OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Mary Fallin says she plans to support a resolution calling for the ouster of a top-level staff member of the Oklahoma Republican Party who pleaded guilty three years ago to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
Fallin spokesman Alex Weintz said Wednesday that reducing domestic violence is a priority of the governor and that she believes it is "not appropriate" for Thomas Clint "T.C." Ryan to serve as political director of the state party.
Court records show Ryan pleaded guilty in 2012 to misdemeanor charges of domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor and interference with an emergency telephone call.
Newly elected Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Randy Brogdon has publicly defended Ryan's hiring, but neither he nor Ryan immediately returned telephone messages left on Wednesday.