Sen. Jay Paul Gumm introduced Reps. Joe Dorman and Scott Inman as guest speakers at the Bryan County Federation of Democratic Women.

Sherrer’s/Fideaux’s restaurant had standing-room only as members and guests met for the noon meeting.

Gumm took the floor and he introduced one of the featured guests, Rep. Joe Dorman.

“We have known each other a long time. Back when we were both thin and he had hair,” Gumm said.

The other featured guest, Rep. Scott Inman, was met with applause when Gumm said, “He runs for a seat we (Democrats) had all given up on.”

Inman said one of the most important challenges ahead is to get Oklahoma back to the Democrats.

“Republicans have almost unlimited resources,” Inman said. “Things have changed drastically in the last four to five years.”

He said Republicans may not speak in the terms of “anti-education,” but their goal is to find money from public education to move into private.

Inman said the goal of Democrats is “to make sure your government is working for you,” while Republicans support big business. An example he gave was giving tax credits to major oil and gas companies.

He said the party has the opportunity to take back the Speaker of the House.

“This seat is vitally important to us in the House,” Inman said.

Dorman was one of three Democrats elected in Grady County and Party Senate in Minority for the first time in history, Gumm said.

Dorman said he was also concerned about public schools. He believes Republicans are trying to eliminate public schools and trying to model them after business.

“We all see how business is doing lately,” he said.

Dorman said it was important to “do what we can to get more Democrats in office.” Also, Republicans outspend Democrats 4 to 1 when running for office.

“You have to get out there and get people to vote,” Dorman said.

He said the party relies on people in rural areas to pass along the message. “We need to help each other and build from the bottom up and not take from the top and leave the rest.”

When Nick’s Law was brought up, Inman said Republicans are trying to pass a law that any insurance mandate in the state could only be introduced during even number years and voted/debated on during odd number years. The governor vetoed this.

Inman said this is one example of why it is important to get the Democratic majority, because Republicans represent insurance companies and Democrats represent the people.

Inman said there are a lot of ways that people can help. While money is always a campaign need, there are things people who may not have a lot of money can do.

Everyone has “the power of the pen” and people should write letters to the editor, Inman said.

He said if an official has done something good for you, then write a letter to the editor and let people know. People should share their opinions and knowledge with friends and neighbors.

“Call friends, knock on doors — carry our message for us,” Inman said.

One person expressed concerns about taxes on groceries, pointing out that many people go to Texas to shop.

Inman said Democrats would like to cut the taxes. He said they are looking into it but have reached opposition.

Dorman said they looked at trying to spread across the board last year, but the speaker wouldn’t even hear of it.

Another person told the senators they appreciated all the work done for the military, which included passing a bill exempting them from income tax.

“Scott and I both represent military personnel,” Dorman said.

Another person asked about the opposition to the president’s health care plan.

Inman said it is something a lot of people are concerned about.

“You need to let your representative know how you feel,” he said.

Inman said with well over 47 million people without health care, “we have to do something, and I believe we will get something done.”

Inman said he thinks health programs need to be tailored to the state, because every state has different needs and concerns.

Following questions to the guests, the organization had an auction consisting of donated items. Carroll Staton was the auctioneer.

Items included pies, a windchime, a before-release autographed book by local author Marion Hill and collectable postage stamps of Barack Obama.

Final business was brought to a close and the meeting was adjourned.