Published: July 06, 2008 09:13 am      

Lucas introduces new staffer

U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, congressman for Oklahoma’s third district, has hired Woodward native Tyler Laughlin to serve as a field representative for the northeast corner of the district.

The 22-year-old Laughlin is the son of Woodward resident and former state senator Owen Laughlin and Charlette Laughlin. He graduated from Woodward High School in 2004, where he was active in the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. Laughlin played soccer, basketball and football for the Boomers.

He recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma in Norman with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. During his tenure at OU, Laughlin was a four-year member of the university’s College Republicans and served as the chapter vice president. He also served as a delegate at the Oklahoma Republican Convention.

“Iam very pleased to welcome Tyler to the team,” Lucas said in a press release. “He has the important task of being my eyes and ears while I am in Washington, making sure that I am aware of the issues that are most important to the constituents of the Third District.”

Laughlin said his father’s public service probably helped create his desire to serve. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do...ever since I was in eighth or ninth grade,” Laughlin said. “I’ve been exposed to public service for a while. I guess it’s in my blood.”

Laughlin said he loves this area and he’s glad for the opportunity to work for the people. “I just want to serve the people,” he said. “Public service is gonna be a lot of fun and I look forward to working on behalf of the citizens of Oklahoma.”

“The people in Northwest Oklahoma are just fantastic,” Laughlin said. “They’re wonderful people.”

Laughlin said his primary duties will be acting as a representative for Lucas when the congressman is in Washington--attending events on Lucas’s behalf and keeping him informed on developments in the area. “I’m basically the eyes and the ears for the congressman. Where he cannot be, I’m there,” Laughlin said.