Oklahoma House District 62: Democrat hopes to unseat Republican incumbent

By Ron Jackson

Published: September 18, 2008

LAWTON — Republican state Rep. T.W. Shannon and his District 62 Democratic challenger, Randy Warren, agree that Lawton is growing rapidly.

That's where their agreement seems to end.

"My opponent has been a nonissue,” said Warren, who serves on Lawton's city council. "I don't even know anyone who has actually seen him around here. He's like a ghost.”

Shannon, 30, contends he has been in Oklahoma City fighting for his constituents and the people of Oklahoma.

A member of the transportation subcommittee, Shannon said he helped secure more than $10 million for Comanche County roads and bridges as part of an eight-year Transportation Department plan.

He also proudly points to $50,000 he obtained for Lawton's active gang task force — a sum he admits is a "drop in the bucket, but a step in the right direction.” He promises more.

Shannon also promises to continue his fight for state dollars as Lawton braces for an influx of 15,000 people over the next 18 months at Fort Sill. The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) expansion is by far Lawton's greatest issue.

But Warren argues such promises are already too late.

"I've looked at our city's CIP (Capital Improvements Program) for roadwork, sewage, water lines ...” said Warren, 48. "You know how much we've gotten from the state? A little more than $1 million. That's it. I know my opponent only has one vote, but he should be standing on a table, waving his hands and screaming to get somebody's attention.

Shannon agrees BRAC is a major issue — one that deserves great attention — but is ever-mindful of a bigger picture.

"I represent my constituents and my district first and foremost,” Shannon said. "But I also took an oath to serve all of Oklahoma, and sometimes you have to see what the needs are of people in Guymon to understand how your district fits into the overall scheme of things ...

"When I knock on doors, people say ‘fix my schools, fix my roads, and leave me alone.' They are conservative people, and I have upheld those values.”

Shannon promises to continue fighting for public safety, the uninsured, and a "business-friendly” climate statewide.

"My opponent likes to say, ‘What's best for Oklahoma is best for Lawton,'” Warren said. "I say, ‘What's best for Lawton is best for Oklahoma.'”

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