Published: June 11, 2008 12:47 am            

Frankie Robbins announces candidacy

By Kasey Fowler

Staff Writer



MEDFORD — “I’m running because I care deeply about my country.”

With those words, Democrat Frankie Robbins, 62, kicked off his campaign Tuesday morning to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, who represents Oklahoma’s 3rd Congressional District. Robbins made his declaration on the steps of the Grant County Courthouse.

Also in the race is independent Forrest Michael, 54, of Cherokee. Lucas, 48, Robbins and Michael will square off in the general election Nov. 4.

As Robbins began his speech, the American flag was knocked to the ground by the wind.

“That is the least I can do for my country,” he said, as he picked the flag back up.

Robbins said he was proud to be kicking off his campaign in his hometown of Medford. He spoke of the people who shaped his life, starting with his parents.

“To this day, his personal fortitude is my role model for perseverance and hard work,” said Robbins, about his father who had to use crutches in the later part of life because of the ravages of arthritis.

He also spoke of his pride about his grandfather, who made the Land Run in 1893.

Robbins said he would listen to everyone to find answers to the problems facing the country.

“I know I don’t have all the answers. That’s why I will listen to all sides and work with all sides to find the best solutions for all Americans,” he said..

He stressed two issues he believes must be priorities: energy independence and climate change.

“We, as a nation face two huge challenges. They are our dependence on foreign oil and the urgency of addressing climate change,” said Robbins.

Robbins said he is ready for this challenge.

“I’m ready to lead. I’m ready to take action. I’m ready to get America back on track,” said Robbins.

Robbins said because he is retired he can spend more time visiting voters and communities.

“... I will spend time in every community. I expect to do a lot of walking, go door to door and meeting a lot of people,” he said.

Robbins said he does not have experience as a politician and thinks that is a good thing.

“One attribute that makes me highly qualified to run for office is that I am not a professional politician; and I’m not going to become a professional politician,” he said.

Amanda Ball, Robbins’ campaign manager, kicked Tuesday’s event off by introducing Don Schuneman, Robbins’ former principal, who in turn introduced Robbins.

“He was where he was supposed to be, when he was supposed to be, doing what he was supposed to be,” Schuneman said, about the time when Robbins was in high school.

He was president of his class and the student council.

Schuneman described Robbins as a young candidate saying anyone younger than him was young.

“Frankie is only 62. He is still a young candidate,” Schuneman said.

Schuneman summed up Robbins in a statement he said he hopes will lead the campaign.

“Of all the Franks Frankie is the frankest.”

Robbins told a story about Schuneman when he was in high school. Shortly after Robbins was elected student council president, he watched two of his classmates de-pants an eighth-grader.

“Before applying one swat with the paddle, Mr. Schuneman, because that is what I called him at the time, told me a true leader would speak up and stop a wrong,” he said. “The lesson I took from that was: Leaders should be held accountable; leaders should take action to do the right thing.”

Robbins concluded by asking for support.

“The time is now. It is time for change. It is time to tackle the tough issues. It is time for real leadership for Oklahoma. It is time to get American back on track. I humbly and respectfully ask for out support and your vote,” Robbins said.