mranderson --- Personally, if I were basing my vote on Bates (who, incidentally is NOT running,) I would have to vote for Prater just because Bates has tried to align himself with the poor guy. However, I’m not basing my vote on Bates. Again, Bates is NOT running.

At least with Prater, the entire Bates issue would become a non-issue --- unlike that which Lane has continued to focus upon. Bates is a giant albatross around Prater’s neck. And Bates would obviously no longer be empowered if Lane weren’t in office.

The main focus I have on the vote are the candidates themselves. I believe Prater will make for a better D.A. --- away from the Macy/Lane legacy...and for this discussion's sake, away from Bates.

And BailJumper, please! BACK OFF of OKLApi. Does there have to be a connection just because he knows his facts and is in the business? The only person (other than the attorney for the prostitute McCullough or her pimp) who would have a connection would be the investigator whose husband Bates claims was caught with a prostitute. See AltWeeklies.com: News & Features: Oklahoma Gazette: Crime & Justice: Jail Bates? if you don’t keep up with the news at John TV --- which you said you do (in a previous post.) OKLApi is in the business and he is probably much more informed than you are. Unless you are in the business or a private investigator, I doubt you know the in’s and out’s of the situation.

So I ask you, BailJumper, what is your connection to Bates?

My question is simply this: When did the race for D.A. between Wes Lane and David Prater became about a guy who is NOT in the race and not worth giving the time of day to? Can we just get back to the race and who will make the best D.A. without bringing a nutcase like Bates into it?