With less than a month until the Nov. 3 general election, the race to become Oklahoma’s next attorney general is heating up. Supporters of Jon Echols have targeted Nick Coffey over a 2024 contribution to Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, claiming that he’s too liberal to represent Okla homa. Coffey and his backers, meanwhile, have attacked Echols over his ties to TK Health, a troubled jail healthcare provider that faces numerous wrongful death lawsuits. Echols helped launch the company in 2009 but is no longer involved in its day-to-day operations, The Oklahoman reported last month. Whoever wins will inherit a series of legal battles that incumbent Gentner Drummond has taken on, including lawsuits alleging State Farm systematically underpaid for denied valid claims for wind and hail damage and that natural gas marketing companies illegally hiked prices during Winter Storm Uri in 2021. My colleague Paul Monies reported on the latter issue last week. They will also have an opportunity to leave their own mark as the state’s top law enforcement officer. Some of the attorney general’s duties include issuing binding legal opinions, defending the state in criminal and civil matters and defending consumers from fraud. Here’s a look at the candidates and their platforms: The Candidates: Republican Jon Echols, a 46-year-old former state lawmaker, business owner and attorney from Oklahoma City. Democrat Nick Coffey, a 35-year-old former federal prosecutor from Oklahoma City. The Platforms Echols describes himself as a proven conservative who will align with President Donald Trump, support law enforcement and not shy away from hot-button social issues like transgender athletes in sports. If elected, he says he would investigate abuse of tax dollars and maintain a strong working relationship with tribal nations. He cites endorsements from the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police and Professional Firefighters of Oklahoma. Coffey frequently cites his experience as a federal prosecutor, saying he would work free from partisan influence to crack down on corruption and crime. He says he would establish a new division within the Attorney General’s office, the Office of Public Integrity, to investigate elected officials abusing their power and monitor pending legislation that might be unconstitutional. For More Information: Echols’ campaign website and Facebook account.Coffey’s campaign website and Facebook account.NonDoc and Griffin Media are hosting a live-streamed debate between the candidates on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 5:45 p.m. Republished with permission from Oklahoma Voice. Note: In the weeks leading up to the Nov. 3 election, Democracy Watch will preview a statewide election on the ballot. Next week’s newsletter will focus on the state treasurer’s race. The post Democracy Watch: Previewing Oklahoma’s Attorney General Race appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less