JONES ~ LaPLANTE to lead State Republicans!

State Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones won re-election today by a margin of almost 4-to-1 over challenger Cheryl Williams, who sought to move up from the vice chairman's seat.

Convention delegates also voted overwhelmingly to keep the party's presidential primary instead of replacing it with a caucus system, Jones said. Senator Tom Coburn urged delegates to oppose the switch to a caucus, saying it will dilute the party's message and result in divisions among Republicans in the state.

TEA TIME ONCE AGAIN IN AMERICA!

Jones ~ LaPlante! The 'Right' Team for the GOP!

The Right Team, Right Now: Jones-LaPlante 2009

I have always thought that one man of tolerable abilities may work great changes, and accomplish great affairs among mankind, if he first forms a good plan, and, cutting off all amusements or other employments that would divert his attention, make the execution of that same plan his sole study and business.

- Benjamin Franklin

Dear Fellow Delegate:

As Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, I’ve tried to follow these words from Benjamin Franklin. My sole focus has been the betterment of the Republican Party in Oklahoma. And through my team’s undivided attention and our solid plan, we accomplished great things in this state. Let me be crystal clear:

I will defend my professional staff and the plan that we carried out to anyone, anytime, anyplace.

I was Chairman when Republicans took over the State House and the State Senate. I recognize that accomplishing those milestones was a team effort that required good candidates and great execution, but this execution was carried out on my watch. Angie and I want to see Republicans elect a Governor and Lt. Governor in 2010. We want to see Republicans in every statewide office. We want to see counties electing Republicans to county offices. We want to see County Republican organizations become more organized and functioning. While we have made great strides in getting everyone to pull on the same end of the rope at the same time, we can still improve.

During my tenure as State Chairman, I have traveled to every corner of Oklahoma. I have worked to make the Party inclusive and welcoming to anyone who wants to become involved. I have empowered the five District Chairman to provide a more decentralized mechanism for dispensing of information and resources. We are fortunate to have five excellent District Chairs that understand what it takes to win races and to build the grassroots. In spite of what we have accomplished, I still believe there is work to do---that's why I am seeking re-election as Chairman and why I have chosen to run on a ticket with Angie LaPlante.

So again, we would be honored to have your support on April 18th. Sincerely, Gary A. Jones & Angie LaPlante

P.S. Press here for recent “Batesline” endorsement of Jones-LaPlante teamPress here for “RedDirt Report” analysis of the latest chairman’s debate.

Follow the Jones-LaPlante Campaign on Facebook, press here to sign up and then view our list of goals for the Jones-LaPlante team.

Delegates to the Oklahoma Republican Convention on April 18 will VOTE for State Chairman!

See You in Duncan ~ May 16th.

Great annual event. Delicious food, live/silent auction, FUN, special guest apperance by 'John "the Duke" Wayne'! See details under 'calendar' at right.

CCRP BBQ ~ Set to GO on Saturday!

State Party Chairman Gary Jones helps 'Catfish Willie' check the ribs. Don't miss these great ribs Saturday at the 15th Annual CCRP BBQ in Lawton.

Tickets are only $20. per person and will be available at the door!

All welcome ~ casual dress. Live and silent auction. FUN and great eats!

Roads are clear and dry in Lawton area.

First Republican to serve as State Senate President Pro Tem to keynote Annual BBQ ~ March 28, 2009

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR!

Glenn Coffee is a businessman and attorney who is the first Republican in Oklahoma history to serve as President Pro Tempore, the top leadership position in the Oklahoma State Senate. Coffee is also the longest-serving Republican leader in the Senate.

In 2008 Republicans made history by winning their first-ever majority in the Oklahoma Legislature’s upper chamber. As the leader of the new majority, Coffee was elected to a two-year term as President Pro Tempore (2009-2010).

First elected to the State Senate in 1998, Coffee quickly gained a reputation as a leader and a reformer. He has served in a variety of leadership posts in the State Senate, including Republican Caucus chairman (2000-2002), Assistant Minority Floor Leader (2002-2004), and Minority Floor Leader (2004-2006). Coffee served as Senate Co-President Pro Tempore (2007-08) after Republicans won a historic tie in the Oklahoma State Senate in the 2006 elections, sharing the responsibility of running the State Senate with his Democrat counterpart.

Glenn Coffee is among the Legislature’s leading proponents of legal reform, government accountability, crime victims’ rights, and education reform.Coffee’s legislative accomplishments include the Clean Campaigns Act of 2008 and Oklahoma’s constitutional amendment to protect hunting and fishing rights. He has authored several tough laws against sex offenders and other dangerous criminals. Coffee wrote Oklahoma’s law that encourages cable TV systems to provide family-friendly programming, and he was the Senate author of the state’s incentive package that helped attract the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA franchise to Oklahoma.Coffee also authored the Accountability and Innovation in Government Act, legislation to help the Oklahoma Legislature stamp out waste and corruption in state government. He is also author of several bills to rein in frivolous lawsuits.

Coffee earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Northeastern State University in 1989, and was named Outstanding Senior. He received a law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1992.
He is an alumnus of Leadership Oklahoma and Leadership OKC, and is a member of the NSU Alumni Association. Coffee is a founding member of the Oklahoma Legislature Sportsmen’s Caucus.

The Higher Education Alumni Association honored Coffee with its Lifetime Achievement Award for his support of higher education, and the Institute for Child Advocacy has named Coffee to its Child Advocates Hall of Fame. Coffee received appreciation awards from the District Attorneys Council, the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association, and the State Troopers Association for his support of law enforcement and public safety issues.Coffee received Northeastern State University’s 2003 Citation of Merit, Young Alumnus award.

He was selected for membership in Durocher’s “Forty Under 40” in 2003 and the Journal Record’s “Forty Under 40” honor in 2006, which recognize individuals as being among the most influential young business and community leaders in the Oklahoma City metro area.Coffee is a member of Phillips Murrah Law Firm and specializes in business, commercial and electronic commerce law.
He also serves as general counsel for TVC Marketing Association, a family business providing road and motor club services and other services to small businesses.

Coffee lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Lisa and their four children, sons Collin and Blaine and daughters Anna and Kate.

Details on BBQ at right.

'Rotation in Office'.

As candidates begin announcing their intention to run for office or seek re-election to office, take time to read an excellent article concerning candidates, term limits, and intent.
'Rotation in Office' - <http://www.stevefair.blogspot.com/>