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Carlson Says No to Recount

STILLWATER--"This morning I called Cory Williams and congratulated him on his election to House Seat 34. While the election was the closest in the state, I believe in our election system and in our election workers, and I do not believe a recount would change the outcome. I wish to offer my deep appreciation to those who supported me, and I look forward to maintaining those friendships in the future."

Carlson Requests Mailings Stop

STILLWATER--The Carlson for House Campaign and specifically Aaron Carlson requests that all information regarding Cory's arrest record that are part of the public record end immediately. He states that he has contacted the Republican State House Committee and asked for the mailings and automated calls to end. Carlson reiterated the allegations that the distribution of Cory's criminal arrest record was somehow coordinated within my campaign is completely false. Carlson said he is ready to return to the issues of this campaign that are important to the people of Stillwater namely Education, Economic Development, and Health Care for our citizens.

Carlson Did Not Distribute Williams Criminal Record

STILLWATER-- In a statement this morning, Oklahoma House candidate Aaron Carlson said "The Carlson for State House campaign regrets that the Stillwater NewsPress ran a story linking the Carlson campaign with the story on Cory Williams' arrest and assault records. Had I been contacted by the NewsPress before accusations were printed I would have shared with them that starting last July, my campaign received numerous contacts about Mr. Williams' past indiscretions that are part of the public record. My campaign committee and I made the decision not to conduct a negative campaign. I did not approve nor authorize anyone to distribute this information in any form."

Carlson continued, "The claim that the distribution of Cory's criminal record was somehow coordinated within my campaign is completely false. Additionally, the idea that any campaign can control the actions of people in their camp goes against everything I was taught while earning a masters degree at Oklahoma State. If this statement is true, then Mr. Williams needs to explain why my political signs continue to disappear, (as reported by a letter to the editor weeks ago).

I was made aware of the distribution of Mr. Williams' police record on Monday when I was with my accountant working on the upcoming ethics report. I am not surprised that the information has gained interest. This is certainly one of the concerns that potential candidates must consider while they are deciding whether to run for public office. I am very pleased that Cory stated that he has matured in the past few years. However, I think most voters are concerned that four arrests as an adult, including not only the one he discussed but also a later, much more serious one which he did not mention, are pretty important in selecting our leaders."

Your Invitation To Congresswoman Mary Fallin's Reception For Aaron Carlson

You are cordially invited to come and bring your friends to a reception for me hosted by rising national political star Congresswoman Mary Fallin this coming Tuesday, October 7. The event is from 5 to 6:30 pm at Jim Halligan's campaign office in the Old Postal Plaza at 8th and Husband (one block south of the Courthouse).

All are invited to attend this event.

Refreshments will be provided. All contributions are appreciated. For more information please call 372-7252.

NFIB Endorses Aaron Carlson

The National Federatoin of Independent Business SAFE Trust (NFIB) added Aaron Carlson to their list of endorsed candidates for House Seat Seat 34. You can download a PDF of all those endorsed from their site. 2008 NFIB/Oklahoma SAFE Trust Endorsed Candidates PDF. A Text Version is also available on thier site.

They released the following statement:

Small Business Endorsed Aaron Carlson in 34th District House Race

NFIB/Oklahoma Supports Candidate Who Supports Small Business

Oklahoma City, Okla. Sept 20, 2008 - The National Federation of Independent Business, Oklahoma's leading small business association, has endorsed Aaron Carlson in the 34th District House race. The endorsement was made by NFIB/Oklahoma SAFE (Save America's Free Enterprise) Trust, which is comprised exclusively of NFIB members.

"Small business is the cornerstone of Oklahoma's economy, and its vital that we have a Legislature that supports free enterprise," said Benny Vanatta, state director of NFIB/Oklahoma.

"The National Federation of Independent Business is the voice of small business in Oklahoma City, and Aaron Carlson is someone who clearly is listening to what our members have to say," Vanatta said.

Small business owners and their employees vote in large numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends and family members to go to the polls. NFIB has pledged to activate its grassroots network on behalf of the Carlson campaign. NFIB's political support is based on the candidates positions and records on small business issues.

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NFIB is the nations leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. NFIB gives small - and independent - business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activist sends its views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprises system. NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operation and grow their business. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

A copy of the release is available here: NFIB Endorsement PDF

Heritage

Stillwater runs deep in the heritage of my family, spanning a century and five generations. In 1901, my ancestors arrived in Stillwater. Throughout the 20th century, my family returned to Stillwater confirming it was the best place to live and raise a family. My wife, Jennifer, and I are very excited that our first child, Abigail, will be born here and we hope she will carry on the family tradition of attending Oklahoma State University.

When deciding to run for the Oklahoma House as the Stillwater District 34 Representative, my entire family was thrilled with the prospect of continuing a long line of service to others in a way that would directly impact the community we have all come to appreciate.

For me, my commitment to the citizens of Stillwater is more than a job, it is a way to enhance and pass on to others the positive opportunities that my sisters, parents, and the many before them received from this community.

I hope you will study the qualifications and experience of the candidates and our views on the issues. I am asking for and appreciate your support. Most of all, exercise your right and responsibility in our free country and vote on November 4.

Thank you for your consideration and your vote.

Aaron Carlson to file for State House Seat 34

Aaron Carlson is seeking the Oklahoma State House seat 34, which is being vacated by Terry Ingmire. Carlson is a 30 year resident of Stillwater, holds a masters degree from Oklahoma State University in political science and has work experience with the U.S. legislature in Washington D.C.

Carlson first announced his intentions to seek the seat in July 2007 and will be filing for seat 34 on Monday, June 2, the first day candidates can file in Oklahoma. Carlson stated that his campaign will continue to focus on the important issues to the people of Stillwater. He cited economic development, education and health care as Stillwater's major issues of concern.

Carlson Exceeds Fundraising Goal

STILLWATER- The Carlson for House Committee released its fundraising data ahead of the Oct. 31 State Ethics required deadline. Aaron Carlson reported that donations to his campaign were more than $15,000 during the past quarter.

"When I chose to run for House Seat 34, I knew fundraising would be a strenuous and time consuming task," Carlson said. "I am very humbled by the financial support I have received from the people of Stillwater."

The donations have come from local citizens of both political parties and other aspects of the business community. The campaign treasurer is working through the rigorous efforts mandated by the Ethics Commission to report details of the donations received. Most of the donations have been received from people who primarily live and work in Stillwater.

The campaign's treasurer reported an approximate $11,000 cash on hand for the race and projected that fundraising efforts will continue to be strong in the next quarter. There is more pledged, and the campaign hopes to have this money in hand by the end of the year.

"During the past few days we have continued to receive checks that did not make it in before the third quarter deadline," Carlson said. "These donations will be reported in the end of the year report, but it makes me feel good that people are keeping their commitments of assistance with my campaign.""

Carlson announced in July that he would seek the seat of Rep. Terry Ingmire who is unable to seek reelection due to term limits. Carlson was raised in Stillwater, and currently teaches American government and history at the Stillwater campus of Northern Oklahoma College.

Aaron Carlson is your candidate for State Representative

Representing the people of Stillwater at the State Capitol is my highest priority. We need to improve funding for education, bring better jobs to Oklahoma, and use common sense when passing laws.