Senator Jim Inhofe

United States Senator Jim Inhofe, one of the leading conservative voices in the Senate, is a strong advocate of common sense Oklahoma values including less government, less regulation, lower taxes, fiscal responsibility and a strong national defense.

He was first elected to the Senate in 1994 to complete the unexpired term of Senator David Boren who resigned to become president of the University of Oklahoma.  He was re-elected in 1996 and again in 2002.

In January 2003, Inhofe became the Chairman of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee. As Chairman, his priorities include strengthening our Nation's infrastructure, continuing strong environmental protections and improving national security. He said he will work to restore common sense and sound science to the regulatory decisions of the Environmental Protection Agency on such issues as climate variability, clean air mandates, wetlands, and endangered species.

He is also a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he continues to play a leadership role on defense and national security issues. He believes we must improve the condition of the U.S. military, and provide greater resources, necessary equipment and proper training. He also believes overseas military missions should serve vital national interests and he is one of the Senate's prime advocates for deploying a national missile defense system.

Inhofe previously served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Oklahoma's First Congressional District which encompasses Tulsa County. In 1993, he came to national attention when he succeeded in reforming the arcane discharge petition rule which the Congressional leadership had long used to keep popular bills bottled up in committees. The rule change he made possible eliminated secrecy in the legislative process. One of the first bills to benefit from this reform was the landmark, Inhofe-sponsored aviation liability bill which put America back in the aviation manufacturing business.

Inhofe grew up in Tulsa and graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in economics. He served in the U.S. Army and has been a small businessman (working in aviation, real estate and insurance) for over 30 years. He was elected to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives in 1966, served one term, and was then elected to the State Senate where he served two terms and became Minority Leader. From 1978 to 1984, he was Mayor of Tulsa. Active in aviation, Inhofe became the only member of Congress to fly an airplane around the world when he recreated Wiley Post's legendary trip around the globe. Inhofe and his wife, Kay, are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa and have been married for 46 years. They have four grown children and twelve grandchildren.

Senator Tom Coburn

Tom A. Coburn, M.D. was elected to the U.S. Senate November 2, 2004.

Dr. Coburn and his wife Carolyn, a former Miss Oklahoma, were married in 1968 and have three children and four grandchildren. They are members of Muskogee's New Community Church.

Dr. Coburn's priorities in the Senate include reducing wasteful spending, balancing the budget, improving health care access and affordability, protecting the sanctity of all human life including the unborn and representing Oklahoma values. As a citizen legislator, Dr. Coburn has pledged to serve no more than two terms in the Senate and to continue to care for patients. He is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Indian Affairs Committee.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Dr. Coburn represented Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995-2001. He was first elected in 1994, then re-elected in 1996 and 1998, becoming the first Republican to hold the seat for consecutive terms. Dr. Coburn retired from Congress to fulfill his pledge to serve no more than three terms in the House of Representatives.

During his tenure in the House, Dr. Coburn wrote and passed far-reaching legislation. These include laws to expand seniors' health care options, to protect access to home health care in rural areas and to allow Americans to access cheaper medications from Canada and other nations. Dr. Coburn also wrote a law intended to prevent baby AIDS. The Wall Street Journal said that: "In 10 long years of AIDS politics and funding, this is actually the first legislation to pass in this country that will rescue babies." He also wrote a law to renew and reform federal AIDS care programs. In 2002, President George W. Bush chose Dr. Coburn to serve as Co-chair of the President's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA).

During his three terms in the House, Dr. Coburn also played an influential role in reforming welfare and other federal entitlement programs. He led efforts to balance the budget, offering countless amendments to trim the bloated federal budget. In 1999, USA Today noted, "Coburn brought the House to a virtual standstill by threatening to attach 130 amendments to an agriculture appropriations bill that he thought cost too much. Since then, he's almost single-handedly forced nearly $1 billion in cuts from the first seven spending bills the House has passed for the next fiscal year."

Coburn was raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma and graduated from the public school system in 1966. Four years later, he graduated with a B.S. in accounting from Oklahoma State University. One of the top ten seniors in the School of Business, Coburn served as President of the College of Business Student Council.

From 1970-78, Coburn was the manufacturing manager at the Ophthalmic Division of Coburn Optical Industries in Colonial Heights, Virginia. Under his leadership, the Virginia division of Coburn Optical grew from 13 employees to more than 350 and captured 35% of the U.S. market.

After the family business was sold, Coburn changed the course of his life by returning to school to become a physician. Again he emerged as a leader, becoming President of his class at the University of Oklahoma Medical School where he graduated in 1983. He then did his internship in general surgery at Saint Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City and family practice residency at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith.

Dr. Coburn returned to Muskogee where he specializes in family medicine, obstetrics and allergy. Dr. Coburn and his associates serve more than 15,000 patients for whom he has personally delivered almost 4,000 babies.

Dr. Coburn is also a two-time cancer survivor.

Congressman Dan Boren

Inspired to politics as a youth, Dan Boren has built an impressive record for himself as a strong advocate for responsible government. Elected to the Oklahoma House of Representative at age 29, Dan became one of the youngest state legislators to serve in 2002. Tapped for his leadership ability, Dan was selected by his Democratic colleagues to be Caucus Chairman - making him the first freshman state lawmaker to ever receive this honor.

As a member of the Oklahoma House leadership team, Dan fought to bring jobs and economic opportunities to his district. Working hand in hand with Governor Brad Henry, he helped to protect economic assistance for Oklahoma's rural communities by saving the Rural Economic Action Plan from devastating budget cuts. He also fought to improve rural schools by co-authoring legislation that infused much needed dollars into Oklahoma's schools without raising taxes.

In 2004, Dan was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District. Upon election, Dan obtained a seat on the House Armed Services Committee - a rare appointment for a freshman member of Congress. He also serves on the House Resources Committee, an influential panel which provides Congress with oversight into Indian affairs and public lands.

As a strong advocate for rural communities, Dan's top priorities are job creation, improving education and rural health care, and making Oklahoma's small business environment more conducive to growth. Also an active member of the Congressional Blue Dogs Caucus, Dan works closely with his colleagues to curb unnecessary government spending and keep Congress fiscally responsible.

Prior to public office, Dan served as the President and CEO of the Seminole State College Educational Foundation. He has also served as a senior aide at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and worked on the staff of former U.S. Congressman Wes Watkins. Dan is also involved in numerous organizations and is an avid outdoorsman and hunter.

Dan earned his B.S. in Economics and went on to obtain an M.B.A. at University of Oklahoma. He and his sister Carrie were born to former Oklahoma Governor and U.S. Senator David Boren and the late Janna L. Robbins. His grandfather, Lyle H. Boren, represented southeastern Oklahomans in the U.S. Congress from 1937-47. Carrying on his family's tradition of excellent public service, Dan serves by the values instilled him at a young age - values of faith, hard work, and personal responsibility. Dan and his wife Andrea reside in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

State Legislature

Senator Jeff Rabon

Senator Rabon served as a Field Representative for former Senator David Boren for three years. He then managed Congressman Bill Brewster’s campaign and went on to Washington D. C. to serve on his staff. He then became the Sr. Administrative Assistant to Oklahoma Lt. Governor Jack Mildren. Since that time, Senator Rabon has served as a legislative consultant for various member organizations.

In January 1999, Senator Jeff Rabon was named Chairman of a newly formed "Watch-Dog" Committee, the Joint Committee on Accountability in Government. This Committee was created to oversee state agencies in order to eliminate government waste. He was also appointed as Chairman of the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations.

He has previously served on the General Government Committee, the Wildlife Committee, and the Transportation Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies and the Joint Committee on Tribal Relations.

Senator Rabon has been instrumental in helping rural areas, advocating a sales tax holiday on back to school clothes, and has also authored landmark legislation such as Senate Bill 175 - establishing the Red River Boundary Compact and Senate Bill 3 - the Oklahoma Tourism Development Act offering income incentives for investors to build tourism attractions in Oklahoma. In 2002, he authored the legislation known as the "Moment of Silence" bill. He was also instrumental in obtaining GARVEE funds for the Highway 70 project.

On a personal note, Senator Rabon is a licensed real estate broker-agent/appraiser and currently resides in Hugo. He is a member of Masonic Lodge 217, Lion’s Club International and was Central Regional Manager for Choctaw Management Services Enterprise. He is married to Dana Bates Rabon and they have three children: eight-year old Jeff Rabon II, six year-old Berrie Shannon Rabon and five year-old Jackson Thomas Rabon.

Contact Information:
Senator Jeff Rabon
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 426
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405)521-5614

rabon@oksenate.gov

Senator Kenneth Corn

Kenneth Corn, State Senator District 4, was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate at the age of twenty-six. His election to the State Senate made him the second youngest member in state history and the current youngest Senator. Corn served two terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives prior to his service in the Senate. He was elected at the age of 22, making him one of the youngest to serve in the Oklahoma Legislature in the history of the State.

Corn’s service in the legislature has been marked by many accomplishments, including being the first freshman Representative in thirty years to be appointed vice-chair of a major committee, that being Revenue and Taxation. In his second term, Corn served as Chairman of the House Tourism and Recreation Committee as well as the Secretary of the House Democratic Caucus. During the first two years of his first term, Corn was tapped by President Pro-Tempore Cal Hobson to serve as the Chairman of the important Senate Retirement and Group Health Committee, which oversees all retirement systems and state health insurance. In 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary.

Born in Poteau in 1976, Corn graduated from Howe High School in 1996. He currently attends the University of Oklahoma part-time, pursuing a degree in Political Science. He is a Ruth Norman and United States Senate Youth Scholar and was a member of the OU President’s Leadership Class.

Prior to his election to the legislature, Corn served as an intern for the powerful House Appropriation Chairman, Jim Hamilton. Corn has a strong commitment to public service. He served two terms as State President of Future Business Leaders of America and one term as National President. He also was selected to serve on the National School-to-Work Advisory Council for the Departments of Education and Labor and the March of Dimes National Youth Council.

Corn lives in Poteau, Oklahoma and is a Deacon in the First Christian Church in Heavener. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club and Masonic Lodge. Corn is a member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen Association, Farm Bureau and Farmers Union.

Contact Information:
Senator Kenneth Corn
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 427
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405)521-5576

cochran@oksenate.gov

Senator Richard Lerblance

Richard C. Lerblance was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in August 2002. In June 2003, Lerblance was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate for District 7.

Lerblance holds a degree in law from Oklahoma City University School of Law, and has practiced law in his hometown of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, since graduating from law school in 1978. He served on the Hartshorne City Council; the Hartshorne Board of Education; and retired as Fire Chief of the Hartshorne Fire Department. He and his wife, Frances, are members of the Edgewood United Methodist Church in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.

He is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, Pittsburg County Bar Association, and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Bar Association. He served twelve years on the Supreme Court of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Supreme Court and three years as Chief Justice.

Lerblance is an active cattleman and a member of the Latimer County Cattlemen Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen Association, Little Dixie Limousin Association, Maine Anjou Association, and North American Limousin Foundation. Therefore, he is very familiar with the needs and concerns of the agricultural and farming community, and an active advocate for those associated with both.

Lerblance is married and a man of strong family values. He and his wife have three sons: David, John and Rich. Son David and his wife Ashley have two children: Alexandria and Zachary. Son Rich and his wife Pauline have a daughter named Raven. The strong family values are shown through Lerblance’s involvement in his church activities and his memberships in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout, Hartshorne/Haileyville Lodge 122, 32 Degree Mason – Valley of McAlester, Bedouin Temple – Muskogee, OK, McAlester Rotary Club, and Wilburton Chamber of Commerce.

Lerblance spends his recreational time hunting and boating.

Contact Information:
Senator Richard C. Lerblance
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 511
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405)521-5604

bell@oksenate.gov

Representative Neil Brannon

PERSONAL: Neil is a native Oklahoman. He was born in Muse, Oklahoma, October 29, 1940. His parents are Ammon and Jewell Dean (Hall) Brannon. He is married to Gail (Sliger), they have one daughter, Launa who is married to David Benson, and two granddaughters.

EDUCATION: B.S., Education, Northeastern State University
M.A., Education, Northeastern Oklahoma State University
Administration Certification, Oklahoma State University

PROFESSION: Education, Administration

ORGANIZATION: Poteau Kiwanis Club 
Poteau Chamber of Commerce

LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: House of Representatives, 49th Legislature to present

Contact Information:
Representative Neil Brannon
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 510
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405)557-7413

neilbrannon@okhouse.gov

Representative Jerry Ellis

PERSONAL: Jerry is a native Oklahoman. He was born in Hugo, Oklahoma, December 11, 1946. His parents are Willie R.W. and Leona (Hartline) Ellis. He is married to Cynthia (Cox), and they have one son, Tom. 

EDUCATION: Valliant High School, 1965 
B.S., Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, 1969 

PROFESSION: Co-founder of the Southeast Times Newspaper Military: Armed Forces 1969 to 1972 

POSITIONS: Chairman, Valliant First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees
President, Idabel Rotary
Former member of Choctaw Electric and Western Farmers Boards of Directors 

ORGANIZATION: Masonic Lodge #301
VFW Post 4777
Member PACE Local 162 HONORS: Outstanding Service Award from several volunteer fire departments
Supporter of 4-H Award
2002 McCurtain County Democratic Party "Friend of Working Men and Women" Award 

LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: House of Representatives, 49th Legislature to present

Contact Information:
Representative Jerry Ellis
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 505 
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 
(405)557-7363

jerryellis@okhouse.gov

Representative Terry Harrison

Terry is a native Oklahoman. He was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, October 9, 1972. He is married to Amy (Mitchell), and they have two sons, Carson, and a new addition to the family, Nathaniel. 

EDUCATION: Savanna High School, 1991
Northeastern A & M (NEO), 1993
B.S., Oklahoma State University, 1995
J.D., Oklahoma University, 1999 

PROFESSION: Rancher
Lawyer 

ORGANIZATION: Grand Avenue Methodist Church, McAlester, OK
McAlester Rotary Club
Pittsburg County Cattlemen's Assoc.
McAlester Roundup Club
McIntosh County NAACP
Member South McAlester Masonic Lodge #96
32nd Degree McAlester Scottish Rite Mason
Pittsburg County Shrine Club

LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: House of Representatives, 49th Legislature to present

Contact Information:
Representative Terry Harrison
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 503 
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 
(405)557-7376

terryharrison@okhouse.gov

Representative R. C. Pruett

PERSONAL: R. C. was born on September 19, 1944 in Houston, Texas. He is married to Barbara, and they have three children and 2 grandchildren. 

EDUCATION: Attended Texas A&M University 

PROFESSION: Self-employed for thirty-five years
Owns and operates supermarkets in Antlers and Broken Bow 

POSITIONS: Joint Special Committee on International Development (appointed by Speaker Todd Hiett) 

ORGANIZATION: Antlers Chamber of Commerce
Antler’s Lion’s Club
Oklahoma Grocery Association 

LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: House of Representatives, 50th Legislature

Contact Information:
Representative R. C. Pruett
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 324 
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 
(405)557-7382

rcpruett@okhouse.gov

Representative  Ed Cannaday

PERSONAL: Ed was born on October 31, 1940 in Raddison, WI. He is married to Doris, and they have one son Eric. 

EDUCATION: MA, History and Government, University of Tulsa, 1969
                       
BS, Education , University of Tulsa, 1968

AA, Cameron University, 1964 

PROFESSION:  Principal, Webbers Falls High School

POSITIONS: Industry & Labor, Common Education, Tourism & Recreation, Economic Development & Financial Services Committee.

ORGANIZATION: Haskell County Chamber of Commerce

LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: House of Representatives, 51st Legislature

Contact Information:
Representative Ed Cannaday
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 322 
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 
(405)557-7375

ed.cannaday@okhouse.gov

Representative  Brian Renegar

PERSONAL: Brian. was born on September 16, 1950. He is married to Theresa and they have four children. 

EDUCATION: DVM, Oklahoma State University, 1976
                        BS, Northeastern Oklahoma State University, 1972

PROFESSION: Veterinarian, Renegar Animal Hospital, 1978-present

POSITIONS: Natural Resources
                      Criminal Justice & Corrections
                       Environmental & Wildlife

ORGANIZATION: Member, American Veterinary
                                Medical Association
                                Member, McAlester Rotary Club
                                Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association
                                Pittsburg County Farm Bureau and Cattlemen's Association 

LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: House of Representatives, 51st Legislature

Contact Information:
Representative Brian Renegar
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 326 
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 
(405)557-7381

brian.renegar@okhouse.gov