(Washington, D.C.) – The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste Political Action Committee (CCAGWPAC) today announced its endorsement of Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Okla.) for governor of Oklahoma.

“Rep. Ernest Istook has served the citizens of the 5^th district of Oklahoma with distinction and has been a true champion for all taxpayers while serving in the House of Representatives,” CCAGWPAC Chairman Tom Schatz said.  “We are confident that his strong leadership abilities and longstanding fiscal conservative values will go far in his new role as governor of Oklahoma.”

Since 1993, Rep. Istook has worked tirelessly, often facing a lonely uphill battle, to break Washington of its wasteful spending habits.  This year, Rep. Istook helped Congress pass a tax cut extension and a budget reconciliation package that saves taxpayers $39.7 billion over five years.  With a lifetime Council for Citizens Against Government Waste Congressional rating of 82 percent, he has been named a Taxpayer Hero nine times.  This rating proves that Rep. Istook “walks-the-talk” when it comes to fiscal discipline. 

CCAGWPAC also based its endorsement on Daniels’ other extensive public and private sector experiences, including: chief of staff to Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), political appointee in President Ronald Reagan’s administration, chief executive of the Hudson Institute, and senior vice president at Eli Lilly and Company.

“Throughout his career, Rep. Istook has understood the need for fiscal discipline and worked tirelessly to fight wasteful Washington spending.  Year after year he has proven that he votes for the taxpayer and conservative principles.  Now, more than ever, we need people like Rep. Istook in the governor’s seat,” Schatz continued.  “We know the taxpayers of Oklahoma will be fortunate to have him as their next governor.”

CCAGWPAC is affiliated with the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, a 501(c)(4) organization.  CCAGWPAC’s mission is to support political candidates who will fight to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in government and represent the best interests of taxpayers.