Full Name:
Paul Blair
Gender:
Male
Family:
Wife: Cindy; 2 Children: Joshua, Jacob
Birth Date:
03/08/1963
Birth Place:
Edmond, OK
Home City:
Edmond, OK
Religion:
Born Again Christian
Attended, Business Finance, Oklahoma State University
Precinct Chairman, Oklahoma County Republican Party
Candidate, Oklahoma State Senate, District 41, 2012
No caucus information on file.
Owner/President, Blair Vending and Coffee, 1987-present
Former Professional Football Player, National Football League
President, Reclaiming America for Christ, 2009-present
Founder/Chairman, Reclaiming Oklahoma for Christ, 2006-present
Senior Pastor, Fairview Baptist Church, 2001-present
Founder, Protect Life and Marriage OK, present
Member, Jim Thorpe Foundation Executive Council
Former Coach, Little League Baseball
Former Coach, Little League Football
Member, Mens Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Charter President, Summit Sunrise Ambucs
Volunteer Offensive Line Coach, Christian Heritage Academy, 2007-2010
Board Member, Twin Hills Golf and Country Club, 2004-2009
Board Member, Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2003-2008
Board Member, Edmond Chamber of Commerce, 2003-2006
Member, Edmond Central Rotary, 1999-2005
Member, Edmond Young Men's Christian Association Advisory Board, 2000-2005
Volunteer Strength Coach, Oklahoma Christian School, 2005
Campaign Chair, Edmond Young Men's Christian Association Annual Fundraising Drive, 1999-2000
President, Retired National Football League Players Association of Oklahoma, 1992-1997
Volunteer Coach, Edmond State Special Olympics team, 1987
Awards:
James Caldwell Award, Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, 2013
Daniel Award, National Pastor of the Year, Vision America, 2011
Pastor of the Year, State of Oklahoma, Bott Radio Network, 2008
American Citizen Award, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1987
Lake County Community Action Award, 1986
Northern Illinois Pizza Hut Community Service Award, 1986
Father's Name:
Bill
Father's Occupation:
Architect, Deacon at First Baptist Church in Edmond, Founding Family - Henderson Hills Baptist
Mother's Name:
Bernice
Reason for Seeking Public Office:
For some, being elected to office is the summit of their worldly accomplishments. At first, I didn't want to run for office. As many of you know, I ran four years ago for this office and the political interests at the capitol spent a great deal of money attempting to impugn my reputation. It wasn't pleasant for me or my family as you can imagine. I learned a lot through that process and I can say that I am a better man because of it.
Today we face real challenges as a state and nation. Washington continues to manipulate our lives and attempts to use it's self pronounced authority to regulate us into submission. Sadly, many of the political forces that work within our state have gratefully given our constitutionally protected rights away for the promise of federal tax dollars and political favors. We can do better.
When I was first asked to run again I will admit that I was reluctant. However, many friends and trusted allies continued to encourage me to run after seeing a continual lack of conservative leadership at the state capitol. After much prayer and consideration, Cindy and I have decided to run for the republican nomination for Oklahoma Senate District 41.
My campaign is built on 4 simple principles, all of which are rooted in conservatism.
1. Protect Individual Liberty
The fundamental rights to life, speech, property, and religious expression, are built on the cornerstone of individual liberty. As I have for decades, I will be a consistent voice for the power of the individual to live their lives without government interference. I will not bend to political pressure but will be a voice you can trust in the legislature.
2. Protect the Constitution
There are politicians that throw around words like "constitutional conservative" in an effort to get elected. But what does that mean? I believe that the constitution was meant to be read as it was originally written. With certain, defined powers, delegated to the federal government, and all other authority resting on the states. For some this is a scary thought because it means that we must govern ourselves, not rely on an endless supply of money from Washington. If we are true to what we say we believe as conservatives, we will embrace our true authority as a state not relinquish that authority and enslave ourselves to a federal government that has proven time and again that it can not solve problems. I will be an unwavering voice for the people of Oklahoma and will always stand on the side of our state.
3. Fiscal Discipline
As a small business owner I understand what it means to be fiscally disciplined. I have had to sign both sides of a paycheck and waited to cash it until everyone else is taken care of. Currently, 53 cents of every dollar we spend as a state comes from Washington DC. We spend more now on public services than at any point in our state's history. I believe that the only way we will see real growth in our state economy, is if we have true fiscal conservative policy that reigns in corporate welfare and does not spend more than we take in. I will be a common sense voice for the budget and for cutting waste and abuse in our state budget.
4. Diversifying the Oklahoma Economy and Embracing the Free Market
The current state budget shortfall underscores the need for a more diverse Oklahoma economy. Currently, oil and gas makes up 3.2% of all businesses in our state but is the highest contributor of tax revenue at nearly 22% according to the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce. Because of the decline in oil prices we now face a $1.3 billion shortfall in our state budget.
While agriculture and energy will always be staples in Oklahoma, the present budget situation further shows the need to diversify our economy so that we are able to sustain the volatility of energy prices. As a small business owner I understand the challenges businesses face and will be a strong voice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. I fight to defend Oklahoma businesses from out of control federal regulations that are crippling our economy.
I fundamentally believe that conservative principles work and that there is no limit to what we can accomplish if we get government out of our lives. Please join me and my supporters as we embrace the power of individual liberty.