Governor Stitt selects Jason Reese as new general counsel

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL COUNSEL 

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 31, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the selection of Jason Reese as his new general counsel following current general counsel Mark Burget's decision to return to Search Ministries after fulfilling a two-year commitment to the governor.  

“Over the past two years, Mark Burget's wise counsel and legal expertise has helped guide our office through historic challenges facing the State, and I am thankful for his dedicated service to our team," said Gov. Stitt. "As Mark transitions out of the office, I look forward to welcoming Jason Reese as my new general counsel. Jason is a longtime litigator and former Oklahoma House of Representatives attorney with more than 15 years of experience, so he’ll bring a robust understanding of law and policy to the office. He will serve my administration well as we continue to work toward becoming a Top Ten state.”   

Robert McMaster announces candidacy for HD83

Republicans are hoping to re-take House District 83 this election, the seat that was held by now-State Treasurer Randy McDaniel for twelve years (2006 to 2018). Democrat Chelsey Branham won the 2018 election, defeating Republican Jason Reese by a vote of 52.2% to 47.8% (a difference of 689 votes).

Current GOP candidates are Eric Roberts and Robert McMaster, who submitted the following announcement release:

“A Fresh Face for Real Change”

Political Newcomer Robert McMaster announces his candidacy for State Representative in Oklahoma House District 83.  House District 83 includes parts of Edmond, NW Oklahoma City, The Village and Nichols Hills and is currently represented by Chelsey Branham, Democrat, who narrowly won in 2018.

As a father of four and a blue-collar worker, Robert McMaster knows what issues matter most and uses his education and experience to propose new real change.  His platform of Healthcare, Education and Criminal Justice Reform looks to create a prosperous and safe Oklahoma.  He also stands for Free Speech, Lower Taxes and 2A rights, which is a staunch difference from Ms. Branham.  Unlike Ms. Branham, Robert McMaster stands against socialism and big government programs as they infringe on individual rights and increase taxes.

Originally from MS, Robert McMaster moved to OK in 2013 and worked as a retail manager.  After meeting his wife and growing their blended family, he became an In-House Investigator with a prestigious criminal defense firm in Oklahoma City in 2016.  Since then, Robert has worked hard to protect the rights of his fellow Oklahomans and his work has assisted in a multitude of favorable outcomes for clients.  He is an Eagle Scout as well as a member of the Oklahoma 2nd Amendment Association, Masonic Lodge, and other organizations.

To donate or join his grassroots campaign, check out his website at https://www.robertmcmasterforhd83.com or other social media sites at Robert for HD 83 in 2020.

Jason Reese launches campaign for HD83

Jason Reese Launches Campaign for House District 83

Oklahoma City, OK – Yesterday, conservative Jason Reese announced his candidacy for the Oklahoma House of Representatives at an event in Quail Creek. The well-attended event was headlined by former Governor Frank Keating. Jason Reese, a Republican, is running for House District 83, in which Representative Randy McDaniel is term-limited in 2018.

“It’s an incredible honor to receive support from my friends and neighbors. I’m ready to take on the challenge of serving them in our state legislature as we work through these difficult times,” Reese said.

“Oklahoma desperately needs leadership at the state capitol. I believe I can provide the principled, conservative leadership necessary to strengthen our communities, promote practical solutions for our state, and expand opportunity for all Oklahomans.”  He went on to state that in office he would focus on “honoring the contribution of skilled labor to the broader prosperity of Oklahoma.”

Jason is an attorney focusing in employment law in Oklahoma City. Having worked his way through the University of Oklahoma via part-time jobs and scholarships, Jason later enlisted in the Navy Reserve following 9/11. Jason and his wife Jessica attend Christ the King Church with their four children where he is active in the community. Jason serves on the board of the Quail Creek Homeowner’s Association as well as Cristo Rey Catholic High School, a school for underprivileged teens.

Republican Primary Results - Labor Commission

Click here for the entire Muskogee Politico series of election results maps.

Reese Responds to Illegal Immigration Criticisms

I recently contacted Labor Commissioner candidate Jason Reese regarding rumors that he opposed HB1804, Oklahoma's landmark illegal immigration bill. Here is his response:

So glad you asked; there is a lot of misinformation out there.

I am fully in favor of stopping illegal immigration (in fact, the first issue that got me interested in politics was illegal drugs and that is one of the main reasons I could never be a libertarian. Obviously you cannot separate our illegal drug and illegal immigration problems.) I am in favor of all of the strictures discouraging employers from hiring illegal immigrants and publicly praised legislators for voting for HB1804 for law and order reasons.

Now, here are the things I have said which have been taken out of context. I stated in 2006 that as we stop illegal immigration, we must remain welcoming to legal immigrants and not let rhetoric reach such a pitch that we confuse the two. Next, I have represented businesses in immigration matters. That means that I have helped them comply with the laws (such as getting a green card for a foreign engineer or transferring an executive from overseas).

This leads to two things. Number one, I know the laws inside and out and can point to where we can do better - for instance by providing a clear definition of the difference between employees and independent contractors or improving the reliability of the E-Verify system. Some in the [Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee] have taken these suggestions for improvement as indictments of the efforts to address the problem. However, my representation of these companies has given me a personal vested interest in stopping illegal immigration. Companies only pay me to help them get immigrants here in a legal fashion (with respect to immigration cases, the vast majority of my practice deals with workers' comp, unemployment, etc.); when someone jumps the line in front of them, I more than almost anyone know how unfair that is.

I hope this clarifies the issue. Please feel free to contact me at 405-414-3655, my personal cell, if you have any further questions.

Reese also recently issued the following press release:

REESE RESPONDS TO COSTELLO ATTACKS
Labor Commissioner Candidate Sets the Record Straight

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma--Responding to a recent statewide direct mail piece by his opponent, Jason Reese took advantage of the opportunity to further define the clear differences between himself and Costello.

“Mr. Costello has stated he is willing to spend ‘whatever it takes to win this race.’ Now he’s made it clear he’s willing to say whatever it takes to win,” said Jason Reese.

Costello’s mail piece grossly misrepresents Reese’s record on the issues.  Reese replied that he’s happy to set the record straight.

"I am against illegal immigration and am unapologetically in favor of legal immigration."

Reese, a labor and employment attorney with extensive experience in immigration compliance, went on to explain, "No one more knows how unfair illegal immigration is than legal immigrants. In my legal practice, I have assisted businesses statewide in complying with HB1804 and other immigration laws.  I will bring that expertise to the Oklahoma Labor Department."

In the mail piece, Costello went on to attack Reese as an attorney “who supports more rules.” “Mr. Costello is absolutely right,” explained Reese. “I am in favor of a rule on the state level banning workplace discrimination against National Guard and Reserve members. Costello opposes this rule. Voters have a clear choice in this race: a candidate with extensive public and private experience who will stand up for veterans or a glib, fringe candidate utterly lacking in relevant experience critical to the Oklahoma Labor Department.”

Jason Reese is a candidate for State Labor Commissioner, the office that oversees and enforces labor and employment regulations in Oklahoma.  Reese is an Oklahoma City labor and employment attorney with extensive experience in employment discrimination law.

For more information on Reese for Oklahoma Labor Commissioner, visit www.ReeseforLabor.com.

Endorsement: Jason Reese for Labor Commissioner

There are two Republicans running for Labor Commissioner this year. As with the Attorney General's race, this was a tough choice, as I think that both men would be good in this office.

My vote will be going to Jason Reese.

Jason is an attorney who specializes in labor and employment law. He has relevant experience for the job that will enable him to hit the ground running from day one. He has seen from a different perspective how illegal immigration effects Oklahoma businesses, and can be counted on to fight against it, while at the same time encouraging legal immigration.

He will push for much-needed worker's compensation reform, to merge agencies in the Labor Commission, and to eliminate discrimination against Reserve and National Guard members.

Jason knows how the laws currently work, from both a public and private perspective. He can be trusted as a reformer.

I'll be voting for Jason Reese.

You can learn more about Jason and his campaign by visiting his website at www.ReeseForLabor.com. He is also on Twitter (@ReeseForLabor) and Facebook.

Jason joins Tom Coburn, Dana Murphy, Owen Laughlin, John Wright, Gary Jones, Janet Barresi, John Doak, Daniel Edmonds, Robert Hubbard, Scott Pruitt and James Lankford as my endorsed candidates for the July 27th Republican primary.

2nd District GOP To Meet Tomorrow

The 2nd Congressional District Republican Party is holding their quarterly meeting tomorrow afternoon in McAlester. Featured speakers every candidate running for statewide office, with the exception of one.

Governor: Randy Brogdon, Mary Fallin, Robert Hubbard, Roger Jackson

Lt. Gov: Todd Lamb, John Wright

Attorney General: Ryan Leonard, Scott Pruitt

Labor Commissioner: Mark Costello, Jason Reese

Treasurer: Owen Laughlin, Ken Miller

School Superintendent: Janet Barresi (will not be there), Shawn Hime

Corporation Commissioner: Dana Murphy (substitute speaking for her)

Insurance Commissioner: John Doak

The meeting will be held at the Kiamichi Technology Center, at 301 Kiamichi Drive in McAlester, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Republican candidates for statewide office - the GOP primary is on July 27th (94 days).

Tulsa GOP Straw Poll: Brogdon Smashes Fallin

The Tulsa County Republican Party held a well-attended rally on Saturday, February 6th. At the rally, said to be attended by between 400 and 600 people, a straw poll was taken of several different races that will be on the ballot in Tulsa County. Here are the results, taken from an email from the Tulsa County GOP (with some minor formatting changes in the results).

Straw Poll Results Are In

The rally that was held Saturday was a huge success. The Lemley Center was packed and almost every Republican candidate running in the federal and state wide election this year was present along with many of the county officials up for re-election.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett welcomed everyone and gave a short report on the progress of his administrations actions since being elected.

Vice Chairman J.B. Alexander gave a status report on the Tulsa County Republican Party during which he challenged everyone present to get actively involved with the county party.

Vice Chairman Alexander stated "Our forefathers gave of their time, talents and treasures to create this nation and we need to do the same to ensure our Freedoms and Liberty's are protected in order to save this Republic".

Chairman Sally Bell reorganized our veterans by arranging for the VFW 5th District Honor Guard to present the colors and to present the flags of all five branches of the armed forces. Seventeen year old Elissa Stiles of Owasso gave a wonderful presentation titled "Taught by Example" which honored our veterans.

Elissa took second place with this presentation in last years statewide VFW "Voice of Democracy" competition. Her presentation this year won her first place in the state and she will be traveling to WashingtonDC this spring to compete nationally. Congratulations Elissa!!

Now here is the information many people are waiting for. A straw poll results.

The following question was asked concerning the below listed races:

"If the election were held today, who would you vote for...."

U.S. Congress, District 1
John Sullivan (i) - 52.9%
Nathan Dahm - 26.6%
Fran Moghaddam - 1.5%
Undecided - 13.3%
Not My District - 5.7%

Governor
Randy Brogdon - 68.4%
Mary Fallin - 23.6%
Robert Hubbard - 0.8%
Undecided - 7.2%

Lieutenant Governor
John Wright - 35.7%
Todd Lamb - 22.4%
Undecided - 41.8%

Attorney General
Ryan Leonard - 25.9%
Clark Jolley - 7.6%
Undecided - 66.5%

State Treasurer
Owen Laughlin - 18.3%
Ken Miller - 15.6%
Undecided - 66.2%

Superintendent of Public Instruction
Janet Barresi - 36.9%
Shawn Hime - 6.1%
Undecided - 57.0%

Labor Commissioner
Tad Jones - 18.6%
Jason Reese - 11.4%
Mark Costello - 9.5%
Mark Mullin - 0.4%
Undecided - 60.1%

State Senate, District 34
Tim Coager - 16.0%
Rick Brinkley - 13.3%
Undecided - 17.1%
Not My District - 53.6%

State House, District 68
Howard Pidcock - 11.4%
Glen Mulready - 8.7%
Undecided - 20.5%
Not My District - 59.3%

State House, District 75
Dan Kirby (i) - 9.1%
Dennis Adkins - 3.0%
Undecided - 20.9%
Not My District - 66.9%

Tulsa Co. Commissioner, District 3
Fred Perry (i) - 17.9%
Michael Masters - 10.6%
Undecided - 24.3%
Not My District - 47.1%

A full copy of the survey and straw poll will be posted on the Tulsa County Republican Party web site later this week.

Race-by-race analysis:

1st Congressional District
This is by no means bad news for John Sullivan. In fact, I think it's somewhat disappointing for Nathan Dahm. This would have been the easiest time for Dahm to weight the vote towards him, but he failed to really challenge Sullivan. Dahm's support is going to be higher among the grassroots GOP faithful than it is among the average voters, since the activists will be more upset with Sullivan.

Governor
I was particularly pleased to see State Sen. Randy Brogdon with such a large lead. Congresswoman Mary Fallin again failed to attend, a trait that is occurring far too often to be mere coincidence. Fallin is angering many in the GOP grassroots by ignoring Republican meetings across Oklahoma, and particular on this side of the state. If she isn't careful, there may not be many in the grassroots of the party left who haven't be wooed by Brogdon.

Lieutenant Governor
The underdog in this race, outgoing State Rep. John Wright, had a respectable lead (even if Tulsa County is practically his home turf). Wright has a tough hill to climb in beating State Sen. Todd Lamb, however.

Attorney General
Ryan Leonard held a substantial lead over State Sen. Clark Jolley, who I really think should not run for this seat. Leonard would make a great Attorney General, and I'm glad he's holding a big lead in this race.

State Treasurer
I was very glad to see that former State Sen. Owen Laughlin edged out State Rep. Ken Miller in this poll. Laughlin, being from up near the Panhandle, will have a much harder time getting his name out than the establishment pick, Miller (the current Appropriations chairman in the State House), but it is refreshing to see him leading.

State Superintendent
Janet Barresi holds a huge lead over newly-arrived Shawn Hime. This race may get dirtier than the others, as rumors are already flying over Hime's entrance (such as 'Hime is Democrat Sandy Garrett's hand-picked successor'). Where these rumors originated may never be known, but Hime may face some difficulty nevertheless once he starts to get on the campaign trail.

Labor Commissioner
I was disappointed to see how little support Jason Reese received in Tulsa County. Reese is a stellar candidate, who fits the office perfectly. His main opponent, establishment pick and outgoing State Rep. Tad Jones, has very few (if any) qualifications for the job that I am aware of, but as the Majority Floor Leader in the State House will be able to raise gobs of money. The wildcard is Mark Costello, who loaned his campaign $104,000 on December 29th.

Senate District 34 will be an interesting race to watch. With Randy Brogdon running for Governor, who will take his place? Coager seems to have a slight lead right now. I know nothing of House District 68, other than the race is to replace term-limited House Speaker Chris Benge. House District 75 is currently held by Dan Kirby. Dennis Adkins opted not to seek reelection in 2008, but still has a campaign account open with $130,000 left. Tulsa County Commission District 3 may be an indication of disgruntlement over Fred Perry's support of the failed River tax.

As a straw poll, these figures have to be taken with a grain of salt (take Ron Paul's presidential campaign, for example; he won many straw polls, but ended up with 5% of the vote), but they are a good indication of grassroots support - very important for campaigns. A loss is by no means shattering, but a win is very helpful, especially for an underdog going up against a much more well-known opponent.

Latest News Roundup

Since I've been gone since the 31st, here's a quick roundup of the news that I'm aware of that has taken place in the meantime.

U.S. Senate news:

• Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) was quoted in a soon-to-be-released book on the 2008 Presidential election as saying that Barack Obama was "light-skinned", "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." GOP leaders point to the double-standard in how Reid is being treated for his comments and how Republican Sen. Trent Lott was after his comments several years ago. Reid continues to trail GOP opponents by 5-10 points.
  
• Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) announced that he will not run for reelection this year. He had been facing a very difficult race, with the top Republican candidates leading him by up to 10 percentage points. His stepping aside may make it easier for the Democrats to hold the seat.
• Scott Brown, Republican candidate in the special election for Ted Kennedy's old seat, is now neck and neck with Democrat Martha Coakley. Brown held a "money-bomb" today, with a goal of raising $500,000. However, by mid-afternoon, over $750,000 had been brought in, and the current goal is now $1,000,000 (at 7pm CST, $878,000 had been raised).>
• Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) trails relatively unknown GOP candidates by 10-12 points in the latest polls.
• Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) announced that he will not seek reelection, in a move that has drawn sitting Republican Governor John Hoeven into the race. Hoeven had been beating Dorgan by substantial margins in recent polls.
  

U.S House news:

• Democrats still are on pace to lose a ton of seats in the midterm election this year. Rep. Parker Griffith of Alabama switched parties shortly before Christmas, reminiscent of the party switches that took place in 1994.
• Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK) believes that the balance of power in the House will be very close, but that due to that he will have the most influence he's ever had, no matter who is in the majority.
  

Other news:

• State Rep. and Majority Floor Leader Tad Jones (R-Claremore) announced his intention to run for Labor Commissioner, joining fellow Republican Jason Reese as the announced opponents for Democrat incumbent Lloyd Fields.
• The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) is sponsoring a news site, with a focus on the State Capitol and governmental affairs. CapitolBeatOK.com launched at the end of December.
• Apparently, parts of Oklahoma experienced an extremely rare lake-effect snow while I was gone...
• Congresswoman Mary Fallin (R-CD5) leads State Sen. Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso) by about 50% in the latest gubernatorial election poll. She also cruises to victory over Democrats Drew Edmondson and Jari Askins.
  

... and that's about all I can remember to post. Let me know if I missed something big while I was in the Mexican Riviera, taking in the 80° weather!