Drew Edmondson's 16-year career as Oklahoma's attorney general will come to an end next year. He made it official Wednesday. He'll be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010.
Mr. Edmondson's term will be characterized by two major initiatives. One is complete and the other goes to trial in September.
The first is his participation with other state attorneys general in a lawsuit against tobacco manufacturers. It led to a landmark settlement case which has pumped millions into state health services, smoking cessation and prevention programs which are gradually reducing the number of smokers in Oklahoma.
The second issue dominating Mr. Edmondson's tenure has been an evironmental lawsuit against Arkansas poultry producers. That suit was filed in 2005 and is expected to begin in federal court in Tulsa in September.
Mr. Edmondson joins another state political veteran in seeking the Democratic nomination. Lt. Gov. Jari Askins has been traveling the state with her campaign. It sets up a matchup some Democrats didn't want to happen. Republican hopefuls include Congresswoman Mary Fallin and state Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso.
Mr. Edmondson's family political history will be an asset in the campaign. His uncle, J. Howard Edmondson, served as governor from 1959 to 1963. Drew Edmondson's father, Ed Edmondson, served in Congress for 20 years and his brother, Jim Edmondson, is chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Opinion
Tobacco and chicken waste dominated Edmondson's tenure
- Opinion
-
-
More government intrusion
Editor, The Transcript: Kudos to Kathryn Jean Lopez of the National Review Online for telling it like it is (Transcript Opinion, Feb. 12, 2012) regarding President Obama’s religious “overreach.” No, Mr. President, your latest knee-jerk ...
-
Say no to power expansion
A heated House committee meeting last week ended in a 6-5 vote to send a bill to the floor that gives the governor power to remove and replace appointees to state agencies, boards or commissions....
-
Focus should be on water policy legislation
Oklahoma legislative leaders are pushing ahead on water policy legislation, despite the water rights lawsuit filed by American Indian tribes. We applaud Speaker Kris Steele on pushing the water proposals filed by House members....
-
Trooper replacements needed for state’s OHP
Oklahoma’s Highway Patrol has 759 troopers, with 210 eligible to retire and another 26 becoming eligible this year. They certainly won’t all choose to retire at once, but the possibility worries patrol officials. Troop strength is the ...
-
It’s time for Valentine’s Day
If it’s full of hearts and flowers And a cupid with a dart, That’s a card that’s mighty pretty and aimed right for your heart....
-
Oklahoma going from good to great
As most other states struggle to maintain the status quo, Oklahoma is on the rise as a destination to do business and raise a family. Our state added more than 40,000 jobs in the past year, the economy is growing and unemployment remains ...
-
A reprieve for state bases
The Pentagon has released its plans to downsize its forces and eliminate some weapons systems funding, ships and airplanes. But a published report says the state’s five military bases will likely be spared major cuts....
-
Gov. Fallin’s tax plan is one big mistake
Editor, The Transcript: Well, it’s official now. In her State of the State message, Gov. Fallin confirmed that she hopes to reduce the state income tax now and totally eliminate it later. Big mistake, for two compelling reasons....
-
Another Library Vote? Good grief!
Editor, The Transcript A new library on the west side? With hardly any books? With a dumb name above the entry as shown in your rendering? Infoplace? The library bureaucracy must think Norman voters just fell off the turnip truck....
-
Show them some love
Oklahoma joins bus drivers and riders throughout the nation in the “Love the Bus” campaign to raise awareness and appreciation for the thousands of school bus drivers and aides who safely transport children to and from school each day....
- More Opinion Headlines
-
More government intrusion






