The Duncan Banner

Local News

October 7, 2012

Chamber hosts set of candidate forums

Mike Smith The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — People in Stephens County will get a chance to hear from candidates seeking state legislative seats and county offices during three upcoming forums being moderated and hosted by the Duncan Area Chamber of Commerce.

The forums are set for the next three Tuesday nights at 7 p.m., first at the Velma-Alma High School auditorium. Another follows on Oct. 16 in Duncan at the Stephens County Fair & Expo Center’s Territory Hall.

The last is set for Oct. 23 at the Empire Public School cafeteria.

Candidates who plan to attend the forums include those running for Oklahoma House District 51, Senate Districts 31 and 43, county commissioner District 2 and Stephens County sheriff.

Democrat Donna Marie Bebo and independent RJ Harris, who are running for Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional District seat, also plan to speak at the forums.

Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom Cole cannot attend because he will be in Washington, D.C. during those times, said Duncan Chamber President Chris Deal.

“They are really meet-the-candidates forums to give individuals an opportunity to meet the candidates in their area,” Deal said. “I believe if people can see someone who is running for office and hear the emotion in their voice, they can identify with them. A lot of people won’t vote if they don’t know their candidates.”

The forums will not be formal debates, said Deal, who will moderate the events.

The candidates will be asked why they are running and what they would like to do if elected, among other things, but will be encouraged to not to go after one another.

The events are open to the public.

Deal said some high school students and veterans are expected to attend.

The election will be on Nov. 6.

The candidates planning to take in some or all of the forums are:

- Republican Scott Biggs of Chickasha and Democrat Stewart Meyer of Chickasha in House District 51, which includes part of Stephens County. State Rep. Corey Holland, R-Marlow, is not seeking re-election.

- Republican incumbent Sen. Don Barrington and Democrat Tony Terrill, both of Lawton, in Senate District 31, which includes Duncan and western portions of Stephens County.

- Democrat Mike Fullerton and Republican Corey Brooks in a newly drawn Senate District 43, which includes much of Stephens County.

- Democrat Todd Churchman, Stephens County commissioner for District 2, and his Republican challenger, Lonnie Estes.

- Stephens County Sheriff Wayne McKinney, a Republican seeking a second term in a rematch with Jimmy Williams, a Democrat who is police chief in Marlow.

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