OCPA Names Claunch As Executive Director

Former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City is the new executive director of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Dr. David Brown, Chairman of the Board of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, announced Claunch's appointment today: "Forrest has served in Operations and Special Projects since February 2008, and will assume the duties of Executive Director of OCPA immediately. This appointment will enable the continuity of our work while the OCPA Presidential Selection Committee continues the process of selecting a new President.

"Forrest brings detailed knowledge and a passion for the important efforts of OCPA to advance the research and analysis of public issues in Oklahoma from a perspective of limited government, individual liberty and a free-market economy," Dr. Brown continued, "and his experience in the private sector and ten years in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives have proven an asset to OCPA."

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Johnson's Victory Came On Strength In Nine Northeast Oklahoma City Precincts

Democrat Willa Johnson won the special election for Oklahoma County commissioner this week based on overwhelming margins in some northeast Oklahoma City and Spencer precincts, TMRO's analysis of precinct vote returns shows.

ANALYSIS

Republican Forrest Claunch, who lost to Johnson 54-46 percent, actually carried or tied Johnson in 65 of the district's 105 precincts, but his margins in the precincts he carried were nowhere near as large as those Johnson racked up in some northeast Oklahoma City precincts. In the nine northeast precincts listed here, for example, Johnson received 1,924 votes. Claunch got just 132. Her margin of victory overall was 893 votes.

Precinct 543 ~ Claunch 4, Johnson 213 Precinct 544 ~ Claunch 4, Johnson 223 Precinct 547 ~ Claunch 5, Johnson 112 Precinct 549 ~ Claunch 1, Johnson 201 Precinct 550 ~ Claunch 11, Johnson 246 Precinct 551 ~ Claunch 16 Johnson 265 Precinct 552 ~ Claunch 27, Johnson 221 Precinct 579 ~ Claunch 15, Johnson 121 Precinct 589 ~ Claunch 49, Johnson 322

While Claunch carried precincts in the State House district he previously represented, his margins were modest compared to Johnson's showing in her northeast precincts. An example can be found in Midwest City's Precinct 385, voting in which takes place at Cleveland Bailey Elementary School, 3301 Sunvalley Drive. There, Claunch had a margin of almost 2-to-1, besting Johnson 225 to 116 votes.

Voter registration in the district is about 64 percent Democrat, 36 percent Republican.

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Johnson Wins County Commission Seat

Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson defeated former State Rep. Forrest Claunch to win the vacant Oklahoma County Commission District 1 seat in voting on Tuesday.

Unofficial returns show Johnson with 5,976 votes, 54 percent, to Claunch's 5,083 votes, or 46 percent.

Voter turnout was (a pathetic) 10 percent of those registered.

Johnson, a Democrat, swept precincts in northeast Oklahoma City and Spencer by huge margins, just as she did in winning the highly-contested Democratic primary.

Claunch, a Republican, carried precincts in his hometown of Midwest City and other areas.

Registration in the district favors Democrats. The seat had been held by Jim Roth, named to the Corporation Commission by Governor Brad Henry.

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Claunch, Johnson Face County Voters

Republican Forrest Claunch and Democrat Willa Johnson make their final pitch to Oklahoma County voters in the next four days as they seek election to the District 1 county commission seat.

Claunch, former House member from Midwest City, has stressed his business background, years of legislative experience and ability to work with others in his campaign. He won the GOP primary in a walk.

Johnson, Oklahoma City councilwoman, has stressed her local government experience. Johnson topped a field of five Democrats in her primary, posting an impressive victory based on heavy margins in northeast Oklahoma City and Spencer.

They seek the seat vacated when Governor Brad Henry named Democrat Jim Roth to the Corporation Commission.

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How Willa Won The Ground Game

A Solid Plan And 'Where There's A Willa, There's A Way' Hustle Paid Off For The Oklahoma City Councilwoman

Willa Johnson won the Democratic primary for the Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1 seat in the 72 hours before last Tuesday's primary and she did it with a solid plan and hustle.

Here, based on what we've been able to learn from party insiders, observers and a few of her supporters, is how the Oklahoma City councilwoman did it despite "expert" opinion she'd finish third to Councilwoman Ann Simank and former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn:

ONE - Johnson organized an intensive voter turnout telephone effort in her City Council district and in the Spencer area, and reportedly had more volunteers willing to call their neighbors than she had telephones for them to use. Much of the calling, we're told, was done by neighbors on their home phones from lists the Johnson campaign supplied. She also used robocalls with her trademark, "Where there's a Willa, there's a way!" line that seemed to stick in the minds of some voters.

TWO - Johnson designed and printed an oversized postcard that went to every Democratic household in the district. Apparently, she was the only candidate to do this throughout the district. The postcards arrived mostly on Saturday and Monday.

THREE - Johnson supporters reportedly printed handbills that were placed on windshields during Sunday services at northeast Oklahoma City churches.

FOUR - Johnson supporters blitzed neighborhoods in the district in 3- and 4-person teams on the weekend. In Midwest City's Rolling Heights Addition (Northeast 10th and Air Depot area), observers reported a 4-man team leaving flyers on doors. They ignored homes where Republican Forrest Claunch's yard signs were present and skipped some homes where his signs were not present; that could indicate they were working from a list of registered Democrats. (Claunch won the GOP nomination over former Jones Mayor Bill Hoag, 75-25 percent.)

Johnson's 4-pronged ground game worked. She won the winner-take-all primary with 35.34 percent of the vote, besting Blackburn (34.01 percent) by just 80 votes. The totals were 2,119 to 2,039. Simank, believed by many to be the early front-runner, finished a distant third in the 5-person primary field.

Johnson apparently had the help of former Oklahoma Democratic Party operative Teresa Hill, who has close union ties, and Gary Jones, former head of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association.

Johnson drew much of her vote strength from Spencer, as well as northeast Oklahoma City. She won 20 (of the district's total 105) precincts in those areas by huge margins.

Johnson's elective career began in 1993 when she was elected to the City Council. She's been reelected multiple times since. She's active in numerous local groups and national municipal government organizations.

The District 1 commissioner's seat was vacated when Jim Roth was named to the Corporation Commission by Governor Brad Henry.

The special general election is September 11th.

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Willa Johnson Stuns With County Commission Democratic Win; Claunch Takes GOP Nomination

Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson confounded the experts and stunned most observers in Tuesday's Oklahoma County Commissioner election, defeating four opponents by getting 35.34 percent of the vote in the winner-take-all primary.

Republican Forrest Claunch of Midwest City easily defeated former Jones Mayor Bill Hoag, 75.37 to 24.63 percent, to take his party's nomination.

Johnson's victory came with an 80-vote margin over former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn, who got 34.01 percent of the vote. Councilwoman Ann Simank, believed by some to the leader as of a week ago, got just 23.72 percent of the vote. Fannie Bates and Bart Bates got just 1.5 and 5.4 percent, respectively.

Here are the vote totals in the Democratic primary: Johnson, 2,119; Blackburn, 2,039; Simank, 1,422; Bart Bates, 324; Fannie Bates, 92.

Here are the Republican totals: Claunch, 1,558; Hoag, 509.

The special general election is September 11th.

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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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Claunch Makes It Official; He's In

Midwest City resident Forrest Claunch announced Tuesday that he will be a Republican candidate for the Oklahoma County Commissioner seat being vacated by Democrat Jim Roth, who was recently named to fill a vacancy on the Corporation Commission.

"This is an important position not only to Oklahoma County, but to every city within the county," Claunch said. "The decisions made by the county commissioners impact almost all of us no matter which city we live in. Spending tax dollars places a special responsibility on county commissioners. I guarded tax dollars as a member of the Legislature and I'll do the same as county commissioner."

First elected to the State House in 1994, Claunch voluntarily retired in 2004. At that time he left the door open to future political endeavors.

"I was grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of District 101 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. It was an honor and privilege to fight for the conservative values and principles of our great state and country. Oklahomans want and expect elected officials to stand on solid principles regarding the priorities of spending tax dollars and making decisions affecting all of our lives. As County Commissioner, I will continue to serve the public trust with honesty, fairness, and integrity," Claunch said.

Claunch has been recognized as a strong voice for economic growth by groups including chambers of commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the bipartisan Oklahoma Conference of Mayors. Claunch was also recognized as one of the top legislators for his positive voting record on job and economic growth issues over a 5-year period by the Research Institute for Economic Development.

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Claunch Prepares County Commission Campaign

Former State Rep. Forrest Claunch, Midwest City Republican, is preparing to seek the Oklahoma County Commission District 1 post being vacated by the appointment of Commissioner Jim Roth to the Corporation Commission.

An announcement from Claunch is expected as early as Tuesday.

As reported earlier today on The McCarville Report Online, the field of possible Democratic candidates includes former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn, Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson and Oklahoma City Councilwoman Ann Simank. Former State Senator Dave Herbert, Midwest City Democrat, took himself out of the race today, telling radio station KTOK he will continue as a Capitol lobbyist.

Republican sources, meanwhile, say that Jason Nelson, a former member of Goveror Frank Keating's staff and currently a principal of the consulting firm CMA Strategies considered getting into the race but will not do so if Claunch announces as expected.

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County Developments: Debbie Blackburn Eyes Roth Seat, Debbe Leftwich Talks About Rinehart Seat

Former State Rep. Debbie Blackburn, sources say, may enter the race to succeed Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth. She is the third Democrat known to be considering the race to succeed Roth in the District 1 post. Others are Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson and Oklahoma City Councilwoman Ann Simank. Former State Senator Dave Herbert considered the race, but told radio station KTOK today he will not be a candidate.

Blackburn completed 12 years in the House and left because of term limits. She is active in numerous civic organizations, including the Downtown Oklahoma City Rotary Club, the Neighborhood Alliance of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Academy of State Goals, and the Paseo Redevelopment Corporation Board of Directors.

The only Republican known to be exploring a race is former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City.

In another Oklahoma County political development, some insiders expect State Senator Debbe Leftwich to seek the District 2 seat now held by embattled Republican Brent Rinehart, who faces criminal charges related to the financing of his campaign. Leftwich, a Democrat elected to replace her late husband in 2003 and reelected in 2006, reportedly has discussed the possibility with supporters and some party insiders.

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Herbert Says He'll Have Announcement Next Week

Capitol lobbyist Dave Herbert says he'll announce next week if he will be a candidate for the Oklahoma County Commission.

The former state senator told radio station KTOK he is a forming an exploratory committee and will meet with members over the weekend to assess the race.

Herbert, a Democrat, could face two members of the Oklahoma City Council, Willa Johnson and Ann Simank, if he decides to run. Johnson told KTOK she's not ready to announce yet, but sounded much like a candidate. Simank has declared she is running.

Republican Forrest Claunch, former House member, also is considering the race for the seat being vacated by Jim Roth.

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Willa Johnson Eyes County Commissioner Vacancy

Oklahoma City Councilwoman Willa Johnson has given an indication she, too, is interested in running for the Oklahoma County Commission seat being vacated by Jim Roth.

Sources say Johnson has contacted previous supporters about making the race.

Earlier Wednesday, Councilwoman Ann Simank indicated she is running, as did former State Senator Dave Herbert of Midwest City, now a Capitol lobbyist. Former State Rep. Forrest Claunch, also of Midwest City, also is known to be considering the race.

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Ann Simank Says She'll Seek Roth Post

Oklahoma City Councilwoman Ann Simank of Ward 6 says she'll run for the County Commission seat being vacated by Commissioner Jim Roth's appointment to the Corporation Commission.

Simank apparently will join former State Senator Dave Herbert in the race. Former State Rep. Forrest Claunch of Midwest City also is considering the race.

Simank was eleced to the council in 1995. She confirmed rumors she'll run in an interview with the publication OKCBusiness.

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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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Will Claunch Seek County Commission Seat?

With the appointment of Oklahoma County Commissioner Jim Roth to the Corporation Commission, word quickly spread that former State Rep. Forrest Claunch, Midwest City Republican, may seek the seat Roth is vacating.

Governor Brad Henry will set a special election date; state law requires that the election be within six months of a vacancy.

Claunch, who became a leader in the anti-gambling movement during his years in the Legislature, left the House in 2004. An active Southern Baptist lay leader, the conservative Claunch was a member of the House GOP leadership during his tenure.

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