CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published: 14-Apr-2010

Billy Coyle, a U.S. Marine and Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney announced last week his candidacy for the Democratic party’s nomination for the 5th Congressional district. Coyle declared his candidacy at a press conference in the state Capitol press room.

The seat is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, Oklahoma’s former lieutenant governor. Fallin is seeking the Republican nomination for governor.

“I’m tired of all the partisan politics taking place in Washington while our economy remains stagnant and jobs continue to be shipped overseas. This race is not about party affiliation,” stated Coyle.

“I’m not running for Congress because I need a job, nor am I a politician looking for a government career. I want to be the Congressman looking out for the people of Oklahoma. No one came to me and said run for office. I am doing this because I am tired of big government, big insurance, and big politics. I am convinced that I can make a difference.”

Coyle plans to ask constituents what issues are most important to them. “Energy is a priority. The time is now to quit depending on foreign oil when we have the solutions right here in Oklahoma, such as the abundance of natural gas and wind energy,” he said. Coyle supports incentives for energy research and production.

Even though Oklahoma’s unemployment rate is lower than most states (6.7%), Coyle says job creation and retention are crucial to Oklahoma’s economic recovery: “We continue to have American jobs going overseas while our elected officials have become complacent. That’s wrong and un-American. Very little is ‘Made in America’ and I want that to change.”

Coyle asserts military veterans are taking a back seat when it comes to budget concerns: “Right now, we have veterans who are unable to get the attention they deserve from the very country they fought to defend.”

A graduate of Florida State University and the University of Oklahoma School of Law, Coyle is a practicing attorney in Oklahoma City.  Billy is married to Heather, an assistant district attorney for Oklahoma County.

Coyle will face Tom Guild in the party primary. Six Republicans are seeking to GOP nomination.