Many Oklahoma voters know by now that Tim Downing (R), District 42 (Garvin and McClain County) Representative - decided to step down from his seat and not run again this year. After only one year and nine months "on the job" - Mr. Downing announced he had "had enough" of what he called one of the most challenging terms in our state's history. He went on to lament that his term in office was filled with many serious challenges, intense policy battles, and included year-round special sessions and stated "I took more votes on tax proposals in one term than most historic members would have taken in decades of service." Tim goes on: "I will be leaving this term counting each (Senate and House) member a dear friend and colleague. ... as we have watched the fracturing of our state from 'people' choosing to attack instead of befriend those that disagree with them."
While I don't believe Mr. Downing resigned his seat for the same reasons many friends did - felony convictions and/or moral turptitude allegations, he does provide a hint of the reasons in his "farewell letter". At this point, I believe it's fair to say that Mr. Downing had the support of many teachers and even the State Superintendent of Schools, Joy Hofmeister - and was provided a "Golden Apple" by one public school facebook group (as a sign that he truly supports teachers and public school students). He had the support of just about every group imaginable, from (questionable) public school supporters.. to teachers.. to conservatives.. to liberals.. to corporate interests and dark money - so why did he resign after only one term in office?
The job of being a state representative was evidently much more difficult that he thought it would be, and much harder work was involved for the meager pay. (He only received an annual salary of approximately $60,000 for "serving" his constituents.) Mr. Downing also collected almost $150,000 from mostly corporate support for his campaign account, and around $40,000 in "dark money" support - of which he retained around $100,000 after resigning. Some people may question his assertion that the job was just "too difficult" for the money.
Another reason for his early resignation may be because he felt "attacked" by some people, just for doing his job. The "attackers" he referred to are purposely vague and still unknown, but may have forced his resignation - however, they could have been:
1) Teachers - Documents provide evidence that many teachers and public school officials supported Mr. Downing (both financially and verbally) when he campaigned for the seat in 2015 and 2016. These same teachers may have felt betrayed by Downing's multiple "No Votes" for teacher salary increases during his short term. Many attempted to "visit" him at the capitol during the "teacher walk-out" in order to question his motives behind his "no teacher support" votes - but most didn't see him. A few did, however, and Mr. Downing may have felt "attacked" by their questions - so decided to resign.
2) Former Math Teachers - Mr. Downing's former high school math teachers may have reason to attack him - since he wholly embarrassed them during the last session. He, along with many of his corporate conspirators, exhibited virtually no math skills in attempting to balance the state budget this year. It's no small wonder Tim felt that his term was filled with many serious challenges (math homework)... and took more votes (story problems) on tax proposals in one term than most historic members would have taken in decades of service.
2) School Superintendents (bureaucrats) - In 2016, prior to the June elections, Tim Downing was asked "Do you think our public schools are top-heavy?" His answer was "Yes, as an example - the superintendents in McClain and Garvin County all earn $xxx" (indicating excessive expenditures). Mr. Downing may believe his answer rankled some school superintendents, but none called it to his attention - as it was only political rhetoric. The fact is that Mr. Downing knows public schools are not top-heavy, as superintendent expenditures (salaries) only average about 1% of all school expenditures. It is very unlikely that a school bureaucrat attacked Mr. Downing, although he may believe so.
3) Corporate and Dark Money groups - Several corporate and dark money groups may also have reason to attack Tim, as they may believe they didn't get their money's worth for investing in his campaign. Tim Downing, remember, ended his reign early, not spending over $100,000 in corporate support. He may have sent their contributions back, however, averting a possible attack. Then again, no, not likely.
4) County Road officials and County residents - Those County Commissioners and County road residents may have reason to attack Mr. Downing, as he and his predecessor continually voted to transfer $236 million from the county road improvement fund.. to the state. These acts have left our rural county roads and bridges in shambles, and many people are upset.
5) Conservative groups - Several conservative groups have reason to be upset with Mr. Downing, as he campaigned - masquerading as a "conservative", but has proven time and time again to be in favor of corporate welfare and is in reality.. a "corporatist".
6) The Lost Ogle - While Tim Downing knows The Lost Ogle did not attack him, he may want his constituents to believe it did. (The Lost Ogle takes a satirical view of the stupid actions many lawmakers take.) Many legislators resent The Lost Ogle's poking fun at them, but many others believe any publicity is better than no publicity, so Mr. Downing may want his constituents to believe the attacker was The Lost Ogle.
A review of the list of possible attackers and motives reveals that it could have been many that actually attacked Mr. Downing, and provided reason for his early resignation... mybackpagewithjimbeckhamblog.blogspot.com/2018/06/house-district-42-candidate-analysis.html
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