Political through and through

Is there something in the water at the Oklahoma Department of Labor? What is it about that office that has made it so overtly political through the years? Republican Commissioner Mark Costello’s trip to Wisconsin to campaign for embattled GOP Gov. Scott Walker was only the latest example. Costello previously angered unions and Democratic leaders when he formed a nonprofit to raise funds to promote changes in labor law. The man Costello defeated two years ago, Democrat Lloyd Fields, was a true partisan. Signs for 2010 Democratic candidates adorned the walls in the lobby of the building where his office was housed. He once stormed into the office of a state employee group and tore up his candidate questionnaire because his opponent had received a campaign donation from the group. Likewise Fields’ predecessor, Brenda Reneau, wore her GOP allegiances on her sleeve. Of all state offices, labor commissioner tops the list of those that should be appointive.

Thank you for joining our conversation on ScissorTales. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.