Candidates spar over Pence's support

GOP contenders in House runoff receive same check, letter from PAC

Republican congressional candidate Terry Neese received a campaign check from the political committee associated with Vice Bice President

Mike Pence, apparently refuting the claim by state Sen. Stephanie Bice that Pence was on her “team” in the race.

The Great America Committee sent Ne e se Ne es ea check for

$1,500 last week and the same letter that was sent to Bice on June 30, the day the two 5th District candidates emerged from the crowded GOP primary as the top two vote getters.

They now face each other in the Aug. 25 runoff; the winner will take on Democratic Rep. Kendra Horn, of Oklahoma City, in what is expected to be a close and closely watched race.

The district includes most of Oklahoma County and Pottawatomie and Seminole counties.

The letter to Neese and Bice, signed by Pence, says ,“Through Great America Committee, I am committed to support our President's allies in Congress. Please accept this contribution as a sign of my appreciation of your support for our administration and our agenda.”

Bice, after receiving her check and letter, posted on her social media sites that Pence was on #TeamBice.

Campaigns for the candidates lashed out on Monday, signaling the next month could bring a shift from attacking Horn to attacking each other.

Penny Sea le, spoke sperson for B ice' s campaign, said, “We're proud that Vice President Pence expressed his support and gratitude for Stephanie back in June. After 30 years of running and losing races, Terry Neese has made a lot of friends in the D.C. establishment who have been furiously lobbying the vice president's team for an acknowledgement that she too is running.”

Ne es eran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 1990 and 1994.

Matt Langston, campaign spokesman for the Ne e se campaign said: “Stephanie has lied about being endorsed by Oklahomans For Life, she lied about her record on taxes, and she has now lied about being endorsed by the vice president. Enough is enough—spreading misinformation to voters is completely unacceptable and proves Stephanie will say and do anything to further her political career.”