Rep. Richard Morrissette announced today that he is no longer seeking the office of Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
The Oklahoma City Democrat said his father’s death in April “had a bigger effect on my life than I thought it would.”
Morrissette thanked his campaign contributors and staff. “I sincerely appreciate the support I have received in this campaign,” he said.
However, he continued, “due to unforeseen circumstances, I believe it would be prudent for me to drop out of this race and concentrate on matters of importance which effect my life.”
He said he would submit his formal notice of withdrawal to the State Election Board soon.
Morrissette, 60, is completing his 12th and final year in the Oklahoma House of Representatives; he is term-limited by the state Constitution, prohibited from seeking another term in the Legislature. He previously served three terms in the New Hampshire Legislature, too.
A native of New Hampshire, Morrissette received a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of New Hampshire in 1979, and earned a law degree from the University of Tulsa in 1984. He has a thriving law practice in south Oklahoma City.
I rarely agreed with Mr. Morrissette, but I always respected him and I extend my sincere sympathy to him on the death of his father.
Too bad. He would have been a much appreciated breath of fresh air to the Commission. Murphy has contributed to a very serious lack of morale at the Commission.