The Norman Transcript

Government

Discussion

December 5, 2012

Judge denies petition in District 45 race

By Joy Hampton The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — A petition by Paula Roberts alleging irregularities in the House District 45 race was denied by District Judge Tracy Schumacher on Tuesday.

Roberts, who lost to Republican incumbent Aaron Stiles in the Nov. 6 election was granted a recount. The results of that hand recount narrowed the margin of Stiles’ victory from 18 votes to 16 votes. Roberts, represented by her husband, attorney Barry Roberts and attorney Greg Bledsoe of Tulsa, also filed the petition alleging that election irregularities had created a mathematical uncertainty. Roberts asked to be declared the winner or to have the election thrown out and a new election orders.

Schumacher ruled that the burden or proof required in the case had not been met.

“I am disappointed with the Judge’s ruling.  I believe there were enough irregularities to warrant a new election,” said Roberts. “We have had elections in Cleveland County thrown out for a lot less, but we respect her ruling.”

Rep. Stiles was sworn into office following the decision. He said he is ready to get to work for the district.

“We’re moving on and I’m working on bills tonight,” Stiles said. “I’ve got a lot of great ideas.”

Bledsoe filed three petition amendments in the case. One of the arguments for irregularities focused on recently passed laws designed to make it easier for military and overseas voters. Other items focused on the new voter ID law.

None of the premises were strong enough to show cause for a new election, according to the judge’s ruling.

“The petitioner (Roberts) has not overcome the presumption of regularity for elections,” Schumacher wrote in the decision she issued on Tuesday. “The problems that occurred likely occur in every election. Steps should be taken to minimize those specific problems from occurring in future elections. Every vote should count. In the instant case, the votes that were not counted were excluded based upon existing, current statutory and administrative law. Some of the votes that were included, perhaps should not have been, but they were included based upon existing, current statutory and administrative law.”

Assistant District Attorney Carol Dillingham represented the Cleveland County Election Board and County Election Board Secretary Jim Williams throughout the recount and petition hearing.

“On behalf of the Election Board, I think this shows how well Ms. Roberts trained her former employees and that they did the best they could to apply existing law and policy,” Dillingham said. “Mr. Williams continues to do an excellent job of ensuring that everyone follows existing law and policy.”

Roberts thanked those who supported her, but did not fully close the door after the petition’s ruling.

“I want to thank the voters and my supporters for standing with me during this ordeal,” said Roberts. “This is not the outcome we had hoped for, but it is the outcome we have. I am not sure what we will do next. No decision has been made at this time. The attorneys are still studying the ruling.

“We ran a good campaign, I am very proud of  my advisors, and my campaign manager, Amanda. It’s a tough time to be a democrat in Oklahoma.”

Joy Hampton366-3539jhampton@normantranscript.com

For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Government
  • Thousands jam roadways seeking shelter from the storm

    MOORE —People were running and walking, riding bicycles and careening through ditches on ATVs trying to get into neighborhoods in the Moore area Monday afternoon. History seemed to replay the events that once rocked this area when a ...

    May 21, 2013

  • May rainfall below needed levels in state

    Norman residents looking for dry days to mow yards may think spring rains are coming frequently, but experts say those rains are less than central Oklahoma needs to pull itself out of the three-year-long drought. Lake Thunderbird’s ...

    May 19, 2013

  • Sixth annual Youth Soccer Camp starts this month

    The sixth annual Youth Soccer Camp at the Whittier Recreation Center runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 29 through June 31 for ages 6-12. All camps are co-ed. The deadline to sign up is Thursday....

    May 19, 2013

  • City water customer says site identifying high water users is misleading

    A social media website identifying Norman residents as high water users is factually misleading, according to one Norman homeowner who made the list....

    May 17, 2013

  • New room for new judge

    Cleveland County officials are reeling with excitement over the possibility of getting a new judge, but some modifications will have to be made at the courthouse. Fortunately, a courtroom is available....

    May 16, 2013

  • City plans to shore up Rainy Day Fund

    A request from McKinley Elementary for help funding a small section of road along the school’s west side will be put back into the proposed 2013 budget, Norman City Council members decided at Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting. Council ...

    May 16, 2013

  • Treasurer and staff honored

    Cleveland County Treasurer Jim Reynolds and six deputy treasurers were honored at the County Treasurer’s Association of Oklahoma’s Annual School, recently hosted in Norman. The seven received certificates for completing various levels of ...

    May 16, 2013

  • Legislation prevents use of welfare for strip clubs and liquor

    Gov. Mary Fallin has signed legislation that would prohibit the use of welfare cash cards in strip clubs, liquor stores and casinos. Authored by Sen. Rob Standridge, Senate Bill 667 would help ensure public assistance is ultimately being ...

    May 16, 2013

  • Sen. Inhofe secures water infrastructure victory

    U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, voted Wednesday in favor of S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013, which passed the Senate by a vote of 83-14. The bill ...

    May 16, 2013

  • Vote on high-density rezoning request postponed for fifth time

    Once again, a controversial high-density zoning project on Asp Avenue in Campus Corner was postponed at city hall Tuesday night. Norman residents who have showed up five times now said they are frustrated that the city council continues ...

    May 15, 2013