A Citizen Speaks: Why Lankford Won

Philip Jackson posted on Facebook today an interesting perspective on the outcome of the U. S. Senate race.

Here’s what Philip wrote:

I hear a lot of people say that James Lankford won the GOP primary because of his work at Falls Creek. Many who say that don’t understand the weight of his influence in Evangelical circles. While Falls Creek is a part of it, it is the smallest factor in his political gravitas.

He served at Falls Creek (and the Baptist General Convention) from 1996-2009, meaning that the oldest camper he would have had any lasting effect on is now around 36 years old (not the highest propensit…y voting demographic). Lankford’s true power comes from his work outside of Falls Creek. He spent 14 years preaching as an interim minister to baptist churches large and small across Oklahoma. This is important because you can throw a rock in any direction and hit a Baptist church. His connection to older baptists (50+) is second to none. That is why the negative ads against him destroyed his challengers credibility. No one believed what was said about him because all of the little old ladies at church see James much like they see their own sons. If anything is to be learned from this race, it’s that reputation matters in politics. When the mud started to fly, James Lankford weathered the storm because people have known him for decades as a man of God. While he isn’t perfect, he is James the Baptist.


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  1. Bob Dani, 27 June, 2014

    I would agree with Phil Jackson’s assessment of Congressman’s Lankford connection to the Southern Baptist Community is correct.

    However what really influenced the political communities to which voted for Lankford was his ability to explain his voting records, policies he backed or supported. Congressman Lankford never lost his cool, and always acted with great dignity when attacked, and was always a true humble gentleman through it all.

    This is what appeals to the voters is a Statesman as James Lankford.

  2. Dale Schuster, 28 June, 2014

    I agree 100% Bob. Congressman Lankford has “Class”. What a breath of fresh air in today’s political climate.

  3. David Brooke, 27 June, 2014

    Lankford won because of incumbency and he knows how to bs his voting record. Does anyone think in the Bible his vote to raise the debt ceiling limit twice was justified? While debt is not forbidding in the Bible his votes fell squarely outside what God would of wanted. I challenge all to watch his voting record and see if he votes as a Christian. He enlarged the size of government so far, not shrunk it so that is prove. Keep an eye on him.

  4. Rick, 29 June, 2014

    I have watched Mr. Lankford carefully since he first began campaigning. He works. He studies. He deliberates. He explains. I disagreed with his votes several times, including his votes to raise the debt ceiling two out of nine votes. On these issues and all others, he accepted my questions, looked me in the eye and explained what he knew (sometimes that I didn’t) and how he reached his decision. Every time, I walked away impressed with his knowledge and his logic. Every time, I walked away in agreement with his decision. I hope other politicians follow his example.

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