Voters Head To The Polls To Pick Replacement For Rep. David Dank

A number of Oklahoma City voters will decide on Tuesday on the Republican nominee to replace former Rep. David Dank. 

Dank passed away unexpectedly in April after suffering a heart attack. For those that live in the 85th district, this is a rare opening for a seat that's been held by either Dank or his wife for the past 20 plus years.

On Monday, the mid-July temperatures were almost as hot as the race in the Republican primary for House Seat 85. But that didn’t stop the candidates from last minute campaigning.

Chip Carter spent the first 10 years of his career working in conservative politics and before joining the business world. He says that gives him the advantage. 

“My understanding and experience of working within the legislative process and how to make things happen in politics and that’s important,” said Carter when asked what sets him apart from the other candidates. 

“You want to be able to go in and make a difference. The other is my experience and background in business. I work with businessmen all the time and how to communicate their issues.”

Ralph Crawford's living room has been converted to campaign central which may be symbolic of what is to come if he's elected. After nearly three decades as a firefighter he's retired and says he can give his full effort to the job.

“I found that Oklahomans want to do some changing with the government and the only way they can do that is who they send to represent them. I want to be a citizen advocate, a citizen legislator and I want to be a voice for this community.”

News 9 met up with Amy Palumbo in front of the Ten Commandments monument with her daughter. A former prosecutor, she says has the experience to protect Oklahoman's Christian values and interests.

“I can make sure the laws that get passed don’t have loopholes, aren’t being passed for someone’s benefit for a special interest group and are being passed for the benefit of the people,” she said. 

Matt Jackson is also running for the seat. According to his web site he wants to bring "common-sense reforms to state government."

The winner of Tuesday’s Republican primary will go up against the sole Democratic Candidate Cyndi Munson. The general election is Sept. 8.