Dustin McGowen, former candidate for House District 54, released this statement last night on his ill fated run against Rep. Paul Wesselhoft. The popular Wesselhoft is founder of the annual “Skunk Master Award” for legislation which best “exhibits the pugnacious, stagnant smell of governmental greed.”

It’s considered anathema to run against an incumbent if he or she is of the same political affiliation. I got calls from party leaders and legislators trying to bully me into withdrawing my candidacy. I’m sure they figured I was some punk kid, just running to see his name on the ballot. My campaign showed, however, both to the Oklahoma Republican Party and to my community, is that I am serious about honest and capable representation at the State Capitol.

While this campaign allowed me to get my feet wet, I am not just a ripple in the pond.

I ran a smart campaign that stuck to the issues of fiscal conservatism and family values. I also tried to reveal a possible conflict of interest with Rep. Wesselhoft’s concurrent position in a tribal government, even though I was called an “anti-Indian” polemic for doing so. I showed voters my opponent’s record of misguided legislation, and told them where I would stand if elected.

I’m glad to have run this campaign. If for nothing else, I know that Rep. Wesselhoft will be mindful that he can be challenged in the future. Forcing incumbents into a campaign keeps them honest, and keeps them in contact with their constituency.

This will not be my last political campaign. I’m going to spend some time with my family, finish my undergraduate degree at Northeastern State University and gauge my options. I’ve dreamed for the last decade about representing a constituency, and this setback will not dash my hopes. Now that I know how to lose – winning comes next.”