Former Opponents Endorse Thompson for 2nd District

Daniel Arnett and Howard Houchen announced today that they will support Dr. Charles Thompson the leading Republican  challenger to Rep. Dan Boren on November 7th.  All were competitors in the primary.  Thompson faces Daniel Edmonds in a run-off election August 24.

Thompson said during the campaign trail he had a very good relationship with all of the other candidates. “All of the candidates understand what is at stake and we committed to each other that we would support each other after the primary election.”  Albeit, during the last debate in Grove, Oklahoma sponsored by Take America Back when the moderator asked if the candidates would join in support of the Republican nominee against Dan Boren, only 27 year old Daniel Edmonds did not signal agreement.

With six challengers in the primary the top vote getter was Thompson carrying 33.57 of the total vote. Arnett and Houchen finished third and fourth respectively.  Thompson and Edmonds will battle in the run-off election August 24.

Thompson’s campaign manager Josh McFarland said the Thompson team will continue the momentum and with this recent announcement of endorsement believes that it has unofficially set up a race between Dr. Thompson and Boren.

Thompson is the only candidate on both sides of the ticket that has military experience. The announcement will be made official today at a press conference to be held in Claremore, Oklahoma at the J.M. Davis Gun Museum at 5:15PM.

Dr. Charles Thompson attended school at Fort Gibson where he was active in the band, played football, wrestled and was a member of the Future Farmers of America.  Joining the Army after high school.  His first duty assignment after his initial training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, was the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. By the age of 20 Charles was promoted to Corporal and served as a Scout Team Leader. This was the start of 23 year military career where he served as a Scout Team Leader, an Infantry Squad Leader, a Senior Drill Sergeant and a Detachment Commander.  

He is the recipient of a number of military honors to include four Army Achievement Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He also earned the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Drill Sergeant Badge for which he was the Honor Graduate.

Upon returning to Oklahoma, Thompson graduated from Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and spent 5 years in private clinical practice working as a relief veterinarian and small business owner.  As a business owner, he successfully operated a mixed animal veterinary hospital before being called to active duty by the U.S. Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is currently a member of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Association of Corporate and Public Practice Veterinarians.

Charles and Aprill Thompson have been married for nearly 20 years and have three children. Their daughter is attending college at Northeastern State University at Tahlequah and their sons go to Hulbert Public Schools where Charles also serves as a school board member.  The family attend Calvary Church of Tahlequah for over 9 years where he has held many positions within the church. Since 2004, Charles has taught the Discovery Rangers, a discipleship program for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade boys.

Dr. Thompson believes there are many opportunities for improvement regarding the federal government.  He is dedicated to the principles of liberty and will work tirelessly to ensure the Constitution is protected. Charles is strongly in favor of a smaller federal government resulting in stronger state, local and individual rights.  He is adamantly opposed to government-run healthcare, TARP, Cap & Trade and the bailouts. He believes the United States and its citizens perform best when not burdened by excessive taxes or heavy-handed regulations.

For more information on Dr. Thompson visit his website at www.thompson4ok.com. The run-off election will take place August 24th.