KTOK: Herbert Eyes County Commissioner Seat

By Jerry Bohnen, NewsRadio 1000 KTOK ~ He's not commenting officially yet but former Midwest City State Senator Dave Herbert has his sights set on becoming the next Oklahoma County Commissioner. Herbert, a Democrat who now lobbies for Oklahoma County, has a meeting later this week with County Commsisioner Jim Roth who is leaving in two weeks to become a State Corporation Commissioner. Herbert is hoping to get Roth's support in a bid for the job once Governor Henry sets a date for a special election. Herbert spent years in the State Senate and has indicated he shares the same vision of Oklahoma County as Roth has. The two have worked together as Herbert lobbied the legislature for the county.

Herbert was defeated in 2002 as he sought reelection to the Senate seat he held for years. The former Midwest City mayor and police officer was attacked by organized labor, which spent a small fortune in the Democratic primary to beat him because of his support for right to work. His loss resulted in the seat falling into Republican hands, where it has been since.

Meanwhile, supporters of former State Rep. Forrest Claunch, Midwest City Republican, say he is seriously considering seeking the commission seat. Claunch voluntarily left the Legislature in 2004.

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