Former officeholders and prominent Oklahoma political figures continue lining up behind Cindy Byrd as a Stitt-linked PAC launches an independent campaign to boost Treasurer Todd Russ ahead of next week’s Republican primary.
OKLAHOMA CITY – As Oklahoma’s Republican primary for state treasurer enters its final days, new campaign finance reports show State Auditor Cindy Byrd drawing financial support from former state treasurers and other prominent Oklahoma political figures while incumbent Treasurer Todd Russ receives outside help from a political action committee linked to Gov. Kevin Stitt.
The race took shape during the filing period when Byrd, who is term-limited as state auditor, abandoned a bid for lieutenant governor and instead entered the contest for state treasurer, challenging Russ’ reelection campaign.
The latest filings arrive after weeks of scrutiny surrounding Russ’ role in a disputed state investment contract, questions involving a Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust investment advisory agreement, reporting on campaign donations tied to state investment decisions and recent questions about his use of a state vehicle.
Byrd’s pre-primary report showed the campaign received $22,085 in individual contributions during the reporting period and reported $179,038 cash on hand entering the final week before the June 16 Republican primary. The campaign also received $2,500 from the Oklahoma City Firefighters Association PAC. Byrd’s cash advantage was aided by the transfer of $202,405 from her previous lieutenant governor campaign committee.
Among Byrd’s contributors were former State Treasurer Scott Meacham, who donated $1,000, and former State Treasurer Ken Miller, who contributed $500. Miller and Meacham also hosted a fundraiser at Miller’s home for Byrd during the campaign. Both men publicly endorsed Byrd last month in a rare rebuke of a sitting treasurer from former holders of the office.
Former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy contributed $1,000, while former Congressman Dan Boren, now Secretary of Commerce for the Chickasaw Nation, also gave $1,000 to Byrd’s campaign. Former Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas contributed $500.
The donor list reflects continued support for Byrd from former officeholders, banking executives, business leaders and longtime Republican activists as she seeks to unseat a fellow statewide Republican officeholder.
Russ, meanwhile, reported stronger fundraising activity during the reporting period.
His pre-primary filing showed the campaign raised $106,800 between April 1 and June 1, including $88,800 from individual donors and $18,000 from political action committees. Russ reported $94,621 cash on hand at the close of the reporting period.
Outside spending has also entered the race.
According to campaign finance filings, Tulsa-based political action committee 46 Action spent $12,000 on a text messaging campaign supporting Russ in the final days before the election. The same PAC reported spending $100,000 to support lieutenant governor candidate David Ostrowe, a Stitt ally and appointee.
The spending marks the first significant outside expenditure reported in the treasurer’s race and comes as the campaign enters its final week before voters begin casting ballots.
Russ has spent much of the campaign defending his handling of the state’s Invest in Oklahoma program and related investment decisions. Byrd and Attorney General Gentner Drummond have both questioned aspects of the investment advisory contract process, while other stories have focused on campaign donations connected to firms seeking state business and records related to Russ’ use of a state vehicle.
While Russ demonstrated an ability to continue raising money despite the controversies, Byrd’s latest filing shows several prominent former officeholders continuing to put both their names and financial support behind her campaign.
Early voting begins Thursday ahead of the June 16 Republican primary.
