Holmes A 'Real Populist,' Elaine Dodd Says
From The Tulsa World ~ Ivan Holmes' election to the Oklahoma Democratic Party chairmanship apparently caught some people by surprise and has others predicting dire consequences for the always-strapped state party.
Holmes, a folksy retired college professor, was hailed as something of a genius for his handling of Lloyd Fields' successful campaign against incumbent Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau last year. His own victory two weeks ago, over Norman attorney and sitting ODP Vice Chairman Ben Odom, set tongues to wagging.
Holmes was reported to represent a "radical fringe" and some major donors were said to be withholding financial support. Three of four staff members -- all paid by the Democratic National Committee -- resigned or were fired, depending on who tells the story.
Most of Tulsa County's delegation apparently belonged to Holmes "radical fringe." It voted for him by a 3-1 margin, county Chairwoman Elaine Dodd said. "I'd like to know who these fringe people are," Dodd said. "I think it's more of a grass-roots, precinct-level group that elected Ivan.
"I just think Ivan is a real populist and that is what appeals to people."
Dodd said she believes the DNC will continue to fund the three state staff positions and may add a fourth in Tulsa.
Holmes, a folksy retired college professor, was hailed as something of a genius for his handling of Lloyd Fields' successful campaign against incumbent Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau last year. His own victory two weeks ago, over Norman attorney and sitting ODP Vice Chairman Ben Odom, set tongues to wagging.
Holmes was reported to represent a "radical fringe" and some major donors were said to be withholding financial support. Three of four staff members -- all paid by the Democratic National Committee -- resigned or were fired, depending on who tells the story.
Most of Tulsa County's delegation apparently belonged to Holmes "radical fringe." It voted for him by a 3-1 margin, county Chairwoman Elaine Dodd said. "I'd like to know who these fringe people are," Dodd said. "I think it's more of a grass-roots, precinct-level group that elected Ivan.
"I just think Ivan is a real populist and that is what appeals to people."
Dodd said she believes the DNC will continue to fund the three state staff positions and may add a fourth in Tulsa.
Labels: Elaine Dodd, Ivan Holmes, Oklahoma Democratic Party
posted by Mike McCarville @ 10:41 AM
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