The last question of the August 3 GOP Gubernatorial Debate with Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei was fairly direct: Should candidates for Governor voluntarily submit tax returns and health information? Gentner Drummond responded first, stating directly that he would submit tax returns, health infor mation and even take a drug test. Mike Mazzei’s response was much more nuanced, stating he would offer financial information and a letter from his doctor, but not offering tax returns or mentioning submitting to a drug test. By week’s end, Mazzei had decided against releasing any records, telling Oklahoma Voice, “I’m not going to get into something like that.”   Throughout the debate, viewers on social media commented about Mazzei’s demeanor, with NonDoc reporting in a debate summary from August 8 a recent college grad stating, “Mazzei sounds high!!!” and, “Am I the only one thinking that????”  NonDoc also reported a local lobbyist stating, “Drummond may be stumbling over his words, but at least his thoughts are coherent and there’s some logic behind his statements.”  By most accounts Mazzei’s debate performance was sub-par and lacking on most fronts, and he tangled with debate moderators more than Drummond for being off topic and not answering their specific questions. At week’s end, polling showed Mazzei had lost significant ground since Monday’s debate performance, with another poll showing Gentner Drummond holding a slight lead even prior to the debate. This was prior to NonDoc’s article being published late Friday, and before Oklahoma Voice published an article stating Gentner Drummond would be submitting not only tax returns and health records, but also results of a drug test. Mazzei also told Oklahoma Voice, “I’m not on any pain meds now,” spawning a flurry of questions from readers as to what he meant. Mike Mazzei’s health is a mirage and has sparked concerns and ongoing debate throughout his campaign. This may now take center stage amidst concerns he may be impaired. His health concerns stem from a 2008 car accident and back injuries Mazzei suffered when he crashed into another car from the rear. Mazzei claims to be healthy today, but there are notable signs of hand tremors and other issues that have been brought up during the campaign about his speech, mannerisms and conflicting information. For example, Mazzei’s campaign issued a promotional video for a TBN interview which showed Mazzei jogging. However, he arrived for a debate appearance in May with a handicapped tag in his SUV and has been seen using a cane to assist with walking at times in previous years.  Mazzei was recently interviewed by Rachel Ackerman and stated he very quickly learned after his accident that pain medications made him sick, forcing him to rely on his faith and scripture to overcome his injuries and pain resulting from significant nerve damage.  However, a previous television interview on TBN tells a very different story about being admitted to a hospital rehabilitative program to get off pain medications and suffering from withdrawal symptoms that required medical supervision. Listen to the TBN interview here. The gubernatorial candidate’s projection on this topic is palpable, as there is clearly orchestration on his health history and conscious effort to distance Mazzei from drug usage or medications. It is understandable to have concerns over a 62 year old’s health, as he campaigns to embark on a potential 8 year commitment to a grueling schedule as Governor. With Mike Mazzei, these concerns are heightened. He has clearly been through a lot and needs to convince voters he is not only able to serve, but that he’s not impaired. The effects of long term use of pain medications are numerous and can significantly affect cognition, memory, alertness, concentration, decision making and executive function.  Even prescription medications can have detrimental effects. Gabapentin is a widely prescribed medication for nerve pain and shows a high likelihood of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with long term usage. In the absence of information, voters will have to decide for themselves if Mazzei is fit to serve, both physically and mentally. Mazzei’s finances appear equally cryptic with the recent disclosure of him pledging his business assets as collateral for a campaign finance loan of reportedly up to $11 million at Regent Bank, which would presumably include an interest in his wealth management firm. This arrangement is historically unusual, as many candidates loan cash assets to their campaign coffers, but it’s extremely rare to see one mortgaging their business and other assets to borrow from a bank to fund a campaign. In reality, little is known about this loan and Mazzei’s campaign fund, except what has been reported by The Oklahoman, which also shows that only five percent of Mazzei’s campaign being funded by donors. View this post on Instagram The ramifications of a candidate entering the Governor’s mansion encumbered with what could easily be up to $15 million in debt are of concern to many undecided voters and almost all Oklahomans who are left wondering what Mazzei would do as Governor to pay off this loan. He obviously would have to either sell a large portion or even all of his business or raise funds from those who would only be incentivized to get something of value in return. Lacking full disclosure about what’s behind this loan from Regent Bank, voters are left to their own imaginations to fill in this massive void of information about Mazzei’s finances. This topic was discussed at length over the weekend with an Oklahoma Memo interview with Drew Williamson, Managing Partner of Red Center Media and Oklahoma Gazette owner. Mazzei’s best course of action is to match Drummond with full medical and financial disclosures and testing results. Having said he will not comply, Mazzei seems to leave voters with more questions than answers and play on voters’ sympathy toward his injury, accusing Gentner Drummond of using his accident as political ammo, stating, “I have been surprised and disappointed that Drummond and his team would stoop to that low.” This will suffice for some, but voters seem focused on Mazzei’s ability to do the job, and comments on social media seem to be growing louder and more frequent.  Mazzei has been very infrequently seen publicly since the June primary vote, which has only fueled concerns that he may not be physically able to keep pace, versus others saying his team thinks it’s best to keep him away from public appearances, debates and being in a room with Drummond. Mazzei declined to appear at last week’s public safety forum alongside Gentner Drummond and has sent his father to represent him at the Tulsa Republican Woman’s luncheon on August 11.  In what is undoubtedly a very tight race, and with Drummond gaining momentum, these  could be the issues undecided voters lean toward most as they approach the August 25 GOP runoff. The post Mazzei Flip Flops On Debate Promises:  Will not share financial  information, medical records and won’t submit to a drug test… appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less