Barnes wins challenge

OKLAHOMA CITY--The Oklahoma Election Board denied two challenges filed against Traci Barnes of Poteau, who is seeking the House District 3 seat, to run for a state Senate seat.

Poteau Democrats Jake Leming and Matt Webb claimed Barnes lived in a home near Wister, instead of the motel in Poteau.

Barnes said she and her husband have voted and lived for 20 years in a house behind the motel. Also, She said they had stayed in the motel since February when they had the house demolished.