Chris Medlock backs Bill LaFortune for Tulsa mayor

Tulsa mayor Bill LaFortune is getting a much-needed boost from one of his most-frequent critics. Republican rival Chris Medlock gave his endorsement to LaFortune Thursday. That support is key because

Thursday, March 23rd 2006, 10:13 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa mayor Bill LaFortune is getting a much-needed boost from one of his most-frequent critics. Republican rival Chris Medlock gave his endorsement to LaFortune Thursday. That support is key because Medlock got 11,000 votes in the primary.

News on 6 reporter Steve Berg says Chris Medlock and Mayor LaFortune have butted heads many times, but Medock says it was always over ideas, not personalities. For his part, the Mayor says he was very impressed with Medlock's campaign and said it sent a strong message.

Medlock says he was "not" promised anything in return for his endorsement, but he says he wants to see the Mayor hire an administrator with experience as a city manager. He says he's supporting the mayor because his philosophy is closest to his own. "For me, the only way we can go forward is with someone who loves this city. Is to go forward with somebody we know where he stands both good and bad and away from somebody who is orchestrating a very well-funded expensive campaign to hide behind advertisements and to hide where she stands on critical issues."

One big mis-step for the Mayor Thursday though. He said it was "his understanding" that he had the endorsement from Randi Miller, the other big Republican "vote-getter" in the primary election.

Miller tells the News on 6, though she's "neutral" and that the mayor still hasn't done enough on crime.