Commissioner Roth files for office

Oklahoma City -After filing the required paperwork with the State Election Board today, Jim Roth is now an official candidate for the seat he currently holds on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

"I am running for Corporation Commissioner to help Oklahomans build a brighter future, with affordable energy and a growing economy.  I want our Citizens and our State to be the leader in all forms of energy and I am committed to protecting our people from price gouging," said Roth.

"I know firsthand the struggles Oklahomans face when filling up their gas tanks and keeping the lights on in their homes and I am working hard to protect our Citizens and grow our State.  I am asking my employer, the citizens of this great State, to hire me to continue working for them."

Governor Brad Henry appointed Roth to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to succeed Denise Bode who resigned for a job in the private sector.  Roth was sworn in on June 1, 2007.

"I'm excited and ready to continue working on behalf of all Oklahomans," said Roth.  "Since taking my oath of office just over one year ago, I have learned so much and truly enjoyed every single day.  I am working hard to make Oklahoma's horizon even brighter."

The Corporation Commission, comprised of three commissioners elected by statewide vote to serve six-year terms, has judicial, legislative and administrative authority.  The Oklahoma Constitution gives the Commission authority to regulate public service corporations, those businesses whose services are considered essential to the public welfare.

 "I've been from Alva to Idabel, Lawton to Claremore, Cheyenne to Muskogee and so many other great communities in between.  The reception we have received everywhere has been tremendous.   Oklahomans are wonderful people and Oklahoma is an extraordinary state," said Roth.

As a Gubernatorial appointee, Commissioner Roth must seek election this year for the remainder of the term to which he was appointed.  Because of this situation, there will be two Corporation Commissioner seats on the ballot this year: a "Short Term" seat (which Roth is seeking) and a "Long Term" seat (the normal six-year term).

Before being appointed to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Roth was elected Oklahoma County Commissioner for District 1 in 2002, and re-elected with more than 63% in 2006.  He earned a law degree at Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1994.