DA Tim Harris informed his staff today that he is not seeking re-election. Will Brett Swab rerun? Any other likely candidates?
Senator Brian Crain is the overwhelming favorite.
Quote from: Nik on November 18, 2013, 05:01:17 PM
Any other likely candidates?
Me. Oh wait. nevermind
RM-
Why do you think that Brian Crain is the clear favorite? I am just curious what the basis is for your analysis. Brett Swab has been mentioned as a potential candidate, along with Fred Jordan and current ADA and Chief of Criminal Steve Kunzweiler. Surely there are other potential candidates.
I'm not familiar with Crain's history- has he practiced much criminal law, or any law for that matter, in the last 20 years? I just don't know, but am curious if he has this thing locked up. As the only announced candidate at this point, he obviously is the leader at the moment. But surely Harris' announcement will likely spur decisions by other potential candidates.
Crain will raise a ton of money and he has excellent name recognition. That is why I see him as the big favorite right now.
It seems to be a good job so I trust there will be more candidates.
Quote from: tulsaboy on November 19, 2013, 07:59:40 PM
I'm not familiar with Crain's history- has he practiced much criminal law, or any law for that matter, in the last 20 years? I just don't know, but am curious if he has this thing locked up. As the only announced candidate at this point, he obviously is the leader at the moment. But surely Harris' announcement will likely spur decisions by other potential candidates.
I for one greatly hope there are other candidates. Not a Crain fan here. I do not believe he's dealt in criminal law since the mid-90's when he was just out of law school.
It is interesting that Dummond, the long-time first assistant DA, is not running. Crain worked at the DA's office under LaFortune.
What's Swab been doing the last 16 years?
Interestingly, I received an invite today for a fund raiser for Crain that is sponsored by Drew Edmondson.
I sat on the jury for a case Swab prosecuted and I was not impressed with his courtroom skills. He might be a great administrator, which I do realize is a big part of the job.
Quote from: DTowner on November 20, 2013, 02:54:51 PM
Interestingly, I received an invite today for a fund raiser for Crain that is sponsored by Drew Edmondson.
That explains RM's view...
http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/top-assistant-now-running-district-attorney/nbz2J/
When I served jury duty, this was the prosecutor.
How did he do?
Quote from: tulsaboy on November 21, 2013, 07:55:51 PM
How did he do?
The defense faired better than the prosecution.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on November 18, 2013, 05:41:28 PM
Senator Brian Crain is the overwhelming favorite.
If the FOP cant own him, he will just be another short-timer like LaFortune.
Think on this: When was the last time our D.A. didn't routinely absolve an officer in a shooting? Or an assault?
When is the election? I didn't see any mention of it in the article on the Kunzweiler announcement.
VN- that argument doesn't necessarily hold up- Swab got endorsed by pretty much every FOP in the county a few years ago against Harris, and that still didn't get him over the hump. The FOP's around Tulsa aren't big fans of Harris, but he has somehow managed to stay in office for quite a few years.
Quote from: tulsaboy on November 24, 2013, 06:41:01 AM
VN- that argument doesn't necessarily hold up- Swab got endorsed by pretty much every FOP in the county a few years ago against Harris, and that still didn't get him over the hump. The FOP's around Tulsa aren't big fans of Harris, but he has somehow managed to stay in office for quite a few years.
The animosity is just theater. Harris gives them carte blanche; the union will expect nothing less from his successor.
Tulsa World endorses (http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/editorials/tulsa-world-editorial-for-fred-jordan-in-da-s-primary/article_550338f4-34f5-5f20-b9cb-388268db2ddd.html) Fred Jordan but is he even eligible (http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/letters/letter-to-the-editor-jordan-clearly-ineligible-to-be-da/article_8505647a-9f87-5546-816d-7b4e65baedaf.html)?
Quote from: Nik on June 21, 2014, 05:45:57 PM
Tulsa World endorses (http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/editorials/tulsa-world-editorial-for-fred-jordan-in-da-s-primary/article_550338f4-34f5-5f20-b9cb-388268db2ddd.html) Fred Jordan but is he even eligible (http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/letters/letter-to-the-editor-jordan-clearly-ineligible-to-be-da/article_8505647a-9f87-5546-816d-7b4e65baedaf.html)?
The rule seems pretty clear on Fred Jordan's eligibility, Brian Crain dropped out because he also thought legislators were ineligible. Fred Jordan seem to be the only one who thinks he is eligible. He is trying to say that since he didn't actually vote on it, it doesn't count or something.
On top of that, I support Kunzweiller since he is the only actual prosecutor running. Fred Jordan did some prosecution work in the military court system years ago but Kunzweiller actually has worked for years in the Tulsa DA's office.
In elections, I vote for the person not endorsed by Griz.
Quote from: guido911 on June 22, 2014, 08:27:08 PM
In elections, I vote for the person not endorsed by Griz.
I am glad you live in Bixby.
Quote from: Nik on June 21, 2014, 05:45:57 PM
Tulsa World endorses (http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/editorials/tulsa-world-editorial-for-fred-jordan-in-da-s-primary/article_550338f4-34f5-5f20-b9cb-388268db2ddd.html) Fred Jordan but is he even eligible (http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/letters/letter-to-the-editor-jordan-clearly-ineligible-to-be-da/article_8505647a-9f87-5546-816d-7b4e65baedaf.html)?
Has he provided a birth certificate to prove where he was born?
Quote from: sgrizzle on June 22, 2014, 07:58:46 PM
On top of that, I support Kunzweiller since he is the only actual prosecutor running. Fred Jordan did some prosecution work in the military court system years ago but Kunzweiller actually has worked for years in the Tulsa DA's office.
Does that mean he will make the same kind of "good ole boy" buddy deals as the Tim Harris Clown Show to let people who plead guilty to assault with a deadly weapon have their confessions rejected by the "friendly to the family" judge and get off with nothing?? (Judge Glassco)
Quote from: RecycleMichael on June 22, 2014, 08:41:01 PM
I am glad you live in Bixby.
I get to vote for DA. And incidentally, I think Griz knows I keed.
Number of Kunzweilers that own property in Tulsa County - 0.
http://www.assessor.tulsacounty.org/assessor-property.php
Number of Stephen Kunzweilers that own (Tulsa municipal) property in Osage County - 1.
http://osage.oklahoma.usassessor.com/Shared/base/LiteSearch/Results.php
The comments in the TW and on various Facebook posts indicate he is now leasing an apartment in Tulsa so he is eligible to run. I do not know the truth of the matter, but it makes sense.
I planned on voting for him, I have nothing against him. But that rubs me the wrong way, it really feels like bending the truth, which gives me concern for that position.
Add to that, the new boss is the same as the old boss. TPD corruption (which the Tulsa DA works closely with and was apparently oblivious). Instances of over zealous prosecution (from friends who were jurors and friends who are Defense attorneys). Enough to give me pause.
Now, the other guy... He apparently wants us to know he loves the NRA and hates abortion. Not sure how that has anything to do with being a DA. Not sure what he stands for visa vis that job.
So my votes still up in the air.
Is the district strictly Tulsa County or are parts of other counties like SE Osage County included (considering that starts just outside downtown Tulsa)?
Just Tulsa County.
By all accounts, he now lives in Tulsa County (apartment on 91st st).
Quote from: cannon_fodder on June 23, 2014, 09:16:29 PM
Just Tulsa County.
By all accounts, he now lives in Tulsa County (apartment on 91st st).
Depending on when he took out the lease, it sounds like he may be ineligible as well.
An aquantence advised me he took out the lease before Harris announced retirement - so he is probably technically qualified.