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September 23, 2006

House candidates hope to turn state blue

By Althea Peterson

Will the Democrats or Republicans have the state House majority?

For these local candidates, they hope the Democrats regain the majority after the Nov. 7 general election. Rep. Bill Nations, D-Norman, and Democratic candidates Wallace Collins and Tom Robinson of Norman, Troy Green of Moore, and House District 27 candidate Ken Ethieson spoke at Tyner Cornbread and Beans Friday at Step Brothers.

Nations said this election will determine the future direction of the state on issues such as teacher retirement compensation and Medicaid funding.

"I have served when (Democrats) were in the majority, I have served when we were in the minority," Nations said. "I'm telling you, the majority is better. These House seats are incredibly important."

Collins said he likes his chances and the party's chances in November, considering the decisions the current Republican majority made on tax cuts and support of education and mental health.

"When I get up in the House again, I will vote for working people like me and you," Collins said.

Green said he thinks more voters support the Democratic Party agenda for better health insurance and breaking from the status quo. However, he said spreading the agenda will be difficult.

"The thing that is most important is getting the message out," Green said. "We have a good message. It's more for the working man and woman than the corporations.

"The essential part is getting out there and do whatever it takes to turn this state blue."

Robinson said some good signs are people switching party affiliation and more getting involved in campaigns.

"It's been an experience," Robinson said. "I will never be inactive again. I may not run again (if I lose the election), but I will go out and knock doors and campaign for others."

Ethieson said as a resident of his district for 62 years, it will be vitally important to reach out to the voters, as opposed to spending more money during the campaign.

"We have the opportunity to listen to people," Ethieson said. "We believe in the things that made our nation great, and that's our people."

Nations will face challenger Gary Caisse for District 44, Collins will face incumbent Thad Balkman for District 45, Robinson will face candidate Scott Martin for District 46, Green will face incumbent Randy Terrill for District 53, and Ethieson will face incumbent Shane Jett for District 27.

Althea Peterson 366-3539 apeterson@normantranscript.com

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