Political Notebook: Taylor is backing Henry's choice

by: RANDY KREHBIEL World Staff Writer
5/18/2008  12:00 AM

Roth lines up supporters

Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth, an Oklahoma City Democrat appointed by Gov. Brad Henry when Republican Denise Bode resigned last year, is lining up an interesting and perhaps surprising cast of supporters. It includes conservatives Aubrey McClendon and Clayton Bennett and Enid oilman Harold Hamm, who is normally a Republican donor.

It also includes Tulsan George Kaiser, Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor and prominent Tulsans Stacy Schusterman, Buddy Kleemeier, Jody Parker, Jim Adelson, Stuart Price, Pete Regan and Ken Levit.

Two Republicans - former state vice chairwoman Dana Murphy and state Rep. Rob Johnson - are lined up against Roth for the remaining two years of Bode's term.

Almost forgotten is the fact the Commissioner Jeff Cloud is also up for re-election this year. No one has indicated an interest in running against him.