Mike McCarville
Hidden behind IOs (initials only), a group of RIROs (Republicans in registation only, pronounced rear-ohs) writing in the controversial Sooner Tea Party newsletter (http://ymlp.com/zbQHhq) continue their systematic criticism of Republican legislators they derisively describe as “RINOs” (Republicans in name only).
The newsletter, creation of the combative political neophyte Al Gerhart, carries no bylines on its attacks. It uses initials only and it’s doubtful the initials are those of the writers.
In the current issue, the newsletter criticizes former Rep. Wayne Pettigrew, and Reps. Jeff Hickman, Kris Steele, David Brumbaugh, Dennis Casey and Gary Banz.
In its issue of two weeks ago, it criticized Governor Fallin and Reps. Dale DeWitt, Pam Peterson and David Dank.
In previous issues, it has attacked George Faught, Steve Martin, Dan Sullivan, at least 50 GOP House members and other GOP statewide officials as well as the State Chamber, political consultant Neva Hill, Mike McCarville, Charlie Meadows of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee, the conservative Oklahoma Constitution and others.
There has been speculation that Gerhart’s cohorts are Democrats and that the Oklahoma Democratic Party is funding Gerhart. There’s no evidence of that, however, and few doubt it is true. Some hold the view that Gerhart is “a little man who has gained some influence thanks to the Tea Party label,” in the words of one he’s attacked.
The newsletter regularly praises House members who are opponents of House Speaker Kris Steele, including Mike Christian, Randy Terrill and Mike Reynolds. All of them have denied any involvement in production of the newsletter.
Greetings Mr. McCarville:
I too subscribe to the Sooner Tea Party newsletter. Honestly, I have found it rather banal and the editing style aloof. This is a fine example of why I not only subscribe but often read “The McCarville Report,” in contrast to such a rough-shod attempt at journalism as Gerhart edits and publishes. I appreciate the objective and often brave journalism that I see here on your site sir.
I also found the leadership of Al Gerhart to be divisive. The Cleveland County GOP welcomed me in as they would a prodigal son. My campus years at OU were often aligned with far reaching democrats and socialists. “Far-reaching” in that for many years I thought it was the government’s job to take care of me. I admittedly was an alcoholic deep in my drink for many many years. Four and one-half years ago, I put down that bottle with God’s help. I “naturally” grew up.
Since 2007, I made a gradual pendulum swing towards conservatism, faith and strong family ethics, morals and values. I was very disappointed in the bull-dog and divisive antics of Mr. Gerhart while I thought I was serving my GOP Presidential nominee Texas Congressman and OBGYN physician Dr. Ron Paul. I was excited when Mr. Gerhart called me and asked if I would consider the volunteer position of Cleveland County Campaign Coordinator for Ron Paul 2012.
The bull-dog “Great Offender” offended one too many of my fellow Cleveland County Women GOP. I worked hard to establish a bond of friendship, purpose and a united front with the leaders of the Cleveland County GOP. Namely the chairman Bob Cleveland and the Vice Chair Lisa Shrieves. My attitude was that these are my fellow GOP and live in the same County, these are my “people.” My family forded the South Canadian River in 1889 and staked land in McClain County. It wasn’t too many decades when my ancestors hopped the river and grew roots in Norman.
I write today Mr. McCarvile, not to attack Gerhart, but to emphasize the importance unity is going to play in keeping our eye on the prize: Defeating Barrack Obama (aka: Barry Sorteros), and getting as many of my fellow GOP elected into municipal, county and state positions. The Platform of the Cleveland County Oklahoma Republican Party so strongly reflects my same values, resolve, drive and vision, that I found these virtues in jeopardy by the “Great Offender.”
I did what my heart, mind and conscience mandated. I resigned as RP 2012 County Coordinator and distanced myself as far away from the Great Offender” as I could.
I never have seen or read Dr. Ron Paul treating anyone with any amount of disrespect. I complained to Gerhart’s superiors and continued forward with my other Cleveland County Precinct Delegates and our Platform, regardless of their choice in candidate for President.
I hope Dr. Paul becomes President. However, I am committed to backing whichever candidate gets the nomination. Cleveland County GOP will not be bullied or distracted by “loose-cannon” individuals whose agenda seems both questionable and controversial. Today, I am very blessed to be active at the grass-roots precinct-level with my fellow Precinct 32 GOP’s and other candidates and precinct volunteers. Thank you for your time an God bless Oklahoma!
NOBAMA 2012!!!
Craig A. Corbin, Cleveland County Oklahoma Precinct 32 Vice Chair
Mike,
Love ya, but you write about “combative political neophyte Al Gerhart” too often. Who cares what a diseased festering boil on a tick’s ass may extrude.
To me he has offered personal violence. I suggested he pack lunch, dinner and his insurance paperwork – still waiting for him to show up.
The only thing I like about bullies is busting them up.
I believe there is a factual error in that newsletter. It states that the Speaker forced the House Rules through in reaction to his hand-picked successor not being chosen as Speaker Designate. But if I’m not mistaken, the House Rules were passed at the beginning of the 2011 session and T.W. Shannon wasn’t chosen as Speaker Designate until November, 2011.
What? That…newsletter…getting the facts wrong? I am stunned…not!
It is the ugly truths.
If the shoe fits wear it
Isn’t it a bit ironic that you would try to out the anonymous writers of a competing blog, while you yourself have published article by anonymous writers? See for example the “Anonymous Capitol Insider” here: http://mccarvillereport.com/archives/394 or the blogs articles you have reposted. Pot. Kettle. Black.
Clean your glasses. The entire STP product is done by anons. The fact that I sometimes quote an anonmyous source, as in the article you cited, is in no way similiar to a totally anonymous product. Nothing. Ironic. Here. (PS: You would have been much more on target if you had raised criticism of the use of a report from an anonymous blog (Oklahoma Truth Council) here; the difference is that I independently substantiated much of the material in that report. With the STP product, we find just the opposite…very little can be substantiated and much of it is pure fiction.)
Reminders: The use of phony email addresses, obscene language, and unproven allegations of wrong-doing are unacceptable. In recent days, I’ve rejected several emails with bad email addresses and unproven allegations.
Boy. You Repubs in office are sooooo clever. Call them democrates, yea. That will make them come to the surface.” Get outta here. I am embarrised for you.
If you don’t like having your dirty laundry and secrets waved around on paper then clean up your act. If you didn’t have so much TO hide, then maybe you could consentrate on doing your job.