Republican official asked to step down

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The executive director of the Oklahoma Republican Party has been asked to step down three years after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor offenses related to domestic abuse.

The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/1E76D3P ) reports party Chairman Randy Brogdon said Wednesday that he asked Thomas Clint Ryan to step down and assume the position of political director after party members expressed concern about Ryan’s appointment.

Ryan pleaded guilty in 2012 to domestic assault and battery in the presence of a minor child, and interference with an emergency telephone call. The 31-year-old received probation.

Republican state Sen. A.J. Griffin said Ryan’s appointment sets a bad example. She along with Republican state Sens. Kim David and Stephanie Bice said Ryan should not be employed by the party.

The newspaper said Ryan did not return phone calls seeking comment.