Oklahoma gubernatorial debate sparks discussion on spending, scandals
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Sparks flew at Wednesday night's debate for Oklahoma governor.
With Superintendent Joy Hofmeister now leading in some polls, Gov. Kevin Stitt was on the defensive, but that doesn't mean Hofmeister didn't face some tough questions of her own.
The debate began with a benign question about favorite hobbies, but within minutes, the candidates were throwing accusations at the other over our education crisis.
"My opponent has received a billion dollars in spending over the last eight years," said Stitt. "The only thing that hasn't improved is education."
According to the Oklahoma Policy Institute, Stitt is off by roughly $250 million. Adjusted for inflation, that's only a $146 million increase in 8 years as opposed to the one billion claimed.
"Here's the problem," Hofmeister said. "This Governor has a school voucher scheme that is a rural school killer. You kill the school, you kill the community."
Stitt's voucher plan would have allowed taxpayer money to go toward students in private schools. It failed to move in the Republican-dominated Oklahoma legislature.
Both candidates also faced-off about scandals.
Does the buck stop at your desk for the Swadley's Barbecue Scandal and is there anything you would have done differently in retrospect?
"To say taxpayers lost 17 million dollars is untrue, there's six restaurants in parks across the state right now," Stitt said. "We're going to get a new vendor, there will be a new vendor that will open those up."
"State auditor in 2021 shows $41 million in questioned costs among agencies the governor has control over," Hofmeister said. "$20 million in missing PPE inventory. Paid for, never received. $12 million lost in Swadley's scandal. Can't even trust you with barbecue."
Hofmeister meanwhile was asked about dark money fueling her campaign. She was charged with campaign fundraising violations in 2016, but the charges were dropped. She was asked how Oklahomans can be sure she has their interest in mind, not behind-the-scenes donors.
"Because I stand up to those who are mishandling taxpayer dollars. I stand up for our schools" Hofmeister said. "I did that in my first race in 2014 and an underhanded politician brought false charges. Those were dropped and expunged by the DA."
"Who's behind all these dark money ads? $20 million has been spent against me, attacking me, spreading lies, chaos, and misinformation supporting my opponent. I'll give you 20 million reasons why she will be beholden to special interests and not you, the people," Stitt said.
But Stitt himself is about to receive a seven-figure infusion for attack ads from the Republican Governors Association, according to the Oklahoman.