Bridenstine Campaign Makes Change
Five days after Jim Bridenstine returned from his military deployment, the Republican nominee for U.S. Congress (Oklahoma District 1) announced a major campaign change. A campaign spokesman says that Bridenstine has started the process of searching for a national-level campaign manager that can help bring national attention and support to his general election campaign. Bridenstine says, “The general election will be a tough race and I intend to leverage national media opportunities, endorsements, and support to ensure this district stays in the Republican column.”
Bridenstine says he has identified several people who could manage his campaign in this capacity, and that he is narrowing the list quickly. He says he anticipates having a person selected within two weeks.
Bridenstine’s primary campaign was managed by Dr. Erik Zoellner, a former college vice president, current business developer and marketing consultant. Zoellner, a life-long Tulsan, orchestrated Bridenstine’s stunning upset of long-term incumbent John Sullivan. Zoellner says, “This is a good move for Jim and Oklahoma’s First District. He campaigned on conservative leadership at the national level and now he’s implementing a plan to make it a reality. Our country needs courageous people like Jim to speak through the largest megaphone available.”
Zoellner will help Bridenstine transition to the new campaign manager and then step away from the campaign. Zoellner says, “My mission was victory on June 26 in the Republican Primary. We accomplished that mission. I will always be there for Jim when he calls, but I need to let the new campaign manager run his or her own show.”
Bridenstine understands Zoellner’s desire to move on to other projects once the new manager arrives. “Erik has tremendous talent as demonstrated by this monumental achievement. Given his ability to create grass-roots insurgency campaigns, I certainly understand why he may want to make this move. I wouldn’t want to run against him in Tulsa. He’s a winner and he is tireless and extremely focused in his pursuits. Whatever he chooses next, I’m proud to call him my friend and confidant. This primary was the experience of a lifetime and I’m so grateful that Erik was by my side through this remarkable primary win.”
Bridenstine was recently selected for the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Updated 08-04-2012
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