All Eyes On Brecheen Re-Election This Fall
Southern Oklahoma Senate race drawing attention
By Rick Green
One of the most competitive races for the state Legislature this election cycle is taking place in a southern Oklahoma Senate district, where the Democratic challenger has won key support from statewide business interests that often back Republicans.
Joe Hill, 31, of Durant, who worked as a field representative for former U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, is trying to unseat Republican Josh Brecheen, 35, of Coalgate, who was the Senate author of legislation last session that repealed Common Core academic standards.
The State Chamber of Oklahoma opposed this legislation. It has endorsed Hill, who also is backed by the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association, which hosted an Aug. 27 fundraiser for him.
Brecheen also stirred opposition with his vote against a bill setting the state’s gross production tax rate for oil and natural gas wells at 2 percent for the first 36 months of production. Oil interests supported the bill.
He said he’s being unfairly targeted for isolated votes. He called himself a true conservative who votes his conscience, does what’s best for his constituents and all taxpayers and has one of the strongest records of support for business in the Senate. Brecheen said he was a key player in lawsuit reform and workers compensation form, while maintaining top pro-business ratings.