3rd District Retreat By Mack Miller

The 3rd District Democrats gathered in Stillwater this weekend for our 3rd Annual Retreat. Friday evening we had a BBQ meal with all the trimmings at the home of Rollin and Marla Reimer.

Afterwards, we all sat outside under a big shade tree and listened to some great entertainment. Rep. Purcy Walker from Elk City has been gracious enough to entertain for us each year. He wooed everyone with his great voice. Then we had a surprise. Little Lucas Seleberty from Enid was with us. Lucas just turned 6 and he loves to sing.

Friday night was a good time for all and a great kickoff for our Democratic weekend in Stillwater!

Saturday morning began with a tour of Stilwater. The OSU bus left the Student Union a couple minutes after 9 (we found out later a couple more people just barely missed the bus). We went to the Washington Irving Museum. This was a fantastic museum and was very interesting. Had a lot of information about early day Oklahoma as well as a lot of other stuff. Several planned to go back there sometime. Then we went on to one of several Stillwater area wineries. We tasted some locally grown wines and were all treated to a tour of the winery and how it works.

Also Saturday morning, there was a training session called " The ABCs of Campaigning" by Bernice Mitchell. Bernice did a great job and those who attended were talking about it later. Thanks Bernice for all you did!

We ate at noon in the OSU Student Union with Rep. Danny Morgan offering our prayer of thanks. Everyone had time to finish eating then we had a special guest. Governor Brad and First Lady Kim Henry came to be with us. Our own President Pro Tem of the Senate, Senator Mike Morgan, gave a rousing introduction of the Governor. The Governor gave a great speech and highlighted the accomplishments of his administration. He also showed the differences between the `Oklahoma Way' and the`Washington Way'.

His vehicle was routed around several construction zones in Stilwater. He smiled great big and said, "Isnt it nice?" He credited Senator Morgan and the House leadership (Rep. Danny Morgan, Rep. James Covey, and Rep. Ryan McMullen) for their hard work in passing the higher education bond. The Governor told everyone he would be in each of their counties before the General election.

Thank You Governor and First Lady for being our Special Guests!

Our 3rd District Federation of Democratic Women President Debbie Thompson and other members of the Federation held a `Dollars for Door Prizes'. In a few minutes, money was raised for our 3rd District Senate Candidates and everyone had a lot of fun. First Lady Kim Henry drew the names from the basket.

We moved on to the beautiful OSU Student Union Theatre for the afternoon session. We began with a prayer by Rep. Ryan McMullen followed by the flag salute by Rep. James Covey. CD3 Vice Chair Anita Norman recognized all the elected officials present as well as all the Democratic Party County Officials, among whom was our State Chair Lisa Pryor. Thank You Lisa for all your help this weekend!

Our Keynote Speaker was our Attorney General Drew Edmondson. Edmondson gave a great speech and showed the difference between the Democrats and the others. He also showed how the Democratic principles are the values he learned as a young boy growing up and that each came from the scriptures. He received a Standing Ovation and his message was very well received. Thank You Attorney General Edmondson for being our Keynote Speaker!

Our other Speakers were Senator Mike Morgan, State Treasurer Scott Meacham, State Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland, Lt. Governor Candidates Pete Regan and Jari Askins, Lloyd Fields was with us he had to get to another event and didnt get to speak, 3rd District Congressional Candidate Sue Barton and Our House Leadership (by the way, note that they ALL come from the 3rd District) Rep. Danny Morgan, Rep. James Covey and Rep. Ryan McMullen. If you left before Rep. McMullen spoke, you missed a GREAT speech! There are good things to come from our rising star! (Hope I didnt omit anyone)

We were running short on time and our retiring Senators were out campaigning with our candidates. Vice Chair Anita Norman recognized each one and displayed the plaques that had been made to present to each of our 3 retiring Senators and our late great Senator Robert S. Kerr. The plaques will be presented as soon as we are able to.

State Democratic Party Secretary Walter Jenny gave a presentation on "Every County Counts" and presented certificates to two counties. Congratulations Walter and Rose Ann! The Jennys spent their 17th Wedding Anniversary with us this weekend.

We thanked everyone for all their hard work in making this weekend a great success. Especially the Payne County Democrats, our sponsors, our speakers and all those who spent this weekend with us!

Your 3rd District Officers

Mack Miller

Anita Norman

Shirley Robertson