Lankford in top 25 Most Frugal Congressmembers of 2012

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Recent figures released by the U.S. House of Representatives show that Oklahoma Congressman James Lankford (R-Dist. 5) was among the most fiscally frugal Representatives in Washington in 2012. Lankford used 78.74% of his allocated office budget of $1,370,399, making him the 17th lowest spender in the House.

With the sequester, members will have to cut 8.2% from their budget - and according to Jamie Dupree, some will have a harder time doing so than others (120 Congressmembers spent over 95% of their budgets in 2012, while only 22 spent less than 80%). Each member has a different sized budget (no district is the same, and there are numerous factors that relate to specific budget amounts per district), so percentages tell more than raw numbers when comparing spending.

Oklahoma's five members ranked accordingly (out of 435):

17 of the top 25 most frugal members were Republican, while 7 were Democratic.

Other members of note:

• 1st - Jim Jordan (R-OH): spent 63.35%, the least of all. Jordan chaired the Republican Study Committee (the conservative wing of the GOP caucus)
• 9th - Justin Amash (R-MI): spent 75.83%. Rising libertarian/conservative star who explains every vote he casts on his Facebook page.
• 25th - Paul Ryan (R-WI): spent 81.41%. Chairman of the House Budget Committee. 2012 GOP VP nominee.
• 40th - Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): spent 82.90%. House Minority Leader.
• 56th - John Boehner (R-OH): spent 84.15%. Speaker of the House.
• 64th - Kevin McCarthy (R-CA): spent 84.91%. Majority Whip.
• 102nd - Allen West (R-FL): spent 87.29%. Tea Party star, defeated in 2012 election.
• 144th - Pete Sessions (R-TX): spent 89.31%. Former NRCC Chairman.
• 166th - Steny Hoyer (D-MD): spent 90.38%. Minority Whip.
• 197th - Eric Cantor (R-VA): spent 91.22%. House Majority Leader.
• 219th - Barney Frank (D-MA): spent 91.85%. No longer in office.
• 281st - Michele Bachmann (R-MN): spent 93.82%. 2012 presidential primary candidate.
• 350th - Steve Scalise (R-LA): spent 95.84%. Replaced Jim Jordan as 2013 RSC Chairman.
• 360th - Debbie Wasserman Schulz (D-FL): spent 96.12%. DNC Chairwoman.
• 399th - Ron Paul (R-TX): spent 97.30%. 2008 and 2012 presidential primary candidate. Libertarian hero.
• 403rd - Mike Pence (R-IN): spent 97.41%. Now Governor of Indiana.
• 404th - Dennis Kucinich (D-OH): spent 97.44%. 2008 presidential primary candidate. Lost in primary 2012.
• 430th - Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL): spent 98.98%. Set to go to prison for campaign fraud.
• 435th - Nan Hayworth (R-NY): spent 99.91%, the most of all. Lost re-election bid.

Here is the entire list:

Congressmembers by Budget Spending, 2012 by

Bridenstine receives Combat Veterans for Congress PAC endorsement

Jim Bridenstine, Republican candidate for Congress in the 1st Congressional District, recently received the endorsement of a national veterans political action committee. Bridenstine, who is running against incumbent Congressman John Sullivan, announced his candidacy in the middle of September.

Tulsa’s Jim Bridenstine Endorsed by National Veterans Organization

Tulsa, OK - U.S. congressional candidate Jim Bridenstine (Jenks) was officially endorsed by national Veteran’s P.A.C. “Combat Veterans for Congress” Thursday.  Bridenstine, who was recently selected to rank of Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserve, joins the company of such notable Veterans as Florida Congressman Allen West, Lt. Col- USA (Ret), Arizona Senator John McCain, Capt-USN (Ret), and California Congressman Duncan Hunter, Capt-USMCR.  Bridenstine officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Oklahoma’s 1st U.S. Congressional District on Thursday, September 15th in Tulsa.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Combat Veterans for Congress PAC.”  Said Bridenstine.  “This group represents the best America has to offer and the ideals that will keep America strong and free. I will never forget the fighting men and women with whom I serve or those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our republic.”

The PAC’s Chairman and Director said of Bridenstine:

“After a careful and thorough evaluation of the Congressional race in the 1st Congressional District of Oklahoma, it is our strong opinion that Lcdr Jim Bridenstine, USNR has the best chance of limiting government, controlling spending, and retaining that seat in the Republican column. The Combat Veterans For Congress are interested in electing men and women who will try to fundamentally change the way business is conducted in Congress. Lcdr Bridenstine’s proven courage in combat, willingness to protect and defend the US Constitution in war and in peace, and his intent to rein in the out of control spending by Congressmen who have been unresponsive to the will of their constituents, makes Lcdr James Bridenstine the clear choice for the voters of Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District.” -- Capt Joseph R. John, USN (Ret), Chairman, Combat Veterans For Congress PAC

Bridenstine, a Republican, is a pilot in the U.S. Navy Reserve, but is best known as the former Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, where he created the QuikTrip Air and Rocket Racing Show and launched Tulsa’s effort to acquire a retired space shuttle.  In 2010, he accepted orders to serve with the United States Navy Reserve, where he was recently selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander.  He currently flies counter-drug missions worldwide.

Early in his active duty career, Jim Bridenstine flew E-2C Hawkeyes off the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.  It was there that he flew combat missions and gathered most of his 1,800 flight hours and 333 carrier arrested landings.  Jim participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Southern Watch in Iraq, and Operation Shock and Awe in Iraq.  While on active duty, Jim Bridenstine transitioned to the F-18 Hornet and flew with the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, the parent command to TOPGUN.

The 1993 Jenks High School graduate was Oklahoma Swimmer of the Year.  His formal education includes a Triple Major from Rice University (Economics, Business, and Psychology) and an MBA from Cornell University.

Jim Bridenstine is married to Michelle (Ivory) Bridenstine.  They have three children, Walker (5), Sarah (3), and a Baby on the way. Jim Bridenstine and his family are members of South Tulsa Baptist Church.

ABOUT Combat Veterans for Congress –

Combat Veterans For Congress Committee supports fiscally conservative Combat Veterans to Congress who believe in limited government, will rein in the out of control spending of Congress, are committed to preserving and defending the US Constitution, and will support the independence and freedom of the individual as outlined in the Bill of Rights, according to their mission statement.  They also support those who are dedicated to promoting The Free Enterprise System that created the greatest economic engine in the history of mankind, who will provide for a strong national defense, and who will endorse the teaching of US history and the Founding Fathers’ core values in educational institutions.

For additional information about Combat Vets for Congress, visit CombatVeteransForCongress.org. For additional information about Bridenstine, visit JimBridenstine.com.

Jim Bridenstine forms exploratory committee to challenge John Sullivan

U.S. Congressman John Sullivan (R-Tulsa) may have already drawn his first 2012 challenger - Tulsa Republican Jim Bridenstine. After what is essentially a draft-someone-to-run-against-Sullivan campaign by a group called "True Leadership for Oklahoma", Bridenstine has announced the formation of an exploratory committee.

TULSA, Okla. - Navy pilot and former executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, Jim Bridenstine, has formed an exploratory committee to assess his prospects of running for the U.S. Congress in the First District of Oklahoma.  As a Republican, he would be challenging John Sullivan in the July 2012 Republican primary. “I think there is a thirst for new representation in Washington D.C.  I believe congressional service should be a temporary honor and followed by work in the private sector, the military, or some other non-elected position.  After 18 years in public office, Congressman Sullivan obviously believes differently.  My committee will help me find out what the constituents of the First District believe.”

To learn more about the Jim Bridenstine Congressional Exploratory Committee visit www.JimBridenstine.com.

About Jim Bridenstine
A triple major from Rice University and an MBA from Cornell University, Jim Bridenstine has made a career serving his country.  From flying combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan to flying with TOPGUN, Jim Bridenstine has sacrificed for our nation.  He is currently a pilot in the U.S. Navy Reserve where he flies the E-2C Hawkeye in worldwide counter-narcotics operations.  Early in his active duty career, Jim Bridenstine flew E-2C Hawkeyes off the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.  It was there that he flew combat missions and gathered most of his 1,600 flight hours and 333 carrier arrested landings.  Jim participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Southern Watch in Iraq, and Operation Shock and Awe in Iraq.  While on active duty, Jim Bridenstine transitioned to the F-18 Hornet, became a tactics instructor, and had the opportunity to fly with America's elite TOPGUN pilots.

After leaving active duty, Jim Bridenstine earned an MBA from Cornell University and returned to Tulsa to be the Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium.  He was responsible for the museum's air shows, special events, human resources, and financial management.  He created the QuikTrip Air and Rocket Racing Show and launched Tulsa's campaign to acquire one of three retiring space shuttles.  Because of his efforts, Tulsa is one of 21 locations being considered for a shuttle.

In addition to flying counter drug missions in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Jim Bridenstine is a consultant with Deloitte Consulting, LLP where he works on network centric war fighting capabilities for the Department of Defense.

Jim Bridenstine is married to Michelle (Ivory) Bridenstine.  They have two children, Walker (4), and Sarah (2).  Jim Bridenstine and his family are members of South Tulsa Baptist Church.

About the Jim Bridenstine Congressional Exploratory Committee
The Jim Bridenstine Congressional Exploratory Committee is a diverse group of citizens who believe it is time for Oklahoma's First District to have serious, responsible, conservative leadership.  As someone who has served our community and country, we believe that Jim Bridenstine has the values, discipline, and unwavering courage to be our candidate and stand up to Washington D.C.  Committee members include:

• Committee Chairman, Gabe Sherman, VP of Marketing, Whistler Outdoor Advertising
• Milton Hendricks, Member of the Transport Workers Union Local 514
• Commander John Herrington, U.S. Astronaut
• Patrick Haworth, Navy Reservist and former candidate for U.S. Congress
• Sandy Minardi, Marketing Consultant
• Bob Archer, Director of the Tulsa Praise Orchestra
• Dr. Mark Cremer, Radiologist
• Dr. Wes Black, Doctor of Dental Surgery
• Bob Ferguson, Test Pilot for Autopilots Central Inc.
• Randy McGlothlin, Owner of McGlothlin Accounting Services, Inc.

You can learn more about Bridenstine and his exploratory committee by visiting his website here.

Gun Owners of America rates Oklahoma candidates

Gun Owners of America, the other national pro-gun lobby, has issued their candidate ratings for the state of Oklahoma.

Sen. Tom Coburn received an A+, meaning he's a "Pro-Gun Leader" who "introduces pro-gun legislation". His opponent, Jim Rogers, did not answer the questionnaire.

Reps. John Sullivan (OK-1) and Tom Cole (OK-4) got an A - meaning "philosophically sound" and a "Pro-Gun Voter". Rep. Frank Lucas also received an A, while his Democrat opponent, Frankie Robbins, got a D- (Leans Anti-Gun: Usually against us).

Rep. Dan Boren got an A- (Pro-Gun Voter: philosophically sound), and his Republican challenger, Charles Thompson, got an A.

Tom Coburn is the only candidate who has been endorsed by GOA so far this cycle in Oklahoma.

Mitt Romney Endorses Oklahoma Republican Candidates

Former Massachusetts Governor and 2008 presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced his Oklahoma endorsements today:

RELEASE: Mitt Romney Announces Oklahoma Endorsements

    Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of the following six Oklahoma candidates and said it is committing a total of $10,500 in support to their campaigns:

    Congresswoman Mary Fallin: Congresswoman Mary Fallin currently represents Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District and is now running to become Oklahoma’s next Governor. For more information about her and her campaign, visit www.maryfallin.org.

    State Senator Todd Lamb: Todd Lamb currently serves as an Oklahoma state senator and is now running to become Oklahoma’s next Lieutenant Governor. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.votetoddlamb.com.

    Congressman Tom Cole: Congressman Tom Cole currently represents the 4th Congressional District of Oklahoma and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.tomcoleforcongress.com.

    Congressman Frank Lucas: Congressman Frank Lucas currently represents the 3rd Congressional District of Oklahoma and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.frankdlucas.com.

    Congressman John Sullivan: Congressman John Sullivan currently represents the 1st Congressional District of Oklahoma and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.johnsullivanforcongress.com.

    James Lankford: James Lankford served as the director of a Christian youth camp for over a decade, and is now running to represent the 5th Congressional District of Oklahoma. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.jameslankford.com.

    The PAC also announced that it is sending the Congressional campaigns of Cole, Lucas, Sullivan, and Lankford each a $2,500 contribution, and that it has already sent Fallin and Lamb each a $250 contribution toward their respective campaigns

     “Oklahoma – and our nation – deserves leaders who will focus on enacting pro-growth policies that will put people back to work. Too many of our elected officials are instead more interested in growing the size of government, and that is why it is more critical than ever that we elect leaders who will make the tough decisions necessary to turn our struggling economy around,” said Romney

    These endorsements are another in a series of state rollouts of the PAC’s 2010 endorsements, which are aimed at electing conservative candidates who will work to lower taxes and spending, restore commonsense principles to healthcare and get our economy moving again. As part of this program, Romney’s PAC also has announced endorsements in Ohio, Missouri, California, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Nevada, Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Indiana, Idaho, New Mexico, Virginia, Florida, North Dakota, South Carolina, Utah, Maine, South Dakota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Wyoming, Colorado, and Michigan.

Fashionably late, I might add, as the last primaries were decided in Tuesday's runoff... and I guess they did not realize that Congressman Tom Cole has no November opponent.

Kathy Taylor Won't Seek Re-Election as Tulsa Mayor

From Chris Medlock's blog:

KOTV the News On Six is reporting that Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor will not seek re-election. The station's website reports that Taylor will be making an official statement in a television spot to begin Friday. In it, she states that she is "a business person not a mayor."

Rumors have been circulating for weeks that Taylor was interviewed in Tulsa by representatives of the Obama administration for a position in the Commerce Department. Taylor had served as Oklahoma's Secretary of Commerce in the Brad Henry administration prior to running for mayor. In fact, it is something that I had publicly speculated upon as far back as two years ago, that she might be seeking such a post, should a Democrat win the seat.

Obviously, this takes what was considered to be a tight race with few GOP candidates eager to take on Taylor's money, to a race that could draw several Republicans seeking the nomination.

More on this as facts become known.

This is interesting. What has been viewed as an unwinnable race for Republicans is now suddenly wide open. Kathy Taylor had a formidable war chest, and has been raising money recently, if memory serves me correctly.

The only candidates to have announced so far are Republicans Clay Clark and Robert Gwin, Jr. Several city councilors are rumored to be looking at the office, and surely will now.

In recent weeks, Taylor has denied being wooed for a job in the Obama administration. Of course, this latest move has sparked lots of speculation, including rumors that she may be looking at running for Lt. Governor, some other state-wide office, or even challenging John Sullivan for the First Congressional District in 2010.

But then again, maybe she's moving back to her Florida home.

Brogdon Calls on Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to Halt Use of Earmarks

Here's the latest press release from State Sen. Randy Brogdon.

Senator Brogdon Calls on Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to Halt Use of Earmarks

Oklahoma City- In response to the $410 billion legislation passed by the U.S. Congress last week, State Senator Randy Brogdon has publically called on the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to place a one year moratorium on earmarks that they insert in federal legislation.

"We are in a financial crisis right now, "said Brogdon. "And until our economy recovers, the last thing we need is pork barrel spending that ends up costing Oklahoma taxpayers more money in the long run."

Brogdon points to the recent example of the Louisiana Governor Jindal's refusal of the federal stimulus money for his state. "Gov. Jindal pointed out that it would have cost Louisiana taxpayers twice as much money than what the Federal Government would have delivered due to the additional requirements as a condition of accepting the stimulus funds," Brogdon said.

When asked why he has called for this moratorium, Brogdon points to SJR 10, legislation that he authored that reaffirms the 10th Amendment of the Constitution and requires the federal government to cease imposing new mandates and regulations that are outside their authority.

"We have a hard enough time fighting Congress' efforts to impose new taxes and regulations on our state," said Brogdon. "We don't need our Representatives adding to our tax burden by piling on the pork."

Brogdon continued, "Congress has already spent $1.2 trillion in the last 60 days. That is a pittance compared to the upcoming Obama budget which weighs in at $3.6 trillion."

When it was pointed out to Brogdon that all but one Representative voted against the recent Omnibus bill, Brogdon replied, "It's not enough that they simply just vote against the bill. With the exception of Senator Coburn, every one of our Congressional Delegation inserted a minimum of 10 earmarks each that totaled over $134 million dollars in that one piece of legislation."

"It's downright hypocritical to vote against a bill while sliding in pork for your special interests," said Brogdon. "But by following Sen. Coburn's example and refusing earmarks, even just for one year, the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation can demonstrate true fiscal responsibility to the people they represent."

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Learn More at www.randybrogdon.com