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Republican Ranchers Campaign for Runoff Votes

A couple of ranchers are hoping to win a state house seat in one of the largest districts in Oklahoma.

KOSU’s Michael Cross reports the two Republicans hope to be the voice of the panhandle and northwest Oklahoma.

Fourth generation rancher Kenny Bob Tapp has been hitting the campaign trail since coming in second in the primary for House District 61.

Tapp says he’s been heavily involved in the Republican Party for the past ten years.

“I was the Cimarron Republican Chairman from 2004. I’ve worked with the legislature on issues. We worked on a pro-life initiative.”

Casey Murdock’s family has been ranching since 1896.

Murdock’s put 36,000 miles on his truck meeting people across the 8,300 square mile district.

He says the people in the panhandle and northwest Oklahoma need a strong voice at the Capitol pushing their issues.

“Our small schools, our roads and infrastructure, roads and bridges, and our hospitals an water is a concern right now.”

Murdock got 36% to Tapp’s 25%, but only 500 votes separated the two.

With no Democrat in the race, the winner will replace term limited GOP lawmaker Gus Blackwell.

Michael Cross is the host of KOSU's Morning Edition.
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