<figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-ae09e4673b216aa382a3e6e3132fb046.jpg" alt="Photo - People applaud during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="People applaud during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>People applaud during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-f2294c5e42cea78d17110d2b81268981.jpg" alt="Photo - Paul Blair and conference attendees say the Pledge of Allegiance during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Paul Blair and conference attendees say the Pledge of Allegiance during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Paul Blair and conference attendees say the Pledge of Allegiance during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e6fe8858b3f670df573da58e68863469.jpg" alt="Photo - Paul Blair leads the invocation at the start of the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Paul Blair leads the invocation at the start of the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Paul Blair leads the invocation at the start of the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-bef256cf6ea9c5b8155bde160a1a3e72.jpg" alt="Photo - People listen to a speaker during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="People listen to a speaker during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>People listen to a speaker during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-19e3bd891bb4e446274c901600a48679.jpg" alt="Photo - Presidential candidate Mark Everson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Presidential candidate Mark Everson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Presidential candidate Mark Everson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-38f5ae0d5a23eef8b9fb6ea7b40ca2e7.jpg" alt="Photo - Mark Everson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Mark Everson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Mark Everson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-5b9dbf7fd1586bb879dd9fb846397b28.jpg" alt="Photo - Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-23914e266ca8fec84fe641a328d3b8ff.jpg" alt="Photo - Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-99e677452091f28b5398e740e53a4678.jpg" alt="Photo - Mark Everson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Mark Everson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Mark Everson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-03a3781837eddc9bf8489ad1b6af93b6.jpg" alt="Photo - Shannon Farr, left, and Lacey Riley talk outside the main meeting during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Shannon Farr, left, and Lacey Riley talk outside the main meeting during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Shannon Farr, left, and Lacey Riley talk outside the main meeting during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-25a44f2c77cc7aa2b3b7a6b87765778b.jpg" alt="Photo - Ralph Wunder registers his vote with Brenda Boulton during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Ralph Wunder registers his vote with Brenda Boulton during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Ralph Wunder registers his vote with Brenda Boulton during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-fc929c24175991b97d51e401d3978d10.jpg" alt="Photo - An honor guard with Honoring America's Warriors presents the colors during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="An honor guard with Honoring America's Warriors presents the colors during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>An honor guard with Honoring America's Warriors presents the colors during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-6c5f4495d25db0fb7c4f734896697753.jpg" alt="Photo - People stand and applaud as Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="People stand and applaud as Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>People stand and applaud as Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e182a22ec5501c36cb52305997d97728.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell is shown on a television camera monitor as he speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell is shown on a television camera monitor as he speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell is shown on a television camera monitor as he speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-dfa560bfedbacda5023db7fb269a67a1.jpg" alt="Photo - Presidential candidate Mark Everson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Presidential candidate Mark Everson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Presidential candidate Mark Everson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-834aadacb8b037810475d01b8c8c4694.jpg" alt="Photo - A conference attendee takes a photo of the stage during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="A conference attendee takes a photo of the stage during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>A conference attendee takes a photo of the stage during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-06539a75033656e96e11c3bc0558bcdb.jpg" alt="Photo - Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-59f2e4bfd645fa59e28bc4ec992ec265.jpg" alt="Photo - U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-0190c768c5037834811e928115a972a2.jpg" alt="Photo - U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-168f6a86f4b7f1a6f33cdb0aa083b2dd.jpg" alt="Photo - U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-fd4a328ab72007b943a6a2fb3de48bdc.jpg" alt="Photo - U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c09232cb6270c069c4a1a5dd51080ba4.jpg" alt="Photo - Attendees take photographs during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Attendees take photographs during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Attendees take photographs during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-111926e12887ea49ce500d5d0f160bb5.jpg" alt="Photo - David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-cf59bfc8978f3ec1f7a5e123ac9130be.jpg" alt="Photo - David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e079ba4a5a2d72dec7c67af788644f63.jpg" alt="Photo - U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speak during a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speak during a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speak during a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8e9eaf83e4bffae1db23757b1e7b90c4.jpg" alt="Photo - Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speaks during a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speaks during a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) speaks during a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-ec47286253ffc70006404967d038c4f6.jpg" alt="Photo - A special color guard gives a flag presentation during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="A special color guard gives a flag presentation during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>A special color guard gives a flag presentation during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-07e53cd5226d3bbbad63f24c63f67090.jpg" alt="Photo - Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-4d6f612109b1dcbb3d54ea3ba2329515.jpg" alt="Photo - Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-f14767a1f7f26ec849b5f5242cb4f0ee.jpg" alt="Photo - Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-159918c783757190daf791b0c5871ce8.jpg" alt="Photo - David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-439d446735866917828022f298d27e93.jpg" alt="Photo - David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>David Cid, Director of the Homeland Security Institute at Rose State College, U.S. Representative Steve Russell and Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) lead a panel on National Security during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-5bc9cc0a6dc2f04f7573cd514ff92c87.jpg" alt="Photo - Honoring America's Warriors color guard presents the colors during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Honoring America's Warriors color guard presents the colors during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Honoring America's Warriors color guard presents the colors during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-ecb04ba9c0e5e8be8c16632812e504f5.jpg" alt="Photo - A choir and a special color guard give a flag presentation during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="A choir and a special color guard give a flag presentation during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>A choir and a special color guard give a flag presentation during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-66fcd9551331458a91ab4485795f00d5.jpg" alt="Photo - A special color guard gives a flag presentation during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="A special color guard gives a flag presentation during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>A special color guard gives a flag presentation during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-3b6ade36f27bc9c4fbb7830aaa8da884.jpg" alt="Photo - Attendees begin the session with prayer during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Attendees begin the session with prayer during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Attendees begin the session with prayer during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-54cc4f81da2fcedf9238a6a02f4a7237.jpg" alt="Photo - Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-64e0a5f17af8aa272b22e9427a61bc77.jpg" alt="Photo - Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-3171a2ccd37b5b5f6c9cc035373b4fdb.jpg" alt="Photo - Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Carly Fiorina speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-0190c768c5037834811e928115a972a2.jpg" alt="Photo - U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-d7cb86a5c36f4d35f881ab6936ba4fd6.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-7faae33412579768b215232d9a9bf9dd.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell waves as he leaves the stage after speaking during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell waves as he leaves the stage after speaking during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Steve Russell waves as he leaves the stage after speaking during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-2a64cd02cccdf48cc1a08f3ce15807d4.jpg" alt="Photo - Members of an honor guard with Honoring America's Warriors perform a ceremony celebrating the American flag during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Members of an honor guard with Honoring America's Warriors perform a ceremony celebrating the American flag during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Members of an honor guard with Honoring America's Warriors perform a ceremony celebrating the American flag during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-49fe71662c0ef2c813dc595e2ea010de.jpg" alt="Photo - David A. Lewis introduces Dr. Ben Carson during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="David A. Lewis introduces Dr. Ben Carson during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>David A. Lewis introduces Dr. Ben Carson during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-df6b18b27dbeb8d2b1e0da8879a03631.jpg" alt="Photo - Dr. Ben Carson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Dr. Ben Carson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Dr. Ben Carson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-6726084c395cbf92b7b1000e4292123c.jpg" alt="Photo - Dr. Ben Carson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Dr. Ben Carson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Dr. Ben Carson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-f9da58b86608341d367808052e2ac655.jpg" alt="Photo - Dr. Ben Carson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Dr. Ben Carson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Dr. Ben Carson speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-8200c5d9166171949bfe06a9b6a138c2.jpg" alt="Photo - Attendees begin the session with a flag salute and prayer during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Attendees begin the session with a flag salute and prayer during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Attendees begin the session with a flag salute and prayer during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-n_ad0cfac81c6dec0612365bc110cf0939.jpg" alt="Photo - Gary Jones, Oklahoma state auditor and inspector, speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Gary Jones, Oklahoma state auditor and inspector, speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Gary Jones, Oklahoma state auditor and inspector, speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a050afe4f9f38775e3ff82f618aa20a3.jpg" alt="Photo - Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina waves as she takes the stage to speak during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina waves as she takes the stage to speak during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina waves as she takes the stage to speak during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-d4035f4f965178105ae970f6f5c29ee7.jpg" alt="Photo - Attendees applaud during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, May 22, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Attendees applaud during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, May 22, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Attendees applaud during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, May 22, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-811abf703099147d029196ce9ffd0b44.jpg" alt="Photo - Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1e33ae4d0c2d3d09e39a26a50aa60789.jpg" alt="Photo - Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e0ce1b653574c2b66e31d911fce7a3dc.jpg" alt="Photo - Tristan Duncan, A. J. Ferate, and Patrick Morrisey speak during an energy panel during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Tristan Duncan, A. J. Ferate, and Patrick Morrisey speak during an energy panel during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Tristan Duncan, A. J. Ferate, and Patrick Morrisey speak during an energy panel during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-56528e8e30d42d3aee5ef67e905650d5.jpg" alt="Photo - A. J. Ferate, and Patrick Morrisey speak during an energy panel during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title=" A. J. Ferate, and Patrick Morrisey speak during an energy panel during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption> A. J. Ferate, and Patrick Morrisey speak during an energy panel during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a2c8dcc113e6014519437be7806a8902.jpg" alt="Photo - David Lewis speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="David Lewis speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>David Lewis speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1494679bd7e127705ea5ba61cb0102b9.jpg" alt="Photo - Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a2c8dcc113e6014519437be7806a8902.jpg" alt="Photo - David Lewis speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="David Lewis speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>David Lewis speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-1494679bd7e127705ea5ba61cb0102b9.jpg" alt="Photo - Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-110ea0b74b10fd8c2e85a27c5639cd97.jpg" alt="Photo - Attendees applaud during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, May 22, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Attendees applaud during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, May 22, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Attendees applaud during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Friday, May 22, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-ca0ff5eb8553976c49fb080f49c74e50.jpg" alt="Photo - Rafael Cruz, father of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Rafael Cruz, father of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Rafael Cruz, father of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c4d5b5718dce951dcf8f2958c1e73fe5.jpg" alt="Photo - Rafael Cruz, father of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Rafael Cruz, father of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Rafael Cruz, father of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-a814994e4adbe1870be8eacdbc19f92f.jpg" alt="Photo - Rafael Cruz, father of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Rafael Cruz, father of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Rafael Cruz, father of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, speaks during Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-fb709cc29273055eb3ae9967cd7a8ca5.jpg" alt="Photo - Rafael Cruz speaks on behalf of his son, presidential candidate Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Rafael Cruz speaks on behalf of his son, presidential candidate Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Rafael Cruz speaks on behalf of his son, presidential candidate Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-826bf05fa63ee74e1ecd227336a88275.jpg" alt="Photo - Rafael Cruz speaks on behalf of his son, presidential candidate Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Rafael Cruz speaks on behalf of his son, presidential candidate Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Rafael Cruz speaks on behalf of his son, presidential candidate Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e276bcf63cea1a09b1a8880c00ee0483.jpg" alt="Photo - David Lewis speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="David Lewis speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>David Lewis speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-85a966726375faac64a19a0f34bd1b5e.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e77b2e2721aa7ceb099fc38c367637e0.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-397648757f362fcc30cc64c37aaf6f47.jpg" alt="Photo - The results of the straw poll are announced during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ben Carson finished first, followed by Scott Walker and Ted Cruz. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="The results of the straw poll are announced during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ben Carson finished first, followed by Scott Walker and Ted Cruz. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>The results of the straw poll are announced during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Ben Carson finished first, followed by Scott Walker and Ted Cruz. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-6b0e94c153bb27056d680d3c76fb6f73.jpg" alt="Photo - Estela Hernandez, vice chair of Oklahoma's Republican party, left, and Bill Shapard of SoonerPoll announce Dr. Ben Carson as the presidential candidate winner in the straw poll during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Estela Hernandez, vice chair of Oklahoma's Republican party, left, and Bill Shapard of SoonerPoll announce Dr. Ben Carson as the presidential candidate winner in the straw poll during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Estela Hernandez, vice chair of Oklahoma's Republican party, left, and Bill Shapard of SoonerPoll announce Dr. Ben Carson as the presidential candidate winner in the straw poll during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-2b62b99f5eb48d79b6ba0ef190df3317.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-377a92daca1368e501de0278e477c12e.jpg" alt="Photo - Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford waves as he leaves the stage after speaking during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford waves as he leaves the stage after speaking during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Oklahoma U.S. Sen. James Lankford waves as he leaves the stage after speaking during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-157b00698704de96e169d8807cad6f4a.jpg" alt="Photo - SRLC chairman Steve Fair speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="SRLC chairman Steve Fair speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>SRLC chairman Steve Fair speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-b16cd9ebf46c41838d02527788bf6948.jpg" alt="Photo - Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-da3b7fdfd022cee3fb1c41919c0e9946.jpg" alt="Photo - From left, Carolyn McLarty, A.J. Ferate, Estela Hernandez, Bill Shapard, Randy Brogdon and Steve Fair stand on stage for the announcement of the straw poll results during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="From left, Carolyn McLarty, A.J. Ferate, Estela Hernandez, Bill Shapard, Randy Brogdon and Steve Fair stand on stage for the announcement of the straw poll results during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>From left, Carolyn McLarty, A.J. Ferate, Estela Hernandez, Bill Shapard, Randy Brogdon and Steve Fair stand on stage for the announcement of the straw poll results during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-982880809551bee92063b2a6312026d9.jpg" alt="Photo - Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-f3b804448afad2f84675e88179578f33.jpg" alt="Photo - Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-e326f459855526c68e968a922439892f.jpg" alt="Photo - Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-db44221a8e66b12d798649752a35698e.jpg" alt="Photo - Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Estela Hernandez and Bill Shapard announce results of the Straw Poll during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Dr. Ben Carson won receiving 25.4% of the votes cast, Governor Scott Walker finished in second place, with 20.5% and Senator Ted Cruz placed third with 16.6%. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-db17a1102263e432ba88f4390a997876.jpg" alt="Photo - U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-fe5b848398bf5df121316d273f9a4726.jpg" alt="Photo - U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-da5469ebd37c7548d068f2c45e41d31f.jpg" alt="Photo - U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Lankford has co-authored a bill to eliminate federal funds to Planned Parenthood. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Lankford has co-authored a bill to eliminate federal funds to Planned Parenthood. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Lankford has co-authored a bill to eliminate federal funds to Planned Parenthood. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-737f9f83ab6d9871f65cbf99a6af4b60.jpg" alt="Photo - U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-deffdc68a7239f719e98fad8419bbbc1.jpg" alt="Photo - DeWayne Couts sings with a choir at the opening of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="DeWayne Couts sings with a choir at the opening of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>DeWayne Couts sings with a choir at the opening of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-612ff3f502f50daef4e8a910f9f42abe.jpg" alt="Photo - U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-b8c5e7d9b1f4e3070bfb8de1f7f4d1c3.jpg" alt="Photo - U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman" title="U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman"><figcaption>U. S. Senator James Lankford speaks during the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Steve Sisney The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-297f0a864b8b95f0232c59c66069bd39.jpg" alt="Photo - Ron Nehring leads a breakout session during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="Ron Nehring leads a breakout session during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>Ron Nehring leads a breakout session during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure><figure><img src="//cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-c595f88ae9c53a066bf7771df9769840.jpg" alt="Photo - People attend a breakout session during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman" title="People attend a breakout session during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman"><figcaption>People attend a breakout session during the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, May 23, 2015. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman</figcaption></figure>
Chris Casteel
Chris Casteel began working for The Oklahoman's Norman bureau in 1982 while a student at the University of Oklahoma. Casteel covered the police beat, federal courts and the state Legislature in Oklahoma City. From 1990 through 2016, he was the...
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