Sparks beats Emrich by a hair
By Althea Peterson
The Norman Transcript
Captures Democratic nomination by 76 votes
If the state Senate District 16 Democratic primary vote was down to the wire last month, the runoff Tuesday was down to the hairline.
Norman attorney John Sparks, who came in second in the July 25 primary, squeaked out a 76-vote victory in the Democrats' runoff, unofficial but complete election records showed late Tuesday.
Sparks, 37, polled 3,172 tallies to 3,096 for his opponent Tim Emrich, 30, the top vote-receiver in the July primary election. Sparks now faces Republican Ron Davis, a Purcell insurance agent and former banker, in the Nov. 7 general election in a contest to replace longtime State Sen. Cal Hobson, D-Lexington.
"I have to congratulate my two opponents (Derrick Ott and Emrich)," Sparks said after learning he won. "They were two of the best candidates in the state. We all put in a lot of time and effort. The other candidates are to be commended."
Emrich conceded Tuesday night at his watch party at Pepe Delgado's.
"We stuck to the issues," Emrich said to a standing-room-only crowd. " We focused on the needs and concerns of the district."
In the July 25 primary, Emrich led all Democrats with 2,432 compared to 2,332 for Sparks and 2,004 for Ott. Emrich said his campaign tried to focus on the issues and stay positive.
"(Our) campaign was winning until things took a real negative turn," Emrich said. "I was sure that the voters would object to that style of politics, but I was wrong."
Sparks said he thought the difference that put his campaign over the top was focusing on specific issues.
"I think all of our direct mailings touched on specific issues," Sparks said. "It still astounds me that children in this district have trouble finding pediatricians because of the low reimbursement rate."
In Cleveland County, Emrich beat Sparks by a slim margin, but McClain County totals erased the margin. Emrich, a marketing executive for a power company, received 2,822 votes or 52.18 percent in Cleveland County's 25 precincts compared to 2,586 or 47.82 percent for Sparks.
In McClain County's precincts, Sparks received 586 to Emrich's 274.
"I just hope that John Sparks will work for normal folks who need a voice at the state Capitol," Emrich said.
Sparks will now face Republican nominee Ron Davis of Purcell in the November general election. Davis, who was contacted Tuesday night after the results came in, said he was looking forward to the upcoming race.
"We have the grassroots and the momentum," Davis said. "(Sparks' close margin of victory) shows it could have gone either way."
Sparks, who celebrated his victory Tuesday night at Texadelphia, said he appreciated the support of his family and volunteers throughout the campaign.
"Tonight's the next hurdle," Sparks said. "I look forward to working with everyone in the Democratic Party as we work toward the general election in November. I want to thank all of the voters for their patience as we knocked on their doors and called their phones."
The Norman Transcript
Captures Democratic nomination by 76 votes
If the state Senate District 16 Democratic primary vote was down to the wire last month, the runoff Tuesday was down to the hairline.
Norman attorney John Sparks, who came in second in the July 25 primary, squeaked out a 76-vote victory in the Democrats' runoff, unofficial but complete election records showed late Tuesday.
Sparks, 37, polled 3,172 tallies to 3,096 for his opponent Tim Emrich, 30, the top vote-receiver in the July primary election. Sparks now faces Republican Ron Davis, a Purcell insurance agent and former banker, in the Nov. 7 general election in a contest to replace longtime State Sen. Cal Hobson, D-Lexington.
"I have to congratulate my two opponents (Derrick Ott and Emrich)," Sparks said after learning he won. "They were two of the best candidates in the state. We all put in a lot of time and effort. The other candidates are to be commended."
Emrich conceded Tuesday night at his watch party at Pepe Delgado's.
"We stuck to the issues," Emrich said to a standing-room-only crowd. " We focused on the needs and concerns of the district."
In the July 25 primary, Emrich led all Democrats with 2,432 compared to 2,332 for Sparks and 2,004 for Ott. Emrich said his campaign tried to focus on the issues and stay positive.
"(Our) campaign was winning until things took a real negative turn," Emrich said. "I was sure that the voters would object to that style of politics, but I was wrong."
Sparks said he thought the difference that put his campaign over the top was focusing on specific issues.
"I think all of our direct mailings touched on specific issues," Sparks said. "It still astounds me that children in this district have trouble finding pediatricians because of the low reimbursement rate."
In Cleveland County, Emrich beat Sparks by a slim margin, but McClain County totals erased the margin. Emrich, a marketing executive for a power company, received 2,822 votes or 52.18 percent in Cleveland County's 25 precincts compared to 2,586 or 47.82 percent for Sparks.
In McClain County's precincts, Sparks received 586 to Emrich's 274.
"I just hope that John Sparks will work for normal folks who need a voice at the state Capitol," Emrich said.
Sparks will now face Republican nominee Ron Davis of Purcell in the November general election. Davis, who was contacted Tuesday night after the results came in, said he was looking forward to the upcoming race.
"We have the grassroots and the momentum," Davis said. "(Sparks' close margin of victory) shows it could have gone either way."
Sparks, who celebrated his victory Tuesday night at Texadelphia, said he appreciated the support of his family and volunteers throughout the campaign.
"Tonight's the next hurdle," Sparks said. "I look forward to working with everyone in the Democratic Party as we work toward the general election in November. I want to thank all of the voters for their patience as we knocked on their doors and called their phones."
