Prominent Oklahoma City fund raiser Trey Richardson is soliciting funds on behalf of the Oklahoma Republican Party, according to sources who have been asked personally by Richardson to donate.
The aid comes amid swirling rumors of financial ruin for the Party, which Richardson himself claims is $50,000 in debt.
The true extent of the debt owed by the Party, or if any debt exists, is unknown at this time. Insiders claim the financial condition is dire, and some say Chairman Brogdon has already laid off employees in an effort to improve finances.
Enter Trey Richardson, a veteran operative who has raised money for Governor Fallin, Senator James Lankford, and various political action committees, including the so-called “dark money” group that promoted the 2014 Lankford campaign for U.S. Senate.
Given Richardson’s extensive ties to the more mainstream Oklahoma City business community, his effort to help the ultra-conservative Brogdon have raised some eyebrows.
“I’m shocked that an ally of the business community would lift a finger to help Brogdon,” said one political operative who did not wish to be named.
GOP Chairman Randy Brogdon
“Randy Brogdon is known for attacking the chamber crowd and opposing their interests. I would say it is bad politics for [Richardson] to be helping Brogdon.”
In an email sent to selected individuals, Richardson said his desire to raise money for the controversial new chairman had nothing to do with the chairman himself.
“So you are aware, neither Sagac nor I are working on behalf of the chairman or the Party,” Richardson wrote. “It is my affinity for the institution itself that has lead me to send you this note.”
Richardson also claimed that members of Oklahoma’s Congressional delegation have recently stepped up to support Chairman Brogdon.
“In the last two days, a few of our congressional members have given or committed to give money, as have a few of the Party’s past leaders,” he wrote.
This is a great sign of unity in the OKGOP. Let’s keep it together and pull in one direction for victory in 2016 and beyond!
I view this as a good development. A broad range of people are stepping up to donate, whether in small or large amounts, to put the party into better financial shape. It is not in anyone’s best interest – including the “mainstream Oklahoma City business community” – for the GOP to be unable to effectively function.
Thank you to those doing the right thing here, especially and including our elected officials that have the ability to fill the gap at a tough time. I will personally do what little I can, and encourage others to do the same.
I think the bigger issue is, “Holy Crap! Weston put the OKGOP $50k in the red!”
Thank you, Trey for looking past interparty differences and helping get the OKGOP back in the black.
Since Weston had the unanimous support of the “establishment” two years ago, and with many this time, it is appropriate that they step up and cover Weston’s deficit. One wonders what Weston was going to do if he won?
Well, here’s some news, folks, you do NOT have to run in the big money crowd to contribute to the Oklahoma Republican Party. You can go to the okgop.com website and contribute any amount by credit card. We even have a Minuteman club whereby those individuals sign up to have $8 and change charged to their credit card each month. ALL sizes donations are welcomed. You can also send a check to the state headquarters, etc. I have not seen any mention of the email and facebook campaign that David Van Rissenham (I’m almost sure I did not spell that correctly) (Ed: It is Risseghem) is leading to recruit more members to the Minuteman club. He is pretty persuasive. Even I joined!
I wonder if the unnamed sources belittling Brogdon were the same ones supporting the people who put us in this position. Kudos to Brogdon for recognizing the problem, addressing it, and giving us a goal for correcting it. That’s the way a real leader moves us forward.
All I can say is: “LOL”
One minute attacks are being made on the establishment of the GOP, and the next thing is ______ oh well Y’all get my point, right?
Not sure what your point is, Bob, except that if a person or group helps make a mess, they have a responsibility to clean it up. Nothing LOL about that.
Trey Richardson is exactly right. It’s good to see mature and wise men like him among us.
And this is Weston’s debt. Those who backed him and his re-election should now face the reality of the situation they were advocating.
Richardson’s friends are just as disappointed as the rest of us. But unlike some bitter parties, Richardson s a forward-thinking man.
I appreciate Trey stepping up to help the PARTY in this time of need. It points to the travesty of a Chair who is not honest with the State Committee (the ultimate authority over the state party) and letting them all know of the dire straights and empty bank account. Dave’s financial report to the State Committee last Friday was not honest, obviously, or all of us would have known about the empty coffers!
I encourage all Republicans who care about the party and want ALL of us to succeed to step up and donate today. If we all step up and do what we can, it will begin to fill the coffers enough that this new administration can put a plan of action together to meet the needs of the party and prepare us for 2016. Go to http://www.okgop.com and help out today.
Porter– Are you honestly suggesting that Weston was an “establishment” guy? If so, that’s completely ridiculous!
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