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.

OKGOP Chair and Vice Chair dispute financial woes, call for each other to resign

Oh boy. The OKGOP chairmanships since the 'golden age' of Gary Jones and Matt Pinnell have pretty much been Dysfunction Junction, but none have resulted in something quite like this.

To set the background, the Oklahoma Republican Party is having some major financial problems. This is a pretty well established fact. Fundraising has been lackluster to nonexistent, while spending has apparently taken the budget well into the red. Some of this is the result of longterm issues, while some of this is new.

Yesterday, Vice Chairman Mike Turner was featured in a News 9 interview where he slammed Chairman David McLain for the OKGOP's severe ongoing financial woes and called for his resignation. Specifically, Turner said:

"The chairman should step aside for the good of the party."

The News 9 story touts documents leaked to them by party insiders that show the OKGOP with more than $18,000 in outstanding bills and less than $75 in the daily operations account.

Then, Chairman McLain issued the following press release calling for the resignation of Vice Chairman Turner:

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN PARTY 10/16/2019 

Regarding the news story released earlier today: I have in front of me, a complete spreadsheet of payables which clearly document the fact that at no time has our utility services been threatened.

As of today, I have documentation showing we have in excess of $20,000 in our account. Point being, Mr. Turner either deliberately provided false information OR did so out of ignorance of the facts. Either way, I am obliged to protect the integrity of the Oklahoma Republican Party and set the record straight.

Also, at my election on April 6th of this year, I received 70% of the party’s confidence from ALL segments of the Republican Party. Not just one segment. ALL.

The Central Committee has called for the immediate resignation of Mike Turner as the Vice Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party and will be giving an official call to order of the State Committee this week.

Respectfully,

David McLain, Chairman
Oklahoma Republican Party

Some sources are indicating that the RNC has bailed the OKGOP out with a $20,000 infusion of cash to help float through the current set of financial problems, although Chairman McLain has not made any comment to that point except in the above press release.

Transparency and openness on the OKGOP's financial situation would go a long way toward shedding light on its true state and charting a path forward. Hopefully we will see that happen quickly.

I sat on both the state and executive committees during the chairmanships of Jones and Pinnell. We had very clear budget reports and financial statements during their tenures, detailing exactly where every penny the state party had was going. Although I've not been on either committee for some years, I have seen financial statements from two of the last four chairs, and none had the transparency or detail given under Jones and Pinnell, and none of the chairman since have had the kind of fundraising success they had.

Some of that is a result of a massive shift in how politics and campaigns work today. The political parties are less important than they used to be, and outside groups play a much bigger role in elections. Social media has also made it easier to access volunteers without having to route through existing party infrastructure.

That said, it certainly seems to me, from my outside perspective, that the state GOP has suffered from poor leadership for some time, and the effect has been devastating to the party's finances. I'm appalled that the party of fiscal responsibility would find itself operating in debt to such a degree as it has during much of the past decade.

The OKGOP has some major hurdles ahead of it if it wants to successfully retake the 5th Congressional District, stave off legislative losses in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, and continue making progress on taking more county offices across the state. Those goals may have to happen independently of the state party.

Former OKGOP Nat'l Committeeman Lynn Windel endorses Pinnell for LtGov

Former Oklahoma Republican Party National Committeeman and Long Time

Activist Lynn Windel Endorses Matt Pinnell for Lieutenant Governor

Oklahoma City – Republican lieutenant governor candidate Matt Pinnell announced today an endorsement from former Oklahoma Republican Party national committeeman and long time activist Lynn Windel from Ardmore.

“As legislators ready for another legislative session, it reinforces to me how important this 2018 election cycle is. Working with Matt at the Republican National Committee, I’ve had the experience of knowing and working closely with him. When I heard he was running for Lieutenant Governor, I couldn’t have been more enthusiastic to endorse Matt Pinnell for Lieutenant Governor,” said Windel.

Pinnell formerly served as the Oklahoma Republican Party State Chairman and recently served as the National State Party Director for the Republican National Committee, overseeing all 50 states.

“Having had the experience of working with Matt when he was State Chairman and I was National Committeeman, I know he has a strong work ethic and a natural ability to bring out the best in others,” continued Windel. “When representing Oklahoma, his youthful enthusiasm and good judgement will make him an excellent ambassador wherever his travels take him and I sincerely encourage you to join me in helping elect Matt Pinnell as our next Lieutenant Governor. You’ll be proud you did.”

Matt Pinnell lives in Tulsa with his wife Lisa and their four children, where they run a small business. Learn more at www.MattPinnell.com.

Republican National Convention Final Night Livestream

Here is the official Thursday livestream of the Republican National Convention:

Wednesday livestream for Republican National Convention

Here is the official Wednesday livestream of the Republican National Convention:

Trump/Pence officially becomes GOP ticket

Donald Trump is now the Republican nominee for President. Here's the official vote tally from earlier this evening at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland:

Donald Trump - 1,725
Ted Cruz - 475
John Kasich - 120
Marco Rubio - 114
Ben Carson - 7
Jeb Bush - 3
Rand Paul - 2

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence was nominated for Vice President by a voice vote.

Republican National Convention Livestream, Tuesday

Here is the official Tuesday livestream of the Republican National Convention:

Republican National Convention Livestream, Monday Night

Here is the official livestream for the Republican National Convention tonight.

"Fair"-well: Steve Fair reflects on National Committeeman term

On Sunday, Steve Fair wrote the following "farewell" op-ed on his blog, concluding four years of service as the Oklahoma Republican Party's National Committeeman.

TENURE AS NCM COMES TO A CLOSE!

by Steve Fair

     Tomorrow. I leave for Cleveland, Ohio to attend my last Republican National Committee meeting as Oklahoma National Committeeman.  When the gavel falls and the GOP convention is adjourned, my four year term will come to an end.  I chose to not seek re-election to the RNC for a number of reasons and I have peace that I made the right decision.  I have served as one of the 56 members of the rules committee the entire four years and have enjoyed working with some of the most dedicated, principled Americans I have ever met.  I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.  My replacement has already been elected and will take office on Friday after the convention.

     On Monday, July 18th, the national convention will convene for the purpose of nominating our candidates for President and Vice President.  This week, the various convention committees are meeting: Rules, Platform, and Credentials.  Each of the 50 states and 6 territories have two representatives on each committee.  I chose not to seek election to the rules committee( the 43 Oklahoma delegates elect the representatives to the committees).  The male member from Oklahoma is State Auditor Gary Jones.  Normally, the meetings are routine and not very controversial, but there is a group on the convention rules committee who want to ‘unbind’ the delegates and allow each delegate to vote their conscience.  As of this writing they haven’t been successful at getting the 28 needed to get it to the convention floor.  Fact is, like Trump or not, he won the race fair and square and stealing the nomination would be a move that could permanently destroy the Republican Party.

     It also appears the platform committee meeting may be headed to a showdown.  Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin is the Co-Chair of the Platform committee.  There is a movement to ‘tone down’ the platform stance on same-sex marriage and some of the more conservative in the Party are committed to keeping the current plank in place.  Gun control is another plank under attack.  Most of the members of the platform committee are Party regulars and conservative, so major changes are not likely to happen.

     This will be my fourth convention and what normally happens is the Vice Presidential nominee accepts the nomination and gives their speech on Wednesday night.  The Presidential nominee accepts the nomination on Thursday night, but the word is that Donald Trump wants to speak every night.  Trump has run an unconventional campaign, so expect the convention to be unconventional.

     Stephens County will be well represented in Cleveland.  Hope Sutterfield, the Stephens County GOP Chair, is the youngest female delegate.  Hope was the first delegate elected at the 4th district convention.  Her dad, Richard Sutterfield, is going as an Alternate Delegate.  Stephens County will have more people at the convention than any rural county in the state.  Hope plans to post lots of photos and report from Cleveland.  Watch the Stephens County GOP Facebook page for live updates.

      Oklahoma has 43 delegates and 40 alternates to the convention.  We also have over 100 guests who attend.  Unlike the Democrats, statewide elected officials are not automatic delegates.  In fact, we have only five elected officials-legislative & county- in our delegation.  Gary Jones is the only statewide elected official to be a delegate.  Senators Lankford and Inhofe, and Congressmen Cole and Lucas will attend and interact all week with the delegation.

      To a political junkie, going to a national nominating convention is like going to the Super Bowl for a football fan.  Being one of the 2,472 delegates on the floor when the nominee accepts the nomination is electric.   Throughout the week, I post to my blog a recap of the day’s events, sometimes with photos.  It will provide you a great ‘behind the scenes’ look at the convention.     Donald Trump is an exciting candidate, whose unorthodox style and outsider approach has energized the average American about politics.  He is different, but different isn’t always bad.

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

Former Boehner, RNC chiefs-of-staff targeting Bridenstine & other conservatives

From Breitbart.com:

The former chiefs of staff to House Speaker John Boehner and Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus are part of a concerted effort to target House conservatives with advertisements aimed at pressuring them to cave to President Barack Obama’s executive amnesty and fund it in its entirety through the end of the fiscal year. 

“An outside group aligned with House GOP leadership will spend $400,000 this week to urge dozens of conservative House Republicans to vote for Department of Homeland Security funding — a new and more aggressive phase in the legislative battle among Republicans that’s consuming Capitol Hill,” Politico wrote about a new effort from American Action Network, a group whose board is home to power players including Boehner’s ex-chief of staff Barry Jackson and immediate previous RNC chief of staff Mike Shields. 

The massive ad buy against Republican members by Boehner’s and Priebus’ ex-top aides, pressuring conservatives to drop their strong opposition to Obama’s executive amnesty, targets three specific House Republicans: Reps. Tim Huelskamp (R-KS), Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) and Jim Jordan (R-OH). 

“The 30-second spot will run at least 50 times in each district — on broadcast, in prime slots — Tuesday and Wednesday as the House is expected to take up a DHS funding bill,” Politico wrote.

[...]

 AAN is one of the biggest supporters of amnesty, having lobbied Congress in favor of the Senate’s “Gang of Eight” amnesty bill that failed in the last Congress. Other board members include former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), Thayer Lodging Group head and hotelier Fred Malek, former Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuno, and several other lobbyists and former members of Congress from the establishment.

Read more here from Breitbart, and here from Politico.

Steve Fair on murder of Christopher Lane in Duncan

OKGOP National Committeeman Steve Fair wrote the following to 

his fellow RNC Members this week.

Dear Fellow RNC Member:

I am sure you have heard of the recent shooting (Friday) by some teenagers in my hometown - Duncan, OK - of a young Australian baseball player. This was reported as a 'random act of violence' and that there was no connection/reason/motive for the shooting other than the thugs 'were bored.' Already some folks from Australia and U.S. liberals are condemning our state and nation for allowing citizens to have guns to protect themselves. I want to point out three things:

First, this shooting is not representative our our community, county or state. The real problem wasn't the gun the young man used - it was the heart of the shooter. Sin and wickedness are in the heart before they are in the hand. Please pray that God will regenerate dead hearts in young people not only in Duncan, but across our nation. I fear we have danced around the real issue in America: the inherent wicked, depraved nature of man. The hope of America is the regenerating gospel of Jesus Christ...period.

Second, my wife taught two of the young men charged with this heinous crime. She says both were discipline problems in elementary school. She wasn't surprised to learn both were involved in this shooting. She said the parents were uninvolved in their kid's life. This points out another problem in America. We have children raising themselves and parents justifying their kids' every action. When you teach rebellion, you reap rebellion. The fruits of that rebellion are anarchy (no government) and antinomia (no law).

Third, we ask for your prayers. God is sovereign and He is in control. I don't understand why He allowed this tragedy in our area, but I do know it has a purpose. I am thankful for our District Attorney Jason Hicks and our Sheriff Wayne McKinney. Both are godly men, both Republicans, who are unafraid to stand on principle. Pray for them as they work through this case.

In Christ,

Steve Fair
National Committeeman - Oklahoma

RNC Chairman to NBC, CNN: no GOP debates if Clinton programs air

RNC Chairman Calls on NBC and CNN to Stop Promoting Hillary Clinton

RNC will not partner with networks in 2016 primary debates

WASHINGTON – Today Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus sent a letter to Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, and Jeff Zucker, President of CNN Worldwide, calling on their networks to cancel their attempts to influence Americans’ political decisions. Both networks are airing programs promoting former Secretary Hillary Clinton ahead of her likely candidacy for president in 2016. NBC has announced plans to air a miniseries, while CNN is producing a documentary. If the productions are not canceled prior to the start of the RNC’s Summer Meeting, Chairman Priebus will seek a binding vote of the RNC to prevent the committee from partnering with these networks in 2016 primary debates or sanctioning debates they sponsor.

“It’s appalling to know executives at major networks like NBC and CNN who have donated to Democrats and Hillary Clinton have taken it upon themselves to be Hillary Clinton’s campaign operatives,” said Chairman Priebus. “Their actions to promote Secretary Clinton are disturbing and disappointing. I hope Americans will question the credibility of these networks and that NBC and CNN will reconsider their partisan actions and cancel these political ads masked as unbiased entertainment. If they have not agreed to pull this programming prior to the start of the RNC’s Summer Meeting on August 14, I will seek a binding vote stating that the RNC will neither partner with these networks in 2016 primary debates nor sanction primary debates they sponsor.”

Read the Chairman’s letter to NBC: http://ow.ly/nAtWq
Read the Chairman’s letter to CNN: http://ow.ly/nDDMr


This is good to see from Chairman Priebus. For far too long, the GOP has allowed the media to dominate the presidential primary debates, while pushing their extreme liberal bias. The next step is to replace liberal moderators with actual conservative Republicans.

Pinnell to become new RNC State Party Director

Following his recent announcement that he would not be seeking re-election, Oklahoma GOP Chairman Matt Pinnell has some big news. The Republican National Committee issued the following press release today:

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Names Matt Pinnell State Party Director

WASHINGTON – Today, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus announced the appointment of Matt Pinnell as the new RNC State Party Director. Pinnell will report directly to Chairman Priebus in addition to Political Director Chris McNulty. Chairman Priebus released the following statement:

“As the RNC moves forward with the recommendations of the Growth and Opportunity Project, I am very pleased to announce outgoing Oklahoma Chairman Matt Pinnell will serve as the chief liaison between the RNC and state parties. Matt knows the workings of the state party system and has the vision to help strengthen state parties as we build for 2014 and 2016,” said Chairman Priebus. “In order to achieve success we must continue to foster existing relationships, strengthen field operations, and welcome new members into the party starting at the state level.

“At the RNC, we’re revamping our entire political field operation to be bottom-up and community based. That means the 50 state parties and territories must take a leading role. As a former local and state party chair, I understand the importance of close coordination and collaboration with the national RNC office. The future of all fifty state parties and territorial parties will be Matt’s top priority. He will ensure we’re giving state parties the support they need, so they can in turn support and empower the work of grassroots activists and volunteers. They are the heart of our party, and our political structure should be one that allows ideas to flow from the individuals on the ground up to RNC leaders—not the other way around.”

Biography of Matt Pinnell:

Matt Pinnell, 33, became Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party on June 26, 2010, and was re-elected in May of 2011 to a full two-year term. Until recently, he was the youngest State Chairman in the country.

Pinnell was appointed in 2010 as “Chairman of the State Chairmen” by Chairman Priebus. In his role as Chairman of the RNC’s State Chairmen’s Committee, Matt directed the sharing of ideas and best practices among the nation’s state Republican leaders.

In 2010, Pinnell oversaw the most successful election cycle for Oklahoma Republicans in state history–helping sweep all eight statewide races and expanding majorities in both the state house and senate. During the 2008 election cycle Pinnell served as the “Oklahoma Victory” Director for the McCain-Palin ticket, helping sweep all 77 counties for John McCain. McCain won 65.4 percent of the vote in Oklahoma, the highest percentage of any state in the nation.

In 2012, the Oklahoma Republican Party continued to see great success under Pinnell’s leadership. Oklahoma–again–won all 77 counties for our presidential nominee Mitt Romney, and swept all five Congressional seats. In addition, Republican voter registration is at an all-time high in the state.

Pinnell spent three years in Washington, D.C., in the field of grassroots advocacy and legislative affairs for the American International Auto Dealers Association (AIADA) and the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). He is a former campaign aide to U.S. Congressman Steve Largent, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, and U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. Matt is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and lives in Tulsa with his wife Lisa and their three children.

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.

The 2012 OKGOP State Convention has arrived!

The Oklahoma Republican State Convention commences Saturday morning at 9:00am in Norman, and is sure to be a crowded, eventful affair. I'll be in attendance - if you want to say 'hello', give me a shout on Twitter at @JamisonFaught and I'll try to connect.

Speaking of, if you are on Twitter, the official hashtag for the convention will be #OKGOP, so post your convention-related tweets to that hashtag.

I encourage delegates to vote for Steve Fair for National Committeeman, Carolyn McLarty for National Committeewoman, and to approve the Executive Committee-nominated RNC Delegate slate.

Super Tuesday: Santorum Wins Oklahoma

With 1950 of 1961 precincts reporting, Rick Santorum has won the Oklahoma Republican presidential primary, holding off Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich in a tighter-than-expected finish. Santorum received 33.8% statewide, with Romney getting 28%, Gingrich taking 27.5%, and Ron Paul finishing with 9.6%.

Results by congressional district:

1st Congressional District

• Santorum - 33.4%
• Gingrich - 29.75%
• Romney - 27.65%
• Paul - 8.3%

2nd Congressional District

• Santorum - 37.6%
• Gingrich - 30.2%
• Romney - 22.2%
• Paul - 8.9%

3rd Congressional District

• Santorum - 34%
• Gingrich - 29%
• Romney - 25.8%
• Paul - 9.8%

4th Congressional District

• Santorum - 34.85%
• Romney - 28.3%
• Gingrich - 24.8%
• Paul - 11%

5th Congressional District

• Romney - 33.9%
• Santorum - 30.8%
• Gingrich - 23.9%
• Paul - 10.5%

The final delegate count looks like it will be Santorum with 14, Romney with 13, and Gingrich with 13. Of Oklahoma's 77 counties, 2 went to Romney, 11 to Gingrich, and the remaining 64 were won by Santorum.

It appears that on the Democrat side, Randall Terry (18% statewide) and Jim Rogers (13.8% statewide) will receive delegates, in addition to Barack Obama (57.1% statewide). Terry won 12 counties, Rogers won 3, and Obama took the other 62. Obama placed third in five counties. Terry and Rogers held Obama to just 42% in the 2nd Congressional District, and 47% in the 3rd Congressional District.

Outside of Oklahoma, Romney looks to have won Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Idaho, and Ohio (in a squeaker). Gingrich won Georgia. Santorum has won Oklahoma, Tennessee, and North Dakota. Alaska's caucus results probably won't be available until sometime Wednesday.

Richard Engle, Steve Fair announce for OKGOP National Committeeman

With the Oklahoma Republican Party State Convention coming up on May 12th, candidates are beginning to line up for the Republican National Committee offices that are up for election this year.

National Committeewoman Carolyn McLarty has announced that she will be seeking reelection to a second four-year term. So far, she has not drawn opposition. National Committeeman James Dunn has opted to not run for a second term. Two individuals have launched their candidacies for Dunn's seat.

Richard Engle was the first candidate to announce his intentions, and is waging an aggressive campaign. He is emphasizing his fundraising ties (Engle claims raising $725,000 for Republican candidates in the past 10 years, through various groups he has been chair or vice-chair of). Richard is the vice-chair of OCPAC, and is affiliated with the Ron Paul wing of the GOP. Engle has a YouTube channel with more information about his candidacy and platform.

Steve Fair launched his campaign this week. A well known and liked figure in conservative activist circles, Steve has extensive experience volunteering in the party; he was county chairman for almost 20 years, district chairman for 10 years, has served on the state executive committee, budget committee, and as state GOP treasurer. Where Engle's emphasis appears to be on electing Republican candidates at local levels, Steve's expertise is on party-building at the local, grassroots level. Steve has a blog (which I highly recommend), and recently posted more information about his candidacy.

The 2008 race between James Dunn and Steve Curry came down to a difference of a mere handful of votes. This one has the potential to be close as well, although I give the edge to Fair.

RNC Chairman Priebus Appoints OKGOP Chairman Pinnell 'Chairman of State Chairmen'

Today:

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus Announces Appointment Of Matt Pinnell As Chairman Of The State Chairmen

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus offered the following statement regarding the appointment of Matt Pinnell as Chairman of the State Chairmen:

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Matt Pinnell to lead our exceptional coalition of state party chairmen. He represents the next generation of conservative Republican leadership. Matt was instrumental in our Party’s historic wins in 2010, overseeing the most successful election cycle for Oklahoma Republicans in state history. I look forward to working with him so that we can strengthen our state parties, grow our Party nationally and help elect the next Republican President of the United States."

Our congratulations to Chairman Pinnell!

RNC Chair Race - Today

 Reince Priebus

Ann Wagner

Saul Anuzis

 Michael Steele

Maria Cino

 The vote for RNC Chairman is taking place today, and these are the candidates. If I were to hazard a guess, the order of pictures is according to their likelihood of winning, from Priebus with the best shot to Cino with the lowest chance.

For the latest information, follow the OKGOP Twitter feed, which is posted below.