185 file for state offices

The first day of filing for federal and state offices at the state Capitol ended today, with fewer candidates than expected filing.

State Election Board officials said 185 candidates filed. In 2004, a filing period comparable to this year, 412 filed as candidates during the three days of filing. All members of the state's congressional delegation up for election in 2008 filed for re-election.

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud, 47, a Republican from Oklahoma City, filed for a second six-year term. No opponent had filed by the end of today's filing period. Filing continues through 5 p.m. Wednesday.

State Rep. Rob Johnson, 34, R-Kingfisher, was the only candidate today to file for the unexpired term on the Corporation Commission. Jim Roth, a former Oklahoma County commissioner appointed last year to the commission, is expected to file for the two years remaining on the term. Dana Murphy, a Republican, also has said she is seeking the post.

In legislative races of note, former House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, who resigned the speaker's post before the start of this year's legislative session because of tax problems, has not filed for re-election. A challenger, Dianne Hunter, 58, a Democrat from Edmond, filed for the seat. She's the wife of Dr. David Hunter, who lost to U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, in the 2006 election.

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, 73, R-Tulsa, drew three opponents: State Sen. Andrew Rice, 35, D-Oklahoma City, and Republicans Dennis Lopez, 48, Thackerville, and Evelyn Rogers, 55, of Tulsa.

U.S. Rep. John Sullivan, 43, R-Tulsa, has a Democratic opponent, Georgianna W. Oliver, 41, of Tulsa; U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, 34, of Muskogee, is unopposed; U.S.