2 attorneys seek Republican nomination for open Corporation Commission seat

Two attorneys are vying for the Republican nomination for the short-term Oklahoma Corporation Commission seat left open by the resignation of Denise Bode.

Rob Johnson, of Kingfisher, and Dana Murphy, of Oklahoma City, will be on the Republican primary ballot Tuesday. The winner of the primary race will face incumbent Democrat Jim Roth, who was named as a replacement when Bode left the commission.

Johnson is a Kingfisher native. He was elected to the Legislature in 2004. His election helped Republicans win control of the House of Representatives for the first time in more than 80 years. He was majority whip during Speaker Lance Cargill’s tenure.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Oklahoma State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He previously served as a legislative assistant to Congressman Wes Watkins and a legislative director to Congressman Tom Cole. He also has worked in the oil and gas industry, in private law practice and at his family’s business, Johnsons of Kingfisher.

Dana Murphy was born in Woodward and raised within a family involved in agriculture, ranching and the petroleum industry.

She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in geology. She was a practicing geologist for 10 years and obtained her law degree while working and attending night school at Oklahoma City University.

She was an administrative law judge at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for nearly six years. She left her position as an administrative law judge and began working as a consulting geologist. She returned to private law practice in 2003, with an emphasis in oil and gas title, transactional and regulatory work.

Each candidate answered a series of questions from the News & Eagle regarding important issues facing the Corporation Commission.

1. What are the top two or three regulatory issues you see ahead for Oklahoma in the next 10 years?

Murphy: Important regulatory issues facing the commission and Oklahomans over the next 10 years involve those dealing with:

• Ensuring the ongoing maintenance and development of affordable, reliable power throughout Oklahoma, including creating meaningful demand-side management rules and consumer incentives to encourage energy efficiency.

• Ensuring the availability and reliability of Oklahoma’s regulated utility services across all parts of Oklahoma.

• Modernizing, streamlining and/or eliminating unnecessary regulations and advancing the use of technology in all areas regulated by the commission to provide greater access and more usable information to the public and the regulated entities.

Johnson: The top regulatory issues facing this state over the next 10 years will be the need for increased electric capacity for consumers, which includes exploring new energy sources, such as wind and nuclear energy, as well as securing our state’s energy infrastructure.

2. What role does the Corporation Com-mission play in energy policy for the state?

Johnson: The Corporation Commission serves as the main regulatory body of the state’s energy industry. As a commissioner, I would serve as an advocate for a long-term energy plan for our state, including the need for an increase in electric capacity. In addition, I would like to explore the possibility of exporting electricity to other states.

Murphy: With globalization, increased demand for energy and the growing need for innovation in business and government, Oklahoma can be a shining light to other states and countries by creating an environment in Oklahoma that applauds, encourages and rewards energy innovation and development through oil and natural gas and other alternative energy sources. The Corporation Commission, through its expertise, regulatory practices and individual efforts, can assist and help facilitate energy policy through working in conjunction with elected officials, including the governor and Legislature, other government officials, the private sector, universities, civic leaders, consumers and others in helping communicate about and formulate short-, medium- and long-range planning impacting energy use and development in Oklahoma.

3. What are your qualifications for the position and how do your qualifications and experience make you the best choice for Corporation Commissioner?

Murphy: I am the most qualified and experienced candidate in this race. My experience as an administrative law judge at the commission for almost six years, my experience as an energy attorney and my experience as a geologist (for over 10 years) make me the clear choice for Oklahomans who desire seasoned objectivity and independence in commission rulings and business. I’ve also been named a 2007 Outstanding Woman in Energy by Energy Advocates, received the 2001 Corporation Commission’s Public Servant Award for my work inside and outside the commission, and I was named the Corporation Commission’s 1997 co-Employee of the Year. As a fifth-generation Oklahoman, I am a tireless supporter of Oklahoma’s growth and leadership in our national energy policy, and when elected, I will be your voice at the commission.

Johnson: I am the most qualified candidate to be our next corporation commissioner. I have extensive experience in energy policy issues at the state and federal levels. As a state representative, I have fought to lower taxes, defend unborn lives and keep government spending in line. As a corporation commissioner, I will be a watchdog for ratepayers and make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely.

The original article can be found here.