TLO Q&A: Gubernatorial Candidate Jake Merrick

Out of all the gubernatorial candidates who don’t have millions of dollars to waste on the election, the only one with a slugger’s chance to make a real difference is Jake Merrick.

He’s a former state senator, pastor, podcaster and unapologetic hard-right conservative. And although he hasn’t exactly been lighting up the polls, he does seem to have a strong and loyal following. Well, at least judging by the number of people who @reply, tag and generally summon him anytime we mention the governor’s race on social media.

He’s also apparently doing well enough to get Roger Stone’s attention:

If a thief like Roger Stone doesn't like you, you're probably doing something right.

Anyway, a few weeks back, someone from Merrick’s campaign reached out to see if we’d be interested in conducting a Q&A / interview with him. It’s not every day that politicians voluntarily reach out to us, so we eagerly said “yes.”

Here the full 15 question Q&A in it’s entirety. Everything is [sic].

1. Welcome to a Lost Ogle Q&A. Let’s start with the easiest question - Why do you want the worst job in Oklahoma?

When I'm asked this question, my first response is always, "Well, WANT is a strong word. It's not that I want the job. It's that I'm willing. I believe we are at a critical point politically, and a lot is at stake. I could not sit back and just let the political game be played on the people one more time. This is why I left my growing radio show and committed to run this race with NO PAC, lobbyist or special interest money. Corruption in politics is rampant, and - as they say - follow the money. It starts in the campaign. I will not be bought, and I will prioritize the voice of the people both in the campaign and beyond.

The size and budget of the Oklahoma government continues to grow. I believe we are depending on the government to answer too many of our problems. As a conservative I believe in limited government and low taxes. In my time in the Senate I watched as the majority of Republicans continued to fund more and more agencies, boards, and commissions and then say that they were for lower taxes. Well, how can you ever have lower taxes if you continue to grow government? We need major reform in our agencies to weed out the fraud, waste and abuse.  In doing so, I believe we can reduce bureaucratic red tape to make it easier for people to start businesses, easier to grow businesses and easier to keep more money made from those businesses.  

2. What’s the biggest issue facing Oklahoma right now, and how do you address it?

Education reform, is - of course - at the top of list. We must ensure kids are learning and developing critical thinking skills to prepare them for a bright future where they can contribute to society in a positive way. I want to address the administrative bloat. With 500+ superintendents (and staff) receiving 6 figure salaries, I believe we should look seriously at a county superintendent model reducing the number to under 100. Then, redirect the money to the classroom and teachers. Let's hire assistants for our teachers and reading coaches to help kids catch up to at least base-level proficiency. Then, move school board elections to November where there will be greater voter participation to ensure parents are properly represented on local school boards.

People must remember that the governor can contribute to this reform process - primarily through the appointed board of education. However, much of this will be determined through the legislative process.

Right at the top for me is also DHS reform. Too many families are being negatively impacted by the system that is supposed to be helping. Our families and children have suffered under a dysfunctional DHS system for far too long. It's time for massive, systemic reform. For me, this will start with placing an outsider at the top who will prioritize families over the agency itself.

3. You weren’t invited to the last big debate. What gives?

It wasn't a good look for News 9. People across the state know that I'm polling higher than the recent polls are showing.  However, even the most recent poll had me at a solid 3rd.  I believe I should have been on that stage, and the fact that I was absent only highlights the stranglehold that has been held by the establishment - of which the mainstream media is a direct participant - for far too long. 

Nonetheless, we did what any American with strong convictions would do - we did not have a pity party. We rallied the troops, made arrangements to host our own forum and the people responded. With just two days' notice, over 200 people showed up and thousands viewed online. I believe it actually worked out better for us in the long run.

4. Donald Trump recently endorsed Mike Mazzei for governor. Do you agree with that decision, or do you think Trump got bad intel from Roger Stone?

Roger Stone - one of Trump's closest advisors - was highly motivated to recommend Mazzei because he was hired by Mazzie.  Once again, the money was making the decision and people are tired of it.  It has been clear that the Trump endorsement fell flat and even turned a lot of people off.  I don't begrudge Trump for the decision, but I've been very clear - I have not pursued his endorsement nor any other big name endorsement. This is the traditional political path - run to the big names and convince the people you are a viable candidate because of all the famous or influential people who support you.  Personally, I prefer to go straight to the people.  It's a harder path, but it's what we've been doing all year long, and we have collected countless endorsements from the people themselves across the state. 

5. You’ve vowed not to accept donations from lobbyists or PACs? That’s cool and everything, but don’t you need their money to compete and win?

Yes I have made that commitment and kept that promise. We are entirely funded by individuals across the state. 

Do you need it to compete and win? Not if you're willing to work 10x harder and put your faith in God - which is exactly what we've done. And it's why we are currently a very real contender with just a few days left. We've traveled to all 77 counties, I have physically run the entire stretch of Rt 66 across Oklahoma (386 miles), and maintained a grueling, daily schedule of meetings with Oklahomas across the state for over a year now.  Building on my name recognition from my time in the Senate and as host of the Jake Merrick Show on 96.9fm, we have seen a tremendous groundswell of support with very little money invested. 

6. How many times a day should Oklahoma students be required to read the Bible at school?

Haha Well, as much as is required by the approved curriculum. I believe it would be beneficial to have the Bible integrated into our history lessons and civic lessons as it was the primary text of the founding fathers and the early colonial classrooms. It would make sense that kids today learn about the book that so influenced the founding of the greatest nation in history. But I am not advocating teaching doctrine or forced adherence to a religion. I am simply acknowledging the historical connection to our founding and the fact that it is the most widely read, historically verified, best selling book ever written. 

7. On your website, you claim to be an abortion abolitionist while also vowing to support “Medical Freedom.” Do you take this hypocritical stance on most issues, or is this more of a one-time thing?

It's not hypocritical at all to hold to the belief that intentionally ending human life - even human life at its earliest stage of development is murder while also believing people have a right to govern their own bodies.  It is scientifically clear that the life in the womb is an entirely unique individual complete with unique DNA and fully separate from the mother - albeit dependent on the mother. The mother has authority (medical freedom) over her own body, and is charged with tremendous responsibility and honor of caring for the health and well-being of the life in her womb. Medical Freedom is not the right of the mother to terminate life in her womb. 

8. On the topic of Medical Freedom, please tell me you don’t want to mess around with medical marijuana and make an already cumbersome, bureaucratic process even more burdensome for people who simply want to buy weed.

I want to preserve Medical marijuana. I believe there are many medicinal benefits. However, I would like to ensure we eliminate the foreign -owned grows and connect medical marijuana to a process that helps people get the natural medicine they need without allowing it to get into the hands of minors. 

9. You ran across Route 66 to meet people across Oklahoma. What was that like, and are you aware that cars exist?

Yes! 386 miles! It was an incredibly grueling experience that tested me on many levels. I connected with the people and land in a deeper way than I expected. Personally, I developed inside and out (my calves got huge!), and it was a part of this preparation process to step into an equally grueling political role as Governor.  Trust me, there were many days that I was tempted to hop in the car and say "forget it!"  But once I commit to something, I will always finish it.  Quitting was never a real option. 

10. What are your thoughts on the OTA expansion? 

I have been the only candidate in the race to say that he would like to end the OTA.  I believe there has been massive abuse of eminent domain, and people's fundamental rights have been railroaded for the sake of turnpikes that the people have consistently opposed.  It's time to pay off the OTA debt, and return our roads to toll free roads.  In the meantime, we need greater legislative oversight and members on the board who will not just rubber stamp ever newly proposed turnpike. 

11. On that note, what’s the highest speed you’ve ever achieved on the Turner Turnpike?

🤐

12. You mention on your website that you want to “stand against the LGBTQ+++ agenda.” Serious question: Do all the extra pluses make you woke?

Let me be clear. I am an addition advocate. I believe in addition and it's place right alongside subtraction, division and multiplication. 

But seriously, we live in a free society where people are free to live according to their convictions and their "pursuit of happines" as long as this pursuit does not infringe on other's rights. The "agenda" I reference is the attempt to force others to accept a lifestyle that violates their personal beliefs regarding sexuality and human biology.  People are free to be L or G or B or T or Q or anything else (hence the +++). But they cannot require others accept this as right, normal, or moral, and someone's sexual orientation has no place in our public square or public schools. 

13. What’s your go-to Braum’s order?

The #4 with a vanilla milk shake. 

14. What’s your first instinct when you hear a tornado siren: take cover, or run outside to look outside?

Definitely running to look outside. Except if it's noon on Saturday. 

15. Any final message for the people still reading this?

I know most of you reading this disagree with some of my positions, but I hope we can have an open and honest dialogue with each other.  I have very strong convictions, but I'm also a good listener.  I welcome conversations around hard topics. 

I believe the future of Oklahoma is bright as long as we prioritize people first. I'm eager to establish good relationships with the tribes, an education model that leads the nation, and improved health so that dependence on the healthcare system becomes a thing of the past. I want to prioritize property ownership strengthen individual liberty as we reduce the size and influence of government. I will give great attention to DHS reform and all areas of fraud, waste and abuse in government agencies while also focusing on improving our roads, highways, bridges and dams across the state.