Head Of Democratic Party Submits Resignation

Tuesday, June 5th 2007, 5:53 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The former chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party resigned her position as executive director of the party on Tuesday, saying she believes her work is completed.

Lisa Pryor had served as both party chairman, an unpaid position, and as the party's paid executive director. She did not seek another term as chairman and agreed to continue working as executive director to help newly elected Chairman Ivan Holmes' transition into office.

``I told him I was going to work with him until they no longer needed my services,'' Pryor said. ``I've assisted them through the transition period, and I believe my work is completed.''

Meanwhile, Holmes said Tuesday the party remains desperately low on funds and launched a grass roots fundraising campaign this week to generate money for the party.

Holmes said he will not replace Pryor or hire an office manager, a move he expects will save the party about $110,000 over one fiscal year.

``I did a budget analysis over the weekend, and by cutting salaries and everything else there is to cut, it's still going to cost about $30,000 each month,'' Holmes said.

Holmes said he plans to hire three full-time employees whose salaries will be paid by the Democratic National Committee, and that he hopes to get approval for a fourth position for a Tulsa-based field worker.

Holmes said his goal is to get 1,000 Democrats to pledge $25 a month to help pay the party's monthly expenses for the rest of the year.

``It's coming in. I raised $7,000 yesterday, and as I get time to call people, there's no doubt in my mind I'll be able to get that $30,000,'' Holmes said. ``That's why that monthly pledge is so important.''

Pryor, who spent two years in office as the head of the Democratic Party, said when she took office she inherited more than $520,000 in debt related to the failed 2004 U.S. Senate campaign by former Congressman Brad Carson.

``I was able to successfully reduce that debt to $54,000 and win eight out of nine statewide races in November,'' Pryor said. ``I think from $524,000 to $54,000 is a pretty significant improvement.''