Patrick B. McGuigan

Published: 24-Jul-2010

At the start of this primary campaign’s last weekend, Billy Coyle got more good news in his race for the Democratic party nomination in the Fifth Congressional District. He released a long list of prominent leaders in the party who have announced their support in his battle against Tom Guild.

In a statement sent to CapitolBeatOK Friday afternoon, Coyle said, “I would like to thank the many distinguished Democrats from Oklahoma who have endorsed me in the Democratic primary next week, Tuesday, July 27th.  Together we will win the Fifth Congressional District in November.”

Coyle earlier this week touted his latest campaign finance reports, showing he had raised $105,000, with nearly $40,000 in cash on hand for spending in the closing days of the primary.

A joint endorsement this week came from Jim Roth, former corporation commissioner and two-time winner of an Oklahoma County commissioner’s position, and Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel. Their endorsement of Coyle said:

“Together we’re asking for your vote for Billy Coyle for Congress.  We believe Billy Coyle is the best candidate to represent us in the 5th District.  Billy Coyle is organized and is working hard to win. Billy Coyle wants to bring back jobs to America, take care of our veterans and put Oklahoma oil, gas and wind energy to good use. We think the voters of the 5th District agree. Being a marine, Billy Coyle will fight for 5th district voters.  We ask you to help elect and vote for Billy Coyle to be our Congressman on Tuesday, July 27th.”
 
In addition to Roth an Whetsel, endorsements include of Coyle’s campaign have come from state Senator Charles Lassiter (District 17), state Rep Richard Morrissette (District 92), John “Rocky” Barrett  – Citizen Pottawatomie Nation Tribal Chairman, Terry West (Attorney, Shawnee), Brad West (Attorney, Shawnee), Reggie Whitten (Attorney, Oklahoma City), Gordon R. Melson (Attorney and Former District Judge), Robb Pyron (Attorney, Seminole), Richard Ogden (Board Member Cimarron Alliance), Dr. David Hunter (a former candidate for Congress), Bert Smith (a former candidate US Congress), Rev. John A. Reed (President, Oklahoma City Baptist Ministers Association), Jackie Cooper (Philanthropist and auto dealer), George Krumme (Philanthropist and owner, Krumme Oil), and Miranda Norman (Vote Vets, Senior Advisor).

Coyle, an Oklahoma City attorney, has stressed job creation, pro-active federal energy policies, and support for military veterans in his campaign. When he announced his candidacy in April, Coyle said, “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.”

Friday, while expressing gratitude for the endorsements he has received, Coyle said, “I love the state of Oklahoma and I look forward to representing all the people of the 5th district.  After 35 years it’s time to put a Democrat back in Congress.”
 
The winner of the Democratic nomination will be determined on Tuesday, and will face the Republican nominee and two Independents in November. In a crowded GOP primary, new polling indicates a runoff is likely. The top three candidates in the latest surveys were former state Rep. Kevin Calvey, political newcomer James Lankford, and state Rep. Mike Thompson .