Inman ends campaign, will resign
House Democratic Leader Scott Inman abruptly dropped out of the governor’s race Wednesday and said he will resign from the Legislature at the beginning of next year.
Inman and his wife had an animated and heated argument in public Wednesday morning at the Capitol, witnesses said.
The two were seen arguing in the Capitol Rotunda next to the Grand Staircase, and again after Inman grabbed her elbow and walked her down the stairs.
“Fingers were being pointed,” one witness told The Oklahoman.
His departure leaves just two major Democrats still in the race: Former Attorney General Drew Edmondson and former state Sen. Connie Johnson.
Inman, 39, said in a news release that the responsibility of being the House minority leader and a prominent politician came with a price.
“Unfortunately, that price was paid by those nearest and dearest to me. The stresses and strains of my career, the time away from my family, and the choice to wrongly prioritize my life’s decisions have brought me to this moment,” wrote Inman, D-Del City. “I can no longer ask
my wife and children to sacrifice for me. It is time for me to reprioritize what is important in this world."
Inman also wrote, “The next few days will be challenging for my friends and family. I ask for your understanding, your prayers, and privacy during this time.”
Inman's fiery debates and recurring news conferences have been a staple of state Capitol politics lately, especially as the race for governor heated up and the Legislature struggled to come up with additional funding. The attorney was widely considered to be the most prominent Democrat in office — and a viable candidate for governor.
However, he was noticeably absent Monday and Tuesday as the Legislature reconvened special session. His sole public statement about budget issues was sent by email, through his legislative office.
Inman did not attend events for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Vinita on Saturday and in Tulsa on Tuesday. Organizers were told he couldn’t be there because of a family emergency.
He only appeared in public once this week, on the House floor to ask a question Wednesday about the Republican revenue package. After asking the question, he again left the floor. The resignation announcement was sent as lawmakers voted on the proposal. Inman did not vote.
Edmondson issued a statement of his own.
"I have shared the podium with Rep. Inman at various events as we discussed ideas to improve our state and have seen the genuine concern he has for Oklahoma and Oklahomans," said Edmondson. "We haven’t always agreed on the best path forward but I appreciate Scott’s willingness to lend his voice to the important debate over our state’s future. Linda and I wish Scott and his family the best."
It was not immediately clear whether Inman would also step down from his role as House minority leader, a position he's held for seven years. House Democrats had already picked Rep. Steve Kouplen of Beggs to succeed the term-limited Inman.
Beggs and the Democratic caucus praised Inman's leadership and also asked for privacy for him and his family.
“For the last 11 years, Minority Leader Scott Inman has been a voice for the voiceless in the Oklahoma Legislature," the statement read. "In an environment where big business and special interest rule, Scott has been the canary in the mine shaft by tirelessly voicing opposition to policies that prey on working class Oklahomans to the benefit of some of the wealthiest individuals in our state."
Inman is married to his high school sweetheart, Dessa, and they have two children, according to a biography on his gubernatorial campaign website. He graduated from Del City High School where he was valedictorian.
Inman began his bid for governor April 20 and by the end of June, already had almost $100,000 in campaign funds. His next contributions report is due next week.