Tuesday, May 10, 2011

State GOP Convention Re-Cap!



The 2011 State Republican Party Convention was held May 6-7 in OK City.


PRESS RELEASE- For Immediate Release
Oklahoma Republican Party: 5-9-11

(Oklahoma City) Before a record crowd last Friday evening, Bill and Georgia Williams of Lawton received the Skip Healey "Party Builder" Award from the Oklahoma Republican Party.

The "Party Builder Award" is an award given annually to an individual or couple with a long proven track record of building the Republican Party in Oklahoma.

"Bill and Georgia epitomize our Party Builder Award," said OKGOP Chairman Matt Pinnell. "They have helped turnaround Southwest Oklahoma, and we can't begin to thank them enough for their years of service to our Party and its causes."

The Williams have been involved with GOP efforts in Southwest Oklahoma for decades. They started the "Comanche County BBQ" event over 17 years ago, and today, it's grown into one of the largest and most successful annual conservative events of the year.
Former State Party Chairman and newly elected State Auditor Gary Jones of Cache was on hand to present the Williams with the award. Chairman Matt Pinnell. (END)
Photo above.

Long time GOP activist and worker, Mary Rumph of Enid, won the Ronald Reagan Award. Holly Gerard - from Bryan County (Durant) - won the first annual "Rising Star" Award. She was Josh Brechen's campaign manager, and she is the current 2nd District Vice Chair. Josh won his race & now represents District 6 in the OK Senate.

The Friday night gala dinner was a packed house and keynote speaker Frank Luntz - FOX News contributor, pollster, and author - gave a great presentation although his 'style' of delivery was somewhat different. Mr. Luntz had copies of his latest book - 'WIN' - and he happily autographed copies for many!

Most of Oklahomas Congressional delegation were in attendance along with Governor Mary Fallin; Lt. Governor Todd Lamb; most other State office holders, Legislators, and some County officers.


On Saturday, Mitt Pinnell was re-elected State Party Chairman with no opposition; long time Republican activist Pam Pollard was handily elected new State Vice-Chairman. Delegates soundly defeated a move (2nd time in two years) to change to a caucus system.

Great attendance, well organized, party business well executed.