James Lankford (R-Okla.)
U.S. Representative (since January 2011)
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(Official Photo)
Lankford is a newcomer to politics. A longtime director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp, the largest Christian camp in the U.S., Lankford decided to get involved in politics in order to reconnect Washington, D.C., with the interests and needs of ordinary Americans.
In 2010, Lankford won in Oklahoma's 5th district, which covers large parts of Oklahoma City, such as Edmond, and replaced Rep. Mary Fallin (R), who mounted a gubernatorial campaign.
- Career History: Director, Falls Creek Youth Camp (1996-2009)
- Birthday: March 4, 1968
- Hometown: Edmond, Okla.
- Alma Mater: University of Texas (B.S., 1990), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminar (M.Div., 1994)
- Spouse: Cindy
- Religion: Baptist
- Committees: House Oversight and Government Reform (chair, subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and Procurement Reform); House Budget ; House Transportation and Infrastructure
In 2010, Lankford is a newcomer to politics, a fact that was an important cornerstone of his campaign both in the primary and in the general election.
Despite not having any previous political experience, Lankford is well-known in Oklahoma due to his many years as the head of the largest Christian youth camp in the U.S. During his time as director of the camp, Falls Creek experienced the biggest growth in membership in its history, and Lankford was responsible for services provided to over 51,000 in 2009 alone. Lankford drew on the support from this base as a key to his success in the GOP primary.
During his 2010 campaign, Lankford's issue positions were centered around two overarching principles: limited government involvement, including government spending, and conservative family values.
Fiscal Issues
The key theme of Lankford's 2010 House campaign was his promise to fight government spending. Linking government spending to the size of government, Lankford stated that "our national debt will not recover until we cut the size and scope of the federal government and free up American business". He supports lower taxes and free-market solutions to economic challenges.
Despite his status as an outsider to politics, Lankford received endorsements in 2010 from several notable national and state political figures, including former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee, ex-Rep. J.C. Watts (R-Okla.) and former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys.
He was also supported during his campaign by the Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele.
- Alex Isenstadt, "Oklahoma Republicans target Christian voters", Politico.com, August 10, 2010
- Families for James Lankford, Health Care.
- Peter Hamby, "Steele's bus tour draws crowds, but also critics", CNN Political Ticker, September 24, 2010.
- Families for Lankford, Family.
- Project Vote Smart, Profile James Lankford.
- Sherman, Jake and Jonathan Allen, Politico, "Freshmen win subcommittee gavels," January 18, 2011
- Alex Isenstadt, "Oklahoma Republicans target Christian voters", Politico.com, August 10, 2010.
- Families for James Lankford, Spending.
- Melissa Foy and Kelly Marose, "Meet the Fifth Congressional District Candidates", Routes, October 6, 2010.
- 2010 Elections: James Lankford, News9.com
- Chris Casteel, "Oklahoma Elections: James Lankford Deafeats Kevin Calvey", NewsOK, August 24, 2010.
- Families for James Lankford, About James.
- Chris Casteel and Sonya Colberg, "James Lankford's Win in GOP congressional runoff helped by volunteers", NewsOK, August 26, 2010.
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