CapitolBeatOK Staff Report

Published: 28-Oct-2010

Tyler Laughlin, campaign manager for former state Sen. Scott Pruitt, the Republican nominee for attorney general, moved quickly today (Thursday, October 28) to respond to criticisms from Jim Priest, the Democratic nominee, issued at a late-morning press conference.

In a statement sent to CapitolBeatOK, Laughlin said:

“Our opponent’s negative remarks today have little to do with the attorney general’s race, and everything to do with Scott Pruitt having a double-digit lead in the polls.  Scott’s message is resonating with voters, and this is a desperate attempt by a losing campaign.”

The latest Oklahoma poll in the Tulsa World afforded Pruitt a hefty 53%-33% advantage. It was the first time Pruitt enjoyed more than 50% support in the survey, conducted for the World by Sooner Poll, an Oklahoma public opinion surveying group.

Laughlin concluded, “With regard to Scott’s supporters, we have been endorsed by numerous agri-business sectors in Oklahoma.  Agriculture is part of the fabric of Oklahoma’s economy, and as Scott has indicated, if elected he will evaluate all cases at the appropriate time based on their merit of the arguments at hand.”