The state senate seat in Oklahoma District 34 is up for grabs Tuesday.
The seat represents voters in Sperry, Owasso, Collinsville, Catoosa and part of northeast Tulsa. The election pits Owasso teacher and Democrat J.J. Dossett against Skiatook business owner and Republican David McLain.
It’s a special election to replace Republican former Sen. Rick Brinkley, who stepped down in August when he pleaded guilty to six felonies and admitted to embezzling more than $1.8 million from the Tulsa Better Business Bureau.
Dossett said he doesn’t expect an advantage in the race because of that.
"Rick is a solid guy in Owasso and Collinsville, both communities, and everyone liked Rick, so I think that doesn't have anything to do with it," Dossett said.
Education is one of Dossett's major campaign issues.
"Right now, our public education needs more support," Dossett said. "Our state's not doing a great job as far as taking care of our future, which is our kids and our future workforce, and it's a very important thing that we're neglecting."
Dossett said he’s not too worried about being ineffective because of legislative gridlock if elected.
"The budget deficit and our lack of funding our core functions of government seem to be an issue on both sides of the aisle," Dossett said.
McLain did not respond to requests for comment. In a Facebook video, he said with Barack Obama in the White House, the state legislature needs strong Republican leaders.
In other posts, he boasts of receiving high marks from gun advocacy groups and opposes Common Core.
