, my goal is to have unity and allow everyone to participate in the process. I don’t want to create division by lining up a “team”. I want to work on my own merit.

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

I am not seeking the Vice Chairman position for the power, the glory, or the financial windfall. It is probably one of the most expensive volunteer positions. I really just want to serve. I hope to be successful in this endeavor on the state level. But if I am not, you will still see me around volunteering where I am needed, especially with the Canadian County GOP. Because it isn’t about me, it really is about the future of our country.

Thanks for participating, Denise!


Denise has a campaign page on Facebook that you can visit here. As I said before, when I get responses back from additional candidates, I will post them.

[UPDATE]

Current candidates for OKGOP Chair:
Dave Weston -- survey here
Amanda Teegarden -- survey here

Current candidates for OKGOP Vice-Chair:
Denise Crosswhite Hader -- survey here
Sara Jo Odom -- survey here
Richard Engle -- survey here

Pollard announces she won't run at state convention

Current Oklahoma Republican Party Vice-Chair Pam Pollard announced today that she would not be seeking re-election, or run to replace outgoing chairman Matt Pinnell.

Her official announcement:

"After months of prayers and discussions with my family and Church I have decided NOT to run for Oklahoma Republican Party State Chairman. Having served as Vice-Chair for the last 2 years I know first hand the time commitment required for this position. This truly is a 24 hour a day job and those that know me know when I take on a project I give 110% of my heart and energy to it. My family knows this as well and want me in THEIR lives more. The centerpiece on my dinner table says "God, Family and Country". Looking at that each day I realize now is the time to choose God and Family over Country and I am very, very happy with my choice.

As I look forward to the opportunities, I look back on the friendships I have made, the goals accomplished as Vice Chair and the joy of working with leaders such a Chairman Matt Pinnell. I am proud of the past and excited about the future!

Please remember me in your prayers and I look forward to seeing you at the State Convention.

Pam Pollard
Vice Chairman, Oklahoma Republican Party

At present, David Weston is the only announced candidate for Chairman, while Denise Crosswhite Hader and Sara Jo Odom are running for Vice-Chair.*  I plan to do a series of posts on each candidate between now and the state convention, so stay tuned to learn more about these individuals.

*  If you know of any other candidates, send an email to JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.