Owasso Senator Running For Governor

By Joshua Brakhage, The News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- An Owasso lawmaker has officially announced his run for governor.

State Sen. Randy Brogdon will reveal more at Saturday's GOP convention in Oklahoma City.

Brogdon has made headlines for his proposal to take Oklahoma's share of the federal stimulus money and return it directly to taxpayer's wallets.

Now he says he wants to take big ideas like that to the governor's mansion.

"I've really enjoyed serving as a state senator for the last seven years, but I really feel compelled since I have an opportunity to run for govenor, I really want to service more people, and I think this will give me a greater opportunity to do so," Brogdon said.

Because of term limits, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry can't run again, so who else could fill his shoes?

The clear frontrunner on the Republican side is U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin. A recent poll put the former lieutenant governor more than 20 points ahead of her nearest challenger, Rep. Tom Cole, who has said he won't run.

Tulsa attorney Gary Richardson made a splash in the 2002 governor's election, winning 14 percent of the vote as an independent. He says he's considering competing as a Republican in 2010.

It looks as if Lt. Gov. Jari Askins will be locked in a Democratic dogfight with Attorney General Drew Edmondson, but dark-horse candidates could play a factor.

State Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, has statewide election experience, despite losing a race for the U.S. Senate to incumbent Jim Inhofe.

The Associated Press reports highly visible State Treasurer Scott Meacham is also weighing a run at the Democratic nomination.