Marc Hader, posting on Facebook:
Below is a note from Paul Blair to his supporters after his loss in the Republican runoff election in Oklahoma Senate District 41. It speaks to how Oklahoma and America have changed. The words of General Boykin send a sobering, but just message to us.
“To my friends and supporters,
After being interviewed on the Glenn Beck Radio Program last week, Glenn, Pat and Stu had the following conversation, “Have you heard anybody stronger than Paul Blair?” Their combined answer was, “No.”
The people had a clear choice – not only in Edmond, but in several key races across the state of Oklahoma. Unfortunately, it was a clean sweep for those being supported by the special interest groups. Faces change at the Capitol, but nothing else does. The same powerbrokers keep pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into these campaigns and keep a stranglehold on our state government. The same group that drove our state into this $2 billion hole has kept control.
I am thankful to respected leaders like Senator Tom Coburn, Congressman Steve Russell and Congressman Jim Bridenstine for trying to break that grip and boldly supporting my campaign. As Senator Coburn said, “Paul Blair will not sell out to the special interests.”
Thank you to all of my volunteers and supporters for standing strong with me during this campaign. You worked tirelessly making calls, knocking doors and writing letters. We did everything we could do with a budget that was about 1/3 of what our opponent had to spend.
In a normal world, you would think that a hometown boy who went on to play professional football, built a three decade successful hometown business and successfully pastored a hometown church for 15 years would be a popular candidate. When you add to the professional resume a 27 year marriage with no scandals, divorce or DUI’s, plus, being a nationally recognized speaker on the subjects of the Constitution and the founder’s principles of government – you would think that man would be well prepared for office. Add to that the support of Senator Coburn, Senator Cruz, Congressman Russell, Congressman Bridenstine and host of national Conservative Christian champions, plus the support of local community leaders – you would think that candidate might bring home 90% of the vote in the “reddest state” in the union. But our world has changed.
As my friend, American War Hero and commander of Delta Force, General Jerry Boykin said last weekend, “If there is no place in this legislature for a guy like Paul Blair, the State of Oklahoma has got no future.”
We will not be working from within, but we will continue our work from the outside. Stay on board with our continuing Reclaiming America for Christ and Protect Life and Marriage efforts.
Always in the fight,
Paul Blair”
There are few who have suffered the most slanderous lies, malicious and vile statements and personal attacks than Paul Blair because of his faith in God. I’m ashamed of those who used this race to say these terrible things about a great guy.
That is about as sad as it gets. He needs to put his big boy britches on and act like a grown up. These are the words of an immature brat and bad sportsman. Paul Blair built up his reputation as being a big mouth bully for a decade then tried to change his song. Paul Blair defeated Paul Blair. He’s not a decent person. No one ever attacked him for his Christianity — they attacked him for his mean, hateful outlook of the world.
He’s tried to blame everyone in the world on his loss. That’s such a pitiful way of addressing things. Most people don’t like Paul Blair and that’s his fault. Most Okies are conservative and Christian and get elected that way. Blair keeps losing elections because he’s a jerk.
If his ego is that big in defeat, can you imagine how big his ego would be if he won?
I had no dog in that fight, but the expression “magnanimity in victory, grace in defeat” springs to mind. Mr. Pugh said to one of the OKC TV stations “I just want to thank him for being willing to step out and campaign for office. This is hard.” Seems like the thing to say. I’m sorry Pastor Blair takes it so hard.
Unfortunately for Mr. Blair this letter did nothing but create more controversy. It’s made him in other media reports and on social media into a “sore loser”, “bitter”, “poor sport”, “narcissist”, and a “crybaby”. Others are saying that it’s a good thing he wasn’t elected or Oklahoma would be nationally embarrassed frequently.
Around Edmond I am coming across folks that voted for him, who are not regretting it. They’re asking if this campaign was ever about public service or self-service. Mostly, they’re mad at Mr. Blair’s snapping and belittling the majority of Edmond residents, who chose not to support him and after this fit will never support him.
At this point, Mr. Blair needs to apologize for this poor behavior and blame it on hurt feelings. Otherwise, I don’t ever seeing him recovering from this self-righteous tantrum.