With Clock Ticking, No Sign Of Cargill

As the clock ticks to today's 5 p.m. deadline for filing for office, former House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, has not yet filed for re-election and the guessing game about his political plans continues.

Cargill, who resigned the speaker's post just before the start of this year's session because of personal tax problems, has said he would file for re-election. However, sources at the Capitol told The McCarville Report Online last week that he would not. There's been nothing from Cargill himself.

Mike Idleman, 41, a Republican from Choctaw, and Dianne Hunter, 58, a Democrat from Edmond, filed for the House District 96 seat.

Share |

Idleman Files In Cargill District

Mike Idleman filed as a Republican candidate in House District 96 today. Former House Speaker Lance Cargill, who resigned that post after it was revealed he failed to pay taxes in a timely fashon, currently holds the seat.

"I'm running because I feel like I bring a point of view that is needed at the capitol. There aren't many conservative, former educators down there and I feel like I'm the right man, at the right time for House Seat 96," said Idleman.

"As I've knocked doors throughout the district, people keep asking about Lance. I want to be clear; I'm not running against anyone, I'm running for a cause. I believe education and security should be our top priorities as a state and that's what I intend to do. Focus on those issues and be a rock solid conservative within the caucus," said Idleman.

"This district is where my family is from, where I grew up and taught. That's why I'm running for District 96. This isn't about anything negative or geared towards any one person," Idleman said.

Share |

Democrat Announces In Cargill District

Edmond resident Dianne Hunter has announced that she will seek the Democratic nomination in House District 96 now held by Republican Lance Cargill.

Hunter becomes the second candidate to announce for the seat. Earlier this week, Republican Mike Idleman announced he'll seek the GOP nomination. Cargill has not announced whether he plans to seek reelection.

Hunter was joined by Lt. Governor Jari Askins and Democratic members of the House as she announced her candidacy."It’s time to put someone with integrity back in the House of Representative for the 96th District,” says Hunter. “Hard working citizens of the district pay taxes for Representative Cargill’s salary and it’s unacceptable for him to not pay his taxes on time. The 96th House District deserves and is ready for a change in leadership!”

“Rep. Cargill says he wants to improve the state’s education system, but when he doesn’t pay his property taxes on time, schools in the 96th district are hurt,” says Hunter.

“Rep. Cargill states that he fought to reduce the tax burden on working families, but in fact, he was neglecting his responsibility to pay taxes on time.”

Share |

Cargill Draws GOP Opponent

Mike Idleman announced today that he is a candidate for the Republican nomination in House District 96, the post now held by former House Speaker Lance Cargill.

Cargill has not yet announced if he'll seek reeelection.

"I'm a conservative Republican and have never run for political office before. I know this will be a tough race but I'm ready to take up the challenge," said Idleman.

Idleman is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he also served as a graduate assistant coach for the Cowboys' football team under head coach Pat Jones from 1990-92. After serving in that capacity at OSU, he moved to Edmond to teach and also coach football and baseball from 1992-2000.

"I believe in a citizen legislature and feel that my background in finance, teaching and coaching lends me a great skill set to go down there and get things accomplished, Idleman said."

"I am also very concerned about the role of money in politics, and plan on proving we don't need to spend several thousand dollars to win a $38,000 a year job. I've knocked hundreds and hundreds of doors, so far and have had a great response by the voters. I plan on just out working my opponents!" said Idleman.

Idleman is currently a small businessman. He owns a court reporting business and is a Regional VP for Primerica Financial Services.

Share |