Brecheen holding town hall tour with David Barton on Friday; includes Muskogee stop

Josh Brecheen, the conservative Republican in the 2nd Congressional District GOP runoff, is holding a town hall tour with Christian historian and author David Barton this Friday, with stops in Durant, Muskogee, Claremore, and Bartlesville.

State Rep. Dustin Roberts jumps into CD2 race

State Rep. Dustin Roberts (R-Durant) is jumping into the race for the 2nd Congressional District, joining fellow Republican candidates State Sen. Marty Quinn, pharmacist Chris Schiller, OKGOP Chairman John Bennett, and Army veteran Erick Wyatt.

State Representative Dustin Roberts Announces OK-2 Run

(March 10th) Durant businessman, veteran, and District 21 State Representative, Dustin Roberts announces his candidacy for Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District.

Gov. Stitt appoints Tim Webster as DA for Atoka, Bryan and Coal counties

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR ATOKA, BRYAN AND COAL COUNTIES

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 30, 2020)- Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Tim Webster as District Attorney for District 19, which includes Atoka, Bryan and Coal Counties. Webster fills the seat of Emily Redman, who retired on October 1, 2020. By statute, Webster has been serving as acting District Attorney since then.

"Tim Webster has spent almost four decades serving the people of Atoka, Bryan and Coal Counties," said Gov. Stitt. "His experience as a litigator and prosecutor, as well as his heart for his community, makes him the best choice to serve as the next District Attorney for District 19." 

Column: Redistricting petition is blatant move that should concern all

Initiative Petition 420 is part of national plan

an op-ed by Michael Clements in the Durant Democrat

The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments this week on a case that is getting little attention but could have huge implications on the local, state and national levels.

The case concerns Initiative Petition 420. If the petition’s backers are successful, they will put State Question 804 on the ballot. And, if that question is approved by voters it will completely change how legislative boundaries are drawn in Oklahoma. We have covered this issue before, but it’s too important to ignore.

Andy Moore, founder of People not Politicians which is pushing the petition, claims he is just a regular guy who got interested in politics after learning about gerrymandering. Moore claims he was just minding his own business when he became so outraged over the issue that he had to do something. So, he started the organization with the populist sounding name to fight the obvious corruption of having elected officials draw district lines.

Moore was so regular that he didn’t even know who Eric Holder, Attorney General of the United States under President Barak Obama, was. Which is odd since Moore is also the executive director of Freedom of Information Oklahoma, a group dedicated to fighting for government openness and transparency.

Apparently, the FOI Oklahoma Board was so impressed with the political neophyte that the fact that he couldn’t identify the top law enforcement official in the nation was irrelevant. So, why is Moore’s obtuseness relevant? Because Moore’s redistricting crusade just happens to coincide with far-to-similar-to-be-coincidence national campaign to flip red states to blue states being run by holder.

In another stunning coincidence, People Not Politics web presence is hosted by a company dedicated to advancing progressive political agendas, like those espoused by Holder. Moore claims it was simply a financial decision, but we’re pretty sure that if he was pushing a Republican agenda his Internet Service Provider wouldn’t be quite so blue.

Then there’s the census-data manipulation SQ 804 would require. Moore claims to have no idea how language calling for the incarcerated to be counted differently from all others for the purposes of redistricting, and only for that purpose, got into his proposed amendment. But, to our knowledge, he and his grassroots movement have made no moves to remove the provision.

Right now, the decision is in the hands of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. But even if the court rejects this move, it will not end. It is being pushed by a national campaign intent on bypassing the voters and the Constitution. People on one side of the aisle may be fine with that for the time being since they see it as a way to correct what they consider to be a mistake by the voters. But what happens when the other side controls the commission?

Frankly, we are being sold a bill of goods and the potential impact goes far beyond drawing some boundaries. This is a blatant move to take control an essential part of our political process away from the majority of the people and place it in the hands of a few. And that should concern people of all political persuasions.

Republican Steve Taylor announces for HD21

Local Community Leader, Attorney Steve Taylor of Durant Announces Candidacy for Oklahoma House District 21 

April 4, 2018 - Steve Taylor, an attorney and longtime member of the Bryan County community, and husband of Dr. Christine Taylor, an OB-GYN serving our region, announces his candidacy for Oklahoma State Representative. Steve Taylor is a registered Republican.

Taylor states, "I thank State Representative Dustin Roberts, who is not running again, for his years of serving honorably. I intend to continue his example as a strong advocate for the priorities that are important to continue moving our region and state towards a strong future."

Steve Taylor has an extensive history of investment of time and expertise in local community organizations. Taylor serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of J127 Ministry, which assists young adults who have aged out of the foster care system. He is also Vice Chairman of the Board of the Pregnancy Center of Bryan County, is former President of the Durant Noon Lions Club, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Durant "OK Kids" Baseball League, where he was Commissioner for three seasons. His professional career, in addition to serving as an attorney, included working for four years as the Assistant Director of the Medical Alumni Annual Fund for Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in NYC, and working for the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation.

Steve Taylor said, "My wife and I chose to live in Durant, to educate our children here, and to work in, and for, our local community.  I am proud of our community and care deeply for our neighbors. The dysfunction currently at the state Capitol is not serving to strengthen Oklahoma, to better health care and education outcomes, nor does it assist with needed longterm planning to meet the demands of our growing cities and population. I am running to provide a real-world, mature perspective gained from 20+ years of working with businesses, families, and on projects to serve our neighbors."

The Taylors have four children, one in college at the US Military Academy at West Point, two at  Durant High School, and one attending Durant Middle School. The Taylors attend Community Christian Church in Durant.

Steve Taylor graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1991 with a BA in History, and then earned his law degree from Washington University School of Law. He was awarded Order of the Coif, graduating in the top 10% of his law school class. He is an attorney with a law office in Durant. His wife, Dr. Christine Taylor, graduated from Oklahoma State University and earned her MD from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons.

The Republican Primary is June 26, and the General Election takes place on November 6, 2018.

Pastor Ledbetter responds to devotional backlash

Pastor Bill Ledbetter of Durant's Fairview Baptist Church was recently the chaplain of the week in the Oklahoma State Senate, and attracted some controversy from complaints by Democrat senators and groups like the ACLU over his devotional delivered on March 1st. The following letter is his response to the dust-up:

Does God judge nations? Recently, while serving as Chaplain of the Week in the Oklahoma Senate I posed this question. I was deeply grieved to learn that some people misunderstood my heart. Knowing if a man does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, I can plainly say I am not a perfect man. Perhaps I could have spoken with greater clarity.

I spoke of the love of God who gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as a payment for our sins, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. I taught the Bible truth that God is unchanging. And considering the quick succession of many cataclysmic, tragic events in recent months, I posed the question, could God be speaking to America in a judging manner?

Any discussion of God’s judgment must begin with the Biblical truth that God loves us and derives no pleasure in judgment, but patiently waits for us to turn to Him.

God blesses nations (Psalm 33:12). Uniquely, America traces her roots to Christianity; not that Christianity is our national religion, nor is anyone compelled to be a Christian, but that the principles of Christianity shaped our foundations. Second President of the United States, John Adams said, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were. . . . the general principles of Christianity.” And God has blessed America like no other nation in history.

My pastoral role is not to offer my opinion, but to speak God’s Word, and the clear Bible answer is, “Yes,” God judges nations (Jeremiah 18:7-10], not for this or that sin or a hot button sin, but because they reject Him, worship other gods, embrace false forms of ideology, and wallow in immorality and sin. God is not speaking to this or that group, but to all of us.

He may withdraw His restraining grace (Romans 1:18-32). He may allow adverse circumstances, or cataclysmic events (Numbers 16:1-33; Job 37:11-13], to turn us back to Him.

Is God judging America? For years we have systematically dismantled our Judeo-Christian foundations in favor of secularism and moral relativism [beliefs that reflect the culture and personal preference as opposed to God’s truth, the Bible]. We no longer pray in Jesus’ name or study the Bible in our schools. We have removed the Ten Commandments from our schools and many other places throughout the country. We call right wrong and wrong right.

My heart aches that some, not all, but some were offended. But, the consistent message is that God loves you and if God is judging or correcting America it is for the purpose, remember, of drawing us back to Him.

Pastor Bill Ledbetter
Fairview Baptist Church in Durant, OK

I know Pastor Ledbetter, and he is one of the kindest, most mild-mannered individuals you will ever meet. His prime sin in the eyes of secular society is that he truly believes the inspired Word of God, and preaches its unvarnished truth without apology or compromise.

Secular society doesn't mind if a person affiliates as a Christian, but if you actually believe the Bible, apply it to your life, and proclaim it unashamedly, then they want your head delivered on a platter.

Coburn joins Jarrin Jackson for town hall in Durant this evening

Dr. Tom Coburn, former US Senator, to Join Candidate for US Congress, Former US Army Captain Jarrin Jackson at Town Hall in Durant

Dr. Tom Coburn, former US Senator, will join US Congressional Candidate Jarrin Jackson at a Town Hall event at Durant Public Library on Friday evening, February 16, 6:30pm at 1515 W. Main, Durant.

In a recent statement, Dr. Coburn said he is backing Jarrin Jackson’s candidacy because, “Who we send to Congress is really important...Jarrin Jackson has virtue. He has shown his character by already doing a tremendous amount in service to our country. He is a combat veteran, a West Point graduate, a leader."

Coburn continues, "People are worried about our country - it isn't just one thing that is wrong, but there are many challenges that have developed to feeling insurmountable because many who hold office don't have the character trait of virtue - the firmness of purpose and courage to carry out high standards, no matter the cost. Jarrin Jackson has virtue - and has shown from his service in the military, serving veterans and working in his community, and growing his restaurant franchise business - he holds himself to a high standard and commitment to doing what is right for our communities, for our state, and for our nation.  Jarrin Jackson is a patriot and a warrior, and is not going to abuse your trust. Because he has virtue."

The incumbent Congressman Mullin is also currently being outed as a pro-pork politician in ads by the fiscally conservative Club for Growth, highlighting Mullin's support of bringing back earmarks just as our nation is working to pay off the current crippling debt, and going back on his promise to serve three terms to avoid being a career politician.

Jackson stated, "It is an honor and privilege to have Dr. Coburn's support. I look forward to serving according to the principles of his legacy. I am ready to take the torch and carry it forward for our country."

Jarrin Jackson is a combat veteran, who owns franchise restaurants and works to find jobs for transitioning active duty members to secure their first civilian job as they reintegrate into private sector. The Republican primary election for Congress is June 26th.

For more information on ongoing schedule of Town Hall events, please visit his Facebook page and his campaign website at www.JarrinJackson.com.

Rep. Dustin Roberts Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

Rep. Dustin Roberts Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Dustin Roberts announced this week that this will be his last legislative session. He is not seeking re-election.

“I want to thank the great people of House District 21 for putting their trust in me over the last eight years; it has been a true honor to be your representative,” said Roberts, R-Durant. “I spent a great deal of time thinking about this decision, and after conversations with my family I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election as your state representative.

“I first took an oath at 18 to defend and serve the greatest county the world has ever known, and I’ve continued in public service since. Although I’m stepping away from public service as an elected individual that does not mean I will be stepping away from my home, and I will continue to fight for our rural way of life.

“I want to say thank you to the great folks of Bryan county; there is truly is no place better in Oklahoma or the world.”

Roberts was first elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2010. He serves as the assistant majority whip in the House and as the chairman of the Appropriations & Budget Transportation Subcommittee. He also serves as a member of the following committees: Appropriations & Budget, Common Education, County & Municipal Government, and the Joint Committee on Appropriations & Budget. His House district covers all of Bryan County.

OKGOP hosting Senate candidate debate in Durant tonight

From the Oklahoma Republican Party:

The Oklahoma Republican Party invites you to attend a Senate candidate forum at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Seating is limited, so reserve your ticket today! See you there!

Who: Senate candidates for the open Senate seat
When: June 4, 2016, 7:00-8:30pm
Where: Hallie McKinney Building. 416 University Blvd, at the corner of 5th Avenue and University Blvd., Durant, OK.

For more information, please contact the Oklahoma Republican Party at 405-528-3501 or laureebeth@okgop.com.

Jay Paul Gumm: From State Senator to Embezzler

Then: 2010

Now: 2013

Playing a role in putting a good candidate in office is a gratifying feeling. However, when the incumbent you helped defeat ends up in jail a few years later.... that is just the icing on the cake.

Thus is the sad situation that former State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm finds himself in now.


Back in 2010, I helped Republican Josh Brecheen, a first-time candidate, in his insurgent campaign against Gumm, the entrenched Democrat incumbent. Seemingly against all odds, in a 'Little Dixie' district that had never elected a Republican to the State Senate (more than 80% of voters were Democrats) and facing a two-term Senator, Brecheen procured 56% of the vote, and ousted one of Oklahoma's most prominent and promising Senate Democrats.

After losing the election, Gumm and his family moved to Mississippi, where he took the position of executive director for the Stone County Economic Development Partnership. On Friday, he was arrested for embezzling over $24,000 from the agency. According to news reports, Gumm is the third employee from the SCEDP to be accused of embezzlement in the past year (one woman embezzled over $300,000).

During the 2010 campaign, questions were raised about certain aspects of Gumm's finances (personal and campaign). Do his current money problems have a root in the past? We may never know, but voters in Senate District 6 can take heart that they put the right man in office in 2010 -- and kicked the right guy out.

SHOCK POLL: Brecheen Leading Gumm

I say "shock poll", because that's the only way a Democrat can view this news: Republican candidate Josh Brecheen is leading 8-year incumbent Democrat State Senator Jay Paul Gumm 46-40, according to a recent poll.

The two are running for State Senate District 6, which covers all or portions of Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston and Marshall counties (covering the communities of Durant, Tishomingo, Madill, Coalgate, and most of the Lake Texoma area).

Just under 20% of voters in the district are registered Republican - never has a Republican won a State Senate race in Atoka, Bryan, Coal, Johnston or Marshall counties. Even for State House, a Republican has only won in Atoka County once (1909), and Coal County once (1921)

Brecheen is in excellent shape to make history by becoming the first GOP legislative candidate to represent these five southeastern counties in the State Senate. Frankly, from everything I have seen about this race, I am not surprised that Brecheen is leading. I'm fully convinced that Brecheen will make history by winning this race.

Halloween's Coming Early to SD6

To learn more about Josh Brecheen, and his campaign for the State Senate, visit www.BrecheenForSenate.com.

Dustin Roberts Announces for HD 21

To continue with the Bryan County political news, another Republican has announced for State House District 21, being vacated by Rep. John Carey (D-Durant). In July, we reported that Jack Accountius was running - today, Dustin Roberts announced his candidacy for the same seat.

Dustin (Pryor) Roberts, a Republican of Durant, has announced his candidacy for the District 21 State Representative seat currently held by Democrat John Carey.

“I am asking the people of the 21st district to give me the honor of representing them in our Oklahoma State Capital,” said Roberts, in a news release.

“Today marks the beginning of a campaign that will try to push the boundaries of political lines, working hand-in-hand with the great people of District 21 and our capital leaders, building a stronger district and a greater state. It is important to examine each of the candidates that will be representing one of the strongest districts in the great state of Oklahoma.”

Roberts was born in McAlester but raised in Durant by parents Pam Roberts and local businessman Dennis Roberts. He is a Durant High School graduate, where he participated in football and track.

Upon graduation in 2003, Roberts enlisted in the United States Navy to serve the nation and fight the war on terrorism.

In his five-year career in the United States Navy, Roberts was the recipient of two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for his efforts in the Horn of Africa situation and again in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2004, Roberts was awarded as the Blue Jacket of the Year and honored with an invitation to the Presidential Inaugural Ball and Inaugural Address. He was promoted, through the Command Advancement Program, to 3rd Class Petty Officer by the Command Master Chief and Commanding Officer of VFA-143. Later, Roberts was awarded Junior Sailor of the Year for the leadership role he took on his second deployment.

After five years of enlistment in the U.S. Navy, Roberts enrolled in Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where he is pursuing a degree in education.

While enrolled at SE, Roberts is also a partner in his family’s business, All Star Beverages, a drive-thru convenience store.

Roberts and his wife of five years, Lindsay Valles Roberts, of Calera, are members of the Durant Elks Lodge and Calera United Methodist Church.

Together, they volunteer with organizations such as Relay for Life and March of Dimes, and are avid supporters of the local 4-H, FFA and athletics programs.

It's highly unusual for a contested Republican primary in either south-east or east-central Oklahoma, which has been dubbed "Little Dixie" due to the highly Democratic nature of voter registration here. This just speaks to the political climate today, both anti-incumbent and anti-Democrat. This could be a great opportunity for the GOP to gain another state legislative seat in the 2nd Congressional District. Currently, only three Republicans hold seats within the district - State Rep. Tad Jones in Claremore (term-limited), State Rep. Doug Cox in Grove, and State Rep. George Faught in Muskogee.

Bryan County GOP Action Alert - ObamaCare

Here's an important email from the Bryan County Republican Party regarding ObamaCare:

Good Morning Everyone:

As many of you know, Obama's Health Care "Reform" Bill was introduced in the House yesterday. Obama has spoken on this issue multiple times stating explicitly that if you have your own insurance, you will be able to keep it, and that the gov't won't force people to go onto the government plan.

However, today's Editorial Headline in the Investor's Business Daily based on reading the over 1,000 page bill, states that on page 16 of the bill, in actuality, from the day the bill is signed into law, insurance companies will no longer be able to issue new policies. So, you can keep your insurance, but you can't change it and once you lose it (you leave your company or if your insurance company goes out of business since they can't issue new policies) you then MUST go onto the government plan as that will be the only remaining option.

Please read the Investor's Business Daily article here: http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=332548165656854 to come to your own conclusions.

If the news concerns you, we are asking that please call each and every one of Dan Boren's offices in Oklahoma and DC on Friday, July 17, between the hours of 9am-4pm to voice your concerns based on what you read yourself in the article and news- the phone numbers are listed below.

We have heard of an effort mobilizing across OK to be picketing Boren's offices in Muskogee , McAlester, and Claremore so it will be very helpful for us to call across the state to let his other offices as well know that not only are the people outside his office upset, but additional people are taking action by calling as well. We will not demonstrate outside his Durant office, but we can make a big statement just by taking a five minute break to make our voices heard by phone calls.

We simply need to voice our concerns that Mr. Boren not only needs to vote against this bill, but needs to take an active stand - speeches and interviews to media and working to sign on other Democrats to vote against this bill so it does not pass the House - to defend the people of Oklahoma against this power grab by the government.

Here are the Boren office phone numbers:

Durant: 580-931-0333
McAlester: 918-423-5951
Claremore: 918-341-9336
Muskogee: 918-687-2533
Washington DC: 202-225-2701

Thank you everyone for being willing to take the time to learn the facts and speak up for our freedom!

It is vital that we stop Obama's health care "reform". The stakes are too high.

Jack Accountius Announces for State House District 21

To continue with the candidacy announcements, this one came out of Bryan County in southern Oklahoma on Monday.

Jack Accountius Announces Candidacy for Oklahoma District 21 Representative

Durant, OK -- Jackie (Jack) Accountius today announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for State Representative for District 21. He has been a resident of Bryan County for twenty-two years, and much of that time has been spent in service to our local community. He served on the Philadelphia VFD as a fireman and held the office of Secretary/Treasurer, and then once Roberta Fire Department was organized, served Roberta VFD as fireman, Chief, and member of the Board of Directors. Jack is also a member and past President of the Bryan County Master Gardeners. As well, he has served on the Bryan County Fair Board, and has assisted or superintended the Open Horse Show at the Fair. Jack is active in his church, St Williams Roman Catholic Church, serving on his parish council in many different capacities including President. He and his wife have been faithful volunteers for over four years in serving Durant's hungry through the church's St. Catherine's Food Bank.

On the state level, he is participating in the planning process for the 2010-2060 Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan.

Accountius is a 1958 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He served 20 years in the USAF as munitions officer, 15 of those years as explosive ordinance disposal qualified, and spent two years serving overseas at various locations throughout Southeast Asia. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Jack received his Masters in Business Administration from East Texas State University, and in 1996 retired from Texas Instruments.

Since moving to Oklahoma, Jack and his wife of fifty years Pat, have raised, trained and shown their miniature horses at all levels of competition. They have won one American Miniature Horse Association National Championship and two National Reserve Championships.

Because of his experience in the military and in the civilian work sector, Jack feels he can contribute to the positive growth of this great state of Oklahoma. He looks forward to enlisting yet again in service to our country through representing District 21 in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives.

# # #

Accountius can be contacted at chimera@texomaonline.com. His website is JackFor21.com.

House District 21 is currently held by State Rep. John Carey (D, Durant). Carey is not seeking reelection, and word is that he will be jumping in the Lieutenant Governor race in the near future (joining fellow Little Dixie Democrat State Sen. Kenneth Corn). Democrat Chris Pierce announced for House District 21 on June 23rd.

2010 looks to be an active year for the Republican Party in the traditionally and heavily Democratic Second Congressional District. Recruitment for state legislative races, as well as candidates for Congress, seems to be going at an above-average pace, which has to bode well for the GOP.