Treasurer race remains open but early fund-raising translates to early lead

The Oklahoma State Treasurer race remains wide open as 68.2 percent of Republican respondents remain undecided as to who they will vote for in the upcoming primary election. Three candidates have filed to run for the position that will be open this election season since current State Treasurer Scott Meacham announced that he would not seek another term.

The Democratic candidate, Stephen E. Covert will face the winner of the Republican primary between Ken Miller and Owen Laughlin. Currently Miller leads with 21 percent of Republican respondents support while Laughlin has 10.8 percent of Republican respondents support.

"The 'undecided' candidate is way ahead of either candidate, so at this point Miller and Laughlin both have the opportunity to win this race," Bill Shapard, CEO of SoonerPoll.com, said. Shapard went on to note that this type of result is typical for early polling in down ticket races but serves as a baseline as the campaigns progress.

SoonerPoll.com, Oklahoma's Public Opinion Pollster, conducted the scientific study using live interviewers by telephone of 324 likely voters from May 25 - June 9, 2010. The study has a margin of error of ±5.4 percent.

Miller, a professor of economics at Oklahoma Christian University and once analyst for the Potomac Group, represents Edmond in the State House and is the current chairman of the budget committee. Miller said he believes his time in the public and private sector will show voters that I have good solutions.

Rep. Miller seems to be having an easier time raising money which will be effective in raising his name recognition among voters and definitely gives him the campaign advantage," Shapard said.

Laughlin spent 20 years in the banking business as an attorney before serving as the Republican state senator from Woodward from 1996 to 2008. Laughlin who says it's time to launch a 'war on government waste' has acknowledged that Miller has had more success fund-raising but is confident he has a 'strategy that will work.'

Despite Laughlin's attempt to discredit Covert's candidacy on the grounds of residency, he will remain on the ballot to face the winner of the Republican primary in the general election.

Covert, a Midwest City resident, came under scrutiny recently when Laughlin brought Covert's possession of a second home and voting activity in the state of Wisconsin. Though Covert voted in the 2000 election in Wisconsin, three-member board voted unanimously to reject Laughlin's petition based on Covert's testimony.