OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A primary-time endorsement from The Five Tribes for Governor of Oklahoma goes to Democratic candidate Joy Hofmeister.
The 5 largest tribes within the state, together with the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek), Choctaw and Seminole Nations say they assist the Democratic candidate due to her expertise in training.
“She understands that we’ve leaned into public education and to higher education at a time when the state of Oklahoma seems to have retreated on those subjects in different ways,” stated Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr, of the Cherokee Nation.
Last week, those self same tribes issued an announcement urging state lawmakers to repeal House Bill 1775, the controversial “anti-CRT law.”
But for them, endorsing Hofmeister just isn’t a partisan determination.
“My goodness, Republican members of the state legislature have been amazing to work with,” stated Hoskin Jr.
However, the choice is made simple due to the connection, or the shortage thereof, between Governor Kevin Stitt and the tribal leaders.
“I lose track how many times we’ve been in court with Governor Stitt,” sighed the Cherokee chief.
They assume that Hofmeister will probably be simpler to work with.
“She looks at 39 tribes and doesn’t see them as 39 obstacles to be knocked out of the way,” stated Hoskin Jr. “She sees 39 opportunities to try innovative things on education, to work together as partners.”
Hofmeister stated she was humbled by this endorsement.
The State Superintendent stated she plans to take a seat on the spherical desk with the tribes, not the top of the desk.
“I believe in including native people in key positions across state agencies, especially in rural Oklahoma,” declared Hofmeister.
While the Republican-turned-Democrat loved the assist from the state’s sovereign nations, Governor Kevin Stitt nonetheless has assist from one other highly effective group.
The Oklahoma State Fraternal Order of Police didn’t endorse a candidate for governor in 2018, however they selected incumbent Kevin Stitt as their choose for this November.
“When we had our conference in August here in Oklahoma City, he reached out to us, asked to come, and that was the only gubernatorial candidate that did,” stated Mark Nelson, President of the OKFOP.
Governor Stitt signed a bill in 2020 that raised retiree advantages for firefighters, police, judges, lecturers, and different public staff. It adjusted pensions based mostly on the price of dwelling.
Nelson stated with that, the Governor has confirmed to again the blue.
“We believe he supports law enforcement and public safety,” stated Nelson. “And so from that perspective we do think he’s the best candidate.”
story by The Texas Tribune Source link