 David & Aleen McLain | Tonight, the Tulsa Area Republican Assemblies held a Convention Preview just days ahead of the Saturday County Convention. Every elective office in the party appears to be up for grabs. All the current office holders are so far indicating that they are not seeking to keep their office.  Allen Branch David McLain spoke to the crowded hall about why he is stepping up to run for County Chairman. McLain narrowly lost a special election for senator, last year. Allen Branch also indicated his intention to run for County Chair, but said he would support McLain if he is unsuccessful. Both candidates specifically pledged to open the county resources for the sake of precinct development. It was one of the most controversial policies that retiring chairman Mike Ford has instituted. It led to the lowest turnout of precinct meeting participants since before Dewey Bartlett Sr. was governor. |
Terry Flattem is the lone candidate for County Vice Chairman. Terry is a dedicated volunteer for the past several years. Recently, Terry says that chairman Ford kicked him out of the office and barred him from volunteering at the headquarters. Terry says that several precinct members needed to contact their local leaders and Flattem decided to accommodate the connection instead of waiting for chairman Ford to personally approve of the release of precinct information. This information has always been fully accessable to all party members and posted on the party website; until Mike Ford clamped down on the access.
Amanda Teegarden is stepping up to run for 1st District Committeewoman. she held the post a few years ago. she recently ran for Senate in the 39th District.
Dan Miller and Donny Tiemann are both competing for 1st District Committeeman. They are both interested in County government. Miller ran for sheriff last year. Donny is eying a run for County Commissioner next year.
Tulsa Republican Assembly President, David Van Risseghem, urged the party members to move forward, learning from recent errors, but not dwelling in recriminations or bitter old feudes. There are rumors of other candidates and even others may make their declarations at the convention.
The convention is this Saturday at the Jenks High School auditorium. Doors open at 7:30, and delegates must be credentialed by 9am. The event is open to the public.
Precincts are advised to review their delegates, since the Chairman took the unlawful move to add some delegates not approved by the precinct committees. The precinct committees are authorized by state party rules, to remove any member of their delegation and enforce precinct authority and autonomy to represent their permanent organization. Party Rules require the precincts to select their delegations at a meeting held on the date mandated by the Chairman's public Call (Feb. 16th, 2017)
The convention is this Saturday at the Jenks High School auditorium. Doors open at 7:30, and delegates must be credentialed by 9am. The event is open to the public.
Precincts are advised to review their delegates, since the Chairman took the unlawful move to add some delegates not approved by the precinct committees. The precinct committees are authorized by state party rules, to remove any member of their delegation and enforce precinct authority and autonomy to represent their permanent organization. Party Rules require the precincts to select their delegations at a meeting held on the date mandated by the Chairman's public Call (Feb. 16th, 2017)
