Apple, Watts Break GOP Ranks To Endorse Democrat Cody Graves Against Bob Anthony

Former Republican corporation commissioners Ed Apple and J. C. Watts broke Republican ranks today and endorsed Democrat Cody Graves in his race to unseat incumbent Republican Commissioner Bob Anthony.

Two of the state’s best known former commissioners, Watts, and Democratic populist Jim Townsend, led the list of former commissioners backing Graves, a release from Graves said.

Besides Townsend, Democrats Hamp Baker, Norma Eagleton, Charles Nesbitt and Rex Privett are supporting Graves.

“I am honored to have the unwavering support of these men and women who have shown, once again, that they are true leaders for the people of Oklahoma,” Graves said. “I am a Democrat and I am proud of it, but the goal of my campaign has been to unite people in a single cause – to protect Oklahoma taxpayers and their interests."

Graves currently runs a company that helps major businesses monitor and reduce their utility costs.

Watts, who also served as Oklahoma’s 4th District Congressman, said, “I have known Cody Graves for years and I believe he is truly the best person to serve as our next corporation commissioner. My decision to endorse and support Cody is based upon Cody’s sincere desire to do more to open commission operations to public review and to strengthen the agency’s consumer protection efforts to ensure taxpayer’s and their interests are protected. To me this is not a decision about which political party a person belongs to, but a decision about what is in the best interest of the people of Oklahoma."

Apple said, “Cody is simply the best man for this job. His experience, his honesty, his ability to fairly judge matters are all reasons I support his election. I’m voting for Cody Graves because we need a new commissioner now more than we ever have before.”

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