AFP-Oklahoma endorses three more candidates for State House

Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma Endorses New Round of State Legislative Candidates

Tulsa, Okla. – Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma (AFP-OK) today announced its endorsement of three candidates for the Oklahoma State House of Representatives:  Kendra Wesson (HD-46), Brad Banks (HD-70), and Paul Hassink (HD-79).

Democrats take another legislative seat in HD46 special election

In the special election held in House District 46 today, Democrats once again emerged victorious, snatching another Republican-held seat away and continuing their recent success in special elections. Democrats have lost only one legislative special election since April 2015, flipping two House seats (HD85 and HD75) and two Senate seats (SD34 and SD44). The "one that got away" was HD28, which Republican Zach Taylor held for the GOP by a mere 56 votes.

Democrat Jacob Rosecrants defeated Republican Darin Chambers 60.41% to 39.59%. Ironically, that's the exact same percentage that Scott Martin defeated Rosecrants by in 2016,  four and a half months before Martin announced his resignation to take a job with the Norman Chamber of Commerce.

House District 46 has a Republican District Rating (RDR) of 48.7, making it the 13th-most Democrat Republican-held seat (36th most Democrat out of 101 seats). Still, past elections have been heavily weighted to the Republican side; 60.41% in 2016, 64.4% in 2014, unopposed in 2012, 80.3% in 2010, 65.76% in 2008.

Until the continued drip, drip of scandals coming from Republicans at the State Capitol is stopped, Republicans can likely expect more losses in the future. The Democrats were unable to turn special election success into general election success in 2016, but 2018 may be different.

Cole endorses Chambers in HD46 special election

CONGRESSMAN TOM COLE ENDORSES DARIN CHAMBERS IN HD-46 RACE

August 7, 2017 -- Congressman Tom Cole, United States Representative for Oklahoma's Fourth District, is endorsing Republican candidate Darin Chambers in the upcoming House District 46 special election.  Cole is encouraging voters on both sides of the political aisle to join him in supporting Chambers on September 12th.

"The legislature desperately needs the expertise of a successful businessman and Darin Chambers is the answer," says Congressman Tom Cole.  "His conservative credentials, as both a military veteran and a Fortune 500 efficiency expert, make him the ideal candidate to represent House District 46."

Darin Chambers considers this endorsement an honor because of Congressman Cole's long history of bipartisan support from the voters of HD-46.

"I am reaching out to all conservative voters regardless of political affiliation,"  Darin Chambers says.  "I want to take my business experience and expertise, along with the values of our district, to the State Capitol. Business problems call for business solutions and the voters of HD-46 know how badly Oklahoma needs that right now. Solid business sense is what I will deliver."

"Darin Chambers has the experience, integrity and vision Oklahoma needs right now," Congressman Cole says.  "I am holding a fundraiser for Darin on August 17th because, even if you don't live in his district, he still needs your support. I'm asking every voter in HD-46, both Republican and Democrat, to get to the polls on September 12th and vote for Darin Chambers.  The stakes are too high to stay home."

Darin Chambers is a Navy veteran, graduated from OU with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1991, and earned his MBA from UCLA in 1999.  Chambers now teaches upper-level engineering classes at OU, drawing on his experiences as a general manager for a global services firm working with top executives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.  He and his wife, Dianne, live in Norman with their two daughters and two foster children.

The House District 46 special general election will be September 12th.

For more information on Darin Chambers visit his Facebook page at Darin Chambers for State Representative District 46 or www.ChambersforStateRep.com.

State Chamber endorses Chambers in HD46 special election

STATE CHAMBER ENDORSES DARIN CHAMBERS IN HD-46 RACE

July 6, 2017 -- The Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce is encouraging voters to elect conservative Republican Darin Chambers in next week's special election primary for House District 46.

"Darin Chambers will be a champion for Oklahoma businesses," says State Chamber spokesman, Jonathan Buxton.  "We know he will be a pro-business legislator focused on making Oklahoma a better place to live and do business.  He will support meaningful reforms that help create quality jobs and opportunities for hardworking Oklahomans.  Darin Chambers understands the issues facing Oklahoma businesses and has the experience needed to lead on these issues."

Darin Chambers believes voters will take this endorsement seriously because, in light of our current budget crisis, the legislature desperately needs the insight of an experienced and successful businessman.

"I have spent my post-military career teaching businesses how to increase efficiency and eliminate wasteful spending," Darin Chambers says.  "I want to bring my business experience to the State Capitol  because we need it now more than ever.  The Oklahoma legislature already has plenty of former State employees voting on how to spend our tax money and we have seen the results.  I will demand strict fiscal accountability for every dollar just as I do for my business and my home."

Darin Chambers is a Navy veteran, graduated from OU with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1991, and earned his MBA from UCLA in 1999.  Chambers now teaches upper-level engineering classes at OU, drawing on his experiences as a general manager for a global services firm working with top executives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.  He and his wife, Dianne, live in Norman with their two daughters and two foster children.

The House District 46 special primary election is July 11th and the general election will be September 12th.

For more information on Darin Chambers visit his Facebook page at Darin Chambers for State Representative District 46 or www.ChambersforStateRep.com.

Chambers gains business endorsements in HD46

NORMAN BUSINESS LEADERS ENDORSE DARIN CHAMBERS IN HD-46 RACE

June 12, 2017 -- Two prominent business leaders in Norman, Todd Booze and Scott Bauman, are encouraging their colleagues in the business community to vote for Darin Chambers in the upcoming special election for House District 46.

"Darin Chambers has the real-world experience to apply reasonable, workable solutions to improve the way Oklahoma government operates," says Todd Booze, founder of Ideal Homes Construction.  "Chambers will work to put money back into the real economy created by working Oklahomans, business owners & operators, and educators inspiring the next generation to meet market needs."

A smart business approach to State Government is exactly what we need, according to Scott Bauman, owner of IMMY, an international medical equipment manufacturer based in Norman.

"Chambers is a fiscally responsible, conservative Republican," says Bauman. "He has the real-world business experience most elected leaders don't have. He is a man with strong character, not beholden to any special interests, and I know he will always look out for the best interests of both Norman and the State of Oklahoma."

Darin Chambers is a Navy veteran, graduated from OU with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1991, and earned his MBA from UCLA in 1999.  Chambers now teaches upper-level engineering classes at OU, drawing on his experiences as a general manager for a global services firm working with top executives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.  He and his wife, Dianne, live in Norman with their two daughters and two foster children.

The House District 46 special primary election is July 11th and the general election will be September 12th.

For more information on Darin Chambers and his practical solutions for Oklahoma’s success, please visit his Facebook page at Darin Chambers for State Representative District 46 or www.ChambersforStateRep.com.

Norman FOP endorses Darin Chambers in HD46 GOP primary

Norman F.O.P. Endorses Darin Chambers in HD-46 Race

May 1, 2017 -- The Norman Fraternal Order of Police is giving its highly-valued endorsement to Darin Chambers as the best candidate in the GOP Primary race for House District 46.  Chambers is a conservative Republican whose military service and business expertise won the approval of Norman's finest.

"Darin Chambers is a straight-forward, pro-law enforcement candidate just like his predecessor, Scott Martin," says Norman FOP President, Robert Wasoski.  "Chambers earned our endorsement because he understands the values most important to law enforcement.  Our officers need a positive voice in the legislature and we know, because of his military experience and his knowledge of economic issues that impact law enforcement, Chambers will deliver."

Chambers' military service has also drawn the endorsement of Mark Braley, a retired Norman Police Officer and National Guardsman, who now works as an advocate for veterans.

"Military veterans and police officers are cut from the same cloth," Braley says.  "Darin Chambers supports our needs because he truly understands them.  He would fit perfectly into the legislature's new veterans caucus with a solid record of leadership, teamwork and focus."

Darin Chambers graduated from OU with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1991 and earned his MBA from UCLA in 1999.  As a general manager for a global services firm, Chambers works with top executives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.  He and his wife, Dianne, live in Norman with their two daughters and two foster children.

The House District 46 special primary election is July 11th and the general election will be September 12th.

For more information on Darin Chambers and his practical solutions for Oklahoma’s success, please visit his Facebook page at Darin Chambers for State Representative District 46 or www.ChambersforStateRep.com.

Republican Darin Chambers to run in HD46 Special Election

Republican Darin Chambers Enters Special Election for HD-46

  

Showcasing his success in both business and education, Conservative Republican Darin Chambers announces his candidacy for the House District 46 Special Election.  Chambers is an educator, businessman and Navy veteran who served the country as a Nuclear Submarine Officer.

"My service in the Navy taught me effective leadership requires integrity," says Darin Chambers.  "Only a leader with a vision that is well communicated which demonstrates principles, expertise and proven value, can gain the trust required to move a team forward.  That's the type of leadership I plan to bring the Oklahoma legislature.  We have serious problems that will only be solved by serious leaders who have a fiscally proven record."

Chambers graduated from OU with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1991, and earned his MBA from UCLA in 1999.  As a general manager for a global services firm, Chambers worked with top executives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.

"I'm proud of my success at controlling costs, reducing waste and increasing efficiency for Fortune 500 companies with projects across Oklahoma, the United States, Europe and Asia," Chambers says. "I know what it takes to reverse an economic decline and that is exactly what the State of Oklahoma needs right now.  We have an urgent economic crisis that only a demonstrated record of experience can be trusted to deliver."

Selling his portion of a successful startup allowed Darin the freedom to pursue education goals and mentorship opportunities, to inspire the next generation to love STEM learning as much as he does. Darin Chambers has volunteered teaching robotics and other classes to Norman junior high school students, and as he finalizes his own Ph.D. at OU, also serves as a lecturer and Capstone Coordinator for Engineering students, working with businesses to place students in internships around the state and prepare for successful careers.

Darin Chambers and his wife, Dianne, have a joyful home in Norman, with two daughters Sydney and McKenna, two foster children and family dog Lucy. Dianne is an OBGYN Physician serving Norman and the surrounding communities, and the family attends St. Mark's Catholic Church.

The House District 46 special primary election is July 11th and the general election will be September 12th.

For more information on Darin Chambers and his practical solutions for Oklahoma’s success, please visit his Facebook page at 'Darin Chambers for State Representative District 46' or www.ChambersforStateRep.com.

State Rep. Martin to Resign at end of Session to Lead Norman Chamber

Martin to Resign at end of Session to Lead Norman Chamber

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Scott Martin today announced that at the end of this legislative session he will resign his seat in the Legislature to lead the Norman Chamber of Commerce. At its Board meeting today, the Norman Chamber named Rep. Martin its next president and chief executive officer beginning June 1. He has submitted the appropriate paperwork to Governor Mary Fallin and Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker Charles McCall, tendering his resignation from his House seat effective May 31.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of House District 46 for the last 11 years in the Oklahoma Legislature,” said Martin, R-Norman. “Due to term limits, I knew my legislative tenure was coming to an end. As I contemplated life after the Legislature, I was certain I wanted to continue to be part of something that would have a lasting impact on my family and community. The Norman Chamber of Commerce is an organization that makes such a difference.  Therefore, when the opportunity with the chamber presented itself, I decided to do something I had not previously considered, end my term prior to its natural expiration.

“I can’t think of a better place to use my talents and energy than the Norman Chamber of Commerce.  Their mission to build economic prosperity is vital to our community and one that helps drive everything else that creates the quality of life we all desire. My legislative career has shown that I understand the importance of a thriving business community, and my commitment to that end is evident in my voting record.

"As I discussed this opportunity with the chamber search committee, I expressed my sincere desire to extend my service through this legislative session so that my constituents would continue to have their voice heard and represented until the very last vote is cast. My passion for education, public safety, transportation, and healthcare hasn’t waned, and I will fight to the bitter end to make sure my constituents have a strong and steady common-sense voice at the Capitol. It’s the least I could do for people who have entrusted me with the privilege of representing them for so many years.

"I am so excited about beginning this new chapter in my life with the chamber. My family and I are wholly invested in Norman, and I look forward to growing the chamber and advocating for business at every turn. I show up to work every day with the same goal in mind, to make a positive difference.  That goal won’t change as I transition to this next phase in my professional life, but until June 1, my focus will continue to be serving the people of House District 46."