OKGOP clarifies: no primary endorsements from the State Party

It seems that some candidate(s) is insinuating an endorsement by the Oklahoma Republican Party, prompting the following statement by leadership of the OKGOP:

OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON PRIMARY RACES

Be it known, to all registered Republicans, that the Oklahoma Republican Party does not endorse any candidate running in a Republican primary.

Any candidate running in a primary and implies or states they have the endorsement of the Oklahoma Republican Party is not being truthful and is intentionally misleading voters.

OKGOP removes House Pro Tem from State Committee for supporting Democrat

Some reporting over the weekend from SoonerPolitics.org:

Representative Harold Wright (R-Weatherford) was expelled by the Oklahoma Republican Party's ruling State Committee, today. The action took place at the State Committee meeting, in Edmond, OK.

OKGOP's national committeeman, Steve Curry, presented a letter of the OKGOP Executive Committee, advising action for Wright's actions, funding the campaign of a Democrat nominee(Jeff Berrong) for a state senate seat. Wright, who took money from the OKGOP for his own election, funneled at least $1000 to the Democrat effort, according to campaign reporting documents with the state Ethics Commission. Meanwhile, the OKGOP was funding the campaign of the Republican nominee(Brent Howard).

Republican legislators are granted inclusion in the ruling body of the OKGOP, by being in elective office. Wright has been a State Committee member for several years.

Canadian County Chairman, Andrew Lopez made the motion on Harold Wright's immediate removal. Former National Committeeman, Steve Fair seconded the motion. The final vote was nearly unanimous with one lone voice voting 'nay'.

Last year, Rep. Wright (Conservative Performance Index score of -10.7) filed legislation that would gut SQ640's taxpayer protection against easy tax increases. Read more comments from the SoonerPolitics story at this link.

Wright was removed from the OKGOP State Committee under State Party Rule 19(g), which lists "Publicly supporting or endorsing an opponent of candidates of the Republican Party." as grounds for removal from official party committees. I've since been told that Wright sent fundraising letters on the Democrat candidate's behalf and allowed his name and photo to be used in supportive mailers.

Of note, Representative Carol Bush ("R"-Tulsa, CPI score of -24.3) has not yet been removed for her role in assisting the campaign of Democrat Kendra Horn, who unseated 5th District Republican Congressman Steve Russell in the 2018 election. Horn, whose first vote was to elect Nancy Pelosi as U.S. House Speaker, touted Bush's endorsement throughout the campaign.

Rep. Carol Bush (R) speaking at the campaign kickoff rally for Kendra Horn (D)

While Wright's donation to a Democratic candidate ultimately had no lasting consequence due to the Republican candidate's victory, Bush's very early support for a Democratic candidate who ultimately knocked off an incumbent GOP congressman had greater and more lasting effect.

Steve Curry to run for OKGOP Nat'l Committeeman

Steve Curry announces candidacy for National Committeeman

Fellow Oklahoma Republicans: I am honored to announce my candidacy for OKGOP National Committeeman to fill the void left by Steve Fair who has decided not to seek reelection. It is my intention to carry on his great representation of Oklahoma Republicans for the next 4 years. The election will be held at the Oklahoma GOP State Convention on Saturday, May 14, 2016, at First Moore Baptist Church, 301 NE 27th Street, Moore, Oklahoma 73160.

I am seeking election as the OKGOP National Committeeman to be a strong advocate for our principles as Oklahoma Republicans. As a lifelong Republican, I view this opportunity to give back to the Great State of Oklahoma and the OKGOP, both of which I dearly love.

My experience, background, temperament and passion for the OKGOP uniquely qualify me to fill this important role. As the OKGOP National Committeeman, along with the OKGOP National Committeewoman and State Chair, it will be my responsibility to convey the thoughts, concerns and visions of Oklahoma Republicans to the Republican National Committee. To achieve this, it is incumbent on me to come to your area meetings to hear you.

I recognize and appreciate the valuable role that each you have made, and continue to make, in building the OKGOP and I value your support.

I am asking for your vote at the convention and your support with your Republican colleagues. Together we can do this!

Feel free to reach me at osugrad.steve@gmail.com or 405-414-4842.