For Immediate Release
August 3, 2006
Contact: Lisa Pryor
405.427.3366
chair@okdemocrats.org

Senator Riley Joins Democratic Caucus

"Senator Nancy Riley's decision to leave the Republican Party is yet another indication of the growing dissatisfaction with the failed policies and leadership of the Republicans from the White House to the Oklahoma State House. Their extreme right wing agenda is increasingly out of step with regular Oklahomans. Right wing Republic politicians are proving time and time again they cannot be trusted to govern," said Lisa Pryor, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman.

Two years ago, the people of Tulsa gave Senator Riley 66% of the vote as she won re-election. Last week she surprised political observers with an unexpectedly strong showing by getting more that 23% of the vote sin the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor. Clearly, her message of promoting Oklahoma and providing positive leadership resonated with Oklahoma voters.

As a young, widowed mother with two small children, Nancy Riley saw first-hand how good government can lift people up and give them a chance to succeed. And, as a teacher for thirteen years, she recognized the value of a good education. As a Democratic State Senator we believe Nancy Riley will be a strong advocate for the core Democratic principals of community, accountability, responsibility and equality.

The Democratic Party is truly the party of the people. Democrats can be trusted to provide strong, steady, honest leadership and competent, effective government that works for all Oklahomans, not just the privileged few.

"On behalf of the Oklahoma Democratic Party I welcome Senator Riley to the Democratic family. We applaud Senator Riley for showing the courage to voice her convictions and urge other Republicans to join her in switching to the Democratic Party," Pryor said.

Republicans who have had enough of extremist right wing politics and no longer feel that the Republican Party speaks for them can officially change their registration from September 1 to October 13. Voter registration applications may be submitted at any time. However, valid application must be received at a motor license agency or a designated voter registration agency, or postmarked (if submitted by mail), more that 24 days prior to an election in order for the applicant to participate in that election.