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POLITICS: Edmonds to fight for limited government, reduced spending in Congress

By Bryan Smith

Senior Reporter

(POL) Daniel Edmonds, one of a handful of Republicans seeking to oust incumbent Democratic Congressman Dan Boren from the Second Congressional District, said he wants to fight for the return of limited government.

Edmonds, a fourth generation Oklahoman from Morris, said he wants to return the federal government back to a limited role, protect the sanctity of life and protect the Constitution.

Compelled to run after he felt the call and saw the effects of a liberally run Congress, Edmonds said the federal government has a very specific role.

"First and foremost, the responsibility of the federal government is to protect life," he said. "Once it accomplishes that task, the Constitution enumerates 18 powers for Congress. Everything else should be left to the states."

Edmonds said that he would not support the current leadership in Congress, as Boren, D-Muskogee, has done. Nor would he support bailouts.

"We don't believe the government has answers," he said. "The private sector does."

Edmonds grew up on his family's farm in Okmulgee County and is the fourth of 12 children. He has spent his entire life in agriculture, only putting pursuit of a doctorate in soil sciences at Oklahoma State University on hold in order to run for Congress.

Edmonds also said that he has traveled internationally as an agriculture expert and served in agricultural policy internship positions for Congressman Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne, and the state Legislature.

"I have seen how it works and have seen into the life of a U.S. representative," he said. "That gives me a unique perspective."

Edmonds faces four primary opponents, Daniel Arnett, Miki Booth, Howard Houchen and Charles Thompson.

No Democrats have filed to challenge Boren in the primary.

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Daniel Edmonds, born the fourth of twelve children, and raised on the family's farming/ranching operation knows the importance of dedication, dependability, and discipline. As the seventh generation of Edmonds (sixth generation maternal) to live and work in what is now Oklahoma's 2nd U.S. Congressional District, Daniel was raised with traditional conservative values. Having been taught conservative values at home, Daniel further honed his values through the FFA Organization while in high school. After graduation from Morris High School as Salutatorian, Daniel attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where he pursued a bachelor's of science in plant and soil sciences. While completing studies, Daniel took a semester from his studies to serve as the Agricultural Legislative intern at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Having his interest in government heightened, Daniel then traveled to Washington, D.C., where he served as the Agricultural Policy intern under Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R, OK-3). While in Washington, Daniel learned a great deal about the internal, day-to-day operations of a U.S. Congressional office.

After the two legislative internship experiences, Daniel returned to Oklahoma State University to complete his bachelor's degree. With an interest to continue learning, Daniel stayed at OSU to pursue a master's degree in plant and soil sciences. While working on master's studies, Daniel had the opportunity to travel to Zimbabwe and Uzbekistan, presenting research and knowledge learned here in Oklahoma to farmers, ranchers, government officials, and scientists. Daniel also received the Phoenix Award, Oklahoma State University's Outstanding Master's student award.

After completion of a master's degree in plant and soil sciences, Daniel furthered his education by pursuing a doctoral degree in soil science. While working towards completion of this degree, Daniel has traveled to Russia and Mexico. In all, Daniel has traveled to nine countries on five continents to represent OSU and Oklahoma in presenting agricultural methodologies to the third world. Daniel's research efforts at OSU have included mid-season nitrogen fertilization recommendations and approaches using GreenSeeker sensor technology for various crops such as corn, wheat, cotton, soybeans, and milo. Daniel is currently working towards completion of his doctoral degree. While pursing advanced degrees at Oklahoma State University, Daniel has worked as a Graduate Research Assistant, a Senior Agriculturalist, and as a Research Fellow.

In addition to his duties at Oklahoma State University, Daniel also works on the family's farming/ranching operation near Morris, Oklahoma. Daniel also aids local farmers on their operations as well. He serves as the Pre-Kindergarten Sunday school teacher and editor/publisher of his church's weekly bulletin at Gospel Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church in Henryetta, Oklahoma, where he is also a member.

Daniel is also a member of the National Rifles Association (NRA) and a lifetime member of the Gun Owners of America (GOA). Other organizations of which Daniel is a member: American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA).

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Edmonds leads Republican pack in District 2 congressional race

From Daniel Edmonds

(OK) Daniel Edmonds, Republican candidate for Oklahoma's Second Congressional District offers the best chance for Republicans to defeat current Democrat Congressman Dan Boren, according to Public Policy Polling, a national political polling firm.

Results of the recently released poll show Daniel Edmonds as the leading Republican candidate and the best candidate to run against incumbent Boren. Edmonds received a significantly higher vote percentage than any of the other Republican candidates. He also kept Boren's vote percentage substantially under 50% which was the lowest in the poll. Daniel Edmonds is leading the way with the highest name recognition of the Republican candidates as well.

"Our message of liberty, limited government, respect for the Constitution, respect for life, and personal responsibility resonates with individuals who care about our country, our heritage, and our legacy," Edmonds said. "We are excited about the support our campaign is receiving as I believe I have the education and background to best represent District 2 Oklahomans in Washington."

"The Republican primary election will be held July 27 and we are working to meet with as many constituents as possible. We are pleased with the results at this point in the campaign, but winning the primary in July and ultimately the general election in the voting booth is our goal. Over the next few months, we will be working hard to tell the Second District who I am and where I stand on the issues pertinent to our district and our country."

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EDMONDS PLEDGES TO WORK TO REPEAL HEALTHCARE VOTE

MORRIS, OK - Daniel Edmonds, leading Republican candidate for Oklahoma's Second Congressional District, pledges to work to repeal the healthcare legislation recently passed in the U.S. House. Edmonds has indicated that, if elected, he will author or sponsor legislation to repeal ObamaCare.

"Our current Congressman didn't vote for ObamaCare, for which I commend him," Edmonds said. "However, I challenge him to author or sponsor legislation to repeal it. The majority of Oklahoma does not want this government healthcare so we need a representative who will take measures to repeal the current legislation. I don't believe our Congressman will initiate or support a repeal because of his support of Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House - support he's shown in casting three votes in favor of her leadership."

"If given the honor to serve my fellow Oklahomans in Washington, I will author or sponsor legislation to repeal ObamaCare. This legislation is wrong for America and a vast majority did not want this legislation to pass. We will work to repeal it and instead offer real solutions of availability, tort reform, and lower costs."

To learn more about Daniel Edmonds and his current campaign for Oklahoma's U.S. Congressional District 2 Seat, visit http://danieledmonds.org. Edmonds is the leading Republican in a contested primary. The primary election will be held July 27. The general election will be held November 2.