State of Oklahoma Archives: on Principles & Values
James Lankford:
A conservative committed to God, Family and the Constitution
James Lankford is a strong conservative and servant leader who is committed to God, Family and the Constitution. James has worked diligently, studying each issue and its direct impact on the family and people. While remaining passionate about life and
traditional family values, James has become a strong voice for fiscal discipline and accountability in the federal government. He has emerged as a leader in fighting government regulations that are suffocating business and weakening the economy.
The most basic right to have a faith and to live by your faith is even facing renewed challenges.
Will you stand with me to pray for the future of our nation? We can and should work to make things better, but ultimately our nation is in God's hands.
I am asking you to stand up, speak out, and push back. Not with anger, but with steadfast love. Love for our great nation. You will receive occasional action alerts to lift our nation, our elected officials, and each other up in prayer.
Source: 2021 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JamesLankford.com
Jun 21, 2021
James Lankford:
The hope of the earth is not government, but God
We pray with you for our nation and the direction of our country. The hope of the earth is not government, but God. Government cannot fix families, restore a broken culture or heal the lonely isolation of so many individuals.
Stronger families and stronger churches meet the needs of people far better than a strong government. In the days ahead, I pray our nation remembers and lives our national motto, In God We Trust.
Source: 2021 Oklahoma Senate campaign website JamesLankford.com
Jun 21, 2021
Ervin Yen:
Reason for running: state's lack of response to COVID
On COVID: "The No. 1 reason I'm doing this," Yen told Tulsa public radio's KWGS, "is the state's lack of response to this COVID virus. In my opinion, the state is not doing anything about it. They did back in the spring when everything was shut down,
and that made sense, but now we are not doing anything."Every day I see these deaths and it just ticks me off more. This is horrible. We have to do something."
Source: The Journal Record on 2022 Oklahoma gubernatorial race
Nov 12, 2020
Abby Broyles:
AdWatch: Incumbent Inhofe misses votes; not up for the job
Inhofe's latest TV ad features a folksy narrator listing his character attributes before shifting to a darker tone. The dangers of liberals, progressives and socialists are also extolled. The ad closes with an ominous message: "Serving us is Jim's
life. Keeping [Socialist] wolves far from Oklahoma's borders." Though Broyles isn't mentioned by name, it's implied she and other progressive Democrats like her are a danger to Oklahoma.
"I don't know much about her other than being pretty extreme,"
Inhofe said. "It's something she wants very badly. What her motive is, I don't know. I don't care. It's just that hers is not a philosophy that is really consistent with me or the people of Oklahoma, judging from past elections."
Broyles' most recent
TV ad fires back, panning Inhofe for being in elected office for 53 years and missing votes in the Senate. "He just can't do it anymore," says an upbeat narrator. "It's obvious to everyone but him that he's just not up for the job."
Source: Nondoc.com Adwatch on 2020 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 22, 2020
James Inhofe:
AdWatch: Keep Socialist wolves far from Oklahoma's borders
Inhofe's latest TV ad features a folksy narrator listing his character attributes before shifting to a darker tone. The dangers of liberals, progressives and socialists are also extolled; "Some want Big Brother to grow bigger. Those people are called
Socialists; liberals; progressives. They are not called Oklahomans." The ad closes with an ominous message: "Serving us is Jim's life. Keeping wolves far from Oklahoma's borders." Though [Democratic nominee Abby] Broyles isn't mentioned by name, it's
implied she and other progressive Democrats like her are a danger to Oklahoma.
"I don't know much about her other than being pretty extreme," Inhofe said. "It's something she wants very badly. What her motive is, I don't know. I don't care. It's just
that hers is not a philosophy that is really consistent with me or the people of Oklahoma, judging from past elections."
Broyles' most recent TV ad fires back, panning Inhofe for being in elected office for 53 years and missing votes in the Senate.
Source: Nondoc.com Adwatch on 2020 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 22, 2020
Abby Broyles:
At heart a journalist, but had to get off the sidelines
While I'm a lawyer, at heart I'm a journalist. I know the issues they care about because I'm here each and every day and I've been telling their stories for years. For a while I thought this is what I was meant to do.
But watching what was happening and realizing nothing was changing I decided to get off the sidelines and get in there myself to fight for people in a way I hadn't before.
Source: The Claremore Daily Progress on 2020 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 18, 2020
Drew Edmondson:
Condemned with IFFY award for running "Issue-Free" campaign
OnTheIssues attempted and failed to compile the issue stances of this candidate--which means the candidate actively sought to hide issue stances from the internet, the news media, and the voters. OnTheIssues undertook due diligence--including writing to
the campaign--and got no response. We will eventually infer the candidate's issue stances from a future voting record--but voters should demand to know about the candidate's stance on their favorite issues (and then send them to us!)
We consider "issue-free campaigners" to be untrustworthy of holding elected office--the IFFY award means they are "iffy" officeholders. KGOU's Trevor Brown reported that the sole one-hour debate on Sept. 24 "waded into social issues, including
abortion, parental rights and gun control. Neither candidate, however, seemed to want to press these issues as campaign focal points." Edmondson's opponent, however, has made public his stances on those three issues (and more), while Edmondson has not.
Source: IFFY disendorsement in 2018 Oklahoma Gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2018
Mick Cornett:
God and church are main components of his value system
Mick is considered nationally to be 'the most conservative big city mayor in the country.' He is pro-life and a defender of the second amendment.
Mick and his wife, Terri, attend Skyline Church, a non-denominational Bible church in Oklahoma City. Terri calls Mick, "the most Godly man I know."
Source: 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial campaign website Mick2018.com
Jul 4, 2018
Tom Coburn:
Authored Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform
Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform- Fiscal Responsibility: State agencies must be subjected to regular, independent fiscal and performance audits, no less than every 4 years.
- Limited Government: Focus on four basic areas: public safety, transportation
and infrastructure, education, and a safety net for the most vulnerable.
- Structural Reform: transform and eliminate governmental dysfunction, duplication and corruption.
- Fair Taxation: Tax people in the least-burdensome way [including] no income
taxes of any kind.
- Free-Market Environment: Encourage stronger market forces in health care, education, and other sectors, with less picking of winners and losers by government.
- Criminal Justice System Reform: Keep citizens safe but don't lock
people up unnecessarily. Oklahoma can't afford the bankrupting costs and social dysfunction that go with leading the nation in the rate of incarceration.
- State Sovereignty: Provide a barrier between Oklahomans and Federal overreach.
Source: OKTaxpayersUnite press release: 2018 Oklahoma Senate race
Jul 4, 2018
Chris Powell:
Protect freedom to not have religiosity forced upon
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Keep God in the public sphere"?
A: Neither - Religious freedom must be protected but this includes protecting the freedom of individuals to not have religiosity forced upon them by government.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Joe Maldonado:
Keep God in the public sphere
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Keep God in the public sphere"?
A: Yes.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Gary Richardson:
Got 14% of the vote as Independent in 2002 Governor's race
It will be interesting to see if Republicans have forgiven--or even remember--Richardson's role in the 2002 gubernatorial election. Many Republicans blamed Richardson's entry in that race as an independent for Democrat Brad Henry's surprise victory.
In fact, a lot of the polling at the time indicated Richardson's populist message pulled as many votes from Henry as it did from GOP nominee Steve Largent.
Richardson's campaign message is very similar to the one he employed in 2002, when he received 14 percent of the vote.
Richardson has attacked the Republican-led Legislature's attempts to increase revenue through what amount to fee and tax increases, and vowed to eliminate the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
Source: Tulsa World on 2018 Oklahoma governor race
Jul 30, 2017
Gary Richardson:
Freedom to work & worship free of government interference
To me, the word "Liberty" speaks of a state of being free from oppressive restrictions, regardless of who is behind the oppressive conduct. This leaves one with the ability to enjoy that which life has to offer, be it social, political, economical
rights, privileges and/or spiritual. As for government, I will always stand on the side of liberty and work to ensure that Oklahomans have the freedom to work, speak, and worship free of government interference.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
James Inhofe:
Judeo-Christian values established our government framework
Question topic: Efforts to bring Islamic law (shariah) to America do not pose a threat to our country and its Constitution.Inhofe: Disagree
Question topic: Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Inhofe: Strongly Agree.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
AdWatch: I'm guided by my faith; let's renew our values
Shannon: "My grandparents brought our family to this church more than a half-century ago. This is where I learned my values and developed my faith."Narrator: "T.W. Shannon is a sixth-generation Oklahoman. T.W. is guided by his faith. Raised by working
class parents, T.W. Shannon learned that success comes from hard work, not hand-outs. And it's those values T.W. and his wife, Devon, are teaching their two kids.
Shannon: "Washington, D.C., is broken, and our government is out of control.
Generations to come will inherit crippling debt, limitless spending, and a health care system run by bureaucrats, not doctors and patients. I still believe we are one nation under God, and with his favor we can save our country. If conservatives here in
Oklahoma and across America will unite and send the right leaders to Washington, we can restore prosperity. We can renew our values. And we can reclaim our destiny. With conservative leadership, we can fix what's wrong with our country.
Source: OnTheIssues AdWatch on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Mar 4, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
Will remain as Speaker during Senate primary
Oklahoma's Republican House Speaker T.W. Shannon told colleagues Tuesday that he will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated early by U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn but remain speaker "for the time being.""I want you to know that I will remain Speaker for
the time being. I am not stepping down immediately because I want to ensure a smooth transition that does not disrupt the important business of the state, nor distract from the legislative goals of our caucus," Shannon wrote.
Shannon, who previously
worked as congressional field director for former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts and current U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, was first elected to the Oklahoma House in 2006. He was the first Republican to represent District 62.
He won a close race for House speaker with
the help of the Republican caucus' right wing, and he has staked out several conservative positions that occasionally rankle GOP leaders in the state Senate and governor's office.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 29, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
"Recovering attorney" with JD from Oklahoma City University
Shannon, who earned his bachelor's degree at Cameron University and a law degree from Oklahoma City University, has jokingly described himself as a "recovering attorney"
who currently works as a public relations and human resources consultant. He previously worked as chief administrative officer for Chickasaw Nation Industries.
Source: Associated Press on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 29, 2014
T.W. Shannon:
Rights are endowed by God, not by politicians
The men who wrote our Constitution were very clear about where those rights come from. They said we are "endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights".They didn't say we are endowed by our government. They didn't say we are endowed by the
courts. And they didn't say we are endowed by politicians.
You see, the freedoms and rights we have as Americans are recognized in our Constitution as coming from God.
That is the firm foundation on which our nation is founded. At the core of those rights is that which the human heart desires most:
- Freedom.
- Freedom to worship.
- Freedom to speak your mind.
- Freedom to live as you choose and pursue any
dream you have.
I used to believe our freedom was so deeply woven into the fabric of this country, that nothing could ever put it at risk. But over the past six years, much has changed.
Source: Fundraising press release on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Jan 29, 2014
James Inhofe:
Flying is his passion, but lost his son in plane accident
Q: For Senator Jim Inhofe, flying is his passion. He got his pilot license as a young man, and he is known to fly himself to campaign events. That skill, he says, got him into the US Senate. A love passed down to his son Perry. But last month, a family
tradition turned tragic. Perry Inhofe crashed while flying a twin engine plane outside Tulsa. He was one day short of his 52nd birthday. He had a lot of training just like you?INHOFE: He had a lot more training than me. My other son and I are not
quite as meticulous as Perry has always been about flying by the numbers, doing everything right. He was 100%.
Q: When you go through this kind of personal loss, you recognize that you've got some support around you. Talk a little bit about that.
INHOFE: I have gotten at least as many communications from some of my Democrat friends. And so something like this happens, and all of a sudden, the old barriers that were there, the old differences, those things that keep us apart just disappear.
Source: Meet the Press 2013, on 2014 Oklahoma Senate race
Dec 22, 2013
Andrew Rice:
I pride myself on doing right, even if politically unpopular
Elected to the state Senate in 2006, Rice said he was able to work with Republicans when the Senate makeup was divided equally, 24 to 24. He would use that same approach in
Washington, he said. “I pride myself on doing what is right for my district and for the state of Oklahoma, whether it’s politically popular or not,” Rice said.
Source: 2008 Oklahoma Senate Debate reported in The Oklahoman
Oct 15, 2008
Brad Carson:
Coburn is a strong Christian man, a good family man
COBURN: Carson is a very bright, intellectually smart and advanced young man. He carries himself well, he represents Oklahoma well, and I admire not only his education, (but also) his upbringing and his family.CARSON: I know many people in Muskogee,
which is the heart of this district that we’ve both represented and where Coburn lives. Whether they agree or disagree with his politics, they will say he is a strong Christian man, a good family man and that’s the highest praise anyone can give.
Source: OK Senate Debate, on ChannelOklahoma.com
Oct 21, 2004
Tom Coburn:
Carson is very bright, intellectually smart and advanced
COBURN: Carson is a very bright, intellectually smart and advanced young man. He carries himself well, he represents Oklahoma well, and I admire not only his education, (but also) his upbringing and his family.CARSON: I know many people in Muskogee,
which is the heart of this district that we’ve both represented and where Coburn lives. Whether they agree or disagree with his politics, they will say he is a strong Christian man, a good family man and that’s the highest praise anyone can give.
Source: OK Senate Debate, on ChannelOklahoma.com
Oct 21, 2004
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021