Carolyn Coburn endorses Dr. Julie McIntosh in Senate District 3

The State Senate District 3 GOP primary features a middle-of-the-road incumbent Republican (Blake 'Cowboy' Stephens) and two conservative challengers - Dr. Julie McIntosh and Wagoner City Councilor Patrick Sampson.

The McIntosh's are family friends and carpet cleaning customers, at home and medical practice. Julie's husband Brad was a longtime partner with the late great Dr. Tom Coburn. Coburn's widow, Carolyn, issued the following endorsement statement for Julie McIntosh:

A letter from Carolyn Coburn, the wife of late U.S. Senator Tom Coburn: 

Brecheen after 60 town halls: Here's what I'm hearing from the people of the 2nd District

60 town halls (you know, the old-fashioned, real, in-person kind, not on Zoom or via conference call) in eight months? That's likely more than his predecessor did in ten years.

Congressman Brecheen is a hard worker, endeavors to keep his constituents up-to-date, and is a ferocious advocate for the Constitution and Christian values. Couldn't be happier with him as my Congressman!

Congressman Brecheen: Here’s What I Am Hearing From the People of Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District

“During my first eight months in office, I have had the privilege of hosting 60 in-person town halls throughout Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District.

From Washington and Ottawa all the way down to Bryan and McCurtain counties, it has been an honor to travel throughout the district and meet so many wonderful people.

As a former field representative for the late Senator Tom Coburn, I have always believed that in-person town halls are the best way for Members of Congress to learn and hear from their constituents.

Congressman Brecheen speaks on House floor about the gravity of our national debt

Congressman Josh Brecheen Speaks on the Gravity of our National Debt During First House Floor Speech

This text has been adapted from Congressman Josh Brecheen’s first House floor speech. You can watch the full speech here, or below.

Brecheen: Here’s how McCarthy’s concessions will transform the House of Representatives

Here’s how McCarthy’s concessions will transform the House of Representatives

by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla)

Read the full op-ed at TheHill.com

Many Americans were shocked to learn this month about the concentrated power in the House of Representatives that undermines our constitutional republic. Since 2016, the Speaker of the House has allowed zero votes on floor-offered amendments, unless they were pre-screened. Instead, members of Congress were forced to vote “yes” or “no” on legislation, often being forced to swallow wasteful, pork-ridden provisions that were buried inside bills.  

His last hurrah: Inhofe stuffs omnibus bill with $498M in earmarks

Earmarks: political self-bribery. Vote and influence buying. "The gateway drug to runaway spending," as the late Dr. Tom Coburn used to say.

Earlier, I posted that U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe was the only Oklahoman to vote for the $1.7 trillion omnibus bill passed by Congress. Why was he in favor of the mega-spending bill?

That's easy. Inhofe stuffed almost half a billion dollars worth of earmarks in the bill -- second most of all senators and representatives. If anything was made evident by his time in Washington, it's that Jim Inhofe looooved him some earmarks and pork spending. 

Club for Growth group jumps in to boost Josh Brecheen's CD2 campaign

The School Freedom Fund, a Club for Growth affiliated group, has just put $260,000 into promoting the 2nd Congressional District candidacy of Josh Brecheen.

A former staffer for Sen. Tom Coburn and an ex-state senator (2010-2018), Brecheen is one of 14 Republicans running for the 2nd District seat. Club for Growth had a lengthy history of backing Dr. Coburn's political and legislative efforts, so in one sense this could be a final favor to the good doctor, whose widow, Carolyn, has endorsed Brecheen. 

Alex Gray launches his first TV ad of Senate campaign

U.S. Senate candidate Alex Gray is out with his first TV ad, touting his experience as a senior national security advisor for President Trump and name-dropping some prominent past and present conservative Republican officials to draw positive parallels with himself. Gray is one of 13 Republicans seeking to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe.

Brecheen releases video on Tom Coburn's influence and mentorship, endorsed by Coburn's widow

Former state senator Josh Brecheen is one of 14 Republicans running for the 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Brecheen served as an Oklahoma State Senator from 2010 to 2018, representing Senate District 6 in southeast Oklahoma. From 2004 to 2010, Brecheen worked as a field representative for U.S. Senator Dr. Tom Coburn. Since leaving the State Senate, Brecheen has run a small excavation/trucking business in Coalgate. 

Brecheen was one of the most conservative members of the legislature during his eight years there, ranking third-most conservative in the Oklahoma Constitution's Conservative Index, and tied for second in the American Conservative Union ranking.

In this video, Brecheen talks about the influence of his mentor, Dr. Coburn. Coburn's widow, Carolyn, is supporting his candidacy.

O'Connor hits Drummond on donations to Biden, Coburn's 2004 Democrat opponent

The race for Attorney General is really starting to heat up. Gentner Drummond has a "dark money" group sending hit pieces out on John O'Connor, and O'Connor is swinging back.

Drummond claims that the Biden donation was from his wife, saying that 'his wife "got mad" and made the contribution using a joint credit card but that she "immediately asked for a refund and got the money back."' [Tulsa World]

FEC records show that Drummond also gave:

• $1,000 to Democrat Matt Silverstein's 2014 campaign against Jim Inhofe
• $1,450 to Democrat John Olson's 1st District congressional campaign in 2012 (Jim Bridenstine defeated him in the general election). 
• $2,500 to Democratic Congressman Dan Boren from 2004 to 2010.
• $1,000 to Democrat Brad Carson's campaign against Tom Coburn in 2004 (given after Coburn won the GOP primary)

Searching the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, one can find that Drummond has given to the following Democratic candidates since 2015:

• $500 to Cathy Ross (challenger to GOP State Rep. Sean Roberts in 2016)
• $500 to State Rep. John Waldron in 2018
• $250 to Andy Richardson (lost to Republican Sheila Dills in 2018)

(UPDATE: there are even more donations to Democrats on the old, pre-2015 system. I have not had time to go through them all, but it includes $500 to Drew Edmondson, $500 to Tom Adelson, and $1,500 to Pete Regan)

I absolutely question the conservative and/or Republican credentials of anyone who gives money to Democratic candidates.

Before Donating To Joe Biden, Gentner Drummond Supported Dr. Coburn’s Democrat Opponent

TULSA, OK (May 16th) – On August 31, 2020, Gentner Drummond donated $1,000 to Joe Biden for President, but before that donation, an FEC report reveals that Gentner Drummond donated to Democrat Brad Carson, who ran against Dr. Tom Coburn.   

Family Policy Alliance endorses James Lankford for reelection

Family Policy Alliance Endorses James Lankford as National Leader Defending Life

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 11th) – Families for James Lankford announced James was endorsed by the Family Policy Alliance, which is the public policy partner of Focus on the Family. FPA's President and CEO issued a statement to endorse James's campaign. 

Sen. Lankford releases newest government waste report

Continuing the late Dr. Tom Coburn's Wastebook legacy, U.S. Senator James Lankford is out with his sixth edition of Federal Fumbles, chronicling wasteful government spending.

Lankford Releases Government Waste Report

Click here to download a copy of Federal Fumbles, Vol. 6.

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced the sixth volume of his federal waste book, Federal Fumbles: Ways the government dropped the ball. The report highlights waste and inefficiency in the federal government and offers solutions and recommendations for long-term changes that need to begin immediately.

TW Shannon signs Term Limits pledge

For years, Oklahoma's two U.S. Senators took diametrically opposed stances on term limits. Tom Coburn was the poster child for principled support of congressional term limits, going further than mere lip service and self-imposing them on himself. Jim Inhofe, however, much like with his vehement support of earmarks, disdained the idea of term limits.

Markwayne Mullin infamously broke his own term limits pledge, and continues to stumble and bumble as he tries to explain away why he did so (see Mullin: my term limits pledge didn't matter because "my life experience changed"). One can only assume that Luke Holland, Inhofe's hand-picked successor, has similar views on term limits (and earmarks) to his boss.

T.W. Shannon joins fellow Senate hopefuls Alex Gray and Nathan Dahm in signing the U.S. Term Limits Pledge, vowing to co-sponsor and vote for a term limits constitutional amendment.

Should be an interesting showdown in the Senate primary.

Shannon Signs Term Limits Pledge

“We must fix the broken Beltway culture of entitlement created by entrenched incumbent privilege”

Senate candidate Alex Gray signs term limits support pledge

For ten years, Oklahoma had two Senators who took diametrically opposed views on term limits. On one side was Sen. Jim Inhofe, who vehemently opposed term limits (he's been in Washington since 1987, after all). On the other side was Dr. Tom Coburn, who was perhaps the most famous and principled of the term limits advocates on Capitol Hill.

Coburn went above and beyond merely pledging support for term limits, and held himself to a self-imposed limit of three terms in the House and two terms in the Senate (ultimately resigning partway through his second Senate term).

With Inhofe moving off the scene and sparking a special election, one of the candidates vying to replace him is taking more of the Coburn side of things. Alex Gray signed the U.S. Term Limits candidate pledge.

For what it's worth, fellow Senate candidate and sitting congressman Markwayne Mullin signed the same pledge in 2012, then proceeded to trash it when political power and prestige became too irresistable (plus, his "life experience changed", which makes it a-okay to break your word).

Gray's press release:

FORMER NSC CHIEF OF STAFF ALEX GRAY PLEDGES TERM LIMITS IN CAMPAIGN FOR U.S. SENATE

Oklahoma City, OK – Alex Gray, Republican senatorial candidate for November’s special election, recently pledged to support congressional term limits if elected. 

Gray believes a Constitutional amendment should be passed to enforce term limits for Members of Congress.

Wednesday event to reflect on Coburn's legacy, why the national debt matters

In this age of absolutely wild government spending, the wisdom of voices like that of the late Dr. Tom Coburn are greatly missed. While he may have been a voice crying in the wilderness of Washington, rejected and dismissed by both sides of the aisle, there are some who have taken up his mantle in seeking to promote fiscal sanity as we approach catastrophic levels of national debt.

The Millennial Debt Foundation is hosting a discussion this coming Wednesday, in downtown Oklahoma City, about the legacy of Dr. Coburn, the fiscal future of the country and why the national debt matters. Featured speakers will include elected officials such as U.S. Sen. James Lankford, who has in his own way carried forward Dr. Coburn's annual "Wastebook" project, highlighting some of the monstrous wastes of taxpayer funds by the federal government.

More: 

Join state and federal officials as the reflect on the legacy of U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. and why the national debt matters.

About this event
You're invited to join us in person OR via live stream for this unique event in Oklahoma City honoring the legacy of U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. through a discussion about the fiscal future of the country and why the national debt matters. U.S. Senator James Lankford, Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-5), Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell and Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, a former Coburn staffer, will all be participating. Oklahoma City marks the fourth stop in the Millennial Debt Foundation's regional "Stewardship Series" events with Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs and the Oklahoma chapter of Americans for Prosperity joining as in-state partners. 

Memorial service for Tom Coburn to be held Saturday

March 28th marked a full year since the passing of former U.S. Senator and longtime Muskogee family physician Dr. Tom Coburn. The family has announced a public memorial service to be held this Saturday morning in Tulsa.

Pursuit announces 3rd annual scholarship competition; video or essay on debt, accountabilty issues

Founded by the late Dr. Tom Coburn, Pursuit is a non-partisan organization aimed at making government transparent, exposing wasteful spending, and inspiring future generations to get involved. They recently announced their third annual scholarship competition. Read below for details:

3RD ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
[OurPursuit.com]

There is a lot at stake for the future of young Americans. Even prior to the response to the crisis we are currently facing, both political parties had already placed our nation on an unsustainable fiscal course. In the absence of decisive action from our leaders, one generation of Americans is about to leave the next generations with an unbearable financial burden.

The national debt is more than $25 trillion, soon to exceed the size of our entire economy. There is another $100 trillion in unpaid for promises coming down the pike. Report after report warns of wasteful spending and unsustainable deficits, yet year after year nothing is done by our elected leaders to address them.

If this continues, millennials and generation Z will spend their peak earning years paying for the excesses and promises they had no knowledge of or say in. However, this is not an unsolvable problem. It’s a grand opportunity. But young Americans must start speaking up now.

Pursuit will award four scholarships to incoming Freshmen, Sophomores, or Juniors enrolled in an American university or community college who produce a video (maximum 5 minutes) or write an essay (maximum 2500 words) on one or a combination of the following topics:

Tom Coburn's annual gift to taxpayers: GAO duplication report savings now total over $400 Billion

Coburn Originated Duplication Report Savings Now Total Over $400 Billion

BY BRYAN BERKY | MAY 22, 2020

The 10th edition of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) duplication report came out this week. With it, comes a massive update in its projected savings.

Since the report’s inception, GAO reports that it has generated $439 billion in taxpayer savings, up $166 billion from just last year!

The annual GAO Duplication report was created by an amendment offered by our late founder, Senator Coburn during the 2010 debt ceiling hike debate (you can read more about the history and legacy of this amendment in a joint op-ed I published with Dan Lips here).

Since 2011, GAO has outlined 908 actions across 325 areas of duplication, fragmentation, and inefficiencies for Congress and the Executive Branch to address.

The good news is, 519 of these have been addressed (57 percent) resulting in $393 billion in financial benefits so far and $36 billion more yet to be accrued.

OCPA: Coburn set example for others

Coburn set example for others

By Jonathan Small

Can a conservative remain true to his principles once in office? Yes. Tom Coburn showed it could be done. While no one can fill his shoes, they can follow the path he blazed for them. Dr. Coburn’s life and political career show what can be accomplished if one puts commitment to principle ahead of getting along with the forces of the status quo.

Few things highlight that reality better than the debate in which Coburn made “bridge to nowhere” shorthand for wasteful government spending.

In 2005, Coburn filed an amendment to kill millions in funding earmarked for a bridge that would connect an Alaska island with a population of 50 to the mainland—the famed “bridge to nowhere.” U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, reacted with open rage, saying opponents of pork were trying to “discriminate against our state.”

“I’ve been here now almost 37 years,” Stevens said. “This is the first time I have seen any attempt of any senator to treat my state in a way different from any other state.”

(By the way, Coburn didn’t discriminate. In that same debate, he offered to kill an Oklahoma earmark sought by a colleague.)

Stevens won the debate, and Coburn’s amendment was defeated 15-82. But Coburn won in the court of public opinion. Within a few years, Congress significantly restricted earmarking. Today, 15 years after that floor debate, “bridge to nowhere” is still a pejorative.

The examples of Coburn’s commitment to principle and willingness to take a stand are many.

Rather than simply talk about fiscal discipline, Coburn fought for it again and again, including in 2011 when he produced a specific plan to reduce spending by $9 trillion over 10 years and eliminate deficits.

In his medical career, Dr. Coburn delivered more than 4,000 babies and would have continued doing so for many more years had not the Senate declared it was a “conflict of interest” for a doctor to see patients while serving in the Senate. (Yes, Congress really is beyond parody.)

At the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, we were blessed to have Dr. Coburn serve on our board, where his insight and leadership were invaluable. He remained willing to defy powerful political forces until his last day. He didn’t care how politically powerful the opponent, so long as the cause he fought for was just.

Dr. Coburn’s unwavering courage and principle are among the many reasons he will be ranked among Oklahoma’s greatest leaders. Politicians come and go, and most are quickly forgotten. Tom Coburn is the rare exception. His loss is felt by all Oklahomans.

But Tom Coburn’s legacy will live on. That legacy can be seen in the countless lives he directly impacted, both as a doctor and a statesman, but also in the even larger number who remain inspired by his example.

 Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

PART 2: Friends, patients, staffers share stories and tributes about Dr. Tom Coburn

Dr. Tom Coburn passed away on Saturday, leaving behind his cancer-ridden body as he entered into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those of us who remain behind now gaze at the full measure of his life, and the tremendous legacy that he leaves behind.

On Tuesday, I posted stories, memories, and tributes from "real" people, folks who were medical patients during Coburn's career, friends from the community, people who worked on his congressional or campaign staffs. You can read that post here.

Thanks to all who sent in their stories and memories. Dr. Coburn was a truly great man who touched countless lives.


Wayne and Suzie Buck (Muskogee, OK):

Our best memories of Dr Tom Coburn: When we first think of Dr Tom Coburn  we remember his smile and laugh. He was always so friendly and kind. He loved his wife Carolyn and his children, and you could tell it. His love for children and families was widely known especially in his medical practice, and support of pro-life issues.

Dr Coburn was an amazing US Senator. He was a one-of-a-kind Statesman, and leader in his strong support for eliminating government pork spending, and support of states rights. He was a man of honor and out spoken about his faith in Jesus Christ.

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to know Dr Coburn and experience parts of his life. We love and pray for his precious family.

 Gwen Coburn (Muskogee, OK):

I never in my life considered working for anyone in politics, but when Tom asked me to be part of his first campaign, I couldn’t say no.  Bob and I had both worked with Tom in the family business in Virginia.  What an education I received!  Everywhere we turned people said 'that’s not how you do it', but that’s how Tom did it.  We kept primary office staff in Oklahoma, not Washington.  I spent time standing in his doctor’s office hallway to catch him between patients because he didn’t want to lose touch.  Keeping the proper balance between medical and congressional was always priority.  He read all the time in the car as he traveled District 2 and on the airplane as he came home most weekends. He always said coming home kept him focused on what was important. He depended on Carolyn to keep him grounded.  There are memories I’ll have for a lifetime because Tom decided he could make a difference.  And he did. I’m proud to call him my cousin through marriage and a friend through our time together.

Dan Hourigan (Bartlesville, OK):

I never thought a 4 month internship working in Dr. Coburn’s DC office would lead to some of the best 8 years of my life. It was a privilege, an honor, and a humbling experience to be able to work under his leadership. When thinking about Dr. Coburn, the words ‘moral courage’ come to mind, as well as ‘surrender’, ‘compassion’, ‘sacrifice’, ‘humility’, ‘principled’, ‘ethical’, ‘committed’, ‘loving’ and ‘reconciliation’.

Dr. Coburn was one of the greatest living examples God has given me of true servant leadership. He was a difference maker.

A memory I have working for Dr. Coburn was a morning at the Tulsa office back in November of 2008. He had a few morning meetings scheduled before he caught a flight to DC, and I had planned to get there about an hour before I thought he might get there. Anyone that knows Dr. Coburn knows that getting somewhere before Dr. Coburn gets there was going to be difficult 🙂. He was always early, and he was at the office before anyone else that morning. He was excited about a book that he was reading by A. W. Tozer called “The Pursuit of God”. He had the book in his hand and he took some time that morning to share with me what he was reading and learning.

He shared about living with a spiritual sense.
He shared about living for and experiencing Heaven here on earth.
He shared from the book...

“We apprehend the physical world by exercising the faculties given us for the purpose, and we possess spiritual faculties by means of which we can know God and the spiritual world if we will obey the Spirit's urge and begin to use them.”

“Faith enables our spiritual sense to function.”

“A spiritual kingdom lies all about us, enclosing us, embracing us, altogether within reach of our inner selves, waiting for us to recognize it. God Himself is here waiting our response to His Presence.”

That is how I will remember Dr. Coburn. This is how I saw him live his life. He had a spiritual sense about him that gave him clear direction, courage, strength and peace in all that he was called to do.

His desire to trust God, and to walk in obedience in whatever the Holy Spirit led him to do in life...was not only a part of his testimony here on earth, but this example that he lived out has touched and encouraged many, and will carry on into eternity.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Coburn’s wife Carolyn, and his entire family.

Deloris Branch (Muskogee, OK):

Wonderful man. Delivered my granddaughters.

John Hasler (Muskogee, OK):

Many memories! Dr. Coburn's father, Bill, and my Father, Joe, were very good friends so our families interacted quite a bit.  My brother and I used to go horseback riding at the original Coburn ranch near Taft.  Tom's mother, Joy, in later year's would go to the nursing home to read and visit my mother after my father's death.  The main memory I have of Senator Coburn was went I was sent to Washington, D.C. to receive an award from the VA for working with Veteran Owned Businesses while I was a government contract consultant working at Indian Capital Tech Center. I received a call from Senator Coburn apologizing for not being able to attent the award ceremony but would like to to stop by his senate office to visit.  Upon arrival there, and aide ushered me to the Senator's office where Senator Coburn immediately dismissed the aide saying, "Leave us in private, we have hometown to talk about."

From that point, he first congratulated me on the VA award, recalled working with me when he was a congressman and our visits at the Muskogee office, thanked me for my assistance to Veterans and all small businesses in my service area, then, said that was enough business talk...let's talk family and Muskogee.  The rest of the visit (about an hour) centered around our fathers and mothers friendships, his brother Jim taking my brother and me on horseback rides, all about my children and his and their accomplishments, life in Muskogee during the time we grew up, Coburn Optical and Bebb Floral. We discussed our religious beliefs and how important they are to us...and as an influence on our family and community. He remembered my sisters and brother by name and I his and we exchanged condolences over family losses.

I left his office realizing our "jobs" were important....but, but more importantly our dedication to our beliefs, our family, community and country.

A few years later, at a gathering at NSU Muskogee, I was blessed with personally visiting Senator Coburn again.  Later, addressing a standing room only crowd he made a statement I'll never forget.  Answering a question about legislators and elections he stated:  "You need to vote the whole batch of us out and elect people who truly care!"  It was not exclusive, it was inclusive, which struck me odd and yet was so like him.

I only regret Dr. Coburn did not get to visit much in the last several years, I often thought of him with great admiration and appreciation.

The Steve Tinnin family (Fort Gibson, OK):

Hi Jamison, I hope I am not too late but wanted to add a memory.  I actually have many. He was such a kind and caring dr to our family.  Always taking the time to listen to our cares and concerns..... always made sure we were very well taken care of.  Not only as a physician, but as a man of strong faith, always ready to offer godly encouragement And wisdom.  One example of the kind of Dr. he was for us...when our oldest daughter, Katy, was 3, she had tripped and had gashed her eyebrow.  I rushed her to the ER knowing she would need stitches.  While waiting nervously in the waiting room, Dr Tom just happened (divine appointment) to be walking through on his way out.  He could have easily waved and offered pleasantries on his way out, but instead stopped to see what had happened and after finding out....wisked us back to an area in the ER and stitched up her eyebrow himself. Not only saving us an actual ER charge but even suggested that instead of going to the ER after his office hours.... always call him first and he would meet us at his office to care for us or meet us at the ER if need be.  I know he did this for many of his patients.  It was because  he genuinely cared for his patients. Also, when he delivered our second Daughter, Amelia, he gave us 2 books by Christian author, James Dobson.  (Dare to Discipline and Parenting isn’t for Cowards) writing a touching message on the inside cover of each and signing ”Dr. Tom”. These books are special and are now being used for our grandchildren.  I could go on and on.  He always went the extra mile. It showed in everything he did. Including politics. He will always be special to our family. We are thankful and blessed to have known him.

Katie Bailey (Rockville, MD):

Dr. Coburn was a rare politician in that he was a-political.  Most politicians are “credit hoggers”—always taking credit for accomplishments or stretching the value of their contribution to curry favor with constituents.  Like so many areas, Dr. Coburn cut against the grain in this regard.  He regularly let other members take the lead name on bills (even if he drafted the bill).  This happened time and time again!  Similarly, members often quibble over who gets the “bill number” when a piece of legislation is about to become law (for example, will the S. version in the Senate become law or the H.R., House version—“I want my number to be come law!”).  Dr. Coburn always used to tell the team—what matters is that the bill gets done, let them have the bill number.  Perhaps this was a dangerous game to play in the world of politics to give bills and credit to others when one is supposed to prove their efficacy.  However, I believe people recognized how hard he worked, still knew how much he contributed, and continue to see how his legacy bears fruit even today.

Denise Crosswhite-Hader (Piedmont, OK):

Sad to learn today that we have lost a great statesman. As a staffer for Congressman Ernest Istook, I had the privilege to work along side Dr. Tom Coburn when he was in the US House and I worked for him when he ran for the US Senate. He said his wife had been praying about him running and we had been praying that he would run. If you recall he got into the race very late and still won handily. He was a good and Godly man.

He inspired me to be a better citizen and legislator. When I ran for the OK House of Representatives I had the chance visit with him for about half an hour. We talked through several of the issues and he asked me to not just increase taxes to fix a problem and to support parents to have the best choice for their children's education. I promised to do both. I am sorry for the loss for his family and the loss for our nation. We have all lost the example of what a Pubic Servant should be. Thanks Dr. Coburn for serving us all.

Chris Johnson (Tulsa, OK):

On May 31, 1998 my little sister was born. I was 6 yrs old and he was her deliverer. He came out to announce her birth to my family and made sure, me being the big brother, was the first to see her. Was the only time I was around him but I definitely won’t forget it! RIP

PART 1: Friends, patients, staffers share stories and tributes about Dr. Tom Coburn

Dr. Tom Coburn passed away on Saturday, leaving behind his cancer-ridden body as he entered into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those of us who remain behind now gaze at the full measure of his life, and the tremendous legacy that he leaves behind.

In the time since the news broke, I have received numerous press releases from elected officials and politicians, all lauding Dr. Coburn, his life, and his career. A perusal of media interviews and Twitter feeds with show comments from many people in politics all remembering Coburn fondly, even though many of those same individuals fought his efforts tooth-and-nail when he was in office.

I wanted to get reactions from "real" people, folks who were medical patients during Coburn's career, friends from the community, people who worked on his congressional or campaign staffs. I received so many responses and stories, some including photos, that I'll be breaking this into two posts.

Thanks to all who sent in their stories and memories. Dr. Coburn was a truly great man who touched countless lives.


Muskogee Family Medicine, Dr. Coburn's old practice:

It is with great sadness we mark the passing of the founder of Muskogee Family Medicine, Thomas Allen Coburn, MD. Dr. Coburn began what became Muskogee Family Medicine in 1986 at the corner of 12th and Broadway in Muskogee with only three employees. In 1990 he moved the practice to its current location.

“Dr. Tom” , as we call him, pursued the practice of family medicine with a passion and was an inspiration to us all. He entered his medical career after success in his family’s optical business. A victory over melanoma inspired him to become a physician. He stated that “he wanted to give back, because he had been given to”.

His dedication to his patients was inexhaustible. Over his career he delivered some 4,000 babies and would often see over 30 patients per day in his office. After election to the US House of Representatives in 1994, he would fly to and from Washington DC every week so that he could continue to serve his patients. He maintained this schedule for the entire six year term.

Few men have better lived Jesus’ description of self-sacrifice noted in John 15:13—“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.”

Dr. Tom was an example to us all of a life well lived. He was a great physician because he was a great man.

Jane Treat (Broken Arrow, OK):

His generosity.

I moved from VA to Oklahoma to work to help him get elected in 2004. He was a legend. His character, courage, and conviction earned him a reputation of trust and action among DC conservatives. I moved from DC, planning to work for free (even though I had 3 paid job offers at the time) to get this citizen legislator who believed in term limits elected to the Senate.

I had worked at the RNC and on several political campaigns. I coordinated pastor breakfasts with David Barton for the RNC. I tested get out the vote strategies in MO and VA in several different campaigns. I was naively a Party (Republican) girl. Then I met Dr. Coburn. I learned quickly that the Party is not the answer. I was shocked that a man of such deep conviction and fidelity to conservative principles had a life long registered Democrat (think pro-life Reagan Democrat) as a close friend, mentor, and Congressional employee - who eventually led our Senate offices. This rocked my paradigm. Dr. Coburn was so nuanced but consistent. My fidelity began to shift away from Party affiliations, closer to the Constitution, and I became convinced that term limits were essential to change in DC. Dr. Coburn convinced me. Term limits not faithfulness to a party platform were what made Dr. Coburn so unique and effective. I had never thought or cared about term limits, but I came to see first hand working for him in the Senate and hearing his heart over and over that term limits are in fact revolutionary and effective in helping steer our country to a better place.

My world was rocked as a just out of college person to learn that the LEGENDARY Conservative Republican, who shut down committee hearings and used rules to out whit the Republican Leadership, had a Democrat policy leader in his House office and committed to running his Senate office if elected to the Senate (which turned out pretty well!). This rocked my world at the time - but I came to see the wisdom in his decisions. Definitely an out of the box type of person.

As I went around the state campaigning for him (in t-shirts with his logo), I never heard a snide comment - in fact just the opposite. People everywhere revered him. Trusted him. Dare I say loved him.

So many people organically gave and contributed to the culture and success he enjoyed. One such person was Ruth Gianta, an 80 something lady who adored Dr. Coburn. She had several of us to her home to show us video tapes of his interviews from the House days, she set a culture, shared faith in Christ, and impacted so much of what we did. She believed he was the answer to her prayers. She prayed for someone like him before he ran for Congress and she encouraged us to all be prayer warriors too.

Every Tuesday we would have a campaign volunteer night called: "Tuesday's for Tom" at the headquarters in Muskogee. The volunteers became a sort of family. Not a usual political activists but people who he had personally impacted and touched. There was a couple, that came faithfully, even though they were registered Democrats. They loved Dr. Tom because he had somehow helped the wife medically. There was a lady who he had touched by giving surgery for free because she could not afford it. A lady who told me after many nights together that the truck she drove used to be his and that she needed it to go to and from work and that he had heard of the need and gave it to her. Or the older single lady who was in the hospital with no family and she was scared so he stayed by her side all night. All. Night. Or the lady whose baby he saved during delivery. Or the firefighter who had had him as a doctor growing up and he delivered their twin boys. Story after story of people who would walk through fire for a man who did good to them.

Dr. Coburn did mini in home town hall type fundraisers. Most had small donors giving anywhere from $25 to $250. It was totally unconventional to do these but he would share his heart and answer questions. A fire was lit in the hearts of those who heart from him directly. People wanted to do all they could to help him reach the Senate and be their representative. In Atoka one day we handed out more voter registration cards, as person after person changed their party affiliation to be able to vote for Dr. Coburn. I sat with a man, a veteran, whose wife was ill and who traveled to the VA to get free treatment and collect his VA check. He talked about the high cost of gas and how he didn't know how he could get by. Later at that event the host made a pitch for everyone to reach in their pockets to give all they could. I walked around this time with donor cards. The older, veteran asked for one and carefully wrote out a check. His cursive was bumpy and he was very deliberate. He wrote the check for seventeen dollars and some change. I think it was $17.23. I immediately took off chasing down Dr. Coburn's car as he was off to another event and said, "please come meet this donor - he's given so much. Take a picture with him." And he had. He was the person Dr. Coburn carried in his heart. It was promises in homes across the state to defend and protect the Constitution that seared his heart and conscience. It was these people he never betrayed.

Usually when someone is on a high pedestal they fall and they fall hard if you give them enough time. My husband and/or I worked for Dr. Tom during the entirety of his time in office and even afterward. Our admiration and respect ended as strong as our optimism when we started, only we grew to know him as family not just as a modern day hero.

Sue Dobson, LPN (Checotah, OK):

I write you with tears in my eyes, and severe sadness in my heart, that my champion has passed.

It was my privilege to work with Dr. Coburn, at Muskogee Hospital when he started his practice.  I worked in the OR, side by side with him during C-sections, normal surgeries, and occasionally, child birth. He was the most caring, selfless, compassionate doctor I ever worked with.

Several years later, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, during a routine physical, by Dr. Coburn.   Although, I had no medical insurance at the time, he guided and made sure I received surgery, treatments, and saw me thru my cancer. This was over 20 years ago. I am still alive and well, thanks to him I have been able to see my son graduate high school, watch my grandsons being born, and watch them grow.

I also cheered for him when he went off to Washington, even though it meant losing my doctor.  He was an honest man, in  a bed of snakes.  He left his mark on many and Oklahoma was proud to call him one of ours. May he rest in peace, his faith strong and sure.  Our world is a little less, with his passing, but better for having him for the years we did.

Donna Morbitzer-Thompson:

Dr Coburn was my doctor and allergist for many years. He always gave it to you straight. I will always remember his quote, “If you don’t do anything different, nothing will change”. Such a simple true statement.

Martin Updike (Fort Gibson, OK):

Jamison, I had almost forgot about this, but it came to mind this week.   In 2006, Dr. Coburn and emerging political star Senator Barack Obama co-authored the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act.   The bill passed and a signing ceremony was set at the White House.  I was on the Coburn Staff at the time and the office only had a handful of tickets and I didn’t make the cut.  I did get the job of driving Dr. Coburn to the White House.  When we pulled up right behind Obama’s car and there was a little confusion on which gate we should go in.  Eventually a secret service car pulls out on Pennsylvania Ave and has a us follow him through the correct gate.  I dropped off Dr. Coburn and I parked the car and start talking with my Obama counterpart.  After the Secret Service Officer escorted the Senators to the signing ceremony room, he comes back out and says, “What are you guys doing just standing there?  Follow me.”  He takes us right in, with no security check whatsoever, and finds us a couple of seats in the maybe 100 seat room.  I sit down and George Bush walks in a few seconds later and the short ceremony begins.  Looking back at it, the coolest part of the story is that I was in a small room in the White House with two men that would occupy the most powerful position in the world for 16 years.       

Celeste Anderson:

Dr. Tom Coburn was my family physician until he was a congressman and a senator.  I have never stopped wishing he was my physician!!!

He cared for both of my children as babies and teenagers.  There were two (2) different times when my oldest child was a baby and toddler.  One time my oldest, Tyler has been so so sick and wasn’t getting better.  Dr Coburn told me what to do that day and told me if he wasn’t better by that evening to call and I could bring him to his house. I did not end up needing to see him and got better.  This happened two different times.

Another memorable time was when my youngest son was born.  My son and me were supposed to go home that evening.  It was getting very late. Doctor arrived in my hospital room at 10:30PM just to dismiss me from the hospital so I wouldn’t have to pay for another day.  If I had not been dismissed by 11PM I would have been charged an entire new day.  You see Dr Coburn had worked in his practice all day then after work he had to go mend fence so his cattle wouldn’t get out,  There were no other patients he came to the hospital for; just me.  How do I know?  Because I asked him.

Dr Coburn was for the people and always thought of saving money for his patients.  He had money because he earned it but looked after those with less!

He was also a man of God and loved people!  He was for the people even in government!!!

You are in a better place Tom Coburn!!!

Terry Hackworth (Fort Gibson):

My wife and I struggled to have children. Several miscarriages, pregnancy problems and specialists dominated our lives for years. Then in January of 1995 Dr. Tom Coburn delivered our first baby at 1:42am. We named him Hunter.  Dr. Tom had previously informed us that he was going to be running for Congress but that he would do everything possible to deliver our baby. He kept his word! Not only did he deliver our firstborn and several other babies that night-he stayed at the hospital until 5:00 am.  I remember talking to him in the nursery when he told me he was going to have to leave.  He commented that he had to be in Tulsa to catch a flight to D.C. because at 10:00am he was going to be inaugurated into Congress. Dr. Tom over the next five years would deliver our other two children. In 1997 he delivered Hayden and in 2000 he delivered Hannah. I am forever thankful for this Godly man and for the family that I have.  Here is one of my last family pics while visiting with our firstborn and his precious wife Hannah Jane. Rest In Peace Dr. Tom.

Angela Beck (Broken Arrow, OK):

He delivered my son and helped me through my struggles and even offered to help me find an adoptive family but instead of doing that I chose to keep him and Dr. Coburn was there for me every step of the way. No more pain, but much deserved rest now. You will be missed.