Official statement contradicts negative accusations issued by John Sullivan

(Tulsa, OK 6/12/12) The Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium (TASM) released its official statement in regards to Congressional Candidate LCDR Jim Bridenstine’s service to the museum as Executive Director, noting that both attendance and visibility grew during his tenure.

Bridenstine’s record at TASM has come under fire by his opponent John Sullivan on multiple occasions.  The Sullivan campaign first claimed that Bridenstine was fired from the museum through a coordinated whisper-campaign spread throughout the First Congressional District. Then, Congressman Sullivan went on to personally attack Bridenstine in a live debate on KFAQ saying that attendance had decreased during Bridenstine’s employment. “Both statements are simply untrue,” said Bridenstine, “I have always been proud of what was accomplished at TASM during my time there. Attendance grew and because of our efforts the museum received the local and national attention an institution of its caliber deserves.”

When asked why he believes Congressman Sullivan seems determined to portray his time at TASM as less than honorable, Bridenstine said “With such a short list of accomplishments during his time in Congress he has no choice but to try and convince voters why they shouldn’t vote for me, as opposed to why they should vote for him. At this point, I believe he will say and do anything to keep his job.”

TULSA AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM OFFICIAL STATEMENT

The Tulsa Air and Space Museum is neither for nor against any candidate in any election. Certain statements have been made by others outside of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and the Tulsa Air and Space Museum wishes to clarify certain facts: Jim Bridenstine was employed at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum as its Executive Director from December 2008 through August 20, 2010. While at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, Jim Bridenstine developed the QuikTrip Air and Rocket Racing Show and the Land the Shuttle Campaign, both of which garnered tremendous visibility for the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. While Mr. Bridenstine was executive director attendance increased at the museum. In August 2010 Mr. Bridenstine voluntarily resigned from his position as Executive Director at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum in order to follow his orders in the Navy Reserves. Mr. Bridenstine was not terminated from the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.

- Barbara Smallwood