Olsen Achieves Perfect Score on OK Constitution Conservative Index

State Rep. Jim Olsen

State Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland) was one of only four Oklahoma lawmakers this year to receive a 100% on the Oklahoma Constitution’s Conservative Index. 

For the index, the publication’s staff rates members of each Oklahoma legislative chamber on ten key votes. A favorable vote on these issues represents a belief in conservative principles.

“I don’t vote conservative to win praise or awards. When I vote, I do my best to stay true to Biblical principles, constitutional law and the principles of limited government. I vote conservative based on my beliefs and principles that I truly believe will move our state forward and improve the lives of Oklahomans in District 2 and across the state,” Olsen said. “However, I’m honored to have been recognized by Oklahoma Constitution, which is recognized statewide as a leader in promoting conservative values. I will continue to fight for small government, fiscal responsibility and moral values for as long as I have the honor of serving.” 

The three other lawmakers to achieve a score of 100% on the Constitution’s 41st index are: State Rep. Tom Gann (R-Inola), State Sen. Mark Allen (R-Spiro) and State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow). 

To determine the ten pieces of legislation on which they will rate votes, the Constitution’s staff take suggestions from conservative leaders. They then submit bills to a vote of the membership of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC). Legislators were rated based on their votes on bills that included such issues as protecting life, free speech, Second Amendment rights, obstructing overbearing government regulations, and opposing subsidizing businesses.

To determine the overall rating, 10 points were awarded for each conservative vote; no points were given for a liberal vote. Three points were given for a failure to vote – in order to make a distinction between a liberal and a no vote. 

The average score this year was 48% in the House 61% in the Senate. Making the top conservative list were 29 lawmakers who scored 80% or more. 

A copy of the full index will be available soon at http://www.oklahomaconstitution.com/index.php. 

Rep. Jim Olsen represents District 2 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Seqouyah County.

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

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