Oklahoma Senator Jim Dunlap Appointed National Chairman Of ALEC

New York, NY - The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) announced the appointment of Oklahoma Senator Jim Dunlap as its National Chairman for 2002 at an August 3rd session of their annual meeting. Dunlap will be installed this December at the organization's States' and Nation Policy Summit in Washington, DC.

"Senator Dunlap is an exemplary leader, both in his home state of Oklahoma and as a leader in ALEC," said outgoing 2001 National Chairman Steve McDaniel. "It is truly an honor to have him as our National Chairman in 2002."

As National Chairman, Dunlap will head the 21-member Board of Directors and will be responsible for setting the policies and priorities for the 2,400-member association of state legislators. ALEC is dedicated to developing model policies based on the Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism, and individual liberty.

"I am very pleased to be chosen by the Board to serve ALEC as its National Chairman for 2002," said Dunlap. "I look forward to working with conservative state legislators across the country."

Dunlap has been a member of the ALEC National Board of Directors since 1996. He was first elected as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1998. He served as Republic Whip from 1991 - 1994 and Republican Caucus Chairman from 1994 - 1996. Following eight years of perfect attendance in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, he was elected to represent Oklahoma's 29th Senate District in 1996. He currently serves as the Senate Republican Floor Leader. Dunlap first joined ALEC in 1988 and was formerly the ALEC State Chair.

Among the leadership of America's state legislatures, ALEC members hold an impressive presence: 32 Speakers and Speakers Pro Tem; 22 Senate Presidents and Presidents Pro Tem; 22 Senate Majority and Minority Leaders; 30 House Majority and Minority Leaders. ALEC alumni include eight sitting governors (including Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating), three lieutenant governors (including Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin), two senior-cabinet level positions, and more than 80 members of Congress.

For additional information on ALEC contact Bob Adams at (410) 961-1624