For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Angela Allmond, Communications Director
Oklahoma Democratic Party
angela@okdemocrats.org

Oklahoma Democratic Party Pleased to See Some Republicans Standing Up for Justice

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, NOVEMBER 12, 2021 – The Oklahoma Democratic Party applauds Republican Representatives Mize, Stinson, McDugle, Phillips, and Talley who have broken away from the pack and called on Gov. Stitt to stand on the side of justice and commute the sentence of Julius Jones. These individuals chose justice over politics.

“I recognize that it must not have been easy for them to stand up against their party’s establishment, consequently, I am pleased that some Republican lawmakers have chosen to add their voices to the growing number of citizens in speaking up to ensure that this man’s life is not taken unjustly,” said Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Alicia Andrews.

“We have to ask, though, where are the other Republican lawmakers? Why are they silent on this critical issue of justice? The Pardon and Parole Board has twice recommended commuting Jones’ sentence based on new evidence, yet too many Republicans are remaining silent on asking Stitt to grant clemency,” said Andrews.

“Despite Stitt claiming that this was an issue for a clemency hearing, he continues to remain quiet after said clemency hearing also recommended Jones’ sentence be commuted. With only six days away from the execution date, more Republicans need to stand up for justice with their colleagues and ask Stitt to do the right thing. The Oklahoma Democratic Party hopes more Republican lawmakers put their political agendas aside and push for Stitt to grant clemency for Julius Jones immediately,” concluded Andrews.

###