Survey shows sharp divide among OKGOP delegates over electronic convention voting

The 2021 Oklahoma Republican Party State Convention will be held on Saturday, April 10th, and a new system of voting seems to be stirring up some controversy among the delegates.

For decades, voting at the State Convention has been done in person and with paper ballots. Last year changed all of that, due to the coronavirus turmoil. I have not attended a state convention in several years, so my knowledge of the particulars is based on conversations with individuals who did attend. The 2020 state convention was held virtually via Zoom, which resulted in significantly reduced participation and some technical struggles that often plague events of this size when thrown together without adequate preparation or training.

This year, the convention will be held in person -- but voting will be done through an online program. Delegates are expected to bring their own electronic device in order to participate.

Needless to say, this is a significant development in the OKGOP, and one that is going to be contested. In conversations with a fellow church member recently, I was told that several older delegates from their county won't be attending this year as they do not own smartphones or laptops, which would be required to vote with. This "technology divide" will likely hit hardest among senior citizen and rural delegates (in other words, a significant position of the usual delegate makeup).

I was forwarded the results of an email survey that was recently conducted, sent out to all registered delegates, regarding the convention's online voting system. Nearly 20% of the around 1,800 delegates responded to the survey, giving us a good sample size to consider.

Muskogee County GOP sets date for precinct meetings and county convention

The Muskogee County Republican Party recently announced that they have selected Saturday, February 20th, as the date for their 2021 precinct meetings and county convention.

Sandy Hodges talks candidacy for OKGOP National Commiteewoman

With the 2020 Oklahoma Republican Party's State Convention now moved to an online-only setting, the campaigns for various party positions will be conducted in a rather different manner than is typical.

National Commiteewoman Carolyn McLarty, elected to the post in 2008, is not seeking a fourth term, opening up the position. Last week, former OKGOP chair Pam Pollard tossed her hat in the ring. Wagoner County Assessor (and another longtime grassroots activist) Sandy Hodges is also running. I'm posting a video message from her, as well as a flyer she has out out.

Pam Pollard announces candidacy for OKGOP Nat'l Committeewoman

Former OKGOP Chair and longtime activist Pam Pollard today announced that she is running for Oklahoma Republican Party National Committeewoman at the upcoming State Convention.

I am excited to announce my candidacy for RNC National Committeewoman for Oklahoma

I WILL WORK TIRELESSLY TO RE-ELECT DONALD TRUMP AS PRESIDENT

I will stand strong for ballot security and the prevention of election fraud and intimidation

I will promote the Platform of the RNC and the state of Oklahoma

I will re-join the Prayer and Faith committee and the Conservative Steering Committee I was a member of when serving on the RNC as your State Chairman

I will work with the OKGOP Chairman and all 77 counties to build our Party

I will work with the State Ethics Commission and Legislature to fix the loopholes created that have stifled our Party’s fundraising since they went into existence in 2015

I will fight tirelessly to keep the Electoral College in our state and nation and stand strong against the NPV National Popluar Vote

I will be a communicator to you and from you from the RNC and OKGOP and share important information and action items that are critical to the Republican Party

I am pro life
I am pro Trump
I am pro OKGOP


I humbly as for your vote on June 20th.

CD2 GOP Convention postponed until direction from OKGOP and RNC

On Saturday, the CD2 GOP Convention was rescheduled from March to April. In the days since, the 1st and 4th District conventions have been postponed indefinitely.

This morning, Chairman Jemison announced that the 2nd District convention would be postponed until further guidance was received from the OKGOP and RNC.

1st District GOP Convention postponed

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, large public events and gatherings are being canceled across the state and country. On Saturday, both the 2nd and 4th Congressional District GOP conventions were postponed. Today, the 1st Congressional District followed suit:

CD1 Chair Amanda Teegardan:

Attention Delegates to the Republican 1st District of Oklahoma

Due to unprecedented circumstances, the District Conventions are being postponed to a date to be determined; District 1 will not be meeting on 3/28/20.

The District Chairmen are awaiting guidance from the RNC and the State GOP. We will keep you posted as to how we are to proceed. Thank you for your understanding.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Phil. 4:6

Blessings,
Amanda Teegarden
Chair, OK Rep. District 1

2nd and 4th District GOP Conventions postponed

It's convention season in the Republican Party, with delegates to the national convention set to be elected by congressional district conventions and the state convention. However, with the ongoing Coronavirus situation, dates are beginning to look uncertain.

Today, both the 2nd Congressional District and 4th Congressional District conventions were postponed.

CD2 Chairman Shane Jemison:

2nd Congressional District GOP Convention will be tentatively rescheduled for April 4 . We continue to monitor potential health scenarios and will continue to update county chairs.

The CD4 Convention that was set to be held next Saturday has also been postponed, with a new date to be determined by the District Committee.

Muskogee GOP sets precinct meetings, county convention for February 15th

Precinct Meetings for the Muskogee County Republican Party are scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 15th at 10am, with the County Convention following immediately after (at approximately 10:30am).

The county convention will elect delegates to the state convention, and begin the party platform formation process. In presidential years, delegates to the National Convention are elected at State and Congressional District conventions, which come after the precinct meetings and county conventions.

If you are a registered Republican and wish to attend the State Convention (or become a delegate to the National Convention), this is where it all begins.

Click here to see additional dates for precinct meetings in other counties.

Tulsa GOP precinct meetings being held on Thursday

Precinct Meetings for the Republican Party of Tulsa County are scheduled to be held this Thursday, January 30th.

The precinct meeting is the most basic of Republican conventions. The precinct meeting is where it all starts. Delegates are selected for the county convention (which in turn selects delegates for the state convention), and the platform formation process begins. In presidential years, delegates to the National Convention are elected at State and Congressional District conventions, which come after the precinct meetings and county conventions.

If you are a registered Republican and wish to attend the State Convention (or become a delegate to the National Convention), precinct meetings are where it all begins.

Click here to see additional dates for precinct meetings in other counties.

(click to enlarge)

National Young Republicans schedule new state convention for Oklahoma YRs

Back in September, the Oklahoma Young Republicans met for their state convention, intending to elect a new slate of officers. The convention broke down in chaos as two factions met an impasse over credentialing. One side simply walked out, while the other side carried on with business.

Following this, the Young Republican National Federation requested that the OKYRs hold a new convention with oversight by the YRNF to ensure no irregularities occur.

Sources indicate that outgoing chairman John Roberts failed to schedule a new convention as requested by the YRNF, so the YRNF voted at their fall meeting to essentially take over the duties of the Oklahoma YR chair in the interim. They have now set a date for a convention re-do to take place in Oklahoma City:

Dear Oklahoma Young Republicans:

The 2019 Oklahoma Young Republican's State Convention will be held on Saturday, December 14th in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  A specific location and time will be sent out in the near future.

In response to issues from the attempted state convention in September, the Young Republican National Federation has agreed to mediate the dispute by hosting the 2019 Oklahoma YR state convention to ensure leadership is duly elected prior to the new year as required by the rules.

Please plan to attend the state convention on Saturday, December 14th!

Best,
Rick Loughery
YRNF Chairman

Details will be coming when announced by the YRNF.

OKGOP Delegate/Elector info, Convention dates

Earlier this week, OKGOP Chair Pam Pollard sent out rules and information on both the national delegate and elector selection processes.

Fellow Republicans,

In anticipation of the Republican Party’s National Convention to be held in Cleveland, Ohio, in July, the Oklahoma Republican Party published this week the rules by which the state’s delegates will be selected to attend the convention.

The process we’re following is a fairly simple one that is spelled out in our state party’s rules. The goal has always been for the process to remain open and transparent and to reflect the will of the Republican voters in Oklahoma.

In the coming weeks every state and territory will undergo a similar process in selecting delegates to represent the party’s voters in the process to choose a Republican nominee for president in Cleveland.

This week we have published the details of the delegate and elector selection process on our website for members of the media and those interested in serving as delegates.

The OKGOP has also released the rules governing the nomination of electors to represent the party in the electoral college for the general election. One elector and one alternate will be elected from each congressional district along with two at the party’s state convention.

The document explaining the delegate process can be viewed here and the nomination form can be downloaded here. The elector nomination form can be downloaded here, and the elector nomination details can be viewed here.

Pam Pollard,
OKGOP Chairman

25 delegates, 25 delegate-alternates, 2 presidential electors and 2 elector-alternates will be elected at the State Convention on May 14th, while another 3 delegates, 3 delegate-alternates, 1 presidential elector and 1 elector-alternate will be elected at each of the five Congressional District conventions.

3rd District Convention: Saturday, April 2nd, at South Yukon Church of Christ
4th District Convention: Saturday, April 2nd, at Mid-America Christian University
2nd District Convention: Saturday, April 9th, at Southeastern Expo Center
1st District Convention: Saturday, April 16th, at Renaissance Hotel
5th District Convention: Saturday, April 16th, at Gordon Cooper Technology Center
State Convention: Saturday, May 14th, at First Baptist Church of Moore

Muskogee GOP precinct meetings scheduled for January 27th

Muskogee County GOP to hold precinct meetings Tuesday, January 27th

Muskogee, OK  –  Muskogee County Republican precinct meetings will be held on Tuesday, January 27th at 7pm. The meetings will take place in room 'E' of the Muskogee Civic Center.

Precinct meetings are an opportunity for every registered Republican to participate first hand in grassroots politics and are open to all registered Republicans in Muskogee County.

In Oklahoma, attending a precinct meeting is the first step in the election of delegates to the Oklahoma Republican State Convention to be held in Oklahoma City on April 11th.

A person must be a registered Republican voter of the precinct to take part in a precinct meeting or to serve as a delegate to any Republican convention.

Call (918) 360-7228 for more information, or visit the Muskogee Republicans Facebook page.

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

Gov. Fallin to speak at Republican National Convention

Governor Fallin Selected as Headline Speaker for Republican National Convention

Pinnell: "another reminder that Governor Fallin is a national conservative leader"

(Oklahoma City)- Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Matt Pinnell today congratulated Governor Mary Fallin upon the announcement that she has been selected as a headlining speaker to the Republican National Convention later this month in Tampa, Florida. The exact time and date of Governor Fallin's speech will be announced at a later date. Governor Fallin also spoke to the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

"I'd like to congratulate Governor Fallin on being selected as a headlining speaker at the Republican National Convention later this month," said OKGOP Chairman Matt Pinnell. "This is yet another reminder to us Okies that Governor Fallin is a national conservative leader who is taking Oklahoma to new heights. We are proud to call her OUR Governor."

In 2010, Fallin became the first female elected Governor of Oklahoma. Prior to that, she served as the first female Lt. Governor of Oklahoma from 1994 to 2006. In 2006, Fallin was elected to the United States Congress from Oklahoma's Fifth District. Fallin was the first female to be elected to Congress from Oklahoma since the 1920's.

Governor Fallin has been lauded by national publications as one of the "Most Popular Governors in America," noting her 69% approval rating. Under Governor Fallin's leadership, Oklahoma has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation at 4.7%, a full 3.6% below the national average. Governor Fallin has been a leader in advocating for America's energy producers and against President Obama's decision to reject the full Keystone XL Pipeline.

"The election this November is about much more than politics. It is a decision we have to make about the direction of America - are we going to continue to tax and spend and grow government far past the point of sustainability, or are we going to restore fiscal sanity to Washington, D.C. and force government to live within its means? In Oklahoma, we work to make government serve the people and not the other way around. Our next president has to share this same commitment and that is why I am so proud to be a part of the Republican National Convention to officially nominate Mitt Romney," said Governor Fallin.

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum August 27-30, 2012. Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, media and other guests. For more information about the 2012 Republican National Convention, visit www.GOPConvention2012.com.

OKGOP posts National Delegate slate for State Convention

The Oklahoma Republican Party today released the National Convention Delegate slate, which will be voted on at the Oklahoma Republican State Convention on May 12th in Norman. Twenty five individuals were selected to serve as at-large delegates for the Republican National Convention (August 27th-30th), with an additional twenty five people chosen to serve as alternates. Over two hundred people applied to be delegates and/or alternates.

On Saturday, pursuant to the Oklahoma Republican Party Rules, the State Executive Committee met to whittle down two hundred plus applicants into a slate of twenty five delegate nominees and twenty five alternate-delegate nominees. The committee also chose two at-large electors and two elector-alternates out of about another dozen applicants.

Almost the entire State Executive Committee was present, either in person or via proxy. As a committee member, I had the privilege to participate in the process. The committee gathered around 8:30am, and interviewed hopefuls almost non-stop from 9am until 5pm. We were able to question around 165 applicants; about sixty people did not show up. The vast majority of interviews were done in person, although we did conduct a few over the phone.

All of the applicants were asked a series of questions, which included their personal views on abortion/right-to-life and the 2nd Amendment, as well as past political involvement, and questions regarding voting at the national convention (all delegates are bound by the rules to vote for the candidate they are assigned to, unless that candidate releases his delegates).

Once interviews ended at 5pm, the committee took some time to go over notes, review application forms, and discuss with fellow members about the different applicants. We cast the first ballot for delegate around 5:30pm. Cutting down the list was by no means an easy task, as many enthusiastic and qualified Republicans had applied for the positions.

Tallying was conducted by four individuals: Wayne Watts counted the individual ballots to ensure the proper amount of votes had been cast, Richard Engle (carrying a proxy for National Committeeman James Dunn) read the votes, Gary Jones recorded the votes, and I served as the observer. Occasionally, all four of us had to deliberate over "voter intent" - i.e. votes that were scribbled out, or on the line between two candidates, etcetera. Counting all of the votes, on each successive ballot, was a tedious process, but we worked out a good system.

Voting went three rounds to reach twenty five delegates, another couple rounds for the twenty five alternates, and one round for elector/elector-alternate. We were able to finish by 8:30pm, a full twelve hours after we had begun.

A great amount of time and work went into forming this slate of nominees, and all Oklahoma Republicans can be proud of the result. The individuals selected by the committee represent a wide array of experience, geography, age, presidential candidate preference, and are a solid group of conservatives who will represent the state well at the National Convention in Tampa.

See below the break for the list of nominees.

OKGOP Convention Update

Sorry for the lack of updates since the state convention; I've been away from a computer ever since my last post.

First of all, Gary Jones won the state chair race by an overwhelming percentage. I neglected to write down the exact figures, but Michael Bates put them up on his Twitter account. Gary Jones received 73.5% of the vote (1282.4 - apportioned vote), and Cheryl Williams got 26.5% (461.6 - apportioned vote). I expected Gary Jones to win, but not in such a blowout.

What I was especially surprised with was the outcome of the caucus resolution. Coming into the convention, I thought that it might pass, but after Sen. Coburn ripped the caucus, things went downhill in a hurry for it.

Questions asked were not sufficiently answered by the Pro-Caucus folks, and some were blatantly ignored. The crowd sentiment against the caucus began to grow, and culminated when the debate started. Tom Roach spoke for the caucus, and focused not on defending or arguing for the resolution, but on slamming the opponents of the caucus (and calling out specific names). Very unprofessional, and his speaking hurt his cause, and sealed the deal.

The pro-caucus caucus (had to say that) saw the fiery crash coming, and tried to table the amendment indefinitely, thereby saving it for a future convention. However, convention chairman State Rep. John Wright ruled that the convention now 'owned' the resolution, and a tabling motion was out of order. The caucus then proceeded to fail miserably.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon officially announced his intention to run for governor just before the chair vote, and the convention hall erupted (especially when compared to the warm reception Mary Fallin received).

On a different note, the convention chair was superb. I heard many people say that they've never been to a convention that was handled as well as John Wright did. I have tremendous respect for Wright, and this merely confirmed why I do. Jon Wright follows the rules to the T, and is fair to all sides, as was evident at the convention. A better convention chair could not have been found.

All in all, it was a good convention. Over 1200 delegates attended, and the future looks bright for the Republican Party in Oklahoma.

State GOP Convention Saturday

The 2009 Oklahoma Republican Convention takes places on Saturday, and I will likely be unable to post until the conclusion. However, I have a few things to say.

One, I fully and enthusiastically endorse GARY JONES for state chair, and Angie LaPlante for Vice Chair. These are both solid, conservatives individuals that I have had the privilege of knowing, and I can think of no better team for the Republican Party. Under Gary's leadership, the state party has flourished, and made tremendous gains in every area.

Also, I oppose the Caucus, for reasons laid out in my post previously.

For now,

The Muskogee Politico

State Committeeman Talks Caucus vs. Primary Moratorium

A Message from Muskogee County State Committeeman Jamison Faught

The issue of how Oklahoma Republicans choose their nominee for president is very important, and should not be taken lightly. Whether we have a caucus system or a primary affects the ability of hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans to participate in the process of selecting our next president.

That’s why I am calling for a moratorium on the caucus vs. primary issue.

Do we want the Republican party to be the Party of the Oligarchy, where the elite few make the decisions for the whole? That is what we would be, if we consider voting on our presidential nominee selection system at the 2009 State Convention.

Such a small percentage of registered Republicans will be present at the State Convention, making decisions that will affect not only the long-time party activist, but also the average Republican who is not even aware that the Party is considering changing how they can vote.

Currently, the state of Oklahoma has over 860,000 registered Republicans. 335,000 Republicans voted in the Presidential Primary that took place in February of 2008. How many will be attending the 2009 State Convention? 1,000? 1,500? 2,000? Whatever the actual attendance is, it is an extremely small percentage of the overall Republican population in Oklahoma, many of whom are unaware of the convention, or the fact that how they vote for President may be changing due to actions taken at this convention, without their input

Some of the 'Caucus OK!' proponents speak of the Republican Party being a private organization (in the context of the state paying for the primaries). I ask, what private organization would dramatically change how they operate without notifying all of their members? That's what is happening right now with the caucus/primary discussion.

Yes, let’s have a healthy debate on whether to keep the primary, or move to a caucus, but let’s make sure that that decision is what the party as a whole wants. That is why I call for a moratorium.

Here is what I propose. The Oklahoma Republican Party should vote on whether to keep the primary, or to move to a caucus. However, we postpone that decision until every registered Republican in the state is contacted (or contact is attempted) about the possible change, and given an opportunity to attend a special convention scheduled for that very purpose. I call on the state party to establish a fund dedicated solely to financing such a contact operation. If such a course of action is taken, I will give the first donation.

This is much too important an issue to be decided without input from the members of the Republican Party as a whole, not just a select few.

So again, this is my proposal:

1. The State Party dedicate a fund to be used specifically to contact via mail (or other form of contact, if available, balancing cost and effectiveness) every registered Republican in the state. I will donate the first $50. Republicans on the state email list, and county email lists, would not have to have a postcard mailed to them, and activists could gather names of other people who do not need notification, saving more money.
2. Schedule a special convention to deal exclusively with the caucus vs. primary issue, once enough money is raised.
3. Vote to either keep the current primary, or move to a caucus, after all registered Republicans have been given the opportunity to attend if they so wish.

Thank you for considering my proposal. Whatever is decided, we should unite as a party, in order to accomplish greater things in the future.

Jamison Faught
State Committeeman, Muskogee County

2009-2010 Muskogee County GOP Officers

The Muskogee County GOP Convention was held on Saturday, and officers were elected for the 2009-2010 term.

Chairman: Jerry Huffer
Vice Chairman: Melanie Grayson
State Committeeman: Jamison Faught
State Committeewoman: Linda Gragg
District Committeeman: Tom Montgomery
District Committeewoman: Sharon Chadwell

The only change in officers was the State Committeeman spot; the previous holder has retired, and did not run for re-election.