Lamb Names Nickles, Ward To Campaign

Former Senator Don Nickles and Sandridge Energy CEO Tom Ward were announced today as co-chairmen for the Todd Lamb for lieutenant governor campaign even though Lamb has yet to officially announce he's a candidate.

The announcement follows by hours word that Rep. Colby Schwartz of Yukon will announce his campaign for the Republican nomination on Friday.

Lamb, a former United States Secret Service agent who once worked for Nickles and who is now the State Senate Majority Floor Leader, also served as a member of Governor Frank Keating’s staff and currently is general counsel for an Edmond‐based company that provides services for the oil, natural gas and telecommunications industries.

Rep. John Wright of Broken Arrow also is a candidate for the GOP nomination.

Share |

Brett Hamm Dead At Age 41

Brett Hamm, a former assistant to Senator Don Nickles and Oklahoma City Mayors Kirk Humphreys and Mick Cornett, has died at age 41.

Hamm was president of Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc. until last September, when he resigned. Previously, he served as a regional director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Services are pending.

Share |

Ryan Leonard Seeks GOP AG Nomination

Oklahoma City attorney Ryan Leonard, former legislative assistant to former U. S. Senator Don Nickles, says he will be a candidate for attorney general next year.

"My top priority will be to keep Oklahoma families safe," said Leonard, a Republican. "Oklahoma needs an effective advocate who will work tirelessly to fight illegal drug use, keep our children safe from Internet predators and stand up for victims of crime."

He said he also wants to focus on consumer fraud, identity theft and financial scams.

A native of Beaver, Leonard was a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Oklahoma and has served on the boards of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Central Oklahoma Red Cross and the Oklahoma Academy of State Goals.

Leonard is a past president and co-founder of the Downtown Club of Oklahoma City, and a member of Leadership Oklahoma. In 2008, Leonard co-chaired the finance team for Sen. John McCain in Oklahoma, and co-chaired Lawyers for McCain. He is the son of U. S. District Judge Tim Leonard and the son-in-law of former Governor Frank Keating.

Attorney General Drew Edmondson, a Democrat, is expected to run for governor next year.

Share |

GOP 'Take The Senate' Event Tonight

Republican leaders headline a fundraising event at 6 p.m. tonight at the Skirvin Hotel to build a GOP Senate majority.

In an invitation, former U. S. Senator Don Nickles wrote, "The Senatorial Committee is hosting 'History in the Making' on Tuesday, July 10th, 2007 at the historic Skirvin Hotel. I urge you to consider participating in this celebration by giving $5000, $2500, $1000 or $500.

"Balancing a tie in the Senate is no easy task. As Co-Leader of the Senate, Senator (Glenn) Coffee has served his caucus and the State with distinction. Oklahomans need a Clear Majority in the State Senate and so does Glenn Coffee. The stakes are too high to sit on the sideline and let Democrats continue to hold our State back."

Share |