The Morning Brew: Oklahoma Republican candidates debate teacher pay, other issues
Oklahoman candidate forum
The Oklahoman hosted a two-hour forum for Oklahoma Republican gubernatorial candidates Monday. Here's a recap of the event:
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mick Cornett said Monday he was glad Gov. Mary Fallin signed a $474 million tax package last month to provide a teacher pay raise, marking a huge break from the position of Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and most of his other GOP rivals.
Responding to a question at a forum sponsored by The Oklahoman about whether he would have signed the revenue package, Cornett said, “I'm glad the governor signed it.”
Lamb, Dan Fisher, Gary Richardson and Kevin Stitt said at the forum they would not have signed the package, while state Auditor Gary Jones endorsed the tax bill.
Candidates at the forum also answered questions about energy taxes, the current era of Republican rule, abortion, criminal justice reform and whether faith-based adoption agencies should have to provide services to same-sex couples.
More than 250 people attended the forum, held at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
Waffle House shooting suspect arrested
A look at OKC's newest airline
Group backs off effort to raise production tax
Charges filed in Oklahoma cold case
Matt Patterson has been with The Oklahoman since 2006. Prior to joining the news staff in 2010, Patterson worked in The Oklahoman's sports department for five years. He previously worked at The Lawton Constitution and The Edmond Sun.... Read more ›