| Keith Swinton is getting more attention after his defeat in the Labor Commissioner race, and for reasons he didn't ask. On of his opponent's, Rep. Leslie Osborn, is trying to make the claim that Swinton is supporting her, but Swinton says that's just not true. On Sunday night Swinton rejected Osborn's press release where she claims to have secured his praise and his endorsement. But Swinton says that's a complete misconstrueing of the narrative. Swinton says his former state legislator, Se. Greg Childers; approached him and offered to help him draft an endorsement statement if the time comes that he decides to do that. Here's what Keith Swinton sent to SoonerPolitics when we reached out to him for a clarification;
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 At the NonDoc debate I clearly stated the I would like to meet with all interested candidates regardless of the election results. My former worker and state senator Greg Childers was present and explain to me that he had no official involvement in Osborne's campaign would help set up a meeting during the weekend, and would help draft a potential letter of endorsement with the understanding that it would be released after successful meeting with Osborne, Costello and Dorell. And that my decision would be based on the response to the same set of real world Labor Issues. I have not as yet received a response and was giving them till Tuesday. In my attempt to be fair and transparent I may have caused a misunderstanding. By approving Greg's draft not realizing it was being released before ever getting a chance to speak with Costello, or Dorall. I met with Leslie Sunday and I am certain she had no deliberate intention to undermine .. my decision" |
 | Despite Swinton's statement of Sunday night, and his further elaborations of toady, Osborn refuses to take down her fake endorsement and she's allowing others to distribute the news to various social media venues. Mr. Swinton seems to be showing extraordinary patience and grace toward Osborn for this behavior. Politicians generally are extremely vigilant about false claims made in their name. |
