Candidate for Labor Commissioner admits driving illegally

The Democrat candidate for Oklahoma Labor Commissioner admits he doesn't have a current driver's license in the state, and that he has driven without one.

The story first came to light during an interview between Mike Workman and David Arnett, owner operator of the news website Tulsa Today.

KRMG contacted Workman directly, and asked about the status of his driver's license.

"Do you have a current license?" our reporter asked, to which Workman responded "No, I'm still in the process... this is fairly recent. My birthday is next Tuesday and all, and that's usually when they expire, and usually when you get them renewed and such."

"So do you drive?" we asked.

"In emergencies I have," he responded. "I usually get a ride, I use public transit a lot."

Arnett tells KRMG that he personally witnessed Workman drive to, and away from, their interview on Thursday.

Workman also said "I did receive the citation, and didn't contest it, and I paid the penalty for that."

According to online court records, the fine for the ticket has not been paid, and Workman has until Nov. 21 to pay the $256.50.

As for the campaign, Workman told KRMG his central message is that "we need to restore the respect that people need to show for the wage earners in Oklahoma."

He called attention to incumbent Mark Costello's comment where he referred to Oklahoma's public employees as "feral hogs."

Costello's remark was reportedly made at a meeting of the Republican Women's Club of Tulsa County in September of 2011.

"I think it's that kind of disrespect that we need to respond against," Workman told KRMG.

He also criticized Costello's decision to close the State Department of Labor office in Tulsa.

The general election will be held Nov. 4th.