Hoover Joins Simank Campaign

Blogger Ron Black reports today that Democratic consultant Don Hoover has signed on with Oklahoma City Councilwoman Ann Simank in the race for the Democratic nomination for Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1.

Simank faces fellow Councilwoman Willa Johnson, former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn, former State Rep. Bart Bates and former commission candidate Billie Bates.

Republicans are former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City and former Jones Mayor Bill Hoag.

Claunch launched his campaign with an early morning fundraiser in Midwest City this morning. His lead campaign consultant is Neva Hill, who handled Claunch's legislative campaigns and worked with him on anti-gambling efforts that Claunch chaired.

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Seven File For County Commission Seat

The filing period for the Oklahoma County Commission District 1 seat ended this afternoon without any major surprises.

Democrats did wind up with five candidates in the winner-take-all primary.

As expected, former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn filed in the Democratic primary, as did Oklahoma City Councilwomen Willa Johnson and Ann Simank, former Capitol lobbyist Bart Bates. and Fannie Bates (no relation to Bart), who sought the seat in 1994.

Republicans who filed include former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City and former Jones Mayor Bill Hoag.

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Blackburn Says She's In County Commissioner Race

Former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn today announced her candidacy for Oklahoma County Commissioner District One, the seat vacated by Jim Roth.

She is the third declared Democratic candidate in the race, the other two being Oklahoma City Councilwomen Ann Simank and Willa Johnson.

Republicans in the race include former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City and former Jones Mayor Bill Hoag.

Blackburn stated, "I feel I have the skills and commitment to continue the work Commissioner Roth started. Jim re-organized the District One County office and brought integrity and efficiency back to District One. I believe my work and background in civic and community projects give me unique insight into the needs of District One. Roth's legacy of high standards of governmental performance must be maintained."

Blackburn served twelve years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives representing District 88. While in the House,she served as Chair of Appropriations for Education and Chair of Banking and Finance.

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Henry Sets County Election Dates

Governor Brad Henry has set August 14th as primary election day and September 11th as general election day in Oklahoma County for those seeking to replace Jim Roth as county commissioner.

Democrats who say they are running are Oklahoma City Councilwomen Willa Johnson and Ann Simank. Republicans who are running are former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City and former Jones Mayor Bill Hoag.

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Former Jones Mayor Enters Commissioner Race

Blogger Ron Black reports today that the former mayor of Jones, Republican Bill Hoag (pictured), has told a local newspaper, The Midwest City Sun, that he will be a candidate for the Oklahoma County District 1 seat being vacated by Jim Roth.

Former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City announced as a candidate for the GOP nomination yesterday.

Image courtesy The Midwest City Sun

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