In Oklahoma, GOP Race Not a Given

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Lois Romano
Monday, July 12, 2004; Page A04


The Republican establishment in Oklahoma had hoped to all but crown former Oklahoma City mayor Kirk Humphreys as its nominee for the Senate seat being vacated by Don Nickles (R), believing he is the best choice to keep Democratic Rep. Brad Carson at bay in this conservative state.

Sen. James M. Inhofe appeared with the former mayor at his announcement for the seat, and it wasn't long before there were television ads featuring Humphreys standing with Nickles, Inhofe and former congressman J.C. Watts.

But even the best-laid political plans can run afoul of other ambitious men who are not ready to be elbowed aside. Former congressman Tom Coburn, a conservative family physician and onetime House maverick, has proved to be a formidable opponent for Humphreys in the July 27 primary. The two are locked in a ferocious battle for the support of the right wing of the party. Further compounding Humphreys's woes is Bob Anthony, vice chairman of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, who is unlikely to win but who is pulling support from Humphreys's Oklahoma City and western Oklahoma base.

Coburn is the darling of the religious right, a strong force in the state. His former district covers much of eastern Oklahoma and Tulsa, the state's largest city. He has received the support of the conservative Club for Growth, which has been funding family-values ads for him.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A43048-2004Jul11.html

[Pegleg Thd]

1. Those who live in the Muskogee

area know what kind of a pile of garbage coburn is. He is not highly thought of here. He is a two faced lying bastard--a perfect fit for the repuke crowd.

[RedEarth]

2. Interesting...I wasn't aware Tulsa was the states largest city

Hopefully Carson will be able to pull off a victory against the radical right candidate....I don't know much about Coburn, but can't stand Humphreys.

[OKNancy]

3. It isn't

OKC is. And there is a tiny portion of Tulsa in the 2nd district. I notice the map on Carson website doesn't even list Tulsa county as in the district. ( Stupid mistakes in this article )
I think Coburn would be a much stronger candidate against Carson. He would pull away votes where Carson is strongest ( Dist 2).

[RedEarth]

4. Speaking of Coburn, I found this on Josh Marshall's site...

We sure have some winners in Oklahoma...

"Tom Coburn, a former member of the House of Representatives from Oklahoma, who is campaigning to become the Republican party's candidate to replace retiring Senator Don Nickles, recently said he supports the death penalty for doctors who perform abortions.

"I favor the death penalty," Coburn told the AP last week, "for abortionists and other people who take life."

The Republican primary is July 27th; the winner will face likely Democratic nominee Brad Carson."


http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2004_07_11.php#003156