Republicans Draw Top Spot On State Ballot

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The names of state Republican candidates will appear first on Oklahoma's Nov. 4 general election ballot.

During a drawing yesterday at the state Capitol, the Republicans were selected to appear first on the ballot. State Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones and Oklahoma Democratic Party vice chairman Kitti Asberry participated in the drawing.

Drawings for the top location on the ballot have been held by the State Election Board since 1996, when a federal court ruled the old system that put Democrats first on the ballot was unconstitutional.

More than 30 Republican candidates who ran in Oklahoma's 1994 elections sued to get rid of that law.

Jones says being in the top position on a ballot gives a slight advantage to candidates.