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POLITICS: Thompson campaigning to rein in spending in Congress

By Bryan Smith

Senior Reporter

(POL) As he filed paperwork to make his bid for the highly contested Fifth Congressional District official, state Rep. Mike Thompson said that he is ready to rein in spending in Washington D.C.

Thompson, a Republican from Oklahoma City, said that he and the people of the fifth district are tired of an "arrogant and out-of-control Congress." And, he is ready to push back, he said.

Thompson highlighted his work on recent state legislation allowing Oklahoma voters to decide whether to opt out of recently passed federal health care mandates.

"I want to repeal Obamacare," said Thompson, pointing to SJR 59, also by Sen. Dan Newberry.

The resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting a law from compelling any person, employer or health care provider from participating in any health care system and allowing a person or employer to pay directly for health care services without being required to pay penalties or fines and allowing a health care provider to accept payment for health care services without being required to pay penalties or fines. It prohibits the purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems from being prohibited by law or rule, subject to reasonable and necessary rules that do not substantially limit a person's options.

The measure is slated to be on the ballot this fall.

Thompson has a business degree from Oklahoma City University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma. He currently chairs the House Energy and Utility Regulation Committee.

Thompson will be running in a highly contested race. As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, four other Republicans filed to run for the seat, along with two Democrats and two Independents.

The other Republican candidates include former state Rep. Kevin Calvey, Rick Flanigan, Harry Johnson and James Lankford.

Billy Coyle and Tom Guild have filed for the Democratic nomination, while Clark Duffe and Dave White have filed as Independents.

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Representative Mike Thompson is a family man, public servant and small businessman whose common sense, conservative values and positive energy have made him a rising star in the Oklahoma Legislature.

First elected in 2004 with over sixty-nine percent of the vote, Mike was overwhelmingly reelected in 2006 and 2008. Known for his hard work and expertise in the transportation, business and energy fields, he has emerged as one of the foremost conservative policy experts and pro-business voices in the state House.

Mike currently chairs the crucial House Energy and Utility Regulation Committee, where he oversees state regulation of the industry at the heart of Oklahoma's economy. Mike is also a key member of the General Government and Transportation and Rules Committees. He is part of the House leadership team, serving as Deputy Republican Whip.

Previously, Mike served as Chairman of the powerful Transportation Subcommittee, which oversees the funding and regulation of Oklahoma's transportation infrastructure. Mike worked tirelessly to improve funding and accountability for Oklahoma's deteriorating roads and bridges. In just two years, he developed Oklahoma's first comprehensive transportation plan.

During his tenure in the Legislature, Mike has fought successfully for tax cuts and called for much needed budget reforms. He is the leader in promoting a comprehensive energy policy that calls for renewable energy sources, like wind energy and nuclear power, while also expanding exploration for oil and natural gas reserves here in Oklahoma.

Mike worked his way through college at Oklahoma City University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He later went on to complete his Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

In addition to his service in the legislature, Mike is a successful small businessman, working in residential and commercial real estate. He currently works with Hocker and Associates, a commercial real estate firm which has been the top producing Coldwell Banker office in Oklahoma for the past nine years.

Mike and his wife, Hayley, met in 8th grade and have been married for 9 years. They have two young children, Mitchell and Madelynn, and attend St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City.