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Last week, in Oklahoma City, Attorney R Kyle Alderson was confronted with serious allegations in a civil suit he has been litigating for nearly a year. Candidates for District Court Judge have limits on their professional behavior, which include some involvement with political parties.
Yesterday we learned that Alderman withdrew his name from a race for District Court Judge. It’s not yet clear if last week and this week are connected? Alderson has been a municipal judge for Pawnee, OK, as well as Tulsa, OK. The law firm of Titus Hillis lists Alderson as a part of their law firm while concurrently presiding as a municipal judge. Alderson represents a defendant in a case brought by a member of the Oklahoma Republican Party, against the party leadership, claiming violations of the OKGOP charter bylaws. It’s not clear if the members of the OKGOP’s presiding authority (the State Committee) was even notified of the lawsuit, but the 4 Central Committee members were named in the lawsuit. Judges (and judicial candidates) have certain rules prohibiting their actions in certain groups, because it could present appearances of bias, especially if an association expects their members to give preference to fellow members (i.e. Fraternal groups, secret societies, & groups with political agendas). |
Last summer, R. Kyle Alderman was named as a Tulsa Municipal Court Judge. We are seeking confirmation of a Bar complaint against Alderman.
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The civil suit against the OKGOP may well end in a mistrial or appeal. Not just because of Alderson’s actions, but because of other issues. Others who acted as attorneys in the case include former District Attorney Rex Duncan, and current OKGOP Chair A. J. Ferrate. Alderson used to work for Duncan, in the District Attorney’s office for Pawnee & Osage Counties.
Al Gerhart is the plaintiff in the suit. His case is claiming that his membership rights of participation were systematically denied on several occasions by the party leadership. |
RULES OF THE OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN PARTYRule 3- Rights and Qualifications of Members and Officers
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Al Gerhart
Gerhart began his suit last fall, representing himself against a large team of defense attorneys. This summer, Gerhart secured the legal counsel of Jeff Krigel. The Judge had dismissed the case citing lack of jurisdiction over the OKGOP, but the defense went further to demand that Gerhart pay all defense attorney fees. It was at this stage of the litigation that Krigel was brought in to help Gerhart.
Gerhart has been a leader in the Tea Party movement and Was the State Campaign Coordinator for the 2012 Ron Paul Presidential Campaign. Gerhart is also a citizen journalist, specializing in investigatory journalism. He has broken many stories over the past 12 years, leading to several ‘shake-ups in state & local govt.
In 2015, Gerhart was vindicated by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, after David Prater wrongfully convicted him of Blackmail of a state senator. The case hinged on whether Gerhart has constitutional rights to redressed and petition of the legislature. Gerhart had told the senator that an investigation would commence if the senator used dictatorial powers to kill a popular bill, in the committee which the senator chaired. Gerhart’s message was; “If you won’t let the committee vote on that bill, we’ll have to investigate what might be influencing your behavior.”
Gerhart’s often caustic ‘honey badger’ personality has incurred significant opposition. The Appeals Court even referred to Gerhart’s ‘irritant’ reputation among legislators. Gerhart now owns an Oklahoma license plate of “Irritnt” which he holds as a badge of honor. Tulsa World Journalist, Randy Krehbiel bestowed Gerhart with the title of gadfly (an insect which relentlessly bites livestock).
Gerhart has been a leader in the Tea Party movement and Was the State Campaign Coordinator for the 2012 Ron Paul Presidential Campaign. Gerhart is also a citizen journalist, specializing in investigatory journalism. He has broken many stories over the past 12 years, leading to several ‘shake-ups in state & local govt.
In 2015, Gerhart was vindicated by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, after David Prater wrongfully convicted him of Blackmail of a state senator. The case hinged on whether Gerhart has constitutional rights to redressed and petition of the legislature. Gerhart had told the senator that an investigation would commence if the senator used dictatorial powers to kill a popular bill, in the committee which the senator chaired. Gerhart’s message was; “If you won’t let the committee vote on that bill, we’ll have to investigate what might be influencing your behavior.”
Gerhart’s often caustic ‘honey badger’ personality has incurred significant opposition. The Appeals Court even referred to Gerhart’s ‘irritant’ reputation among legislators. Gerhart now owns an Oklahoma license plate of “Irritnt” which he holds as a badge of honor. Tulsa World Journalist, Randy Krehbiel bestowed Gerhart with the title of gadfly (an insect which relentlessly bites livestock).
Author’s Note: There is more to this story than I can impart at this time. Other’s will have more to add which will give greater clarity to this series of event. The withdrawal of the judicial candidate, yesterday, compels me to publish this abridged article about the events. Stay tuned for more.
