Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol.
The June 26 primary elections are coming on quickly now. A lot of candidates, both new political entries and incumbents are starting to feel the pressure. In most campaigns the early months are consumed by planning, making contacts with potential supporters and the all-important fundraising. This is especially true for non-incumbents. They are generally not public figures yet and don't have as much access to campaign funds as those already in office.
Early on there's not much time to think about whether you'll win or lose. You just keep your head down and plow ahead. But now, with only a few days left it begins to sink in that this will soon be over. There is an unavoidable answer coming on a day certain, June 26th. Either the candidate will fulfill his dream of serving in public office or he'll return to whatever he was doing before — or perhaps begin to find a different dream. For incumbents, it's a day of reckoning. Most did in office what they thought was right and what they thought their constituents wanted them to do. They'll find out suddenly and publicly if voters approve. Elections can be cruel. The best people don't always win, and sometimes good people get turned out. It's why most people would never consider putting their name on a ballot.
Beyond the individual candidate races this primary election has a fascinating - and some would say important - ballot question, SQ 788. It's the initiative petition that would legalize medical marijuana. Opponents say it's written too broadly and would permit recreational use of marijuana because it doesn't limit use to specified illnesses or conditions. Proponents say that's unnecessary and medically unwise because the proposal requires getting permission for medical use from a qualified physician. They say the doctor's professional judgment should be limited by medical knowledge, not legislation.
I think SQ 788 results will be a close. Earlier polling showed strong support, but Chamber and business groups have raised $453,000 to spend on a final push to defeat the proposal. Those types of campaigns often work, and opponents say the "no" campaign has already had its effect on polling. It's dangerous to predict elections, but I'd guess the measure will squeak by. People paint with a broad brush in these types of elections. Beyond helping people with medical issues, the thing folks do know — and what I think is motivating much of the "yes" vote — is that they are tired of seeing young people being arrested and jailed for possession of marijuana. The "drug war" has produced mass incarceration while at the same time leaving people who become addicted with inadequate or no treatment. I'd bet at least a slight majority want to try something different, and they're not too worried whether it's worded exactly right. If I'm wrong, it will be a slight majority the other direction.
The post As election day approaches, support for SQ 788 may be narrowing (Capitol Update) appeared first on Oklahoma Policy Institute.
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