The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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November 5, 2008

Sanders takes District 59 House race from Russell

By Bridget Nash Staff Writer

Voters in Oklahoma District 59 have decided they want Mike Sanders, a Republican from Kingfisher, to be their voice in the state House.

Sanders won the race with 11,092 votes, compared to his opponent, Democrat Don Russell’s 2,929 votes.

“I’m absolutely honored,” said Sanders, shortly after his victory was apparent, “so thankful that the voters in District 59 heard our message.”

That message is one of “change and reform,” said Sanders, who said he is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work.

“The first thing is to continue to help fund our roads and bridges,” Sanders said. “That’s been my staple in this campaign and will continue to be.”

Sanders said he will continue working on economic development, reforming workers’ compensation and keeping the doors of rural hospitals open.

Sanders has worked for U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas as a field director, worked on George W. Bush’s presidential campaign, worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was director of White House interns for three years. He also has worked for the Department of Rural Development.

Sanders said he has been interested in politics since he was 9 years old and always has known he would some day work as a state representative.

Oklahoma House District 59 covers territory in Blaine, Canadian, Dewey, Kingfisher, Major and Woodward counties.

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