Congressman Steve Russell today released a statement regarding SB 233, the primary date change bill, which I debated against in committee last week. As you know, that bill was pushed through the Senate and into the House from the top down with no input by the elected members of our State Committee. Congressman’s Russell’s statement is below:

Statement from Congressman Steve Russell - April 7, 2015

"It has been a pleasure working in my home district this past week. During that time, however, a troubling issue has come to my attention. My understanding is that the current OKGOP Chair initiated and advocated for a change to the Presidential Preference Primary to later in the process, and with that the possibility of diminishing our state's influence and voter's voices with a winner-take-all system, without prior advice and consent by the governing body of the OKGOP - the State Committee. It is reported that the RNC gave guidelines back in August 2014 for this cycle, and despite multiple State Committee meetings, executive meetings, and conventions held in counties across the state, this issue was not brought forward for discussion until well after the legislative bill was requested and already moving through the state legislative process into law. Fortunately, the legislature listened to voices from party activists, past office holders, current party officials, and two candidates for OKGOP Chair - former State Senator Randy Brogdon and Pam Pollard - and had the wisdom to reject this ill-considered bill.

One of the lessons I have learned over my years in military service, and in legislative office, is that we must gain perspective from all voices, seek advice, and come to a consensus to advance the right cause.  Moving forward, it is important that we consider those for party chair who will listen and implement the wishes of the people in accordance with our party platform and rules. I look forward to the Oklahoma State Convention this weekend, and the strengthening of our voice and platform through the selection process for party leadership."

As the only candidate for Chairman who attended and debated against the bill in committee last week I can tell you this; I will always stand up and defend our Republican interests. It is the job and the duty of the Chairman to unite and engage his Republican Party base. A Chairman is only as strong as his activist base of support, and without their support, a Chairman can accomplish very little. I am happy to announce that not only have I received the support and endorsement of a number of elected leaders in the House and Senate, including Republican Caucus Chairman, Rep. David Brumbaugh, but I have also received the support and endorsements of grassroots activists and organizations from around the state such as the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association. If Oklahoma is to remain a strong Republican state, then it is important that we have a Chairman who can and will work with our Republican Party base and stand up for the best interests of our Republican activists. Communication is the key to a successful state party as well as successful county parties. As your next State Party Chairman, my job will be to engage and activate that base of support. I look forward to that opportunity.

The Chairman’s race will be decided on April 11th in Oklahoma City. For more information, please visit www.RandyBrogdon.com.