Joy Hampton
Staff Reporter
OKLAHOMA CITY —
Assistant District Attorney Patrick Abitbol did not succeed in his bid for the District Attorney’s spot, but he has no regrets.
“God helps me more than I deserve sometimes,” said Abitbol. “I’ve got some outstanding friends.”
Shortly before the filing period began, Abitbol learned that his boss District Attorney Gene Haynes would not run against challenger Janice Steidley, a local defense attorney who once worked for the DA’s office. He made the decision to file and hit the ground running already behind the Steidley campaign.
“I am amazed a how quickly we put it together,” he said. “It was a blur.”
Raising money in a poor economy created a special challenge he said but friends pitched in and did what they could. It was a valiant effort, but it was not enough.
Steidley’s seemingly well-heeled campaign sent out multiple mailers in addition to traditional advertising. The money spent paid off. She took a commanding lead from the earliest reporting and held it throughout the race.
