Simank? Blackburn? Light Turnout Expected In Tuesday's Oklahoma County Commission Election

With Tuesday's primaries for the District 1 Oklahoma County Commission seat looming, observers say the Democratic primary is a contest between Oklahoma City Councilwoman Ann Simank and former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn, and most give Simank the edge.

Blackburn and Simank are two of the five Democrats seeking the nomination in the winner-take-all special primary to fill the seat vacated when Governor Brad Henry named Commissioner Jim Roth to the Corporation Commisssion.

The other Democrats are Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson, consultant Bart Bates and teacher Fannie Bates (no relation).

Johnson is considered a player in the primary, but insiders see her support as limited primarily to the northeast Oklahoma City Council district she represents and they say turnout there likely will be lower than in other parts of the commission district where Simank and Blackburn have greater support.

In the Republican primary, former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City is the clear favorite over former Jones Mayor Bill Hoag.

Winners of the primaries will face each other in the September 11th special general election.

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