Reynolds now waits for judge's decision
Sen. Jim Reynolds remained the top vote getter in the recount for Senate District 43, which includes Oklahoma and Cleveland counties.
But it’s not smooth sailing from here. Now, a judge will decide whether there is any validity to voter irregularitiy claims made by Democrat challenger David Boren. That hearing is set for Monday afternoon in an Oklahoma County District Court. Things could get really interesting if Boren or his attorney ask for continuance. Newly elected lawmakers are supposed to be sworn in Tuesday afternoon.
Until the irregularities accusations are cleared up, the state election board can’t certify the results in Senate District 43. Without certified results, the winner can’t be sworn in.
Boren, a nurse who is not related to former Oklahoma governor David Boren, was the top vote getter in Oklahoma County. Reynolds, with eight years in the Senate under his belt, was the top vote getter in Cleveland County and beat Boren by 159 votes, according to recount totals.
When reached by phone after the recount results, Reynolds was careful with his words. While he was glad to remain the winner, the recount is just one step in clearing up the results of the election.
If anything, this election may have reminded lawmakers that voters and politics are fickle.
Oklahoma Senate Democrats executive director Ward Curtin had this to say about the race: “I think it sent a message. I don’t think we’ll have incumbents just sitting on their hands next time.”
Julie Bisbee
Capitol Bureau
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