Will Massachusetts Senate Election Impact Oklahoma Politics?

A stunning victory for Republicans in Massachusetts last night when Scott Brown became the first senate GOP candidate in that state to defeat a Democrat since 1972. Could it have any impact on politics in Oklahoma?

Wednesday, January 20th 2010, 5:41 pm

By: News 9


By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It was a stunning victory for Republicans in Massachusetts last night when Scott Brown became the first senate GOP candidate in that state to defeat a Democrat since 1972.

Nationally, the victory could derail health care, but could it have any impact on politics in Oklahoma?

Many political analysts believe Tuesday night's election was a message to Washington that voters are not happy with the direction of the country.

While some think Democrats in Oklahoma should be worried, others believe Republicans can also learn something from what some are calling the Massachusetts Miracle.

Just a few months ago, no one predicted Scott Brown winning the Republican seat for the U.S. Senate.

Many believe Brown's victory puts Democrats and President Barack Obama on notice, especially with the approaching mid-term elections later this year.

"It's our own earthquake here as far as politics are concerned," said Rep. Richard Morrissette.

Representative Morrissette, who's a democrat, said Tuesday night is a wake-up call to anyone in office.

"Everybody in office should be concerned, especially Democrats, because unfortunately in this day of quick imaginary, everything is now. Now of course, the people I serve in the house are very concerned about it," Rep. Morrissette said.

"I think it's going to have very little impact on how we do things as a state party and how we go into the 2010 election. We're really just focused more on state issues," said Karina Henderson, with the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

Right now in Oklahoma, both the House and Senate are controlled by Republicans. NEWS 9 political expert Scott Mitchell said they too can learn something from Brown's victory.

"The lesson is that when you get all caught up in how smart and pretty you are and you're busy telling people what they want to hear that you can so quickly lose power. People's attention span is very short in politics. You'd better deliver," Mitchell said.

Mitchell said one thing is clear in the murky water of politics, he doesn't think anyone will rely on President Obama to win an election in Oklahoma.

"With his numbers continuing to go down, with what happened in Massachusetts yesterday, you will not see President Obama raising money for Jari Askins or Drew Edmondson or Dan Boren. I'll bet my house on that one," Mitchell said.

Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones said Republicans need to realize people are passionate right now and want their tax dollars wisely spent.

The Oklahoma legislature will be back in session on February 1.

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