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Prepare for GOP fallout. |
From The Muskogee Politico:
On Tuesday, Gerhart and the OCA was dealt yet another big blow when Tulsa metro-based OKforTea, perhaps Oklahoma's largest and most active Tea Party group, notified Gerhart of their immediate withdrawal from the Oklahoma Constitutional Alliance. Their email, signed by each of OKforTea's organizers, stated "Though OKforTEA has enjoyed being a member of the OCA and though we understand and appreciate its mission, we must withdraw from membership as of March 15, 2011. Please remove the name of our organization from the list of members and any printed materials or websites, immediately."From The McCarville Report:
Six Republican House members have been singled out for threats by the Sooner Tea Party's Al Gerhart for remarks made in the privacy of their Caucus, leading some to conclude that the collegiality of the Caucus is being violated.The Tea Party movement as a whole was largely responsible for the amazing victories experienced by Republicans across the nation in both state elections as well as federal elections. Al Gerhart, the exceedingly controversial figure who once called out Gary Jones (former GOP Chair and newly elected State Auditor), has been both a motivator and a hindrance to conservative movement in Oklahoma and it looks like he has laser-guided missiles directed at him.
The realization that Gerhart has "inside" information from the Caucus has some members looking over their shoulders and others ready to quit going to Caucus meetings, it appears.
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Speaker Kris Steele |
In many ways, it's as though the GOP is attempting to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. It didn't take very long for Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kris Steele to show where his loyalties lie - his pastor invoking some of the most bizarre and questionable imagery during his first official prayer before the House, then his move to the center and incessant attacks on House Conservatives like Mike Reynolds and Randy Terrill. There is talk around town that conservatives in the House who have heretofore been silent are seriously considering a move against the Speaker and his choice for a replacement already (Steele is term-limited).
Al Gerhart doesn't strike many as the type of guy who will back down from a fight and this one looks to be a bloody, 12-round caged death match.
Bring your popcorn and earplugs.