Oklahoma Democrats elect chairman Todd Goodman

State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage announced Saturday at the state Democratic convention that he is seeking a full term.

Burrage, a former Antlers banker and certified public accountant, was appointed in July by Gov. Brad Henry. He is the first person to announce he is running for auditor in the 2010 elections.

Gary Jones, the Republican candidate in 2002 and 2006, recently was re-elected chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party and has said he would not run for auditor in 2010.

Burrage said he wants to continue to bring his 30 years of experience in accounting and banking to the auditor’s office.

He is only hiring people who have accounting or accounting-related degrees, he said. He has combined the special audit and county audit divisions to make the office more efficient, he said.

Burrage, 56, was appointed to replace former Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, who resigned after a federal jury convicted him and his wife on three felony corruption-related counts.

Burrage, who has moved to Edmond since his appointment but still has a residence in Antlers, said he wants to make sure Oklahoma spends any federal economic stimulus money it receives properly. Henry placed him in charge of federal funds accountability.

MICHAEL MCNUTT, Capitol Bureau