CONGRESSMAN MIKE SYNAR
I believe America and, yes, the world, needs bold, dynamic leadership unafraid of the risks. Without such courageous leadership, truth indeed will be snuffed out by fear and silence. In my life, I’ve tried to demonstrate such resolve—to walk in my fellow man’s steps before I led—to care for others before myself—and to do what is right regardless of the consequences. - Congressman Mike Synar
Modern politicians often cast themselves as fighters, but during his 16 years in Congress, Mike Synar fought against the tide time after time — and changed history in the process.
First elected at 28, Mike's only standard for every issue, big or small, was "what's the right thing to do?" Among his most memorable battles, he challenged the popular Gramm-Rudman Act, resulting in the historic Supreme Court decision Bowsher v. Synar. He took on the tobacco industry when virtually no one else would. He cast the lone Oklahoma vote to block oil and gas exploration on Alaska lands, then saved the natural gas industry — and angered coal interests — by resurrecting the Fuel Use Act. He fought to eliminate the subsidy for corporate ranchers grazing federal lands in the West. The 1992 "Synar Report" exposed decades of mismanagement of Indian Trust Fund monies, and he led passage of the Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act of 1994.
His tenacity in pursuing politically dangerous causes amazed his colleagues and earned their respect — but created powerful enemies. He was defeated in the 1994 Democratic primary by massive special-interest spending. Two years later, Mike died of a brain tumor at age 45. President Bill Clinton was a close friend; while Mike lay dying, the President would have first-run movies, including All the President's Men, delivered to his room.
Mike is remembered by his many friends, family, and the substantial alumni who fanned out across the country to do wonderful things. His legacy lives on in the hopes and dreams of progressive Democrats throughout Oklahoma. We deeply appreciate the countless hosts, sponsors, and volunteers who are resurrecting this event in grand style.