Roth Announces Campaign for Election

Oklahoma City - "One year from now my name will appear on Oklahoma's statewide ballot," said Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth announcing he will seek election in 2008.

Governor Brad Henry appointed Roth to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to succeed Denise Bode who resigned for a job in the private sector.  Roth was sworn in on June 1, 2007.

Roth earned a law degree at Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1994.  He was elected Oklahoma County Commissioner for District 1 in 2002, and re-elected with more than 63% in 2006, before being appointed to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

"I love my job," said Roth.  "Every day I go to work energized and excited that I have the opportunity to serve Oklahoma and try to make a positive difference for our state."

The Corporation Commission, comprised of three commissioners elected by statewide vote to serve six-year terms, has judicial, legislative and administrative authority.  Established in 1907 by Article 9 of the Oklahoma Constitution, the First Legislature gave the Commission authority to regulate public service corporations, those businesses whose services are considered essential to the public welfare.

"The Corporation Commission has an awesome responsibility.  As the public body that regulates oil and gas drilling, utilities, and certain areas in telecommunications and transportation, the Commission has a huge impact on our state's economy and our citizens' lives," said Roth.  "I want to make sure that impact is positive for our future."

"Oklahoma is a leader in the oil and natural gas industry, and we can become a leader in renewable energies such as wind and bio fuels.  We have the opportunity to move Oklahoma in a positive and productive direction, protecting Oklahoma consumers and promoting a vibrant economy by creating new jobs through innovations in technologies and renewable energies," said Roth.  "We should also encourage energy efficiencies, consumer side investments, and conservation strategies."

In the five months since Roth took office, major issues have come before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission including the Red Rock Power Plant and other developments in the energy sector.

 "I approach each situation the same weighing the facts, looking to the future and taking steps in the best interests of all of Oklahoma," said Roth.

Roth will join friends and supporters this evening at the home of Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor for a reception to kickoff this campaign.  Roth filed his campaign's statement of organization with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission on September 11, 2007.