The guy pictured above who looks like he teaches 8th grade science is US Congressman Steve Russell. He represents the Oklahoma 5th Congressional District that covers most of the OKC Metro and the Shawnee-Seminole-Wewoka triangle, otherwise known as Shawnoleka.
If you forgot about Steve or have never heard of him, don't feel too bad. You're not the only one. Since he was elected in 2014, he's done a remarkable job staying quiet, flying under the radar, and not letting stupid things come out of his mouth that bring shame and embarrassment to our state.
For an Oklahoma citizen, that's a good thing. But for an Oklahoma politician, it's a ticket out of office. If you're not out pandering and showing everyone how crazy you are, the voters in this state will elect someone who will. As a result, it looks like Steve is trying to get his name out there a bit.
Last night, News 9 brought us a nice little fluff piece about Steve. In an interview with Kelly Ogle, he talked about everything from being a hard worker to killing a man in close combat to finding Saddam Hussein (a.k.a. important, relevant issues that matter to Oklahomans).
Kelly Ogle: What would surprise the average Oklahoman the most if you said 'I want you to sit in this chair a week?
Russell: "I think there are several things. The hours that we put in, they would be shocked. I mean, you literally are working from sun up to way past sundown. I think that they would also recognize that even when you're off, you're not. You're a public figure, a public face, people recognize you and even though they may not bother you or say anything, you are constantly on the job and you know I'm comfortable with that."
He and his wife Cindy have five grown children and are now empty-nesters.
"We enjoy being together, she also is excited that we're doing this, that we're a partnership together but if she feels the need to travel home, she will and not be ashamed to spend time with the kids," he said.
Kelly Ogle: What are you wearing on your lapel?
Russell: "I'm wearing the combat infantry badge. You get that with close quarters fighting with an enemy and it usually resorts in somebody dying."
He earned the badge in Iraq. His military career also including tours in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Kosovo.
Kelly Ogle: Do people still come up to you and want to talk about Saddam Hussein?
Russell: "All the time."