The July 25 primary may prove to be more important to Gov. Brad Henry than some might think. Henry is expected to easily defeat his opponent for the Democratic nomination for Governor, Andrew Marr of Norman, but election night may provide a peek into the Governor’s support among his Democrat base. When George W. Bush ran for re-election for Governor of Texas in 1998, he drew a primary opponent, who was overwhelmingly defeated by then Governor Bush who received 96% of the Republican vote. Brad Henry will hope to show similar strength given some Democrats’ dissatisfaction with Henry’s first term. In 2002, Henry had the help of an initiative to ban cock fighting which increased turnout in more rural, Democratic areas. This year, he will have to rely on his popularity to provide incentive to vote. With Oklahoma turning a darker shade of red with every election cycle, will Governor Henry get Democrats to unite behind him? July 25th may give us an early answer. Posted at 7/18/2006 02:02:00 PM