OKLAHOMA CITY - State Representative Ryan Kiesel has announced he will not seek re-election in 2010. Kiesel, (D) Seminole, has served Dist. 28 since being elected for the first time in 2004. The text of Rep. Kiesel’s statement follows:
Since being elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2004, each even numbered year brings a new decision, never taken lightly, concerning running for re-election. At the beginning of this new decade, and after months of reflection, Allison and I have decided to write a new chapter in our life, and I will not seek re-election.
For six years the majority of the voters in House District 28 have afforded me a front row seat with a microphone. From this vantage point, I’ve seen what we are capable of at our best and at our worst. I’ve seen moments of human tragedy exploited for political gain, as suffering is mangled into a soundbite. I’ve also seen moments of courage, at the capitol and in my own backyard. From the legislator relying on reason in the face of demagogues, to firefighters, many volunteers, working without rest or regard to their own safety to battle advancing wildfires, it has been an enormous privilege to be a witness to the human spirit and the very real, very tangible Oklahoman commitment to our community and our neighbors.
When I began my first campaign for State Representative in the late fall of 2003, little did I know how much I would learn about my hometown. After all, with the exception of college, I’d lived in Seminole all of my life, growing up in the same house where my parents brought me home from the hospital where I was born. But over the course of three campaigns, one including a primary and a runoff, I’ve knocked on thousands of doors, and have been welcomed into the living rooms of people who might otherwise be strangers. Sure politics were discussed, but more often than that we discussed the weather or a mutual acquaintance. I’ve grieved with the recently widowed, I’ve looked through family photo albums, I’ve celebrated the accomplishments of children and grandchildren. These stories and the trust it took to share them are more precious to me than any vote. That trust extended well beyond my hometown. Across the district, I consistently found a welcoming attitude and open doors. During that first campaign, because all three Democratic candidates hailed from Seminole, I began knocking doors in Wewoka and Konawa. Once unfamiliar, the storefronts and doorbells of these and other nearby communities, became an indelible part of who I am and where I am from.
Along the way I’ve made lifelong friends and if I took the time to name every friend gained while running for office, I’d exceed even the generous word count limit in the Seminole Producer. Suffice to say, running for office is not to be undertaken by those who won’t accept help. True, the election board only prints one name on the ballot, but a competitive campaign is impossible if its foundation rests on the shoulders of a single person. To everyone who knocked on doors, made phone calls, put a sign in your yard, rode in a parade, displayed a bumper sticker on your car, cooked pancakes, gave a financial contribution, drove voters to the polls, took photographs, supported me in the coffee shops, and honked at me on election day, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Many of you have become like family to Allison and myself and we’ll never forget the memories we forged on the campaign trail, and we’ll always be inspired by your selfless efforts. Sadly, some of those whose help and friendship were so priceless are no longer with us. However, they are still very alive in many wonderful memories I’ve collected.
In some instances however, specificity is appropriate. None of this would have ever been possible without my parents, grandparents, and my sister. For all of their Herculean efforts, for their emotional investment in my campaigns, to saying yes (most of the time), and for always believing in me, I’m indebted to you beyond words.
To no to surprise to anyone who really knows her, my wife and best friend Allison is more than the spouse of a politician. The seemingly shy girl with curly hair who embarked on this adventure with me over six years ago, has been my partner every step of the way. During campaign years, in addition to being a pharmacist, she would come home to assume the role of campaign manager. During the legislative sessions, she became my most trusted advisor, patiently hearing out the day’s developments, and offering in response an endless reserve of optimism conditioned on courage. I am blessed to be with Allison and love her with all of my heart. I hope you will join me in thanking her for her service to the people of District 28 and the State of Oklahoma.
Finally, it comes as no shock to even the casual political observer that I’ve made several politically unpopular votes and have been no stranger to debating controversial legislation. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been on the losing side of a 92-9, or similarly lopsided vote, in the House. Or the number of times I’ve been told that my vote or debate will spell defeat at the ballot box. It’s no coincidence that the voters of this area have been represented more than once by public servants willing to purge thoughts of their next election from their policy making decisions. For that I am grateful to the voters of District 28.
Rest assured, this announcement is in no way an indication that I will approach the current session with any less vigor than in the past. My office stands ready and will continue to assist you until the day my successor moves in. Nor does it mean my days in public service are finished, as my commitment to realizing justice, equality, and liberty burns as bright as ever.
I look forward to updating you on this legislative session and again thank you for allowing Allison and I sublime privilege of sharing the last six years with you.
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