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POLITICS: Cole touts conservative credentials

By Bryan Smith

Senior Reporter

(POL) After filing for re-election Monday, Congressman Tom Cole defended his conservative credentials and said that he stands ready to face an enormous array of challenges, if re-elected.

Cole, a Republican from Moore, said that despite recent rhetoric to the contrary, he has been a "committed and consistent conservative" in Congress.

"I have consistently fought for smaller and less intrusive government, lower taxes and strict adherence to the substance and spirit of our founding documents," he said.

As Oklahoma's only member of the House Appropriations Committee, Cole said he has worked hard to represent conservative values and uphold the Constitution.

"I spent a lot of time voting 'no' on that committee," said Cole, citing out-of-control government spending led by the current administration. He said that he has been consistently pro-business, pro-military and pro-energy, and he has also fought for a smaller, less intrusive government.

Responding to comments made by Republican challenger R.J. Harris, who also filed for office on Monday, Cole said that he has fulfilled his oath to uphold the Constitution.

Cole also commented on the potential for Republicans to pick up a large number of congressional seats come November.

"At the very least, Republicans will be stronger," he said. "It could be the best election year since 1994."

That year, the Republicans picked up 54 Democratic seats, he said.

Even if Republicans fall short of a majority this year, Cole said there should be enough for a bipartisan coalition of fiscal conservatives to "restore some fiscal sanity."

Cole is currently serving his third term representing the Fourth Congressional District.

Cole has also served as executive director and chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party. He served as executive director of the National Republican Congressional Committee and as chief of staff at the Republican National Committee.

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POLITICS: Cole announces bid for re-election

By Shawn Ashley

News Director

(POL) Fourth District U.S. Congressman Tom Cole formally announced Tuesday that he is seeking a fourth term in Congress.

"When I first ran for Congress, I pledged to represent the views, values and interests of my fellow Oklahomans," Cole, a Republican from Moore, said at a state Capitol press conference. "During my tenure as the representative from Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District, I have consistently fought for smaller and less intrusive government, lower taxes and strict adherence to the substance and spirit of our founding documents. I have also supported those who defend our great nation and worked to preserve and enhance the important military facilities in our district and throughout our state."

Cole said his voting record has been recognized repeatedly by conservative organizations.

"But, I think being in Congress is about more than just voting," Cole added. "I think you have to try and get some things done, as well. I have focused in a partisan sense in trying to help my party. I have been a whip and deputy whip now for three terms. I have also served as the director of my party's campaign committee.

"More importantly, I have tried to be leader on things like energy, things like the military and things like education and also Native American issues, being the only Native American in Congress," Cole said.

Cole noted he also is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

"People ask me what we do on the Appropriations Committee, and I say we spend a lot of time spending money we don't have on things we don't need. So, I've spent quite a bit of my time voting 'no' on that committee, because I think one of the preeminent problems we have as a country is the spiraling national debt and out-of-control spending in Washington D.C. This administration, frankly, has taken it to a new level."

Cole said it is more than the spending, but the "big debate about where the country is going to go over the next half century or so," that underlies that spending that have him concerned.

"Literally, this administration believes that government is too small, that taxes are too low and that government needs to play a bigger role in the lives of individual Americans," Cole explained. "That's exactly the opposite of what the people of my district and this state, and frankly what I think the majority of Americans, believe in."

Cole pointed to a number of successful and thus far unsuccessful proposals by President Barack Obama as examples, including the federal stimulus program, cap and trade and the health care reform legislation. Cole predicted that the federal government is headed toward a "fiscal disaster unless we have dramatic changes in Congress, and frankly unless we have an administration that course corrects, if you will, after those changes."

Cole was quick to answer when asked what one issue he would focus on if he had to focus on just one: "Spending. The biggest single issue in front of the country is restoring fiscal balance."

Cole said the federal deficit has grown from $167 billion in 2006, when Republicans lost control of Congress, to more than $1.5 trillion.

Obama, Cole said, likes to say he inherited that from former President George W. Bush. However, Cole said, it has been Obama's policies, such as the federal stimulus, an omnibus budget bill that increased government spending and other programs, that have increased the deficit.

"This administration has spent since the day it got in," Cole said.

Cole said he believes "this administration wants to evolve us into a social democracy akin to what we see in Europe. That's not what America is all about. It's about individual opportunity, personal freedom, achievement and responsibility. And, those are the values we ought to keep."

Cole will be challenged by at least one fellow Republican, R.J. Harris, of Norman, who has announced his intention to seek the seat. Cole said he expects other candidates will enter the race, as well. Asked whether he was concerned about an opponent "from the right," Cole said, "I've been in politics long enough to be concerned about opponents from every direction - front, behind, right, left. It doesn't much matter.

"I think I take politics seriously. If you are going to put yourself in front of the people of the Fourth District of Oklahoma, you owe them a good campaign and you owe your opponent the courtesy of treating them seriously, and I do," he said.

Cole said he would not be surprised when the filing period ends next week that he will face additional opponents.

"That's okay. I think a lot of participation in the political process is a good thing," Cole said. "If the American people don't have alternatives, if they don't have choices, then what do we need elections for?"

Cole said he remains as passionate about the issues facing Oklahoma as he enters his fourth campaign as he did when he first sought the office.

Cole said, "I am still as passionate as I was when I first ran for office about these issues. I think that a cornerstone for what is best not only for the Fourth District of Oklahoma and the state of Oklahoma, but more profoundly what is important for the country. I am a proud believer in American exceptionalism. I really think we are a uniquely different kind of place."

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Tom Cole is currently serving his third term representing the Fourth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Raised in Moore, Oklahoma, Tom's service to the State of Oklahoma has been extensive. He has served as the District Director to Congressman Mickey Edwards, in the Oklahoma State Senate, and as Oklahoma's first Republican Secretary of State (1995-99).

Governor Frank Keating tapped Secretary of State Tom Cole to lead Oklahoma's effort to secure federal funds to assist in the rebuilding effort in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing. Cole also served as the Governor's liaison to the state's federal congressional delegation, giving Cole skills he continues to draw from as our current Congressman.

In addition to his public service, Tom Cole is a successful businessman who founded one of the nation's top consulting and research firms. From 1989 until his election to Congress in 2002, Tom served as the President of Cole Hargrave Snodgrass and Associates. In that capacity Tom Cole was recognized as one of the country's top political strategists. Having served as both the Executive Director as well as the Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, Tom went on to serve as the Executive Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee, as well as the Chief of Staff at the Republican National Committee.

In Congress, Tom Cole has been an effective voice for Southwest Oklahoma and our mainstream conservative values. He has been a tireless advocate for a strong national defense and for our soldiers and veterans. He has been a champion for small businesses, farmers, and the taxpayers. As the only enrolled member of an Indian tribe to serve in Congress, he is widely recognized for his leadership on issues dealing with Native Americans.

In March of 2007, the National Congress of American Indians recognized Congressman Tom Cole for his outstanding leadership to Native American communities and presented Tom the Congressional Leadership Award. Congressman Cole serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Natural Resources. In addition, he serves as a Deputy Whip.

In 2007, after completing just two terms in the House, Congressman Tom Cole was elected by his peers to return to the National Republican Congressional Committee as it's Chairman. In his role as Chairman, Cole serves as the principal Republican strategist and advisor to Republican U.S. congressional candidates running in the 2008 cycle.

A former college professor in history and politics, Cole is a graduate of Moore High School and has been a Watson Fellow (1971-72) and a Fulbright Fellow (1977-78) at the University of London. He holds a B.A. from Grinnell College, an M.A. from Yale University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma. He also served as a board member for the national Fulbright Association.

Tom Cole is a fifth generation Oklahoman and is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation. Public service is a tradition in Tom's family. Tom's late mother, Helen Cole, served as both a state representative and state senator from Moore. Tom's late father, John, forged a successful career in the United States Air Force as a soldier and later as a civilian employee at Tinker Air Force Base.

Tom and his wife, Ellen, have one son, Mason, and reside in Moore, Oklahoma.

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Tom Cole running for re-election (By Bryan Smith - 6.6.08)

(OK) Republican Congressman Tom Cole made an appearance at the state Capitol to file the required paperwork to seek another term representing congressional District 4.

Cole said he would continue to focus on achieving energy independence, addressing illegal immigration and reducing taxes.

"We are prepared to run a vigorous campaign," said Cole. "We are prepared to work on the issues facing Oklahomans."

There is a lot of work to be done, said Cole, particularly on energy, which is "the single most important issue." Cole said he believes the country need a balanced solution that includes increasing oil supply by drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, increasing nuclear capacity and using clean coal.

"We don't want to put all our eggs in one basket," he said.

The environment is also a priority in making sound decisions related to a "mixed energy policy," Cole said.

Cole said that gas prices would continue to go up due to global demand, even though domestic consumption is down. While the federal Farm Bill passed this year did address energy issues, Cole said that the measure was imperfect; however, it was needed for the country and for Oklahomans.

He voted against the first version of the bill, which Cole said put no restraints on subsidies. Though he voted against the first version, Cole supported the final version after restraints were improved.

"We needed to pass it but make sure it was not excessive," he said.

Moving forward, Cole said he is concerned about taxes.

"We passed two budgets that were higher than Republican budgets," Cole said. "So I am concerned about taxes."

Immigration reform is also a priority. Cole said he believes Congress need to work at securing boarders and creating a legal path for seasonal and temporary workers.

Cole has two opponents for the congressional District 4 seat - Democrat Blake Cummings and Independent David Joyce.