"I don't know who started the idea that a president must be a politician instead of a business man. A politician can't run any other kind of business. So there is no reason why he can run the U.S. That's the biggest single business in the world." -Will Rogers

We all know Joe the Plumber, let me introduce you to Markwayne the Plumber.

Markwayne Mullin is our Republican nominee in the 2nd Congressional District. With no statewide races outside of the presidential, this race is the gold medal prize for both parties here in Oklahoma.

It's the final frontier for our party on two fronts. First, it's the last congressional seat we need to paint the whole state red. And second, this district is fertile ground for voter registration efforts. While the district has a majority of registered Democrat voters, they are staunchly conservative, and many are finally switching parties.

Everyone has a story, here's Markwayne's:

Markwayne is an eastern Oklahoma native, successful businessman and rancher. He was raised in the small Adair County community of Westville.

Shortly after Markwayne graduated from Stilwell High School, his dad fell ill and the family’s small plumbing company encountered financial troubles. Markwayne was only 19 years old but he and his wife, Christie, took over with only six employees. They had never run a business, but thankfully his dad had taught him the value of hard work and discipline.

Markwayne and Christie not only stabilized Mullin Plumbing, but grew it into one of the largest service companies in the tri-state area. Today, it is only one of several successful companies they own, including Mullin Farms, Mullin Properties and Mullin Services.

It's clear from Mullin's story that we aren't talking about your typical politician, and that's a good thing. This is a guy who has built businesses from the ground up, signed both sides of a check, and understands the barriers to growing a business.

Will Rogers said it best: "I don't know who started the idea that a president must be a politician instead of a business man. A politician can't run any other kind of business. So there is no reason why he can run the U.S. That's the biggest single business in the world."

The quote should go for those serving in Congress too. I don't know who started the idea that a bunch of lawyers and career politicians could run this country, but it certainly wasn't our Founding Fathers!

Markwayne's opponent has spent his career receiving a government paycheck, and has a clear record of failure when he’s ventured into the private sector. That's not the kind of candidate I want in Washington trying to fix our economy, debt and deficit.

If you agree, then please consider helping Markwayne. You can sign up to volunteer here. If you believe as I do that we need more businessmen and women in Washington, then Markwayne the Plumber is your man.

Tags: Markwayne Mullin, Matt Pinnell

About the Author: OKGOP