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The Latest Campaign News and Views |
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Russell, Stanislawski Winners in Senate Contests Associated Press - August 26, 2008 10:55 PM ET OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Retired Army Col. Steve Russell, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, is 1 of 2 Republicans in today's runoff races to nail down seats in an evenly divided state Senate. Russell, whose unit was involved in the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, got 67% of the vote in his District 45 race against businessman Kyle Loveless...Read more here
Why we support Steve Russell Listen to folks like us state why they support Steve. Qualities of service, sacrifice, leadership, integrity, character - these are the things that stand out from the folks that have known and worked with Steve. "I remember when a man's word was his bond. Steve Russell is definitely that kind of man. His integrity and transparency are evident to anyone that has ever known him. He genuinely cares for people, because of the fires he's passed through, and uses his commitment to help others. He's got my vote and I hope he has yours." Harry Deupree, Bank Financial Consultant, Mustang "He was a combat leader of such faith and integrity, that regardless of the circumstances, you knew he was going to do the right thing. He never asked us to do anything he was not willing to do himself and expected high standards from all of us. I would follow him anywhere." Salvador Martinez, RetiredArmy Command Sergeant Major with 30 years service Read more about what your neighbors are saying HERE
Russell grabs 41% of Vote in Primary In an astounding early victory, Steve Russell pulled in 41% of the vote to head the pack of five candidates in last Tuesday's Primary. "I am humbled by it all," offered Russell, "It really makes you reflect on the confidence that people put in you and makes you proud of all the great folks that worked so hard to get us to this point." Russell pulled far ahead of the other candidates but fell shy of the 50% needed to win outright. The next contender, Kyle Loveless, came in a distant second with 27% of the vote. Jerry Foshee, the former city councilman, received 20%, while retired school teacher Melinda Daugherty received just shy of 10%, Teacher Marty Gormley received 2% of the vote. Russell will now face Kyle Loveless in a run-off on Tuesday, August 26th.
The Latest Whispers Steve is now being accused of being a part of some vast conspiracy with big donor money. For months, Steve has outraised all other opponents in individual contributions and has received a broad base of support including medical, business, lawyer, veteran and educator support, plus scores of donations from ordinary citizens. The latest attack stems from accusations about contributions from Oklahoma's energy sector. "I am continually amazed that people would rather concoct and publish some wild comic tale than pick up the phone and ask," declared Russell. "Never mind that my family has a history of working in Oklahoma's Oil and Gas Industry that dates back to my great grandfather. People would rather impugn my honor and character than ask a simple question." Russell informed that his mother and brother-in-law retired from Kerr-Mcgee, his sister worked at both Kerr-McGee and Chesapeake and that his nephew currently works at Chesapeake. His great grandfather was a wildcatter and founded a small independant company called Geneva Petroleum that was active until the late 1950s. Let's continue to spread the truth about Steve. He has the courage to do what is right.
Frank Keating and others on Steve Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating comments on the qualities and leadership of Steve Russell: "Through Steve Russell's exemplary career in the United States Army, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the values and principles we hold dear as Americans. Without question, Steve will bring that same style of leadership and dedication as a member of the Oklahoma State Senate." Frank Keating
Read what many others in the community and that have served with Steve have to say HERE
The Latest Whispers There's a Proverb that says, "Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, so an undeserved curse shall not alight." Some have accused Steve of being 'new' to Oklahoma. Steve is a 5th generation Oklahoman, who was born, raised and lived here except when earning his commission and serving his country 21 years in the Army. Steve has voted in Cleveland County for 10 years using his father's address for his permanent address. It is a shame that any other candidate would feel that Steve's absentee ballot votes while serving his country were not as honorable or did not count. Steve's Military Service Record. Steve's Stand on the Issues.
Steve on the Air
Watch Steve's Latest TV Ad - HERE Listen to the new Radio Ad - HERE Listen to Steve interviewed on the Radio -
Steve on the Stump Steve has been making a strong case for family values, traditional marriage, ending the automatic property tax increases, securing our freedoms as legal citizens and advocating for adoption and the unborn. Quite a buzz developed after the Canadian County forum in Mustang. Steve deftly handled impolite questions and carried his message clearly to voters. Steve also made great progress with Moore voters on the 4th of July. Read more HERE. Steve on the Issues HERE
Russell gives strong perfomance at OCCC Candidate Forum
People walked away impressed with Steve Russell at the Oklahoma City Community College Candidate Forum held June 17th at the College Union. One voter responded, "Steve is new to the political arena but he states my values and beliefs. I will be voting for Russell because of what I heard at the forum."
Others agree. "Steve answered the questions with clarity and poise," said another voter in the district, "and also showed confidence when he was able to insert humor into the discussion." "He did quite well," said another. "It is clear that he is a leader." "The main competitor was Jerry Foshee," considered another. "You can tell he's a seasoned politician. I thought Steve handled himself very, very well. His responses were very well thought out and made him look better informed than the other candidates." "Col. Steve Russell was praised as an outstanding newcomer to the political field," opined Bobby Cleveland, political blogger and long-time Cleveland County Republican. "Russell has been a south sider for the past eleven years, when he was not fighting for our freedom. Everyone that I talked to believed that Russell came off as the winner by a nose. Voters like the manner and the honesty that comes from Col. Russell. A lot of people are tired of the life-long politician that tries to only articulate what the voters want to hear."
Tom Elliff on Steve Russell Steve has without question proven his commitment to his faith, family and the future of America. His unwavering faith in God has guided him through circumstances that the average man might find unbearbale. Steve's love for family, and the spiritual and moral values that make families strong, is clearly evident in his daily life. Steve knows well the key issues faced by our community and is determined to work with us to create a positive and healthy environment. I have rarely met a man so calm under pressure, so clear in his convictions, or as genuinely compassionate as Steve Russell. Now my prayer is the he represents us as our state senator. Tom Elliff, former pastor of First Southern Baptist Church, Del City
Russell gains important Gun Owner support A note from area gun vendors:
We want to invite your attention to a current candidate for the Oklahoma State Senate that we believe will take a stand for the rights of Oklahoma gun owners. While nearly all conservatives support gun ownership, we believe Steve Russell will be the best choice for the current seat in district 45. Steve retired from the US Army Infantry. He is a decorated combat veteran of Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. Steve has also been an avid collector of firearms for nearly 30 years. He knows guns. Steve believes that gun owners should be able to own or collect rifles, shotguns, and pistols for hunting, target shooting or home defense without some lawmaker determining that your weapon is more ‘scary’ than someone else’s weapon and therefore, should be banned. The simple fact is criminals will continue to possess nearly any type of weapon they wish. Restricting law-abiding Americans on gun ownership is not the answer. One only has to look at the crime rates of Los Angeles and Washington, DC to see how safe Americans are with gun bans.
Here is some of what Steve believes and why we support him:
It is critical that we get Steve Russell into the State Senate. While many will support the right to bear arms, Steve understands the 2nd Amendment and has put his life on the line to defend our American freedoms. To win, Steve needs more than your vote. He needs your help. Please send whatever amount you can, be it $250, $100 or even $50 to help Steve. We all know that there are people out there that want to infringe upon our rights, and Steve is the best equipped to stop them. Please tell your friends about Steve and turn out to the polls to vote for him in the Republican primary on July 29th. Supporting the rights of law abiding citizens,
On the Air with Ken Johnson
Catch veteran newscaster Ken Johnson's interview with Steve. Ken covers a variety of topics to include Steve's role in the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein, his growing up in Oklahoma, his views on politics and Oklahoma government, and what he would do in the Oklahoma State Senate. The broadcast appeared on these radio stations. Listen to it now on the link below:
It's Official!
Wednesday, May 28th - OKLAHOMA CITY Today at the State Capitol, flanked by family and an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, Steve Russell announced his bid to run as a Republican in the State Senate race for District 45, the seat being vacated by term-limited Senator Kathleen Wilcoxsen. A native Oklahoman, Russell retired as a Lt. Colonel after spending 21 years as an Army Infantryman. During his distinguished military career, Russell spent tours in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq where he was a central player in the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein. “After serving my country for so long, I now feel called to serve Oklahoma in a different way, by serving as a State Senator for Moore, Mustang and parts of South Oklahoma City,” said Russell.” Russell believes his time away from Oklahoma has given him a unique perspective that will benefit the citizens of Oklahoma in general and District 45 in particular. “I have witnessed firsthand the creation of a new democracy. I have seen how the rest of the world views Oklahoma, and I have developed an even deeper appreciation for the things that make Oklahoma and Oklahomans special: Love of God, love of family and an enthusiasm for individual respect and responsibility that, quite frankly, does not exist in many parts of the world.” That renewed perspective also, he believes, sheds light on some of the biggest issues facing the Sooner State including transforming our business climate into one that rewards innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a dedicated funding stream for our state’s backlog of road and bridge projects and reforming our tort system to benefit the truly injured rather than the trial lawyers. Click Here for related news story - News 9 Click Here for related news story - KOTV Click Here for related news story - Journal Record Click Here for related news story - Norman Transcript Click Here to read Russell's remarks at the Capitol
A Word from Steve
You can feel the momentum building. As I walk door to door in precinct after precinct or go to community events, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting thousands of people in the district. The strength of our state has always been our people. I am heartened by the belief that so many think that we can still affect the political process and make our votes count. I am one of them. I refuse to become cynical and think that we cannot solve our own problems or that every political candidate is just somebody out for number one. That is why I am running for this seat. So that we can be represented by us. If good people do nothing in politics, we get what we get. Good people are doing something. Our volunteers have exploded, our fund raising has been steady and our momentum is sure. Let's keep it up! In just 10 weeks we'll have the decision of the voters. Here's how you can help us get the message out:
Our signs are coming and we welcome those of you that are willing to help us with them. We can use it. Join our volunteer lists. We can always use more callers, walkers, and mail stuffers. If everyone takes a slice of the pie, we can eat the whole thing. We have had three wonderful 'Meet & Greet' forums now in OKC and Mustang. We will have one in Moore and another in the South OKC area. Contact us for the upcoming one on June 3rd. We still have two to go. Come to the candidate debate forums. Mark your calendars for June 17th, June 24th, July 12th and July 24th. As a speech and debate major in my undergraduate work, I can't wait. Come and bring a friend. We will need to have a strong showing. See below for details. Email my Newsletters to your friends and others you would like to see support my campaign. As we face the future together, realize this--your vote counts. I can win this election simply with your support; by you going to the polls and voting for me on July 29th; by you telling your friends and neighbors that you believe in me, my values, my character and in my desire to pursue excellence in everything God allows me to put my hand to. I also covet your prayers and thank you for the support you have given to me thus far. I could not do it without you and have been so encouraged by all of you. I will be proud to serve you as your elected representative in the state senate. SDR
Russell Says State Can Do More to Support Families, Adoption
Friday, May 16th - OKLAHOMA CITY. State Senate candidate Steve Russell vows to make adoption more affordable to Oklahomans. "The best families to house our orphans and abandoned children are those that are often deterred by the expense of the process," asserts Russell, who adopted three orphan siblings eight years ago to add to his other two children. "Wealthy families often do not adopt." Russell states that middle class Oklahomans face enormous expenses with little state incentive to give children loving parents and a stable home. While Oklahoma offers some tax credit, it is only 20% of what the Federal Government grants for tax relief on these expenses. "I would like to see the Oklahoma Tax Credit raised to the same level as the federal credit. That is so little to ask. We receive credits in Oklahoma for raising switch grass and corn. I think we can provide better incentives to raise kids." Russell also said he is concerned about the break down of the Oklahoma family and the disparity in child tax credits between state and federal regulations. "Nearly every problem we face with human interaction in the state--crime, bad behavior in schools, the myriad of social problems that drain public coffers--can be traced to the deterioration of our families. Why, then, is the Oklahoma child tax credit only half of the Federal credit amount?" Russell believes a parity in tax credits would go far to rewarding stable families who are critical to Oklahoma's future
Russell continues to share vision with local community Thursday, May 15th - OKLAHOMA CITY. Large numbers of Oklahomans turned out to hear state senate candidate Steve Russell speak at a variety of events covering everything from reintegrating deployed National Guardsmen, leadership, service, faith, to the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein. A nationally recognized speaker, Russell still devotes his time to public service in the community. Russell spoke recently at the Business Leaders Summit on Mental Health at Baptist Integris Medical Center with Ed Pulido, Vice President of Oklahoma City United Way. Russell and Pulido shared with community business leaders and mental health officials the challenges faced by returning combat veterans. "I know what they will face when they come home," offered Russell, an infantry veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who was decorated for valor in combat. "Now we need to make sure the state is ready to receive them next year, rather than react to problems because we were unprepared." When asked separately from the event about his race for the state senate and how these issues could be dealt with, Russell emphasized that "the state needs a veteran of this war in the senate, not some candidate who supports those trying to undermine the mission of our brave Oklahomans serving abroad." Preparation and hard work as keys to success was the topic at a number of other events around the community. Russell addressed an audience of about 250 at a banquet held in Norman for graduating High School Seniors. Russell also spoke to graduating college seniors receiving their commissions in the US Army at both the University of Central Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma Commissioning ceremonies. Nearly two dozen cadets received their commissions after hearing words of inspiration from this successful combat leader.
Keep Steve in the fight! Keep it coming! Let's continue to give Steve the funds he needs for mail outs, signs and materials to get his great message out to the voters of the district. Please consider a $45 or greater donation today. Individuals can donate up to $5000 in a state senate race in Oklahoma. Payments can be made online via PayPal or with your credit card. - OR - Checks can be sent to: Friends of Steve Russell Oklahoma City, OK 73170 Contact us if you have any questions. Check the website for regular updates. Spread the word and Don't Quit! |
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