For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2009

– RUSS IS 20TH REPUBLICAN TO WIN SPECIAL ELECTION SINCE NOV. ’08 –

ALEXANDRIA, VA – In an overwhelmingly Democratic district, small businessman Todd Russ made Republican history with his special election win for the open 55th District seat for the Oklahoma House.  Russ’ special election victory tonight is the 20th win for Republicans in state legislative special elections across the country since November 2008.  His win increases the Republican majority in the House to the highest number in Oklahoma history.  With Russ’ election, Republicans have now gained six seats previously held by Democrats in state legislative contests across the country during this time.

The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC), the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, congratulated Russ for his win – adding a strong voice for commonsense, conservative principles in the House.“What an exciting night for Republicans in Oklahoma with the election of Todd Russ to the state House of Representatives.  His victory in this overwhelmingly Democratic district sends a clear message that individuals want the ability to determine their own destiny by electing state leaders who understand the importance of a limited government,” said Republican State Leadership Committee President Scott Ward.  “During these challenging economic times, Todd will get to work with his colleagues in the Oklahoma House to ensure that elected leaders help create an environment where the economy can grow and individuals prosper.”The RSLC implemented a new media strategy focusing on the special elections in state legislatures across the country – including Oklahoma – to heighten the awareness of the importance of winning these seats.  In addition to Russ’ success tonight, Republicans have won nineteen other special elections for the state legislature since November, including: Tom Kovach from the 6th District of the Del. House, which includes Vice President Joe Biden’s hometown; Joan Huffman came from behind to win in a run-off election for the Texas Senate; Marilinda Garcia in the 4th House District of N.H.; Rosa Rebimbas from the 70th House District of Conn.; and Barry Knight from the 81st House District of Va. in the backyard of DNC Chairman Governor Tim Kaine.The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) is the only national organization whose mission is electing Republicans to the office of Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State and State Legislator. The RSLC is the largest caucus of Republican state leaders in the country – making a national impact one state at a time.  During the 2008 election the RSLC helped maintain the number of Republican Attorneys General and Lieutenant Governors across the U.S. In addition, the RSLC was able to deliver new Republican majorities in the Montana, Oklahoma and Tennessee state senates, as well as an unprecedented majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives.The RSLC has over 75,000 donors from all 50 states supporting the RSLC’s goals to pursue a pro-growth agenda, including reforming the tax code, healthcare and legal systems; promoting a better educational system; encouraging sound energy initiatives; and advocating public safety through tough, crime-fighting policies.