Boundaries are necessary in all areas of life. Clearly defined boundaries specify limits, roles, and create structure. When applied to the family, children stay within the boundaries set by their parents. In business, departments have defined roles outlined in the company’s strategic business plan. In a constitutional republic like the United States, the federal government and the states have boundaries outlined in the Constitution. When boundaries are observed, more can be accomplished and unity can be maintained.

The Framers of this great nation intended government to be based on the principles of federalism; that power is shared between the federal government and state government. It is our system of checks and balances that ensures accountability and separation of powers. Ronald Reagan said it best, “All of us need to be reminded that the federal government did not create the states; the states created the federal government.”

In my conversations with Oklahomans across the state, their main concerns are the erosion of liberty and the mounting national debt. Major national polls agree with them. It shows that on average, 65% of Americans feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, as government grows, it exerts more power over the people and creates more regulations over businesses.

While many Americans are dissatisfied, we must remain optimistic Oklahomans. Let’s redirect our energy and get involved right here in our state by voting in every election.

Many of you voted this past June in the statewide primary elections. However, the candidates that did not acquire 50% of the vote, moved on to a runoff election. A total of 25 counties have a House District, State Senate, or a US Congressional race. The winner will be the party’s nominee and will appear on the November ballot.

Don’t forget to vote this Tuesday, Aug. 23rd. Early voting starts Thursday, Aug. 18th.

Visit this link for additional information on the August election.

Primary Runoff Elections by County

County	Office	Candidates	Party
Alfalfa	Senate Dist. 19	Ross Vanhooser	Republican
		Roland Pederson	Republican
Caddo	House Dist. 60	Rhonda Baker	Republican
		Chad Slane	Republican
Canadian	Senate Dist. 23	Matt Stacy	Republican
		Lonnie Paxton	Republican
Comanche	Senate Dist. 31	Toni Hasenbeck	Republican
		Chris Kidd	Republican
Cotton	Senate Dist. 31	Toni Hasenbeck	Republican
		Chris Kidd	Republican
Garfield	Senate Dist. 19	Ross Vanhooser	Republican
		Roland Pederson	Republican
Garvin	Senate Dist. 13	Jet McCoy	Republican
		Greg McCortney	Republican
Grady	Senate Dist. 23	Matt Stacy	Republican
		Lonnie Paxton	Republican
Grant	Senate Dist. 19	Ross Vanhooser	Republican
		Roland Pederson	Republican
Hughes	Senate Dist. 13	Jet McCoy	Republican
		Greg McCortney	Republican
Jefferson	Senate Dist. 31	Toni Hasenbeck	Republican
		Chris Kidd	Republican
Kay	Senate Dist. 19	Ross Vanhooser	Republican
		Roland Pederson	Republican
Kingfisher	Senate Dist. 23	Lonnie Paxton	Republican
		Matt Stacy	Republican
Mayes	State Rep. Dist. 8	Tom Gann	Republican
		Steven Dill	Republican
Muskogee	House Dist. 16	Ronnie Kell	Democrat
		Anna Dearmore	Democrat
Oklahoma	US Rep. Dist. 5	Al McAffrey	Democrat
		Tom Guild	Democrat
	Senate Dist. 41	Adam Pugh	Republican
		Paul Blair	Republican
	House Dist. 85	Matt Jackson	Republican
		Robyn Matthews	Republican
	House Dist. 97	Jason Lowe	Democrat
		Chris Harrison	Democrat
Okmulgee	House Dist. 16	Ronnie Kell	Democrat
		Anna Dearmore	Democrat
Pontotoc	Senate Dist. 13	Jet McCoy	Republican
		Greg McCortney	Republican
Pottawatomie	US Rep. Dist. 5	Al McAffrey	Democrat
		Tom Guild	Democrat
	Senate Dist. 13	Jet McCoy	Republican
		Greg McCortney	Republican
Rogers	House Dist. 8	Tom Gann	Republican
		Steven Dill	Republican
Seminole	US Rep. Dist. 5	Al McAffrey	Democrat
		Tom Guild	Democrat
	Senate Dist. 13	Jet McCoy	Republican
		Greg McCortney	Republican
Stephens	Senate Dist. 31	Toni Hasenbeck	Republican
		Chris Kidd	Republican
Tillman	Senate Dist. 31	Toni Hasenbeck	Republican
		Chris Kidd	Republican
Tulsa	Senate Dist. 25	Lisa Kramer	Republican
		Joe Newhouse	Republican
	Senate Dist. 39	Dave Rader	Republican
		Amanda Teegarden	Republican
	House Dist. 16	Ronnie Kell	Democrat
		Anna Dearmore	Democrat
	House Dist. 67	Scott McEachin	Republican
		Tom McCloud	Republican
Wagner	House Dist. 8	Tom Gann	Republican
		Steven Dill	Republican
	House Dist. 16	Ronnie Kell	Democrat
		Anna Dearmore	Democrat