By Michael McNutt, The Oklahoman

EDMOND - A first-time candidate for political office said Wednesday he is finding out the harsh reality that money often outweighs ideas in campaigns.

“I hate to beg for money to buy 30-second clips on TV,” Dr. Johnny B. Roy said.

The Edmond surgeon, who entered the 5th Congressional District race last month, said he may have to buy television spots — even though he calls them a “staged act” — to try to keep up with at least three Republican opponents who already are airing television commercials.

Roy, chief of surgery at Edmond Medical Center, said he soon may have to cut back on his 12-hour work days to campaign. The Republican candidate spoke Wednesday to the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee and said health care and education are main concerns facing the country.

The native of Baghdad, Iraq, who immigrated about 40 years ago to the United States, said he supports the U.S.-led war in his homeland.

“Now, we cannot leave,” he said. “There’s no government in Iraq, no civil order. So if we leave, they’ll eat each other.”

Part of the resistance in Iraq is caused by the United States forcing democracy on a country that does not understand it, Roy said.

Other Republican candidates are Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin, Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and state Reps. Fred Morgan and Kevin Calvey.

Democrats in the race are Oklahoma County Court Clerk Patricia Presley, Oklahoma City high school math teacher Bert Smith and Edmond physician David Hunter.

All the other Republican candidates except Cornett have appeared before the conservative committee.