With the news that Dennie Oxley has replaced Dennie Oxley II as the Democratic candidate for state representative in District 73, let me take the opportunity to answer your questions about the names involved.*

Dennie Oxley, the new legislative candidate, is not named Dennis because he has an older brother Donald.  Donald is known as “Donnie” and his parents didn’t like it when people called him “Donald.”  They wanted sons named “Donnie” and “Dennie.”  Therefore, when Dennie was born, naming him Dennis was out of the question.

Dennie Oxley II, the candidate for Lieutenant Governor, is not named Dennie Oxley, Junior because his parents didn’t want him called “Junior.”  Just as the generation before, they wanted him referred to as “Dennie.”  He seldom uses the “II” designation choosing to simply go by Dennie Oxley. 

*(Information supplied by Dennie Oxley II.)