EDMOND —
Tuesday’s GOP primary election capped several weeks of intense Republican-on-Republican bashing. Voter fatigue from the confusing myriad of claims clearly showed in the low 16 percent voter turnout.
For what probably will turn out to be the most expensive state Senate race to date, all of that outside, PAC-fueled cash failed to turn out the vote with only 7,600 casting ballots in Senate District 41. While Sen. Clark Jolley won and stays in the ring until the Nov. 6 general election against Edmond Independent Richard Prawdzienski, the primary was a grueling race that did no one any favors.
While Jolley’s race against Paul Blair was notable for its expensive nature and its high amount of angst, it certainly was not an isolated negative campaign. What Oklahomans might have seen in primary races statewide are the true seeds of a third party brewing. Some conservatives might argue that the primaries were about returning the state GOP to its true, conservative roots and making more honest men and women of our legislators. We’re not sure if that message really made itself heard above the din of accusations.
A lot of the campaigning seen by Oklahomans this summer boiled down to conservatives and ultra-conservatives trying to out-conservative one another. They were talking about many of the same issues, but didn’t necessarily agree on how one arrives at the solutions.
We doubt that Senate District 41 voters disagree about a desire for smaller, less expensive government in Oklahoma. But it does matter how we get there in the end. It does matter that we elect people who can remember how to disagree while remaining civil and elect those who can bring all the parties to the table to negotiate the best solutions to our state’s problems.
And that’s why a true third party might be what’s best for all involved. Helping eliminate some of those internal Republican fights would clear the deck for better campaigning and hopefully more thorough dialogue about real issues that impact Oklahomans’ lives. It also might help candidates stay true to themselves and the promises they make in trying to get elected. The GOP’s tent has grown large and restless, much like the left and far left have chosen to part ways on some issues.
There’s no reason to attack another candidate on personal issues. Oklahoma has enough problems that need real attention without all the distractions of personal campaign rhetoric. It’s especially unnecessary for outside PACs who are not beholden to any candidate to drum up their own negative attacks that ultimately add nothing to the debate.
And maybe those who disagree so fundamentally with how their party is governing should take the next step and move their aims forward in a new way.
Our View
OUR VIEW: Primary leaves much to think about in state
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Be Edmond needs your help
BMX star and local legend Mat Hoffman knows what’s it like to fall from great heights and find yourself at one of the worst low points in life. He also knows how to climb back up and tackle life’s problems head on.
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OUR VIEW: Be Edmond needs your help
BMX star and local legend Mat Hoffman knows what’s it like to fall from great heights and find yourself at one of the worst low points in life. He also knows how to climb back up and tackle life’s problems head on.
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OUR VIEW: OKPOP — great idea, bad timing
The Route 66 museum in Clinton has been such a success that Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, said the turnaround project proves that popular culture is a best-seller when it comes to museum projects. It also proved that when a community gets behind a project and raises the funds to launch it, they all can reap the rewards of the increased tourism and recognition.
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OUR VIEW: Choice is clear
This Tuesday, Edmond residents are asked to go to the polls to choose between incumbent Mayor Charles Lamb and Richard Prawdzienski for the office of mayor. Voters citywide also will be asked to consider whether to retain Nick Massey as its Ward 4 councilmember or select newcomer Shilpa Abbitt, an engineer employed by Devon Energy in Oklahoma City.
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OUR VIEW: Line-item budgets should return
Some may have made fun of the nickname — the Doomsday deal — but the thought behind new Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon’s move to name a House committee specifically to monitor federal dollars coming into Oklahoma was right on target.
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OUR VIEW: Economic development plan deserves consideration
An economist recently told the Edmond City Council that the entire Oklahoma City metropolitan area has the potential to boom with economic growth in the next decade. Edmond officials are making plans now to be ready for that potential growth to ensure the city gets its fair share of the economic pie.
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OUR VIEW: Doing the right thing
On Wednesday, the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Senate swore in their newly elected and re-elected members in preparation of the 2013 legislative session. It was a moment for those elected to public office to savor their success, share their victory with family and friends who came to watch the ceremonies and be cordial with their new colleagues.
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OUR VIEW: Lankford, Jolley, McDaniel get our vote
Few times in American history have we seen people divided so politically as we have during this election cycle. The partisan gridlock of Congress and the relentless sniping of presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle are more than just fodder for late-night comedy.
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OUR VIEW: Say yes to SQ 766
State Question 766 poses one of the most drastic questions for voters to consider in state history. The language of this state question requires voters to say either yes, they don’t want a tax increase, or no, they do want one.
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