Engle: A Cornett However...

A Cornett However...

By Richard Engle

I was at an event and got stuck talking to a musician. I am not musically inclined, so to make conversation, I asked him about the difference between a trumpet and a cornet. Knowing me he responded, “A Trump-ette is likely to be conservative, a Cornett however...”

I live in Oklahoma City and have during the entire tenure of Mick Cornett as Mayor. We have had occasion to visit before and during his terms in office. He is a nice guy. He is intelligent and he has strong communication skills. He is not a conservative by any definition.

Some will say he was a good manager of our city. Well, we have a city manager to do that. They can point to the recent MAPS projects, but should note that they are built with funds from a tax increase he supported, but the city is now faced with the costs of operation of those projects and little to nothing was done to prepare for those costs. In the waning days of his final term another tax increase was passed at his urging and those funds may well be used to plug the gap in his planning.

The most important project in the recent MAPS plan is the convention center. Any observant citizen of the city will know that it has been mired in problems and delays. He cannot be credited with a success in this matter.

His campaign seems to be taking credit for the Thunder. Nearly all of us are pleased to have a big league team, and more that they are finding success. As the team is a private business, and an expensive one, the credit should first go to the investors who bought a team in Seattle and then moved them to Oklahoma. Second, if a public entity is to be credited, the state legislature made a significant “investment” in the team. Finally, the person most directly involved in the city government’s role in getting the team here is former State Senator David Holt who has now succeeded Cornett at City Hall. Holt even wrote a popular book entitled, Big League City.

There may be little opportunity for a mayor to establish conservative credentials, but there are opportunities for the opposite. As Mayor, Mick Cornett wrote a letter to Congress to discourage any repeal of the “Affordable Care Act” also known as Obamacare. In his letter he says, “The effects of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will be most heavily felt at the local level, so it is our responsibility to protect the citizens of our cities and metro areas. The new GOP plan is bad for cities, bad for people who live in cities and bad for people who provide healthcare in cities.” He continued by stating that “healthcare is not a privilege; it is a human right.”

It should be noted that this was not a simple note to a single member of Congress. This was a formal and public letter from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Cornett was the primary signatory and the head of the organization.

Does it need to be stated that conservatives do not favor Obamacare?

What of other issues of import to conservatives? Cornett has no record nor known stated opinions or policies that could be considered pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, or favoring smaller government. Regarding the final matter, he is quite proud of his expansion of government in Oklahoma City. His tenure as Mayor, the longest in city history, did not include a single significant improvement in efficiency or cost reduction in city services.

The other GOP candidates have variant levels of conservative credentials. Mick Cornett not only lacks the same, he has abundant evidence of the opposite.

No one who votes for Mick Cornett will have any cause to consider themselves to be a conservative, and if the OKGOP nominates him it abolishes the moniker “conservative” from its description.

Richard Engle is a longtime conservative Republican activist, a former city councilman, and businessman.

Another perspective: Richard Engle on the State Questions

Here's another perspective on the seven State Questions on the ballot. Richard Engle, a longtime conservative activist and past candidate for OKGOP Vice-Chair and National Committeeman, posted his take on Facebook, and I thought it was worth the read.

Engle on the Issues

I've been away from politics a bit more than ordinary this year, but I haven't lost my passion for truth. The Oklahoma ballot in 2016 may become best known for the state questions as there is little doubt on the outcome of the statewide candidates including the Presidential Electors.

I have decided to come out into the daylight on these issues in part to answer the many who have asked me, and in part to battle much of the misinformation being bantered on these issues.

My guess is that I will offend and surprise a few of you but here goes:

State Question 776 was designed to assert that all methods of execution shall be constitutionally allowed, unless prohibited by the United States Constitution, and designated statutorily by the legislature. This is a harmless and rather unimportant question. If you favor the death penalty for murderers then you likely want to vote in favor. I have wavered on the penalty in the wake of clear tampering of evidence and some notable DNA exonerations. Nonetheless, as a constitutionalist, I will support this question. If we want to end the death penalty a vote against is not adequate to the task. VOTE YES.

State Question 777 was designed to establish a constitutional guarantee for farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices. This is no panacea for property owners. It has little actual impact. It does protect all agriculturally related land owners including large corporations. I am amazed by the advocates of private property that would oppose this on the grounds that it protects corporate land owners. Property is property and the owners thereof deserve to be protected under the law. However, the protection it provides is minimal. The legislature may place further regulation on use by leaping a rather low standard. In that it doesn't really change anything. On the other hand, it creates an absolute barrier to subdivisions of government (counties and cities) from placing any further restrictions on agriculture. Having owned a ranch and vineyard which happened to be in the city limits I knew that the city could have put a stranglehold on my land use at any time. This proposal is worthwhile. VOTE YES.

State Question 779 was designed to increase the state sales tax by one percent to generate revenue for education funding. It will come as a surprise to nobody that I would oppose this Boren Tax. The reasons to oppose it are many and there is no good reason to support it. VOTE NO!

State Question 780 was designed to reclassify certain property offenses and simple drug possession misdemeanor crimes. The state of Oklahoma has been far too quick to create felonies. With 3 strikes you're out we are overfilling our prisons. We are not making Oklahoma safer. I don't want people to use drugs recreationally. I don't want to be a victim of a property crime of any size. However, making felons of all such criminals has not and will not help. VOTE YES.

State Question 781 was designed to use money saved by reclassifying certain property and drug crimes as misdemeanors outlined in State Question 780 to fund rehabilitative programs. "Ignorance gone to seed" is the best way I know of to describe this idea. Money saved is the property of the taxpayers. Creating another government program is not wise. VOTE NO!

State Question 790 was designed to repeal Section 5 of Article 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution, which prohibits public money from being spent for religious purposes. There is a lot of confusion on this one. The article to be repealed is a bad one. It doesn't matter how much you might worry about the infusion of religion into public life. If this were a question of adding the article to the constitution most of those who don't want it removed would not want it added. No Pandora's box will be opened if we remove language which was designed to discriminate against a religious minority. We will continue to have the 1st amendment to the US constitution. VOTE YES.

State Question 792 was designed to allow grocery stores and convenience stores to sell full-strength beer and wine. It saddens me that this proposal does not do what should be done. I would suggest that the only significant role the state has in the regulation of the sale of alcoholic beverages is the age restriction. Currently children are not permitted in liquor stores or bars. They will, however, be allowed full access to grocers and convenience stores under this proposal. "Modernization" of liquor laws does not consist of creating a system of contradictory standards for different businesses. I would suggest that any business selling age restricted items should be required to do so in an age restricted section of the business. This would create a single, simple standard for all businesses selling such items. It is little inconvenience for families to keep their children out of the bar area of a restaurant or out of a liquor store. Nor would it be a problem to require a store selling such items to create an age restricted area (such as behind the counter as is done with cigarettes) for such items. This state question does the wrong things and does not do them in a fair or even handed manner. VOTE NO!

Richard Engle to run for OKGOP Nat't Committeeman

Richard Engle Seeks to Serve as Oklahoma's Republican National Committeeman

Oklahoma City, OK- Long term Republican activist and author, Richard Engle, is seeking the position of National Committeeman being vacated by Steve Fair.  The election will be held at the Oklahoma Republican convention on May 14th in Moore.

The Republican National Committee consists of three persons from each state and territory and it is the governing body of the national Republican Party between conventions.  Two National Committee members (one male and one female) are chosen in each state prior to the national convention, but their four year term begins on the day after the convention.  The third member is the State Chair who is chosen according to each state party's rules.  National Committee members become automatic Delegates to the National Convention at the end of their term. The National Committee members serve without pay and at their own expense.

Engle commented, "My overwhelming passion is to build the Republican Party on a solid conservative foundation. I will continue to be ever vigilant to empower the grassroots of our party. I have over thirty years of Republican activism, spent a decade as a statewide appointee of our governor, two terms in elective office, co-founder of my state's largest membership PAC supporting Republican candidates, two terms as President of the nation's largest and oldest Republican support organization, and knocked tens of thousands of doors for candidates, among other volunteer activities which have prepared me for this level of service."

Engle is the President of BellWest America, Oklahoma's largest independent directory publisher.  He is also a regular columnist for the Oklahoma Constitution newspaper and author of the popular novel, The Last American President.  His wife, Denise Engle, has been Deputy Insurance Commissioner for the state and served as Workers' Compensation Commissioner before returning to her private sector career.

The Engle's also host an annual benefit on behalf of the Angel Tree program of Prison Fellowship.  Last year Oklahoma Lt. Governor Todd Lamb co-hosted the event with the Engle's. Additionally, Engle is a volunteer part time teacher at Edmond Christian Academy and an Elder at Faith Church in Oklahoma City.

Recently, Engle launched the Oklahoma Republican party's Red to the Roots effort. Engle commented, "I have driven throughout our state and worked diligently to support Republican candidates for county office where currently only 35% of elected officials are Republicans while 78% of elected officials above the county level are Republicans. This is a disparity that does not reflect the conservative inclinations of Oklahoma voters.  I am committed to the premise that conservative governance works everywhere it is tried, and I will continue this effort as National Committeeman."

Engle also expressed his goals for the Republican National Committee. "Much has been said this year about the rules of our party.  It seems some people may have tried to use the rules to manipulate results or to 'fix' problems of a prior election.  Now they find themselves bitten by their own dog. What we need is a process which is fair, honest and open.  With my experience, added to that of the other members from Oklahoma, we can secure our party's future as the conservative choice of the American voter."

For more information, contact Richard Engle at 405-640-9219.

OKGOP 2013 State Convention

The Oklahoma Republican Party's 2013 State Convention activities commence tomorrow afternoon, with the convention itself starting at 9:00am Saturday morning. This will be my fifth convention as a delegate, and it looks to be as interesting as any of the recent editions.

Important information for delegates

• Proposed Convention Rules
• Proposed Platform
• Five proposed State Party Rules changes
• Friday registration is from 2:00pm to 7:30pm
• Saturday registration is from 7:00am to 9:00am. You must be in line by 9am.

I have conducted a survey of each of the candidates for State Chair and Vice-Chair, which can be viewed by clicking on this link.

Candidates for Chair 

in alphabetical order, with links to their websites

 Amanda Teegarden                     Dave Weston

Candidates for Vice-Chair

in alphabetical order, with links to their websites

                     Richard Engle                   Denise Crosswhite-Hader                         Sara Jo Odom

See you at the convention!

P.S. If you're on Twitter, tweet with hashtag #OKGOP, and follow me at @JamisonFaught.

Meet the Candidates: Sara Jo Odom, OKGOP Vice-Chair hopeful

Sara Jo Odom, candidate for Oklahoma Republican Party vice-chair

With the 2013 Oklahoma Republican Party State Convention coming up next weekend, 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 the responses from the last public Vice-Chair candidate, Sara Jo Odom.

The other announced candidates are Denise Crosswhite Hader (her survey is posted here) and Richard Engle (his survey is posted here). For chairman, Dave Weston and Amanda Teegarden are the current candidates. You can view Weston's survey here; I still have not received a response from Teegarden.

Now, meet Sara Jo Odom.

1. Tell us a little bit about your personal side.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, graduated Northwest Classen High School and The University of Oklahoma. Spent 30 years away from Oklahoma, living in several other states, 2 years in Germany, and 20 years in New Hampshire. Three grown children and six grandchildren. In 1997, I was blessed to be able to return to Oklahoma– definitely God’s Country! Registered Republican as soon as I was old enough to vote! Active member at Henderson Hills Baptist Church, Edmond.

2. What involvement have you had in the past with the Republican Party (from precinct-level to RNC)? If possible, include approximate dates.

•  National Federation of Republican Women – Board of Directors – 7 years
• Secretary; Legislative Chairman; Nominating Committee; Leadership Committee
• Region 9 Director – Liaison with Republican Women in CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, RI and Washington, D.C.
• Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women
• Served as President for four years
• Current member OKCRWC; Associate Member Heartland Republican Women & Edmond Republican Women
• Oklahoma City Republican Women’s Club
• Various officer positions and President for two years
• Currently serving on Outreach Committee
• Vice-Chairman – Oklahoma County GOP
• OK GOP Executive Committee
• Worked for Republicans in New Hampshire while living there, and have been an active volunteer for Republican candidates since moving back to Oklahoma

3. Do you currently hold any Republican Party office?

I am currently on the Executive Committee of the OK County GOP and received an award for volunteer work back in February. Current NFRW Secretary; Current Executive Committee -- Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women

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.

Outside the Republican Party -- a member of Eagle Forum, Oklahoma; Americans for Prosperity; Concerned Women for America; -- all of these since 2006.

5. There have been eight state conventions in the last decade; how many have you attended (and which)?

I have attended all of the state conventions since 2003.  (I lived away from Oklahoma until my return in late 1997.)

6. What prompted you to run for this office?

I decided not to run for higher office of the National Federation of Republican Women, and that I should concentrate my volunteer work in Oklahoma.  I believe that my leadership experience is a good fit for this position.

7. What are your top priorities if elected as vice-chair?

 Top priorities: 

• a)  To "keep the ball rolling" by continuing to register new Republicans, and target conservative Democrats and Independents to register Republican;
• b) to immerse the Oklahoma Republican Party in any and all ways of communicating and training around the state, i.e., webinars, conference calls, live-streaming meetings, etc. and
• c) hold countywide round-table discussions, inviting ANYONE who would like to become involved in our Party to participate.  Then, use the best of the ideas we receive and share them with all the counties.

8. What five issues should the Republican Party focus on politically?

1. Decreasing the size of government
2. Protecting our individual liberties
3. Reducing taxes
4. Immigration reform
5. National Security.

9. List some of the individuals who are publicly supporting your candidacy that delegates might recognize.

Steve Fair, National Committeeman (Fair says he "has not taken a public position in the Vice Chair race"); Carolyn McLarty, National Committeewoman; Evelyn McCoy, President of the Oklahoma City Republican Women's Club; Sandra Leaver, President of Edmond Republican Women; Heather Cline, President of Heartland Republican Women; and many others

10. Here's your closing statement - cover whatever you want to talk about.

I believe that I am eminently qualified for this position of leadership -- having served in leadership positions in Rotary, Chambers of Commerce, Eagle Forum, Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women and National Federation of Republican Women.  I believe that the first responsibility of a leader is to raise up other leaders, and that a GREAT leader has left his/her ego behind -- and gives credit to anyone who helps get the job done.  I love Oklahoma, and I am a very loyal and devoted Republican -- having registered Republican back when it wasn't popular to do so.  The Oklahoma Republican Party has come such a long way in the past 15 years, and now that we have all statewide offices as well as all our Congressmen and Senators, I believe we should make sure that we hold all of them accountable.  We can't take anything for granted!  If Oklahoma can flip from a Democrat-controlled state to a Republican-controlled state -- then it can flip back!  We need to keep educating young voters, minority voters and women voters as to why the Republican Party stands for the highest ideals and values, and is the ONLY party that wants to truly protect their rights.

Thanks for participating, Sara Jo!

[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: 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

Steve Fair for OKGOP National Committeeman

The delegates at the 2012 Oklahoma Republican State Convention tomorrow will be picking one of two men to serve as National Committeeman for Oklahoma, replacing retiring NCM James Dunn. The National Committeeman serves as one of three representatives for each state and territory on the Republican National Committee; the state Chairman and National Committeewoman are the other two members.

The two candidates are Richard Engle and Steve Fair. I know and respect both men, and they have both been very active and involved in their respective political circles. They are to be commended for their involvement, drive to advance conservatism, and willingness to offer their services on behalf of the state party for this office.

I am honored to endorse my friend, Steve Fair.

Steve currently serves as the 4th Congressional District Chairman and as Stephens County Chairman, and has an extensive background as a conservative party activist. He has been tremendously successful in building the party at the grassroots level in his area of the state, and has been helpful in developing and implementing strategies for other counties to use to grow their organization. He is also a very good writer, authoring weekly columns in numerous newspapers, and maintains a well-written blog.

There can be no doubt as to Steve's conservative credentials. His views on the issues place him with the most conservative of conservatives, and he is unafraid to espouse those views, no matter the controversy that may accompany it. He is a Christian first, a conservative second, and a Republican third, and that is as it should be.

Steve posted a summary of his campaign goals in a recent post on his blog: "The real issue is what will Steve Fair do if elected? First, I will be a conservative voice on the RNC. Second, I will work to build our county GOP organizations. Third, I will help educate the public on issues, and fourth, I will make building the foundation fun. Those that know me know I don't take myself very seriously, but I take the cause very seriously."

I could go on, but suffice it to say, for this position, I believe that Steve can be the most effective, productive and uniting. He is very serious and dedicated about growing the party and advancing conservatism, but does so in a way that is entertaining and fun. There is never a dull moment around Steve!

I encourage delegates to the State Convention to join me in supporting Steve Fair for National Committeeman.

(Fellow blogger Michael Bates has a great post endorsing Steve Fair - read it here)

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.

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.

Democrat Forum Wants Williams as OKGOP Chair

On the Oklahoma Democrat forum DemoOkie, several of the main posters (and active Democrats) have been talking about the OKGOP Chair race.

2/07:

"I endorse [Cheryl] Williams for GOP Chair"

2/22 (emphasis mine):

"[Gary] Jones is challenging Vice Chairwoman Cheryl Williams, who represents the more libertarian wing of the party.

Williams would seem to have her work cut out for her. Under Jones, who has served two non-consecutive terms, the state party has prospered. In 2008, when most of the country turned Democratic, Oklahoma gave two-thirds of its presidential vote to the Republican nominee, John McCain, and strengthened the GOP's hold on the Legislature and the state's congressional delegation."

"Here's hoping Williams wins. The wackier the better at the Grand Old Party."

2/25 (emphasis mine):

"I am glad this organiztion [sic; referring to OCPAC] is growing and I believe pretty soon they will take out my friend Gary Jones as ORP Chair. Gary is a very competent and able person doing the job as the Repubs chair."

I always find it interesting to see what the other party thinks of our internal affairs. It can give a good perspective on the issues. For example, if they hate the party chair, we're probably doing pretty good. If they want the chair to stay the same, it's probably a sign that change is needed.

Report: Cheryl Williams Finds Running Mate

According to reports* received by this blog, OKGOP Chair candidate (and current vice-chair) Cheryl Williams has tapped Richard Engle for her running mate. Engle will be running against current Chairman and candidate Gary Jones' pick, Angie LaPlante, for Vice Chair at the 2009 Oklahoma Republican Party State Convention on April 18th.

Williams and Engle are closely affiliated with the libertarian wing of the party, mainly supporters of former presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul, who are disgruntled with the status quo in the party, whereas Jones and LaPlante are considered to be part of the 'establishment', and more in line with the larger social conservative wing of the party.

In my opinion, Williams' choosing Engle to be her running mate is a poor decision, bad strategy, and will backfire on her at the state convention.

Engle was one of the main spokesmen for the 'Liberty Values Coalition' at the 2008 ORP State Convention (the LVC was, again, mainly supporters of Ron Paul). His tone, manner, and argumentative interruptions of the convention made him the most annoying, irritating and aggravating person present. By the time the convention was over, I had a headache from listening to the man. He turned off many of the delegates who might have otherwise voted with his coalition. The same thing will happen with Cheryl Williams.

But, I'm fine with that, since I'm supporting Gary Jones.

* - unverified as of yet