By Sean Hubbard
MCT — Two big names in Stillwater are seeking to replace the leader of the Oklahoma Senate.
Former Oklahoma State University President James Halligan, a Republican, and Payne County District Judge Robert Murphy, a Democrat, have filed for Senate district 21, the seat currently held by Senate President Pro Tem Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater. Democrat Gregory Wilson of Carney also has filed and will face Murphy in the July primary.
Morgan cannot seek re-election due to term limits.
The filing period for county and state elections began Monday and concluded at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. According to an e-mail from the Payne County Election Board, there will be one county election in the July 29 primary. Democrats Glenna Craig, ex-Payne County Election Board secretary, and current County Clerk Linda Hatfield filed for County Clerk.
Hatfield and Craig are the only two to file for this position, so following the primary, there will be no need for a run-off or general election.
Democrat Gloria Hesser, Payne County Commission chairwoman, will have some competition from Republican Rondal Ross Gamble. These two will square off in the Nov. 4 general election.
Also, Noel Bagwell (Democrat), Payne County sheriff, is opposed by R.B. Hauf, a Republican. Hauf and Bagwell served under retired Sheriff Carl Hiner, who resigned last year. Bagwell was appointed as his replacement.
The final county seat in the 2008 election is the Court Clerk. However, current Court Clerk Lisa Lambert is not opposed.
Elected county officials will take office in January, according to the Payne County Election Board.
For seats open in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, incumbent District 33 Rep. Lee Denney (R-Cushing), drew opposition from Oklahoma State University student Mike Pierson, a Democrat from Stillwater.
District 34 is also open as Rep. Terry Ingmire (R-Stillwater) is termed out. Two Democratic candidates have filed: former Stillwater City Councilor Ruth Anne Kennedy and Cory T. Williams.
Republican Aaron Carlson also has filed for District 34.
Rodger Ensign, a Pawnee Democrat, and Rep. Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs) will vie for District 35.
Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Friday to withdraw. State elected officials will take office in Mid-November, according to the Oklahoma Election Board.
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