Candidate’s withdrawal leaves two hopefuls in SD 30

By Patrick B. McGuigan

Published: 26-Feb-2010

Withdrawal of an appealing but underfunded candidate from the state Senate District 30 Republican primary race has narrowed the contest to two hopefuls seeking to replace state Sen. Glenn Coffee. Departure of Murphy, known as an ardent conservative activist, for now leaves the field open to David Holt, an aide to Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, and Matt Jackson, who works for a national company involved in correctional operations and software development. 

In a statement issued today, Shawnnessy Murphy said her battle with cervical cancer, and the care of her daughters, led her to step out of the race.

In the statement made available to CapitolBeatOK, Murphy said, “There is a lot of important work to be done in the political spectrum, but the most important work I can do right now is to care for myself and ensure my beautiful daughters have their mother around to care for them long into the future. It is crucial for me at this critical juncture of my life to surround myself with people who care about me and my girls as a person, not as a political candidate.”

Murphy entered the race late last year, and had not raised a reportable amount sum ($500) by year’s end. 

As of the latest ethics reports, David Holt leads the funds race. By year’s end he had garnered $110,016 from 367 donors. At that point he had $90,335 on hand. Matt Jackson had raised $32,184 from 84 donors, and had $14,064 on hand. 

Senator Coffee, the President Pro Tem of the state Senate, is leaving the post due to the constitutional 12-year limit on legislative service. Senate District 30 includes portions of Northwest Oklahoma City, Bethany, Warr Acres and The Village. Thus far, no Democrats have announced in the race.