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Oklahomans for Anthony > For the Record > Bob in the News >

The party's over; it's an Anthony 3-peat

by Russell Ray, World Staff Writer

The Tulsa World - November 8, 2000

Incumbent Bob Anthony cruised to an easy victory in his bid for a third six-year term as state corporation commissioner late Tuesday.

With 2,037 of 2,202 precincts reporting, Anthony had 669,399 votes of all votes cast, or 65 percent of the vote. The Republican was well ahead of Gilbert Bigby, a Democrat, who had 339,027 votes, or 33 percent, and Roger Bloxham, a Libertarian, who received just 19,081 votes, or about 2 percent, at press time.

Anthony's seat on the commission was the only statewide post on the ballot, though statewide judicial posts were up for retention. The commission regulates the oil, gas and telecommunications industries.

"I think I've received overwhelming support from the voters because I have fought for honest and open government," Anthony, 52, said. "I have been committed to representing the people.

"If you're committed to serving the people and honest government, the citizens are going to support you whether you're Democrat or Republican."

Anthony raised more than $260,000 for his re-election campaign, which he ran from the attic of his home. Campaign coffers for past corporation commission candidates have been much larger, Anthony said, adding he did not invest in yard signs, a campaign office or a campaign staff.

"The amount of money spent on political races is becoming unreasonable," Anthony said.

Anthony said he ran for another term in part because he wanted to carry out the state's plan to deregulate the telecommunications, natural gas and electric industries.

"The deregulation issues demand oversight and follow-through to protect consumers," he said. "There is no time for on-the-job training."

Anthony's opponents posed no serious threat in his bid for re-election. Bloxham, the Libertarian, vowed not to spend more than $500 on his campaign. Bloxham said he achieved that goal, spending just $490 on radio advertisements.

"If I get any votes at all, it will get his (Anthony's) attention," Bloxham said, adding the commission's rules are hurting the state's oil and gas producers, who say it's too expensive to comply with the state's rules and regulations.

© 2000 The Tulsa World

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