Former Congressman J. C. Watts today endorsed T. W. Shannon in his bid to win the Republican nomination for the Senate.
The two have long-standing ties. Shannon once worked for Watts.
“I have known T.W. Shannon since he was in college and I sensed right
away he was a young man of character and integrity, with great potential,” said Watts.
“Working closely with him for a number of years, I got to know his
heart, his family, and saw firsthand the kind of values that are rare in young people these days. Like me, his values are grounded in his faith and I have personally witnessed his values in action.
He follows his heart, not the crowd. T.W. is a voice, not an echo. I
couldn’t be more proud of the man he is today, I couldn’t be more proud of the family man that he is and I couldn’t be more excited about his leadership. T.W. is a transformational leader and will fight to give our kids and grandkids an exceptional America, not just an average one.
“We never thought we would see the day that our country would be in
such terrible shape. We are over $17 trillion in debt, we haven’t had a balanced budget in nearly 15 years and the spending is out of control. The institution of marriage is under attack, the right to life is not respected and our most basic freedoms are in jeopardy. We are living in a world of shifting sands and T.W. has a firm foundation to guide us. I know T.W Shannon is the right man to do that and I am proud to support him to be our next U.S.
Shannon said the support of Watts means more to him than words can express.
“I simply cannot put into words how honored I am that J.C. would place
his trust in me to represent him and our fellow Oklahomans in the U.S. Senate,” said Shannon. “J.C. is a national conservative leader with a record of great accomplishment, but even more than that, he is a longtime friend and mentor. We have celebrated great victories together, prayed together and confided in each other when we needed a friend to listen. He is the kind of man I strive to be and he is the kind of leader I hope to be if elected to the U.S. Senate.”
Congressman James Lankford issued this statement following the Watts announcement: “Republican primary endorsements are always difficult for any individual who has served for a long time in Oklahoma politics and who personally knows the candidates. The Republican field for United States Senate has put a common friend in a difficult position.
“In 2010, I was honored to be endorsed by J.C. Watts in my race for U.S. Congress based on our common ministry background and our passion to see things get done in Washington. Rep Shannon got his start in politics on J.C. Watts’ staff over a decade ago, later serving on Rep. Tom Cole’s staff, then in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for eight years. I was grateful that J.C. Watts personally informed me of his intentions and reasons for his decision in advance.
“Today I received the support of 12 more State Senators from across Oklahoma, bringing the total number of State Senate endorsements to 16. Having earned their trust to represent Oklahoma in the United States Senate is truly an honor.”
IF T.W. SHANNON IS ENDORCED BY J.C. WATTS, THEN I KNOW FOR SURE THAT HE WILL GET MY VOTE IN JUNE.
Not me!!!
I used to really like Mr. Watts. Then this happened:
http://newsok.com/tape-details-alleged-roles-in-bribery/article/2484540
In 1994, during the general election and before the bribery story broke in the press, I was in the right place at the right time. At a fundraiser for then-candidate Frank Lucas, I just happened to have a football. The guest of honor not only signed it for me, but so did his good friend. The guest was Jack Kemp, and his good friend was JC Watts. By all accounts, Mr. Lucas raised a nice sum on his way to becoming the replacement for Glen English.
As they were leaving, I pulled the ball out and not only did both Kemp and Watts sign it but we played catch. Sometimes it pays to volunteer to run the valet parking (which is a great tip to any College Republicans that might read this – you never know who you will meet).
Today, if it was not for the signature of Mr. Kemp, I would throw the football in the trash. That is where it belongs – along with the political career of Lucas. As for Watts, lets just say I am glad he is no longer in elective office. It appears he has done very well for himself in his present career as a lobbyist.
Maybe I should auction it, and split the proceeds between Randy Brogdon and Robert Hubbard.
So if a politician-wanna-be accepts walking around money, he’s dirty? Really? I guess Harry Reid and his sons in their “consulting” business scam, which has made them all millionaires is OK? Really? What about Sen. Diane Feinstein voting to give her husbands “construction” firm hundreds of millions of dollars worth of govt business is OK? There’s a difference between being dumb and ambitious, versus being a professional criminal with no remorse, and no fear of ever being held accountable.
In today’s political environment, it seems to be “politically correct” to endorse someone more on the color of their skin than their ability or voting record. Martin Luther King is probably rolling over in his grave at the very idea that someone gets an endorsement due to the color of their skin, it’s just as unequal treatment as when he was alive. I’m sure JC and TW have been friends for a long time, but I really do wonder if TW would be getting the same spotlight or endorsements if he had a different ethnic background.
I like Mr. Shannon, but it’s not his skin color that we need in DC…. it’s a Senator who will strongly support our US Constitution and vote with a conscience… and who has a record of standing strong on these same principles. That’s why Randy Brogdon will be getting my vote (oh and my endorsement).
A U.S. Senator from the State of Oklahoma represents the State’s interest first and foremost. Put constitutionally solid judges on the court and hold the executive and judicial branches in check. It will be swimming against the tide as 80% of the federal government is unconstitutional.
Our senators will have to lead other senators as well. Who is up to the task?
Who has the guts and is grounded? Who can and will say no to those trying to compromise their efforts?