Jolly endorses Hern for Congress

PRESIDENT TRUMP'S FORMER NATIONAL FIELD DIRECTOR ENDORSES KEVIN HERN

Tulsa, OK – President Trump's former National Field Director, Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Jolly (Ret.) has endorsed Kevin Hern for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional Seat being vacated by Representative Jim Bridenstine after he was nominated by President Trump to head NASA.

“As a veteran, small business advocate and policy activist, I am proud to support Kevin Hern for his bid to go to Congress. Washington needs experienced swamp drainers so we can get a real budget passed, rebuild our military and cut government waste. Kevin's strong business background and determined work ethic are qualities we need more of in Congress. We need more businessmen who have actually dealt with the strangling effects of big government to help us drain this swamp. We need to reinforce the Trump economic revolution by electing members of Congress that understand how small businesses actually work. Kevin Hern is the right man for the job.”

Stuart Jolly served as the National Field Director for Donald J. Trump for President for the first 7 months of the campaign responsible for national political strategy and hiring in all Primary & Caucus states. He personally ran NH, SC, and NC and won 22 state primaries and caucuses.

Jolly is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army. LTC Jolly is a Veteran of the Gulf War where he earned a Bronze Star and two Air Medals for his service in Iraq. He was the Oklahoma State Director for Americans for Prosperity (AFP) for over 6 years where it grew from just under 1,200 members to over 26,000 in 2012. AFP focuses on free‐market issues across the state and country and is the premier grassroots organization in the United States.

“I am honored to have received Stuart's endorsement in my race for Congress,” said Hern. “Stuart has been a strong advocate for conservative free-market principles. He understands that DC needs more small business owners in Congress who are willing to push back on burdensome regulations and policies that stifle our economy and prevent job creation.”

As the owner of KTAK Corporation, Kevin leads the operations that own ten McDonald’s restaurants that employ over 400 people in the Tulsa area. Kevin has served in various regional and national leadership positions within the McDonald’s Franchise System. Most recently, he served 5 years as the Chairman of the Systems Economic Team for over 3,000 franchisees that own all 15,000 restaurants across the entire country.

Jolly endorses Costello for Labor Commissioner

TRUMP CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR, STUART JOLLY, ENDORSES CATHY COSTELLO FOR LABOR COMMISSIONER

    Longtime Oklahoman and Trump Campaign Field Director, Lt. Col. Stuart Jolly (ret.), announces his endorsement of Cathy Costello in her campaign for Oklahoma State Labor Commissioner in 2018.

    "Cathy Costello is the clear choice in the race for Oklahoma Labor Commissioner," Stuart Jolly says. “Cathy has the business expertise, the conservative leadership skills and the drive to make much-needed changes to Oklahoma's workforce.  Her platform is a perfect blueprint to streamline our economy for the next decade and beyond.  Mark would be proud of her for making this stand and helping Oklahomans.  I am proud to endorse Cathy Costello for Oklahoma's Labor Commissioner.”

    Jolly worked closely with Cathy’s late husband, Labor Commissioner Mark Costello, on several labor-related issues. He says he sees the same leadership qualities in Cathy as she has advocated for mental health reform.

    “I am honored and humbled to know one of Oklahoma’s strongest political leaders, Stuart Jolly, is supporting my campaign,” Cathy Costello says.  “The outpouring of support from conservative leaders in the Republican Party has been overwhelming. I promise each and every voter I will lead the Labor Department with passion, purpose and principles to help every worker in Oklahoma.”

    Cathy Costello is a co-founder of several international businesses and is a sought-after national speaker and advocate on issues of mental health.  She was also instrumental in passing landmark federal and state legislation to address how we can address mental health needs in our communities, health care approaches and the workplace.

       The Republican primary for Labor Commissioner is scheduled for June 26, 2018 and the general election will be held November 6, 2018.

OK's Stuart Jolly resigns as Trump's nat'l field director

From Stuart Jolly:

It's true. I've stepped down from my position with the Trump campaign. I'm sure my resignation will be spun by the press, but I left on top and on my own terms. Corey Lewandowski gave me a wonderful opportunity and working with Corey and Michael Glassner was a dream come true. Winning NH, SC and 20 other races is something that can't be taken away from us, but it was time to leave. On to bigger and better things!

From Politico.com:

In a shakeup that’s roiling Donald Trump's presidential campaign, the GOP front-runner told senior staffers at a Saturday meeting that he wants his recent hires Paul Manafort and Rick Wiley to take the reins in upcoming states, giving them a $20-million budget for key contests in May and June, according to three sources with knowledge of the meeting.
[...]
But sources inside the Trump campaign said the moves are increasingly alienating staff loyal to the original team headed by campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, which had guided Trump from the political fringe to the precipice of the GOP presidential nomination with relatively little campaign infrastructure or spending.

One key Lewandowski loyalist, national field director Stuart Jolly, on Monday submitted a letter of resignation, according to the sources, who characterized Jolly as displeased with the reorganization. Under the new structure, Jolly would have reported to Wiley, who was hired last week by Manafort as political director. In turn, Wiley, who previously ran Scott Walker's disappointing presidential campaign, will report to Manafort, who was hired late last month and quickly boasted “I work directly for the boss.”

One operative who has worked with the campaign and was briefed on the changes said “Stuart will not work with Rick Wiley. It just wasn’t going to happen.” The operative added that the change had sparked particular concern among the campaign’s field staff, many of whom were hired by Jolly and maintained close contact with him — a rarity on a campaign with a reputation for top-down communication.

“Stuart is the only guy who has worked with the field staff, and they are loyal to him,” said the operative. “He is the only guy who understands how this works. It is going to be a huge shock when he leaves."
[...]
In Jolly’s resignation letter, which was addressed to "Mr. Trump" and was reviewed by POLITICO, the Oklahoma operative expressed his “deepest gratitude” to the candidate, declaring "I will never forget your encouragement and loyalty.” But he said he decided “it is time for me to leave the campaign and pursue education reform issues.” He praised Lewandowski, calling him “one of my best friends” and explaining he was “initially the reason I joined this campaign.”

A retired Army lieutenant colonel who served in Iraq, Jolly worked with Lewandowski at the Koch brothers-backed advocacy group Americans for Prosperity mostly on policy fights, and did not have any previous national campaign experience. Jolly was initially hired by Lewandowski to focus on Southern States that voted March 1. But he was shifted to New Hampshire ahead of that state’s critical first-in-the-nation primary after Trump’s disappointing loss to Ted Cruz in the Iowa caucuses.

Trump’s lopsided primary wins in New Hampshire on Feb. 9 and South Carolina 11 days later shocked the political establishment and put him on a trajectory to win the nomination. Those early victories “were magical and I will never forget them,” Jolly wrote to Trump.

Tidwell replaces Ball as AFP-OK State Director

AFP Oklahoma Announces New State Director

Matt Ball Pursues New Opportunity; John Tidwell Joins AFP November 1

OKLAHOMA CITY - Americans for Prosperity (AFP) – Oklahoma, the Sooner state’s leading grassroots advocate for economic freedom and limited government, announced that Matt Ball would be stepping down and John Tidwell will be named State Director beginning November 1.

“I am proud to have served as State Director for AFP,” Ball said.  “This organization’s mission to fight for economic freedom, free markets, and limited government is absolutely critical to preserving the future of America and our great state.  We have built strong momentum as a state chapter and I am confident my successor will continue that momentum into 2014 and beyond," continued Ball.

"John Tidwell brings our organization a true passion for free market policies and a background of fighting for entrepreneurs throughout Oklahoma.  His leadership will be key in taking our organization to the next level fighting for taxpayers against government overreach and misguided public policy."

Tidwell has worked in Oklahoma politics for nearly two decades. He worked as director of communications for Congressman John Sullivan for 12 years and more recently as a Senior Account Executive at Jones Public Relations in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, a free-market public relations firm.

AFP President Tim Phillips said the following: “Matt is a dedicated defender of economic freedom and he has charted a winning strategic direction for our Oklahoma state chapter.  We wish him well in his new opportunity and we are equally ready to have John Tidwell assume the State Director role in Oklahoma to build upon past success and grow our presence for the future."

Ball will leave AFP effective October 31st and will begin his new position as Director of Corporate Affairs for CMA Strategies, November 1st and John Tidwell will assume the role of State Director on the 1st.

[Blogger's note: Ball leaves AFP-OK after a rather brief stint in the position, having replaced previous director Stuart Jolly at the end of February. Jolly served as state director for six years.]

Matt Ball replaces Stuart Jolly at AFP-OK

Americans for Prosperity Welcomes New OK State Director Matt Ball

Outgoing State Director Stuart Jolly says Matt will be an "excellent leader"

Oklahoma City, OK - Americans for Prosperity - Oklahoma, the Sooner State's leading advocate for economic freedom and limited government, today welcomes Matthew Ball as its new state director. Matt's plans for the chapter include promoting tax reform, pension reform, and school choice policies.

Click here to read Matt's bio and see a high-res headshot.

"I am excited to continue building on the momentum AFP has established here in Oklahoma.  I count myself humbled to join an organization that values the importance of grassroots engagement while standing for the principles of the free market, limited government, and fiscal responsibility. I look forward to reaching out to and working with our grassroots activists, members of the Oklahoma Legislature, and other stakeholders to help bring about public policy change that will make our state more prosperous for our children and grandchildren."

"While the federal government continues to show disregard for future generations of taxpayers with its reckless tax-and-spend policies, the state of Oklahoma has an opportunity to set itself apart by continuing to move in a different direction: one of lower taxes, less regulation, and harnessing the power of the free market to solve the problems of the day."

Former state director Stuart Jolly shared his excitement with Matt's plans for the chapter.

"I am excited that Matt has been hired as the new Oklahoma State Director of Americans for Prosperity,” said Stuart Jolly, former State Director for AFP-OK.  “Matt’s knowledge of state and federal policy, his ability to engage and mobilize grassroots activists to affect change, and his dedication to the principles upon which AFP was founded will make him an excellent leader for the Oklahoma chapter.”  

“Matt and I have had several conversations regarding his plans for the future of AFP-OK,” Jolly said.  “He will bring fresh energy and a renewed vision to the 24,000 members of AFP-OK.”

Matt formerly worked for Senator Tom Coburn and is a graduate of Oklahoma State University.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans.  For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org.

Stuart Jolly leaving AFP-OK for national post

AFP-OK Director Stuart Jolly Resigns after Six Years Building Army for Liberty

AFP President Tim Phillips Expresses Appreciation

Oklahoma City, OK – Americans for Prosperity today announced that Stuart Jolly, state director of the organization’s Oklahoma chapter, is resigning at the end of the month to become Executive Political Director of TeamCFA; which focuses on the areas of free-market economics, school choice and charter school legislative issues and innovative answers. Stuart’s responsibilities are now nationwide, with special focus on three regions surrounding North Carolina, Arizona, and Indiana.

Stuart has served as state director of Americans for Prosperity for over six years, during which time the chapter has grown by over 24,000 activists and successfully defended free-market principles around the state.

“I am proud to call Stuart a trusted colleague and friend and thank him for his leadership in the fight for economic freedom and limited government these past six years,” said Tim Phillips, President of Americans for Prosperity. “While we are sorry to see him go, we know that he will continue to be an ally in our common cause and we wish him all the best. The great state of Oklahoma is an even better place today because of Stuart's dedicated work.”

Prior to joining AFP, Stuart enjoyed a diverse career with the United States Army spanning nearly 22 years retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and Foreign Area Officer in the Defense Attaché Office in the US Embassy to Belgium. He’s earned multiple awards and decorations including the Senior Aviator Wings, Bronze Star and two Air Medals.

Americans for Prosperity is actively looking for candidates to fill the Oklahoma State Director position. You can see more details and apply by clicking here.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans.  For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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Stuart Jolly has been a great voice for free-market principles and a good ally of the Tea Party movement in Oklahoma. With Stuart at the helm, AFP-OK has done great work in the school choice field, in advancing conservative economic policies, and in educating grassroots activists. Although he will be missed in his former post, Stuart will do a great job at his new job. Congratulations on the promotion, Stuart!

'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous', Oklahoma Education edition

Americans For Prosperity Oklahoma recently released the following video, highlighting what they call excessive salaries among Oklahoma school superintendents.




AFP-OK State Director Stuart Jolly pointed out that 202 Oklahoma superintendents make over $100,000 per year. "22 school superintendents made more than $147,000, which is the salary of Governor Mary Fallin," Jolly said.

The video compares superintendent salaries with those of two-star Army generals, an Army colonel, the governor and lieutenant governor, and the average Oklahoma family's income (hint: even the general is out-ranked in pay by many school superintendents).

Just how big is Oklahoma's government?

Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma has put together a great video, detailing how vast and complicated Oklahoma government is. Take three minutes and watch the video below.

AFP visiting Boren to push for Balanced Budget Amendment

Americans for Prosperity Activists Push for 

Balanced Budget Amendment

-Grassroots visits Representative Boren’s district offices urging spending cuts-

Muskogee — We Need Congressman Dan Boren to Support a Balanced Budget!  Oklahoma families understand that they must balance their budgets. Politicians in Washington, DC don’t.  That’s why AFP supports a Balanced Budget Amendment.

This Thursday, July 14th, we are asking you to visit Congressman Dan Boren’s district offices and encourage him to support a Balanced Budget Amendment. Take 15 minutes out of your day and make a difference!

The Oklahoma chapter of the free market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity will join a huge coalition of conservative and tea party organizations in a nationwide effort to visit U.S. House Members’ district offices.  The grassroots message this coalition will carry is that representatives must support a balanced budget amendment to U.S. Constitution that has spending caps and a requirement for a supermajority vote to raise taxes.  

“Our grassroots are really worked up about the need for this balanced budget amendment, with tough limits on spending and taxes.  State and local governments all need to work each year to bring their books into order and it’s long past time that the federal government take similar steps,” said Oklahoma State Director Stuart Jolly.  “We’re going to visit Congressman Boren’s district offices because he needs to know how important this amendment is to free market grassroots activists all across this country.”

What: National District Office Day on the Balanced Budget Amendment
When: Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 12:00 Noon.
Who: Americans for Prosperity Grassroots Activists (open to all!)
Where:

1. Muskogee Office, 431 W. Broadway, Muskogee, OK 74401, (918) 687-2533
2. Claremore Office, 309 W. 1st Street, Claremore, OK 74017, (918) 341-9336
3. McAlester Office, 25 East Carl Albert Parkway, Suite B, McAlester, OK 74501, (918) 423-5951
4. Durant Office, 112 N. 12th Avenue, Durant, OK 74701, (580) 931-0333

The national day of district office visits comes just days before the U.S. House will vote on the Balanced Budget Amendment.  Next week, the U.S. House will vote on H.J. Res. 1, offered by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R.-Va.), which has received widespread conservative support.

H.J. Res. 1 requires:

• Revenues to match outlays
• Limit spending to 18 percent of GDP
• Supermajority vote in Congress to raise taxes
• Supermajority vote in Congress to raise the debt ceiling
• The President must submit a budget to Congress that balances
• Several other important provisions

See you at one of the offices list below on Thursday!


Stuart A. Jolly
Oklahoma State Director
Americans for Prosperity
LTC, US Army (Ret)

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best way to safeguard individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP has more than 1.7 million members, including members in all 50 states, and 31 state chapters and affiliates. More than 85,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial investment in AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

Muskogee Tea Party - Today

The Muskogee Tea Party is holding their third Tax Day Tea Party today at noon, in front of the Muskogee Civic Center.

Speakers will include:

• Stuart Jolly - Americans for Prosperity
• Seth Brown - American Majority
• Matthew Vermillion - OKforTEA and Tea Party Patriots
• State Rep. George Faught

There will also be an open mic period, for attendees who want to say a few words. Speakers will cover a wide variety of topics, from legislative updates to Tea Party-led health-care initiatives, and training events — you won’t want to miss it if you can make it!

For more information, visit MuskogeeTeaParty.com or call (918) 869-6000.