Oklahoma Fifth C.D.: State Rep. Mike Turner fashions strong multi-issue conservative message in campaign
Published: June 20th, 2014
OKLAHOMA CITY — State Rep. Mike Turner, nearing the end of his first term in the state House, is seeking the Republican nomination for the Fifth Congressional District seat being vacated by James Lankford, who is leaving that job to run for the U.S. Senate.
Turner has established a strong multi-issue conservative record at the state Capitol, perhaps most notably as the driving force behind a bill enacted over Gov. Mary Fallin’s veto.
The new law clarifies gun owner rights to purchase weapons and items regulated under the National Firearms Act, devices popularly known as “Nfas.” It was the first veto override of Fallin’s tenure.
Turner also battled to end a major tax credit benefitting the solar industry, and carved out a niche with legislation that more clearly defined driving-impaired situations as including substances other than alcohol.
In an interview with this reporter, Turner said the major issues in his congressional race include federal fiscal irresponsibility and “a tax system that dis-incentivizes innovation and entrepreneurship. The massive annual federal deficit and mounting national debt are matters he intends to combat if elected,” Turner said.
Other priorities he would address in the U.S. House, Turner said, include removing “roadblocks to technological innovation, and unchaining a national economy still languishing after a Great Recession caused by failed policies, not rewarding work and rewarding bad actors.”
Turner is also a fierce opponent of the federal health care law, characterizing “ObamaCare” as a failed system that has harmed many people.” He blames insurance companies and other large players in the health care system for the Affordable Care Act, saying true reform would include price competition and choices.
Turner is deploying his personal wealth in the campaign. He holds two degrees in engineering from Southern Methodist University. His victory over an long-experienced incumbent was one of the most surprising outcomes in the 2012 election cycle.
Turner believes Oklahomans “want conservative solutions and common sense values in public policy.”
The GOP primary election involving six candidates is slated for June 24, with a runoff, if needed to pick a nominee, in late summer.
The Republican nominee will face the Democratic nominee – Al McAffrey or Tom Guild – in the November general election.
You may contact Pat: Patrick@capitolbeatok.com . Portions of this report appeared previously in The City Sentinel newspaper.