Joining the fray

Speaking at a podium holding a “We Support the ECISD Bible Curriculum” bumper sticker, and backed by people wearing shirts reading “Putting the Public back in Republican,” Odessa’s Jesse Gore threw his hat into the already crowded ring looking for the District 81 state representative position.

Gore, a deacon at First Baptist Church in Odessa, blasted separation of church and state, saying the United States was moving toward a socialist society.

“Prayer has been taken from our schools and Christ taken from Christmas,” he said. “And what have we in return? One of the most amoral times in our history.”

Gore, 46, is a field service representative for Oncor. He also owns Jesse Gore Insurance and Investments with his wife, Penny Gore.

The race toward the March 4 GOP primary already includes incumbent Buddy West, Odessa lawyer Tryon Lewis and Ector County Independent School District trustee Randy Rives.

Gore has been a member of the ECISD’s Health Advisory Council for two years.