Runoffs could have significant impact
JUNE’S primary elections drew huge turnout, driven primarily by a state question on medical marijuana. Voters should not ignore Tuesday’s primary runoff elections, which involve more weighty issues that could impact basic governance for years.
Runoff elections typically draw low turnout. But in most years, there are few statewide runoffs, which translates into lower voter awareness of or interest in local races. That isn’t the case this year, as there are many statewide races on the ballot and several congressional runoffs.
Republicans voters will select a whole slate of nominees Tuesday, including governor, lieutenant governor, state auditor and inspector, attorney general, state superintendent, labor commissioner, and corporation commissioner. Republican voters also will select a nominee in the Tulsa-based 1st Congressional District.
On the Democratic side, voters will select their nominee for corporation commissioner and designate nominees in the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th congressional districts.
Even Libertarians have a statewide race to determine their gubernatorial nominee.
At the same time, there are numerous runoff elections in legislative districts across the state.
The Oklahoman has made endorsements in three races.
In the runoff primary for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, The Oklahoman endorses former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. Cornett is a problem solver and consensus builder with an impressive record as mayor. He will bring new leadership and vision to the Capitol.
In the Republican race for lieutenant governor, we endorse former Oklahoma GOP Chairman Matt Pinnell. He is a successful small-business owner who demonstrated great competence as chairman of the Oklahoma GOP and later as national state party director at the Republican National Committee. As lieutenant governor, Pinnell offers an optimistic vision and dedication that should make him an able salesman for the state.
In the Republican runoff primary for attorney general, The Oklahoman endorses incumbent Mike Hunter. Hunter has been an active and capable attorney general focused on serious issues. He was worked to reduce opioid problems in Oklahoma through a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies and legislative efforts to prevent abuse. Hunter has guided a state multicounty grand jury investigation into the troubled state Health Department, worked to modernize execution protocols, and ably represented consumers in utility rate cases. Although he has been in office a short time, Hunter has already proven himself an active and capable attorney general who deserves re-election.
In polling, the share of people who say Oklahoma is headed the wrong direction has steadily increased in recent years amidst a cycle of increasing taxes and never-ending budget shortfalls. Due to term limits and incumbent retirements, voters will install new leaders in many statewide and legislative offices this year.
For those who want Oklahoma’s future to look nothing like its immediate past, the process of change began with June’s primaries and continues Tuesday. It’s been many years, decades even, since this many statewide and congressional races have been on a runoff ballot. Oklahomans have good reason to pay attention, study the candidates and vote.