Hime, Barresi Campaign Spar Over SQ744 Position
Republican Shawn Hime of Enid, candidate for state school superintendent, today called for an end to what he described as "dishonest campaigning in the wake of misleading statements made by Janet Barresi’s campaign officials."
“I’ve heard repeatedly from several of my Republican friends, and I’ve seen one e-mail from her campaign staff, that my opponent is misleading people about my stance on certain issues,” Hime said.
Hime, superintendent at Enid Public Schools, referenced a recent e-mail he said "came from Jennifer Bichette, the paid campaign manager for Janet Barresi, an Edmond dentist." The e-mail, Hime said, misled recipients by implying that Hime supports the controversial State Question 744.
Jennifer Carter, Barresi's campaign manager, responded, "Attendees at a recent meeting of Republican women in Altus reported that Shawn Hime told the group he was in favor of State Question 744, a proposal that could force a 34 percent increase in state income tax rates. In light of that information, it is clearly legitimate to ask Shawn Hime to publicly declare where he stands on the issue. In spite of the length of his so-called ‘response,’ at no point does Shawn Hime actually deny he supports SQ 744. Not once. Given that Shawn Hime’s own ethics reports reveal that at least 62% of his itemized contributions come from those directly tied to the education establishment, it makes sense that he would be trying to ride the fence on this issue. Janet, however, does not play political games and is happy to be counted as an opponent of SQ 744."
“I believe we owe the voters a fair and honest campaign,” Hime said. “Misleading voters about someone’s position may be easier than offering real solutions, but Oklahomans deserve better from their leaders than cheap political tricks.
“Instead of fabricating stories about me, perhaps Janet Barresi should explain to Republican primary voters why she has contributed thousands of dollars to liberal Democrats, including convicted felon and former Auditor Jeff McMahan.
“Or perhaps Janet Barresi could explain how 24 years as a dentist makes her qualified to run our state’s education system?
“The sad truth is that my opponent wants to distract voters from her lack of experience and her support of disgraced Democratic politicians,” Hime said.
Hime said his campaign will focus on real solutions for Oklahoma schools, formed by his experience as a teacher, principal and superintendent.
“The issues facing our schools are too important for us to be distracted by lies and misdirection,” Hime said.
“I’ve heard repeatedly from several of my Republican friends, and I’ve seen one e-mail from her campaign staff, that my opponent is misleading people about my stance on certain issues,” Hime said.
Hime, superintendent at Enid Public Schools, referenced a recent e-mail he said "came from Jennifer Bichette, the paid campaign manager for Janet Barresi, an Edmond dentist." The e-mail, Hime said, misled recipients by implying that Hime supports the controversial State Question 744.
Jennifer Carter, Barresi's campaign manager, responded, "Attendees at a recent meeting of Republican women in Altus reported that Shawn Hime told the group he was in favor of State Question 744, a proposal that could force a 34 percent increase in state income tax rates. In light of that information, it is clearly legitimate to ask Shawn Hime to publicly declare where he stands on the issue. In spite of the length of his so-called ‘response,’ at no point does Shawn Hime actually deny he supports SQ 744. Not once. Given that Shawn Hime’s own ethics reports reveal that at least 62% of his itemized contributions come from those directly tied to the education establishment, it makes sense that he would be trying to ride the fence on this issue. Janet, however, does not play political games and is happy to be counted as an opponent of SQ 744."
“I believe we owe the voters a fair and honest campaign,” Hime said. “Misleading voters about someone’s position may be easier than offering real solutions, but Oklahomans deserve better from their leaders than cheap political tricks.
“Instead of fabricating stories about me, perhaps Janet Barresi should explain to Republican primary voters why she has contributed thousands of dollars to liberal Democrats, including convicted felon and former Auditor Jeff McMahan.
“Or perhaps Janet Barresi could explain how 24 years as a dentist makes her qualified to run our state’s education system?
“The sad truth is that my opponent wants to distract voters from her lack of experience and her support of disgraced Democratic politicians,” Hime said.
Hime said his campaign will focus on real solutions for Oklahoma schools, formed by his experience as a teacher, principal and superintendent.
“The issues facing our schools are too important for us to be distracted by lies and misdirection,” Hime said.
posted by Mike McCarville @ 3:55 PM
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