Incumbents provide backdrop to any political race — a jumping off point for comparisons of candidates.
Incumbents can run on their records in office.
Challengers essentially run on potential.
That’s what makes the Oklahoma House race in the 14th District intriguing — each candidate offers much in the way of potential.
Republican Arthur Hulbert and Democrat Jerry Rains agree on many parts of their legislative agendas.
Each is in favor of restoring the $221 million that has been cut from the state’s public education since 2009.
Each is opposed to tax cuts — particularly if those cuts would further weaken the education budget.
Both candidates support additional reforms to the state’s worker’s compensation system. Both also support tort reforms, which they believe would attract new businesses to the state and reduce the cost of health care.
Neither candidate has served in elected office.
And both have no incumbent to use for comparison’s sake.
This race very much comes down to potential.
That’s the edge Arthur Hulbert received from the Phoenix Editorial Board in earning our endorsement.
Hulbert shows passion and energy we believe will be most effective in presenting our community’s needs to his peers.
His energy and passion creates a vibe of potential.
Hulbert deserves the opportunity to prove he can match his potential with the reality of public service.
Endorsements
The Muskogee Phoenix Editorial Board offers the following endorsements of key races in advance of the Nov. 6 general election. These endorsements were chosen by the permanent members of the board:
• Oklahoma Senate, 9th District: Earl Garrison, Democrat.
• Today: Oklahoma House, 14th District.
• Thursday: U.S. Congress, 2nd District.
• Friday: Muskogee County Sheriff.
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