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July 18, 2009

Picnic, party and politics

Democrats gather for annual Labor Day Picnic

By Meghan McCormick

Democratic candidates for state and local offices talked with voters over a barbecue dinner Monday at the annual Cleveland County Democratic Party Labor Day Picnic and Unity Celebration at Andrews Park.

"We meet every Labor Day and celebrate labor and this year, we are also celebrating unity in the party," Cleveland County Democratic party chair David Perry said.

Perry said the picnic is a good chance for people to meet the candidates and for candidates to meet the crowd.

"It's something we do to let people come out and eat," he said.

Perry said he was pleased with this year's crowd.

"We have a uniformed party again after the convention," he said.

Lifelong Democrat Ann Groff said she showed up to support her party and presidential candidate Barack Obama.

"I believe it's the party for the people," she said.

Democratic sheriff candidate Rick Adkins of Lexington said he and his campaigners have tried to use their time wisely to spread his message.

"I used my time on the way up here to knock on doors and talk to the people as much as possible," he said.

Troy Green said he attends the picnic every Labor Day, but this year he attended as a candidate for House of Representatives district 53.

"It gives you a change to talk to people in a different setting," Green said.

He said he wouldn't miss a picnic if he couldn't help it. "You meet new people and you have a great time talking over the events of the day," Green said.

State Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth talked with voters and handed out stickers. Roth said he liked the casual atmosphere.

"People are comfortable and relaxed enough to ask you questions, and challenge you to make sure you are authentic, honest and earning their vote," he said.

Gov. Brad Henry appointed Roth to the corporation commission in June 2007. Roth is running for the unexpired term that goes through 2010.

He said getting out and meeting people at events such as Monday's picnic have been great.

"It's the best part of public service, interacting with the public," Roth said.

LeAnn Stevens-Larr? said she thought the picnic would be a chance to gain each candidate's perspective on topics.

"I came to learn about the candidates that I don't know much about," she said.

Stevens-Larr? said she grew up in Oklahoma but moved to France. She's back in Norman working on her dissertation and studying for her Ph.D. in American literature.

"I'm so lucky to be here during election season," she said.

Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com

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