UPDATED When Republican Party Chairman Randy Brogdon soon reveals the results of his now-week-long push to raise money, there’s likely to be a surprise.
Donations since Brogdon’s election a week ago have totaled tens of thousands and it continues to pour in, sources tell The McCarville Report. Many of the donations are for just $8 per month, but donors pledge to give that amount each month. And there have been several donations of a thousand dollars and more, our source reports, plus many donations in the $25 to $100 range.
With allegations swirling the Party was broke and in debt for $50,000 (an assertion contested by outgoing Chairman Dave Weston) as of last week, Brogdon set as his first goal the effort to raise money.
Longtime GOP fundraiser Trey Richardson, in an effort first reported here, kicked off much of the effort by asking for donations. Richardson and Brogdon have been at philosophical odds, but Richardson said the effort should be about the Party’s financial health and not the chairman.
Pam Pollard, defeated by Brogdon in a runoff ballot on Saturday, joined the call for financial support. She is president of the Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women.
And today, former National Committeewoman Bunny Chambers, who supported Pollard, sent TMR this comment: “I’m sending my donation today. I want to urge everyone who believes in limited government, individual freedom, religious freedom, and economic freedom to donate as much as possible today. Even though I supported Pam Pollard for Chairman, Randy is a dear friend and will lead the Oklahoma Republicans with honesty and integrity. Let’s all make this a team effort and make Republicans the strongest party in Oklahoma!”
Brogdon began calling his supporters, some of whom launched their own efforts to raise money.
Brogdon has not yet disclosed how successful the efforts have been, but one source said the total “will amaze people…small and large donations as well.”
With some donors opting to mail checks rather than donate online, some expect the coming week will see a significant influx of donations.
It is known that members of the congressional delegation sent checks, with Congressman Tom Cole, a former Party chairman, one of the first…and the largest so far. Cole has been a target of criticism from many of Brogdon’s most ardent supporters.
Tea Party, 10th Amendment, Liberty loving, constitutionalist, Randy Brogdon may be the kind of “unity” the OKGOP has needed all along!
Let’s keep pulling and give the OKGOP the funds to run right through the 2016 Presidential cycle.
I’m sending my donation today. I want to urge everyone who believes in limited government, individual freedom, religious freedom, and economic freedom to donate as much as possible today. Even though I supported Pam Pollard for Chairman, Randy is a dear friend and will lead the Oklahoma Republicans with honesty and integrity. Let’s all make this a team effort and make Republicans the strongest party in Oklahoma! –Bunny Chambers, National Committeewoman for Oklahoma (1996-2008)
I spoke to Mr. Brogdon about taking over having a foot in the bucket with the Oklahoma party in debt up to it’s ears…. I was surprised and encouraged by his grit. He was up beat and looking forward to as he put it “Challenge”.
That alone was worth giving a thousand bucks.
“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party,” is no longer a typing test.