Posted on 07/27/2004 6:25:54 PM PDT by ambrose
Ex-Congressman Builds Solid Lead in Okla.
Wednesday July 28, 2004 2:01 AM
By RON JENKINS
Associated Press Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Rep. Brad Carson cruised to the Democratic nomination Tuesday for the seat of retiring GOP Sen. Don Nickles, while a former three-term congressman opened up a commanding lead in the Republican primary.
Carson faced little opposition in the Democratic race, but former Rep. Tom Coburn, ex-Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys and a third candidate had been engaged in a bruising Republican campaign marked by allegations of backstabbing and shady land deals.
With 3 percent precincts reporting, Coburn had 3,453 votes, or 54 percent, compared with 1,699 for Humphreys, or 27 percent. State Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony was third with 17 percent. Coburn needed 50 percent of the vote to win the nomination outright and avoid a runoff Aug. 24.
Carson's closest competitor was beleaguered Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher, who is fighting criminal charges and an impeachment inquiry over his handling of state funds and a charity. Carson had 77 percent of the vote in early returns, while Fisher picked up only 9 percent.
The stakes are high in a year in which 34 Senate seats are on the ballot. Oklahoma has one of the few open seats, and the Democrats hope to take advantage of the GOP infighting and pick up a seat in November.
Nickles is retiring after four terms and 24 years in office.
For the most part, candidates ran positive ads the past few days after weeks of commercials in which Anthony questioned Humphreys' land transactions and Humphreys trashed Coburn's congressional voting record.
Coburn and Humphreys took a pledge early in the campaign not to go negative. But Humphreys went on the offensive after Anthony began attacking him over the land deals. Coburn accused Humphreys of going back on his word.
Too bad we no longer have duels to settle the question of honor. That aside, OK is extremely fortunate to have a man of Dr. Coburn's integrity willing to go back to Washington. The RINOs won't like this outcome, but then they are just there for the money the lobbyists toss their way. Every Oklahoman needs to support this excellent candidate for Senate.
Coburn's at 59% with 62% in. He'll most likely win outright (if the nets haven't called the race already).
As of 8:30 CST Coburn had 59% of the vote with over half of the precincts reporting. There will be no run-off. Dr. Tom Coburn will be the Republican nominee.
Coburn will shake things up in the senate if he prevails in the November general election. He is solidly conservative, but never a rubber stamp. I think he will make a great senator. He would also make for a good republican presidential candidate in 2008. This man appeals to independents as well as conservatives.
"This worries me"
It shouldn't. Many of the Okla. Dems that voted for Carson in a primary, will vote for Coburn in a general election. Most Okies may be registered Dems but the general vote Republican in a general election for federal offices. Oklahoma is solidy for President Bush, they won't vote for him and not send another Republican senator to Washington. Carson is toast against Coburn.
Thank you
Coburn will be like a conservative version of John McCain - a maverick who bucks the party leadersip, only he'll be doing so from the right.
"Coburn will be like a conservative version of John McCain - a maverick who bucks the party leadersip, only he'll be doing so from the right."
I think your assesment is right on the target. He won't let his fellow Republicans stop acting like Republicans when they get in the Senate. He has pledged to make getting President Bush's judical appointments voted on and approved. He will do so no matter who it ticks off, and the party (and country) will be better for it.
Go Coburn, go. I voted for him tonight.
I hope that Coburn (for whom I voted today) will not be concerned with how the Washington press corp. (Anti-American leftists) think of him.
I agree, we're fortunate to have a man of this calibre.
Now, bring on Carson!
Hey, Chewbacca,
I don't know who'll be stonger this November: OU offense or Coburn.
lol
This is fantastic news. No, the RINO's won't like Coburn. He was a holy terror in the House, from what I understand. I hope he continues to say what he thinks. This party needs it.
I remember reading an interview with him some years ago, and he sounded quite bitter about his experience in the House. I don't remember where though, and the memory is vague.
Congratulations Oklahoma and America. Oklahoma will likely send a real, principled conservative with a spine to the United States Senate in the person of Coburn.
And in nominating Coburn, Oklahoma has not made the mistake that other states' Republicans have made in the past--nominating the candidate least likely to win. Coburn will be an excellent candidate and should win the general election.
Hmmm, that is a tough one. LOL!
Sorry to hear it.
What's UAF?
Oklahoma will have two principled conservatives (don't forget Inhoff).
Amazing that OK still sends good conservatives to Congress and Whitehouse while the state house has held corrupt democrats longer that PRI ran Mexico.
just a ping to this thread...
Go Dr. Tom, Go!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.