About 75 folks braved heavy rains to attend the Creek County Democratic Party Third District Congressional candidate forum July 10 in Sapulpa.
Giving a stump speech over and over is one thing, but giving candid responses to voters' questions really tests the abilities of a candidate. Sue Barton, John Coffee Harris and Greg Wilson spent 90 minutes answering a broad range of questions including Iraq, energy and farm policies, budget deficits, and nuclear waste disposal. They were unanimous in their complaints that the incumbent Republican congressman is a do-nothing officeholder who is unknown to most voters in the Third District. The race is more challenging because the district includes 32 counties stretching from Sapulpa to Colorado, New Mexico, and the Red River.
The candidates did an outstanding job of answering questions honestly and directly. There's no question any of the three has the ability to outperform the incumbent if given the opportunity to serve.

Thanks to Creek County Chair Willene Wright and her team for putting on a great event. Third District Chair Mack Miller and Vice Chair Anita Norman drove half-way across the state to attend, as did Jody Harlan from Canadian County. All three County Commissioners were present, along with other county officers and candidates. It was good to see locals Charlie and Juanita King and Lincoln County's Debie and Robert Thompson as well -- great people who personify the Democratic Party!
Every county should consider hosting events like this, to give folks a chance to meet the candidates and get fired up about their campaigns!
Best,
Walt