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Oklahoma Coalition of Independents Endorses Candidates Supporting Ballot Access Reform For immediate release Nov. 1st, 2006 Contact: David Splinter 405-370-3431 Okies@okies.info The Oklahoma Coalition of Independents (OKIES), a group of Independents and third party members across Oklahoma, advocates open ballot access for third parties. OKIES also seeks to recruit candidates that support greater voter choice. Although members of OKIES have many different views on specific policies, we agree that a government accountable to the people is essential. Oklahoma has the most restrictive ballot access laws in the nation. To recognize a new party 73,000 valid signatures needed to be collected this year. A more reasonable threshold is 5,000 signatures, the number required in Oklahoma from 1924 until 1974. When a new party does officially form, the current law removes that status if their presidential or gubernatorial candidate does not receive 10% of the vote, forcing parties to petition again and again. Due to their strong support of ballot access reform, the Oklahoma Coalition of Independents endorses the following Republican and Democratic candidates: Randy Brogdon (Republican) - Senate 34 (Owasso) Andrew Rice (Democrat) - Senate 46 (Oklahoma City) Jason Murphey (R) - House 31 (Guthrie) Ryan McMullen (D) - House 55 (Burns Flat) Ron Peterson (R) - House 80 (Broken Arrow) Jennifer Seal (D) - House 85 (Oklahoma City) Rae Weese (D) – House 98 (Broken Arrow)  OKIES also endorse the following Independent candidates: Elmer Zen “E.Z.” Million (Independent) – Lt. Governor Matthew R. Jones (I) - House 4 (Tahlequah) Michael Hammer (I) - House 59 (Canton) Bob Batterbee (I) – House 74 (Owasso) JM Branum (Ind./Green) – House 99 (Oklahoma City)

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Oklahoma Coalition of Independents
P.O. Box 950
Norman, OK 73070
Phone: 405-370-3431