Controversy Erupts Over Randy Terrill's Support Of Lloyd Fields In Labor Commissioner's Race
There's controversy today over Republican Rep. Randy Terrill's endorsement of Democrat Lloyd Fields in this year's race for labor commissioner in which incumbent Republican Brenda Reneau was defeated by Fields. Terrill recorded a message that was a "robo call" to voters in some counties. In the call, Terrill endorsed Fields.
Today, at least one Republican wants Terrill stripped of the key committee assignment he was given by House Speaker-elect Lance Cargill. It's said that numerous emails are flying as the controversy escalates; here are two of them, the first from the Oklahoma Republican Party's Vice Chair Dana Murphy of Edmond:
"Republican Friends, inserted below is an e-mail message that is being sent by another Republican friend from Elk City to Speaker Cargill. You can e-mail your own thoughts or send this e-mail and state your agreement with it to your own elected Republican representative and Speaker Cargill as I received permission from Stephen to send it out to other Republicans. I have personally called my own Representative and Speaker Cargill today expressing my opinion.
"As Republicans, we receive so many e-mails asking us to express an opinion or show our support/opposition on this national issue or that national issue and e-mail or call here or there, but here is an issue right in your own backyard of this State where you can take action. If you have an opinion, please let your Republican Representative and Speaker Cargill know where you stand. Thanks for giving your consideration to this issue, Dana L. Murphy."
"Dear Mr. Cargill,
"During the 2006 campaign fellow Republican and House member Randy Terrill actively campaigned against now former Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau. His campaigning included recording a message in support of Lloyd Fields, a recording that was used in at least three counties via Fields' Robo-call machines.
"Brenda Reneau is one of the Party's best supporters, someone who put herself on the ledge when she actively supported Right to Work, someone who has continually stood for Republican values and actively supported Republican candidates.
"Mr. Terrill has broken one of the Party's cardinal rules, the 11th Commandment.
"As you know, the 11th Commandment is simple. Republicans will refrain from attacking fellow Republicans in ways that their Democrat opponents could use in the general election campaign.
"How in the world could you take Mr. Terrill, who helped a Democrat defeat Commissioner Reneau, and appoint him chairman of one of the most valued committee's in the House, that of House Revenue and Taxation?
"I've been told that there has been discussion about removing him as a voting member of the State Committee at the State Party level. I hope the elected party officials do the right thing and strip Mr. Terrill of all rights and privileges associated with his position as a Member of the House.
"In a day when Republicans are finally wresting control of state government, it is not the time to award Mr. Terrill a committee chairmanship after he trashed a valued Republican office holder and helped defeat her.
"I am asking you to rethink this appointment and remove Mr. Terrill from the Chairmanship of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. He doesn't deserve the honor.
Sincerely,
Stephen Rhymer
Elk City, OK" Rhymer is a former member of Lt. Governor Mary Fallin's staff and was campaign manager for Congressman Ernest Istook; he is now with the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City.
Today, at least one Republican wants Terrill stripped of the key committee assignment he was given by House Speaker-elect Lance Cargill. It's said that numerous emails are flying as the controversy escalates; here are two of them, the first from the Oklahoma Republican Party's Vice Chair Dana Murphy of Edmond:
"Republican Friends, inserted below is an e-mail message that is being sent by another Republican friend from Elk City to Speaker Cargill. You can e-mail your own thoughts or send this e-mail and state your agreement with it to your own elected Republican representative and Speaker Cargill as I received permission from Stephen to send it out to other Republicans. I have personally called my own Representative and Speaker Cargill today expressing my opinion.
"As Republicans, we receive so many e-mails asking us to express an opinion or show our support/opposition on this national issue or that national issue and e-mail or call here or there, but here is an issue right in your own backyard of this State where you can take action. If you have an opinion, please let your Republican Representative and Speaker Cargill know where you stand. Thanks for giving your consideration to this issue, Dana L. Murphy."
"Dear Mr. Cargill,
"During the 2006 campaign fellow Republican and House member Randy Terrill actively campaigned against now former Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau. His campaigning included recording a message in support of Lloyd Fields, a recording that was used in at least three counties via Fields' Robo-call machines.
"Brenda Reneau is one of the Party's best supporters, someone who put herself on the ledge when she actively supported Right to Work, someone who has continually stood for Republican values and actively supported Republican candidates.
"Mr. Terrill has broken one of the Party's cardinal rules, the 11th Commandment.
"As you know, the 11th Commandment is simple. Republicans will refrain from attacking fellow Republicans in ways that their Democrat opponents could use in the general election campaign.
"How in the world could you take Mr. Terrill, who helped a Democrat defeat Commissioner Reneau, and appoint him chairman of one of the most valued committee's in the House, that of House Revenue and Taxation?
"I've been told that there has been discussion about removing him as a voting member of the State Committee at the State Party level. I hope the elected party officials do the right thing and strip Mr. Terrill of all rights and privileges associated with his position as a Member of the House.
"In a day when Republicans are finally wresting control of state government, it is not the time to award Mr. Terrill a committee chairmanship after he trashed a valued Republican office holder and helped defeat her.
"I am asking you to rethink this appointment and remove Mr. Terrill from the Chairmanship of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. He doesn't deserve the honor.
Sincerely,
Stephen Rhymer
Elk City, OK" Rhymer is a former member of Lt. Governor Mary Fallin's staff and was campaign manager for Congressman Ernest Istook; he is now with the Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City.
Labels: House Leadership
posted by Mike McCarville @ 6:46 PM
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