As some of you may be aware, I've posted a couple of diaries here about my race for the Oklahoma Legislature, where I'm challenging incumbent Rep. Sally Kern in Oklahoma House District 84.
Earlier this week, I sent Rep. Kern a letter to outline the kind of race I plan to run, and why I'm challenging her for the seat. Rep. Kern is best known for outrageous comments that have put Oklahoma in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. (She is the legislator who once said that gays are a bigger threat to our country than terrorists, and pushed a proclamation that claimed our economic downturn was the result of gays, abortions, and a general lack of morals).
My letter to Rep. Kern is below the fold...
*Update* Brittany was featured on the front page of Advocate.com today:
http://www.advocate.com/...
Rep. Sally Kern
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 332
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Re: Our Race to Represent House District 84 – An Open Letter
Dear Rep. Kern:
I’d like to introduce myself to you. We have only been in the same room briefly, when some fellow Young Democrats and I decided to meet at the Capitol on July 2, 2009. And we’ve both been interviewed at various times relating to our race for the legislature. I’m writing today to let you know how I intend to run this race, and to explain why I decided to challenge you for this seat in the legislature.
First, as much as we may disagree about policy or the role of government in the lives of individual Oklahomans, I will not be personally attacking you or your family. I urge my supporters to avoid personal attacks as well. I firmly believe that we can disagree without being disagreeable. Also, as a candidate myself, I feel a new sense of respect for any individual who is confident enough to put themselves on the line to run for a public office. It truly is a public service, and candidates deserve a certain level of personal respect.
With that said, there is no doubt that political races require the candidates to highlight differences. Where we have differences in policy, how we view the future, or how we view the role of government in the lives of individual Oklahomans, you can continue to expect to hear about those things from my campaign.
Next, there are a number of reasons that I decided to challenge you for this seat. It would be folly for me to deny that one of those reasons happens to be that I want to have the job of representing my fellow Oklahomans in the legislature. It’s true. I’m an ambitious person, I’m a confident person, and I’m very passionate about legal and political issues. I want the job of representing Oklahomans and defending the Oklahoma Constitution in our legislature.
The other reason that I decided to challenge you for this seat in the legislature, is that fellow Oklahomans who knew that I’m an ambitious, confident, and passionate person suggested to me that I challenge you. There are many Oklahomans who say they are embarrassed by your words and deeds as a state legislator, and The Journal Record has even devoted an entire editorial admonishing you for your behavior. The editorial opined that your behavior was “damaging [Oklahoma’s] credibility and…inhibiting our state’s ability to conduct business.” The editorial went on to plead, “for the good of our state, you must stop embarrassing us.”
I think most Oklahomans expect their elected officials to conduct themselves professionally, encouraging a sense of community and taking the economic development of Oklahoma seriously. Your record stands in contrast to these expectations. In your nearly six years in the legislature, statements you’ve made and positions you’ve taken on issues have encouraged division instead of unity and pushed new business away from Oklahoma. People are ready for a change.
I believe the people in House District 84 want someone who shares their values of community and personal responsibility and their vision of building a brighter future for our state with jobs, education, and transportation. And I feel that I’m up for that job.
A campaign really is just an extended job interview, and the voters are the boss. Therefore, I’m asking you to agree to a couple of town hall meetings where voters can ask us questions and decide who they believe will do the best job representing them. I hope this is something that interests you. If so, or if any community group is interested in organizing such an event, please contact my campaign.
I look forward to a vigorous debate with you and your campaign through Election Day on November 2.
Regards,
Brittany M. Novotny
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A gentle reminder to my gentle readers:
We cannot win this campaign without your help. Please consider making a contribution to the campaign. I still have to keep a day job, helping clients with employment discrimination cases and other legal matters, as well as running a campaign. The less time I have to spend calling donors, the more time I can spend meeting voters and highlighting why I am ready to represent the values and vision of the people of my district. You can contribute at www.brittany4hd84.com!
Thanks for your support!