Obama may affect state races
August 31, 2009The Tulsa World
By Barbara Hoberock
President Obama's unpopularity in Oklahoma will likely affect statewide and legislative races in 2010 by increasing support for Republican candidates, experts say.
"It is a tough environment for Democrats, no question," said Don Hoover, a media consultant who works mostly with Democrats, including Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who is running for governor. "But Oklahoma Democrats are very different from national Democrats. We cannot let the Republicans nationalize the election."
Experts say Oklahoma Democrats are generally more conservative. Last November, Obama received only a third of the votes cast in the presidential race in Oklahoma. U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., received 65.6 percent of the Oklahoma vote.
Voters will select a new governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and state superintendent, all offices being vacated by Democrats.
Gov. Brad Henry can't seek re-election because of term limits.
U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, a Republican, and state Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, are running for governor, as are Askins and Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson, a Democrat.
One Democrat and three Republicans are running for lieutenant governor.
State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage, a Democrat, is seeking to be elected to the post that Henry appointed him to fill following the resignation of Jeff McMahan, a Democrat.
State Superintendent Sandy Garrett, a Democrat, announced last week that she would not seek a sixth term.
The superintendent's race had already drawn two candidates.
Only Ryan Leonard, an attorney and Republican, has announced for attorney general.
Democrat incumbent Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields has drawn challenger Jason Reese, a Republican and attorney.
Republicans will be a lot more eager to go to the polls in 2010, Reese said.
"I am sure it affects it some, yes," Fields said of the Obama factor. "There is still a while before that election. His (Obama's) numbers may change."
Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore, also is considering the race for labor commissioner.
State Treasurer Scott Meacham, a Democrat, has not said whether he will seek re-election. House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Ken Miller, R-Edmond, is considering the race. Former state Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward is running for the post.
Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland, a Democrat, has not said whether she will seek re-election.
"I think Oklahomans in the next (legislative) session will be a lot more focused on the statewide issues of education, health and revenue shortfalls which happened under Republican leadership," said Todd Goodman, Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman.
"Absolutely," University of Oklahoma political science professor Keith Gaddie said when asked if the president's unpopularity in the Sooner state will affect races here.
But Gaddie said the degree to which that happens depends on the economy.
Michael Carrier, director of communications for state Sen. Kenneth Corn's lieutenant governor's race, said Corn has run into those opposed to the administration's policies.
"It has probably been a little more intensified than it has in the past year due to the health-care debate going on," Carrier said. "Historically, Oklahomans have always separated national Democrats from local Democrats, who are far more conservative, just as Senator Corn is."
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