Governor Brad Henry Favored To Win Second Term

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Election officials expect a moderate turnout when voters go to the polls to pick a new governor and decide other races.<br/><br/>State Election Board Secretary Mike Clingman says

Saturday, November 4th 2006, 5:41 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Election officials expect a moderate turnout when voters go to the polls to pick a new governor and decide other races.

State Election Board Secretary Mike Clingman says about 900,000 voters, about 44 percent of the electorate, will probably cast ballots on Tuesday. Only 24 percent voted in the July primary and 17 percent made it out for the August runoff.

Democrat Brad Henry is running for his second term as governor and enjoys a sizable lead in the polls over Republican Ernest Istook.

Henry has touted his record; including a $627-million tax cut this year and a $3,000 pay raise for state teachers.

Istook supporters said the congressman made up ground by putting Henry on the defensive in recent television debates on such issues as crime and illegal immigration.

A lack of financial support and some distractions have hobbled Istook.

Press secretary Derek Kern says Istook wouldn't be able to match the frequency of ads Henry will run in the final days before the election.