Pruitt Out Of Senate Race, Focusing On AG Post

Statement from General Scott Pruitt in Response to Senator Tom Coburn’s Early Retirement

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt issued the following statement today in response to Senator Coburn’s announcement:

“I continue to offer my earnest prayers for Dr. Coburn and his family. It is my hope they experience the nearness of friends and continue to draw strength from their faith during this time of transition. As I have pondered whether to seek the Republican nomination to replace Dr. Coburn in the U.S. Senate, the pressure has been to take advantage of the “political opportunity” that is before me. There are many challenges that we face as a nation, and with the right kind of leadership in Washington, D.C., hopefully we can experience a different trajectory. I believe I could lead with conviction and civility at a time when both are lacking in Washington, helping restore the people’s confidence in our elected leaders that is lacking today.

Oklahomans are concerned with what they see in Washington currently. The president and his administration have demonstrated a desire to expand federal authority; and the situation is unlikely to improve soon. Oklahomans elected me Attorney General to fight to restore the proper balance between the federal and state government, and I have. From the very first day I held elected office, I had one vision in mind: to fight for the principles and ideals of our nation’s founding. Our nation is at a tipping point. The balance of power has tilted too far in favor of the federal government. Serving as Oklahoma’s Attorney General has put me in the center of that very fight. It has provided me an opportunity few others have to hold Washington accountable, to fight for the rule of law and the preservation of our constitutional system. Our ongoing legal challenges involving the Affordable Care Act, the EPA, Dodd-Frank, and others, may very well soon end up before the U.S. Supreme Court. These cases will have a great impact on the way the federal government relates to the states and our individual liberty.

Perhaps there will be a day in the future when the need for my service and leadership shifts elsewhere. Then, it will be time to alter my focus but that time is not now. Today, Oklahoma is leading the way, and I have been given the honor of charging the hill on behalf of Oklahomans, to ensure adherence to the Constitution and respect for the rule of law. Though sometimes it appears an opportunity is the “next step,” it is not always and we must weigh where we could make the most difference. At present, my choice is clear: it is serving as Oklahoma’s Attorney General, where I can continue to lead the fight for the preservation of our freedoms and constitutional system. To all that encouraged me and prayed with me about this decision, thank you. Now, let’s get to work!”

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