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
-
-
Oklahoma ranks 33rd in financial stability
Compared to much of the nation, Oklahoma has so far weathered the recession better than most states. Our home values have not experienced the rapid increases — and now decreases — of other areas. Employment fell but at about half the rate ...
-
Grandparents have hard task
The trend isn’t new, but the number of Oklahoma grandparents raising grandchildren is growing, not declining, especially with the rocky economy since 2008. Tulsa World writer Cary Aspinwall used U.S. Census data to illustrate how many ...
-
State legislative priorities
There was a time when the Oklahoma state House Democrats needed the largest room at the Capitol to hold their legislative caucuses. Not any more. House Republicans outnumber Democrats 69 to 31, with one seat empty until later this month....
-
Climate change remains in the cards
Nothing about Earth’s history is static or unchanging. That’s particularly true of climate, and thereon hangs more than one interesting tale, including recent news of a scientific advance in understanding how past climate has changed....
-
Salary raise is not likely
It may be a while before Oklahoma’s statewide elected officials, judges and district attorneys can expect a salary increase....
-
Pipeline not really that great
Editor, The Transcript: This responds to the letter from Bruce Kessler, which was printed in The Norman Transcript on Monday, Jan. 30. The letter makes plain that Bruce Kessler opposes President Barack Obama’s decision to block the ...
-
Smoking, obesity push health rank to No. 48
Dr. Terry Cline, Oklahoma’s commissioner of Health and secretary of Health and Human Services, has been making the rounds of Oklahoma newspaper editorial boards. He outlines a legislative agenda that gives cities and towns control over ...
-
Say no to higher weights on tractor trailer rigs
Long-distance haulers are turning to freight trains for more efficient methods to move goods across country. High fuel costs, turnpike tolls and driver shortages have forced companies to look for alternative ways to transport products....
-
It’s sure been a warm winter
That famous newspaperman and humorist Will Rogers is often quoted as saying — and we paraphrase here — if you don’t like the weather, stay around for a few minutes and it will change....
-
Not economic suicide for all
Editor, The Transcript: The commentary “Avoiding a catastrophic war with Iran” published in the Norman Transcript on Jan. 21 made a worrisome observation: “Another war would destroy America’s painful recovery from the indebtedness of two ...
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Oklahoma ranks 33rd in financial stability
