Oklahoma’s candidates for governor meet in first forum

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Democrat trying to capture the governor’s seat in the red state of Oklahoma said his experience in government is a benefit. But in a state where a dozen incumbents have already lost in primaries, he was quick to point out that it’s been eight years since he’s been in office.
Former Attorney General Drew Edmondson and Republican Kevin Stitt, a Tulsa businessman, faced off Monday in a forum hosted by The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City.
Edmondson, who served four terms as the state’s top prosecutor, has painted the Republicans’ nearly decadelong control of Oklahoma state government as a disaster that has led to massive budget shortfalls.
Stitt, who owns a national mortgage company, says he plans to take a businessman’s approach to state government and wants the ability to hire and fire agency heads.