Jones Launches Information Service

Newly-elected Republican State Chairman Gary Jones, on his first day on the job, today launched a new email information service designed to let party activists know what's going on.

The lack of such information was a criticism of former Chairman Tom Daxon, whom Jones narrowly defeated in voting at the party convention last Saturday.

In his initial email, Jones lauded Daxon for his work as chairman and said both Daxon and Tulsa County GOP Chairman Jerry Buchanan, who lost out on the first ballot on Saturday, presented good ideas the party will adopt.

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Jones Retakes GOP Party Helm

Former State Republican Chairman Gary Jones is chairman again.

Jones, who lost last year's race for auditor and inspector to incumbent Jeff McMahan, defeated incumbent Chairman Tom Daxon on the second ballot, 775 to 763.

On the first ballot, Tulsa County GOP Chairman Jerry Buchanan got 397 votes to 589 for Daxon and 571 for Jones.

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GOP Chairman Candidate Jerry Buchanan Gave To Three Democrats, Members Of House, Senate

Tulsa County Republican Chairman Jerry Buchanan, now a candidate to become chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, faces controversy today after the revelation he made donations to Democratic candidates five years ago.

Word of the donations first surfaced in emails and then on a Democratic blog, Democrats of Oklahoma Community Forum.

An associate of Buchanan's confirmed that he made the donations prior to being elected Tulsa County chairman. The associate said the Democrats are all close friends or fraternity brothers of Buchanan. He added that Buchanan has not donated to Democrats since being elected to the party leadership post.

The donations included those in 2002 and 2003 to Democratic Senator Johnnie Crutchfield, to Senator Jay Paul Gumm, and to Rep. John Carey.

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Jones To Seek GOP Chairmanship Again

Former Republican State Chairman Gary Jones will announce today that he will seek the post again.

Jones, who lost a close race for state auditor & inspector to Democrat Jeff McMahan last year, apparently will join Tulsa County Republican Chairman Jerry Buchanan in the race for the post, now held by Tom Daxon. Daxon has indicated he will seek reelection, but has not yet made an official announcement.

Jones resigned as GOP chairman to make the race for auditor & inspector.

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Buchanan Makes It Official

Jerry Buchanan, Tulsa County GOP Chairman, today announced his candidacy for Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman.

“I’m looking forward to bringing innovation, reform, and a renewed focus on the basics to our party,” Buchanan said. “I look at Republican defeats in 2006 and don’t believe that it’s our principles or values that are outdated. I believe it’s our state party that needs to be brought into the 21st century. We must concentrate our efforts on improving grassroots outreach, strengthening fundraising, and investing in improved communications efforts. We must be results-oriented and set specific timelines for the completion of our initiatives. We must adapt to new technology and be more responsible to our base.”

Buchanan's annoncement said that while he was chairman of the Tulsa County Republicans, the number of new Precinct Chairmen and Chairwomen increased 20% and there was a 12% increase in precincts represented, the most significant growth in 20 years.

“The success we’ve experienced in Tulsa is a result of teamwork, not just my efforts. It’s from the tireless work of engaged activists. When it would have been easier for us to give up and go home, we pulled together to call neighbors, knock doors, spread our message, and mobilize voters. I look forward to working with Republicans across Oklahoma to recreate the successes we’ve had in Tulsa on a statewide scale.”

As the first step in building improved lines of communication, Buchanan also announced he will embark on a statewide listening tour to hear first-hand from Republican activists about their vision for the future of the party.

Visitors to his campaign website at www.BuchananForChair.org will be able to see where he has travelled and join his movement for change within the Oklahoma Republican Party.

Incumbent Chairman Tom Daxon has not yet announced whether he'll seek reelection.

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Buchanan To Seek GOP Chairmanship

Tulsa County Republican Chairman Jerry Buchanan is prepared to announce he's a candidate for the chairmanship of the Oklahoma Republican Party, sources tell The McCarville Report Online.

If Buchanan does become a candidate, he will be the first to announce for the post now held by Tom Daxon. Others, including former Chairman Gary Jones, have been mentioned as possible candidates.

Daxon came under fire from some party activists last year; he has not revealed whether he plans to seek reelection.

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