I would like to weigh in on conspiracy theories since I have been at the table throughout the discussions of Tony Hullender becoming a candidate for elected official for approximately eight years. Tony has been a leader and organizer bringing our high school class together for a monthly lunch for those eight years. At this point in our lives the topic of discussion is our athletic accomplishments in high school, hip and knee replacements and retirement plans. 

Tony, since pre-covid, had always expressed his desire for elected office following his retirement as deputy attorney general.

This fits the pattern of service he has shown from his days in the military through his time with the Attorney Generals’ office. Pursuing private practice would have been much more lucrative, and would have been today. 

During Bill Lee’s inauguration activities, I met Attorney General Skrmetti, and we talked about our mutual acquaintance, Tony, and he said Tony was a “superstar” for our state. Although it was not unusual to hear accolades about him, it confirmed Tony’s expertise in state affairs.

Soon after covid and long before Rep. Reneau was elected, Tony confirmed to me that he was still interested in running for office when he retired from the AG. With assistance from me and others, Tony analyzed both state and county positions over a lengthy period. He met with and received encouragement and advice from current and past elected officials who are very respected in Republican circles. Because of his extensive knowledge of state laws and affairs, he decided that either state Senate or House would be his best option, instead of a county elected position. 

Knowing Chairman Watson since childhood, running for senate did not feel good to him, so he chose a future run for House District 27 while Patsy Hazelwood was the current representative. (If you can find a copy, check out the newspaper picture of the all-city 1978 football team with Chairman Watson, Tony Hullender and me. OK NFL Hall of Famer Reggie White was in there too.)

His timeline entering the race would be based solely on when he retired as deputy attorney general. Also, according to the code of conduct rules, he was not permitted to participate in political activities while working for the attorney general’s office. He retired in early January this year. There were no commitments to funding from anyone prior to his entering the race, but there have been numerous people who have met him and have become supporters. 

I voted Saturday and the number of uncontested races was disappointing. Democracy is about sharing ideas and competition. That process is how Rep. Reneau was elected, and like someone shared with me a couple of months ago, it is a free country and anyone can run. 

Let us be thankful that we have two good people running against each other. I know them both and their approach is different. I decided to vote for Tony Hullender based on his in-depth knowledge of state law, his years of service to our country and state, and a 50+ year relationship. I encourage others to do so as well. I apologize for the long entry, but it is disheartening to read the misinformation that has been shared through speculation.

Hugh S. Morrow, Jr.