Republican Attorney General Mike Hunter is hoping his track record in office will secure him a full term on Nov. 6.
Democratic challenger Mark Myles thinks he is better qualified.
“I think this office is a unique one in which on-the-job training is not helpful,” Hunter said.
Myles, an Oklahoma City attorney who made a failed bid for U.S. Senate in 2010, said Hunter is the “consummate political insider” who spent his career working in and around politics.
Hunter’s lengthy career in government is the result of him knowing the right people, with the exception of Hunter’s stint in the Legislature, Myles said.
Hunter, 62, was appointed by Gov. Mary Fallin on Feb. 20, 2017, to fulfill the unexpired term of Scott Pruitt, who resigned to become EPA administrator, a post he later left.
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Hunter made a failed bid for the post in 1994.
Hunter was forced into a runoff with Tulsa attorney Gentner Drummond. The race was rocky, but Hunter prevailed in the Aug. 28 runoff primary, but by less than 300 votes.
According to records from the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, he loaned himself $925,000, well short of the $2.2 million Drummond loaned his campaign.
Hunter is hopeful he won’t have to loan himself any more money going into the general election.
“I am candidly without the resources to put my face on television, which is the traditional way of campaigning and if those resources don’t materialize, we will continue to get our message out in other ways,” Myles said.
Hunter said he has worked to protect consumers against unjustified rate increases. He has also filed suit against opioid makers in attempt to place accountability for drug additions that led to increase health care costs for rehabilitation and treatment. He is also committed to consumer protection.
He said he has put together a good team that will ensure a smooth transition when new leaders, including the governor, are sworn into office next year.
Hunter said his work as a former legislator and extensive service in the public and private sector puts him in a place where he can be effective to assist the state’s new leadership.
Myles, 62, said his extensive trial experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney makes him the better candidate.
“I am running to protect the public interests over special interests,” he said. “And the protection comes in many forms. It could be the criminal element. It could be environmental threats to the state and citizens. It could be from people who would take advantage of consumers or internet predators.”
