Rivalry builds in District 62 race

LAWTON - The campaign in House District 62 has taken a negative turn as the candidates enter the last month before the election.

Republican T.W. Shannon, 28, hopes to win the seat, which has never been held by a member of his party. A former field representative for former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts Jr. and Rep. Tom Cole, Shannon said he will bring fresh ideas to a divided Legislature.

But his Democratic opponent, Janice Drewry, 68, called Shannon "a Washington, D.C. powerhouse," saying Shannon hasn't had the same level of political experience she has racked up in her years on the Lawton City Council.

Comanche County Democratic Chairman Mike Weddington also recently sent an e-mail questioning Shannon's credentials, according to Republican state party officials.

Those officials forwarded to The Oklahoman a message that appears to be an e-mail from Weddington to Democratic residents who live in the district.

"Did anyone know that TW was NOT a field rep for JC WATTS?" Weddington wrote. "Actually he was the driver when JC came into the area. I cannot find anything in his past that would qualify him as anything more than a chauffeur."

Shannon, who is black, called the comments racist and untrue.

"Chairman Weddington's comment that I am only qualified to be a chauffeur reflects an attitude that is out of step with most people in Lawton, and quite frankly, sets our community backward a half-century," Shannon said in a news release. Weddington did not return phone calls to respond.

The numbers are stacked against Shannon, as the district boasts about 3,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans. But Shannon said his message of less government and lower taxes, coupled with traditional family values, appeals to voters across party lines. One of his top priorities is seeing tax rates reduced further in hopes of attracting more business.

"We can't tax ourselves to prosperity," he said. "Business will not stay and business will not come to a hostile tax environment."

Drewry, who calls herself a conservative Democrat, said she will fight to make sure Lawton receives its fair share of tax dollars, and she hopes to work with the state Transportation Department on easing truck congestion in the district.

As a member of the strategic planning task force for the city of Lawton, Drewry said she has a history of working with constituents and companies in the area. The top way to attract more business is to focus more on education, she said, because businesses demand a highly educated work force.

Drewry said she would be able to put partisanship aside at the Capitol .

Shannon echoed that sentiment.

"Politics is a team sport," Shannon said.