Jones Picks Up Editorial Steam As Tuesday Nears

Several state newspapers that usually support Democrats endorsed Republican Gary Jones on Sunday in his bid to unseat incumbent Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan. It's a repeat of their 2002 race, which McMahan narrowly won. Observers believe, and most polls show, this is a close race and likely will go down to the wire.

In Ardmore, The Daily Ardmoreite wrote, "We encourage voters to choose Gary Jones for State Auditor and Inspector. We think Jeff McMahan's integrity has been compromised by some unethical dealings with former Sen. Gene Stipe and some of his operations."

The Muskogee Phoenix reiterated its support for Jones, writing today that, "The last thing this state needs is more public scandals. The incumbent, Jeff McMahan, is entwined in a big state scandal, and we believe Jones can more effectively and efficiently run the office."

The Duncan Banner also endorsed Jones.

The Norman Transcript on Saturday endorsed Jones and Tom Cole and Democrats Brad Henry, Jari Askins, Drew Edmondson and Scott Meacham.

Henry faces Congressman Ernest Istook, Askins faces House Speaker Todd Hiett in the race for lieutenant governor, Edmondson faces challenger James Dunn in the race for attorney general, and Meacham faces Howard Barnett in the race for state treasurer. Cole faces Hal Spake of Norman as he seeks reelection in the 4th congressional district.

The Jones endorsement is seen as somewhat of a surprise. The Transcript leans to Democrats. It was the second such newspaper to endorse Jones as of Saturday and was joined by others on Sunday; earlier, the Muskogee Phoenix endorsed Jones, noting questions about McMahan that haven't been answered.

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