It looks like Cupid has landed his arrow in the upcoming gubernatorial race!
According to a Valentine’s Week poll released by Pat McFarron – the conservative analyst, fixer, and sweetheart of the local ruling establishment – Gentner has romanced his way to a big lead in the crowded conservative field for governor.
Based on McFarron’s 600 cold calls to lonely hearts who still apparently answer their telephones, Gentner is leading the pack with 36% of the vote. Meanwhile, Charles “Banana Man” McCall, Chip Keating, and that Mike Mazzei guy were virtually tied, each stuck a shade under 15%.
Here’s what Drummond's team told The Oklahoman:
Matt Parker, Drummond’s campaign chairman, said the numbers came as no surprise.
“Gentner Drummond is seeing overwhelming support from every corner of the state, leading decisively in fundraising and continuing to top the polls,” Parker said in a statement.
I’m not surprised that Gentner leads in a poll put together by Pat McFarron, but the size of the lead raised my eyebrows. I guess it shows A) Gentner’s broad appeal and name recognition, and B) just how well fruit metaphors work on Oklahoma voters.
Anyway, I know the race is trending toward a runoff and anything can happen, but unless Gentner is caught using gender-neutral pronouns in his email signature, I can’t think of any way he doesn’t secure the nomination.
Not only does he have a polling lead and broad appeal among blue-dog conservatives and moderate Republicans, but he also has a significant money advantage to sweeten the deal.
According to KFOR, Gentner raised nearly $4 million, which is about as much as the other candidates combined. Now, I’m not a political scientist, but I’m pretty sure polling lead + money usually = massive political advantage, and unless Gentner really finds a way to screw this up, it looks like he’s going to be our next governor.
That being said, I’m not ready to bet all my beef on Gentner’s burger.
Just ask ol’ Mick Cornett – Oklahoma politics are weird. Brad Henry and Kevin Stitt alike seemingly came out of nowhere to win, and who knows what mischief, intrigue, and heartbreak the next six months will bring.
Whatever it is, we’ll be here to cover it with as many holiday-related puns and metaphors as possible.
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.
