I try to keep away from politics on social media, since I think these algorithms keep us all in our own echo chambers, anyway—and, well, it’s so freaking polarizing these days.  But the stakes in Oklahoma’s gubernatorial election are too high not to weigh in on the Republican runoff, on t he offhand chance my opinion matters to anyone. I’ve had the privilege of working for AG Gentner Drummond for three and a half years now—and in that time have had an opportunity to see a true leader with the heart of a public servant: a man of deep intellect and strong principles, of great compassion and intellectual curiosity. And a leader with a deeply held commitment to doing the right thing.     Under his leadership establishing the Organized Crime Task Force, Oklahoma has seen a HUGE drop in illegal marijuana grow operations, most of which are run by Chinese crime syndicates and Mexican cartels and entail not simply black-market weed but also human trafficking and fentanyl distribution.  The AG stood his ground when it was revealed that large poultry companies were still damaging the Illinois River watershed, and he took decisive action when State Farm stiffed customers with legitimate claims for devastating hail damage. After several years of inaction from the state, he finally ensured that millions of dollars in settlement funds got to local communities in the fight against the opioid epidemic.  In the Swadley prosecution, he made clear that government corruption and swindling millions in taxpayer money is not tolerable.  He’s also the ONLY state elected who did anything to corral Ryan Walters during his reign of error.   There is much more. A staunch conservative but not an ideologue, General Drummond’s loyalty is to Oklahomans and not the false constructs of party affiliation. Oh, and he also happens to take his constitutional oath seriously,  His runoff opponent has no real message, best as I can tell, beyond a Trump endorsement that he clutches like Linus to his blanket. It’s a little pathetic, to be honest.  Oklahomans have a chance Tuesday, Aug. 25, to put forth a candidate who is not just a good leader, but someone I have no doubt would be a great governor. Oh, and also vote Robert Franklin for state superintendent if you have any interest in the future of Oklahoma schoolchildren. The post Phil Bacharach: Why I’m Voting for Gentner Drummond for Governor appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less