By JIM BUTCHER
Herald Staff Writer

Dana Murphy, Republican candidate for Oklahoma Corporation Commission, returned to  Sapulpa on Thursday.

She believes it is most important for Oklahoma’s future to elect the most qualified people in the energy sector.

“And it is also about wanting to give something back,” she said. “I have the most incredible oil and gas law practice –– things are going well for me –– I feel terrific, and I feel like we need a different kind of leadership.”

This is Murphy’s second attempt at seeking a seat on the commission.

She decided she could do more for the people and chose to run for the statewide office of corporation commission. She received 41 percent of the primary vote and raised more than $400,000.

Seven years later she is back and is seeking the seat held formerly by Denise Bode. 

Bode resigned her commission post in June 2007. Gov. Brad Henry appointed Jim Roth, a Democrat, to take her place until Jan. 11, 2009, when the winner of November’s general election will take the seat to serve the remainder of the term. The term concludes Jan. 11, 2011.

Born in Woodward, Murphy was raised within a family committed to agriculture and the petroleum industry. A fifth-generation Oklahoman, Murphy now lives in Edmond where she practices law.  

“I was fortunate to grow up in a large family devoted to Oklahoma farming, ranching and the energy business, so I learned early on the importance of a strong work ethic, committed service to others and care for our land and resources.”

She earned a degree in geology from Oklahoma State University in 1983 and after working for 10 years as a geologist, she earned a juris doctorate cum laude from Oklahoma City University in 1993.

Her judicial experience at the commission as an administrative law judge, professional experience in the oil and gas industry as a geologist and attorney, and voluntary service as vice chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party, along with her Oklahoma background, make Murphy   most uniquely qualified individual to serve as a commissioner, she believes.

“With energy costs chewing a hole through the pocketbook like never before, we must develop Oklahoma resources in new and different ways to provide today and tomorrow’s affordable power” said Murphy.  

With the potential to provide 10 percent of America’s electricity needs, Oklahoma already ranks sixth nationally for wind farm capacity with much of that to come from northwestern Oklahoma.

“Oil and gas will always be important, but we must advance the use of wind, hydro, bio-fuels, solar and other evolving fuel sources in Oklahoma,” she said.

“The residents of Sapulpa, Creek County and all of Oklahoma need to know that I am an agent of change — someone who will look out for everyday Oklahomans and can be trusted to make decisions which are fair and the highest good for all citizens; someone who understands both rural and urban areas and the impact of energy on both family and business budgets and ways of life,” Murphy said.

 An important part of her campaign is educating Oklahomans about the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

“A lot of Oklahomans simply do not understand and know exactly what the commission does,” she said.

“The Oklahoma Corporation Commission plays a major role in our lives,” she said. “When you talk to your family and friends about America’s energy issues, please remember E-Cubed, and especially when you enter the voting both.

“E-cubed is actually E to the third power,” she said. “E(1) - Energy. E(2) - Experience. E(3) - Excellence.”

The original article can be found here .