by Liz McMahan

Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy is hitting the campaign trail this summer with more than a message about politics.

She was elected two years ago and is seeking her first full term with one Republican opponent, Tod Yeager of Del City.

Murphy was in Muskogee on Thursday, speaking to the Rotary Club and visiting with the Phoenix Editorial Board.

She said she has learned a lot since winning the office two years ago to fill an unexpired two-year term.

The Woodward farm girl worked as a geologist and then became an attorney before serving on the Corporation Commission.

The Commission regulates energy, transportation and utilities in Oklahoma — setting rules for everything from horizontal drilling to area codes.

Part of the message Murphy brought to Muskogee was a reminder that eastern Oklahoma residents will have to dial 10 digits for all telephone calls in what was the 918 area code.

The area has been split into two area codes, 918 and 539. Dialing the extra digits will be optional beginning in August and required after March 5, Murphy said. Calls that are now toll calls will continue to be toll calls.

However, the commission may begin discussion soon about making all regional calls toll free, she said. If that happens, there could be a slight increase on telephone bills.

The changes in rules on horizontal drilling that the Commission has made since she's been in office were the best thing they've done, she said.

The most difficult part of her job so far has been dealing with budget issues, particularly with having to furlough and layoff employees. The agency has laid off 8 percent of its workforce, 25 of 440 employees.

Those who remain are losing two weeks or more of pay. The travel budget also has been reduced by 50 percent.

She and Commissioner Bob Anthony donated their salaries back to the state one month so the cuts did not have to be so deep, she said.