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  • Democratic Senate hopeful Roger Shirley is picture recently. Shirley hoping to fill Richard Lerblance’s seat in the Senate for District 7.

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April 7, 2012

Roger Shirley announces candidacy for District 7 Senate seat

By Jeanne LeFlore Staff Writer

McALESTER — Democratic Senate candidate Roger Shirley said he is counting on the votes of the hardworking residents of Pittsburg County to help him make a difference in the state of Oklahoma.

Shirley is hoping to fill Richard Lerblance’s seat in the Senate for District 7, Lerblance’ term ends on Nov. 19.

He said he wants to represent the working men and women this area.

“It’s time someone who works for a living represents the hardworking people in this area.”

“People who have lots of money don’t always know how to handle it,” he said.” My salary has to pay my bills.”

“I know about hard work,” he said. Shirley said he is self employed. “ I run a dozer,” he said. 

And he said until recently he had no medical insurance.

“I know what it’s like not to have insurance and I know what it’s like to work hard to feed your family.” He said he went without insurance and until just a few years ago “we just did without,” he said. 

He said running for office has helped him to meet many local people.

“There are so many good people in this area, he said. “Its easy to think the world is bad until you start meeting people and see how good they really are.”

When it comes to gun control Shirley said, “We need to leave it alone; I’ve been carrying a gun since high school.” 

Shirley went to school in Indianola and said although he has no college education he knows enough to represent his constituents as a senator. 

 “I ask for the knowledge from God and the wisdom to use it,” Shirley said.

“As Christians God gives us a choice,”Shirley said. “We don’t earn it, we ask for it”

For more on this story, see the print or electronic editions of the McAlester News-Capital. Click here for print edition home delivery or click here to see the Smart Edition for your computer, tablet, e-reader or smart phone.

Contact Jeanne LeFlore at jleflore@aol.com.

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