For Immediate Release

May 17, 2012
Contact: Trav Robertson
405-427-3366

Republican Senator Rob Johnson Discriminates Against Gay Businessman  
Johnson's Hypocrisy and Bigotry Continues the Republican Assault on Liberty and Freedom

Oklahoma City– Yesterday, Senator Rob Johnson (R) - Kingfisher, Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, displayed bigotry at its worst when he denied former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner, Jim Roth, a chance to serve as a State Election Board Member.

In denying former Commissioner Roth the opportunity to serve, Senator Johnson stated, "as former Statewide office holder, (Roth) will be in control in helping determine what candidates are and are not on the ballot, including his former opponents." Johnson's hypocrisy and bigotry was on full display when he allowed Mr. Gerald Buchanan to breeze through the confirmation process.

Mr. Buchanan admitted while being questioned that he served as the Tulsa County Republican Party Chair from 2005-2007 and currently serves as the Oklahoma Republican Party's 1st Congressional District Vice Chair, and the Party's Central and Executive Committees.

"During the question and answer session, Mr. Buchanan admitted that he was actively involved in partisan elections. The truth is that Rob Johnson has displayed the worst characteristic that any person can display, his politics led him to discriminate against a tax paying citizen of our state. His bigotry has no place in Oklahoma and every person should call his office to demand an apology. It is a continual assault on freedom by the Republicans." Chairman Wallace Collins stated.

It is clear that the only reason Senator Rob Johnson denied Jim Roth the opportunity to participate was because he is openly gay. The Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Wallace Collins said, " It is a shame that this bigotry continues in Oklahoma, when taxpayers who are qualified candidates are denied the right to participate because of their sexual orientation."

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Senator Rob Johnson
Office Phone: 405-521-5592

May 16, 2012

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sen. Sean Burrage
Office:(405)-521-5555
Email: burrage@oksenate.gov

Sen. Burrage blasts Rules Committee for refusing to hear Roth nomination

Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, released the following statement Wednesday after the Senate Rules Committee refused to consider Gov. Mary Fallin’s nomination of former State Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth to serve on the State Election Board.

“Today the people of Oklahoma have been done a tremendous disservice. A dedicated, intelligent and proven public servant was denied the courtesy of an up or down vote on his nomination by our Governor to serve on the State Election Board. The reason given was that he was too partisan. It seems unbelievable that anyone would have the nerve to say that when at the very same meeting a current Vice Chairman of the 1st District of the Republican Party was given approval.

“Our statutes allow for members of the Election Board to be registered and even active in a political party. I find it hard to believe his political registration is the issue here. The fact is the Governor was able to look at the man’s experience and qualifications and make her decision based on that. It is a shame and Oklahoma’s loss that the Senate Rules Committee would not do the same.”

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