Not This SQ798 Option

SQ798 allows the legislature more powers, and the voters will have less.

Oklahoma's constitution is 108 years old. It has it's problems and we citizens have amended it more than 150 times. But there is a current state question we should reject.  The title of SQ798 says that;

Section 3.1. Beginning with the General Election held in 2026 and in each General Election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor held thereafter, one vote shall be cast for the candidates for those positions of the same political party. The Legislature, by law, shall provide the procedure for the joint nomination and election of candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

  When Democrat Gov. David Hall was convicted of felonies, removed from office, and went to prison; the people were confident in the lieutenant governor they had voted for. George Nigh was elected separate from Hall and enjoys a high regard for independence and integrity.
  Nigh was not a crony of Hall and was free of the tainted image that Hall had become known for. Oklahomans then elected Nigh to 2 additional terms as governor.

Disgraced former Democrat governor, David Hall

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  We don't know what rules the legislature would would choose for selecting a candidate for lieutenant governor. But SQ798 empowers the legislature to choose how the menu is prepared for us. You can bet that if a candidate for governor gets to pick his running mate, then powerful influences and deep pockets will be a big factor. No wonder the Oklahoma Chamber endorses this state question. Some may be able to buy the slot with wealthy lobbyists helping "get their man picked".

• Will a candidate for governor be required to recruit his own running mate and ask that individual to file for that office? 
• The rule says that it will require a joint nomination. Will that be done by party convention (like our president & vice president are)?
• Will candidates for LG be chosen by the party rank & file (like the current vice presidential nominee is), or will the governor candidate simply impose his own decision on his own party?
• What other rules might the legislature impose?
• Could they add a litmus test or require extra residency or party registration requirements?  
• And how can an independent candidate ever run for the office?​

On the old 60s game show, "Let's Make A Deal", Monti Hall often presented the risky option; "Carol, you can keep what you have, or choose whatever mystery is behind curtain #3?"

 This would perpetually give the legislature a power which is currently constitutionally established for the people to determine.  Oklahoma's voters don't want any change to be vague and subject to endless legislative bills.
  We should instead ask the legislature to present their alternative to the current process and then we can vote on that option in a future state question.
That way the people reserve the power to implement constitutional changes rather than legislative whims.

  In 1993, Gov. David Walters faced indictments for allegedly 'selling' influential govt. positions in exchange for campaign contributions. He got  a 'sweetheart' plea deal and only pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor. But SQ798 could allow a candidate to sell the Lieutenant Governor slot to the highest bidder.