EVERY four years, in the election cycle opposite the presidential race, Oklahomans choose most statewide officeholders. In the absence of a presidential election or high-profile state questions, interest in quadrennial state elections tends toward the anemic.
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That’s been the case all year, with low participation noted in the primary and runoff elections and a low turnout predicted for the Nov. 7 general election. Yet we urge voters not to sit out an election that will pick the next governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and six “down-ballot” secondary state offices.
Below are our views on seven of those offices:
Attorney General: We endorse the re-election of Democrat Drew Edmondson. Early in his 12-year tenure, he worked to streamline the appeals process in death penalty cases. His tough stance on crime extends to all, blue collar or white. This year his office successfully prosecuted former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher on embezzlement and perjury charges.
Edmondson has fought consumer fraud and helped ensure open access to government. At times, the former Muskogee district attorney has been too activist, but that doesn’t seem to be the case in his attempt to reduce pollution in the state’s most scenic waterways. Edmondson’s opponent is Republican James Dunn.
State Treasurer: Again the nod goes to the incumbent, Democrat Scott Meacham. As Gov. Brad Henry’s closest aide, Meacham helped craft the lottery and tobacco tax initiatives approved by voters two years ago. His involvement with tribal tobacco compacts has opened him to criticism, but Meacham has run the treasurer’s office well since he was appointed to the post 16 months ago.
In the last fiscal year, the return on the state’s investment portfolio was more than double the previous year. Meacham has continued the good work of his predecessor, Democrat Robert Butkin, who proved that the treasurer’s office can be run ethically and professionally. He’s the choice for a full term as he faces Republican Howard Barnett.
Schools Superintendent: Under the leadership of Sandy Garrett, the state has raised the bar for high school students and become a national leader in early childhood education. Many contributed to reaching these
benchmarks, but Garrett has the unenviable task of realizing the goals and working with superintendents to make sure higher standards are implemented. Garrett, a Democrat with a bipartisan bent, has earned a fifth term. Her opponent is Republican Bill Crozier.
Labor Commissioner: Our choice is Brenda Reneau, a Republican seeking her fourth term. Reneau has been an ardent supporter of right to work and other pro-growth policies. The “Safety Pays” program her office runs is a nationally recognized worker protection system. As was true four years ago, Reneau faces former state Rep. Lloyd Fields, D-McAlester.
Insurance Commissioner: In electoral terms, this is an open seat because incumbent Democrat Kim Holland was appointed to the job less than two years ago after her corrupt predecessor was forced out of office. She’s restored order and integrity to an agency plagued by cronyism, graft and incompetence. Her opponent is state Rep. Bill Case, RMidwest City, an insurance agent. Case has raised concerns about the source of Holland’s campaign contributions, but these concerns point mostly to the fact the office should probably be appointive. For the sake of continuity, we think it best that Holland remain in office.
Corporation Commissioner: Unlike other state offices, commissioners are elected for six-year terms. One of three commission seats is up for grabs this year in a contest pitting 18-year Republican incumbent Bob Anthony against a former commissioner, Democrat Cody Graves. Both candidates have served on the commission with distinction. The Oklahoman has no preference in this race.
State Auditor and Inspector: In 2002, Democrat Jeff McMahan was elected to succeed his boss as an officeholder whose duties few Oklahomans can name. His opponent, Republican Gary Jones, may be familiar to voters as the man who narrowly lost to McMahan four years ago. The Oklahoman offers no recommendation in this race.
Edmondson, Meacham, Garrett, Reneau and Holland are incumbents with demonstrated records of achievement. No change in these offices is warranted. We leave it up to voters to determine if a change is needed at the Corporation Commission or in the office of state auditor and inspector.
Previous endorsements Lieutenant Governor: We back Republican Todd Hiett over Democrat Jari Askins in a race between term-limited legislators. Both are capable officials who would do well in the job. But control of the state Senate could well hinge on the party of the lieutenant governor. In that case, Oklahoma needs Hiett in that role.
State Question 724: It would force legislators who are convicted of crimes, or plead guilty or no contest to crimes, to return state pay they receive while behind bars.
State Question 725: It would allow money from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to be used to help the state keep at-risk manufacturers from moving or closing.
State Question 733: It would rescind the state’s antiquated law that forces retail liquor stores to remain closed on election days while the polls are open.
