Most contested elections are decided in November, but a cluster of Oklahoma races this year will be settled in primary (or perhaps runoff) balloting.

Incumbent Republican Dana Murphy, who defeated Jim Roth in a close race to finish an unexpired term at the Corporation Commission two years ago, is heavily favored to defeat Tod Yeager. She is likely to retain her job at the agency. No Democrat filed, so Tuesday's election will determine the victor.

Murphy's rise to such a political strong position is one of the most intriguing political stories in recent state history. In 2002, she narrowly lost a bitterly contested nomination fight against Jeff Cloud, who went on to win the post and is now her colleague at the commission.

Two years ago, seeking to finish the remainder of former Commissioner Denise Bode's term, Murphy waged a spirited race against Roth, an appointed incumbent at the utility-regulating agency and two-time winner in county commission races in the state's most populated county. While the race was close in Oklahoma County itself, Murphy won strong enough statewide to assure victory.

At the Commission, which regulates the vital state energy industry, as well as telecommunications, Murphy has quickly developed a reputation for hard work and thorough knowledge of salient issues.

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