In Okla., Bush's Popularity Boosts GOP Senate Hopeful (Coburn vs. Carson)

Wash Post ^ | 10/30/04 | Lois Romano

[Cableguy]

TULSA, Oct. 29 -- President Bush may be fighting nationally to keep his own job, but here in Oklahoma, his coattails are giving quite a lift to the Republican candidate in a tight and contentious Senate race.

For weeks, former congressman Tom Coburn (R ) has been struggling just to stay even with Rep. Brad Carson (D), a troubling sign in a conservative state where Coburn should be enjoying a comfortable lead by now. But as the race comes to a close, the family doctor who prides himself in snubbing the Washington political game has found that his ace in the hole is the president.

Carson and Coburn are locked in one of the nastiest and closest Senate races, hurling insults at each other via millions of dollars' worth of TV ads. As one of a handful of races that will determine whether the GOP retains control of the Senate, the contest is attracting vast resources from the national parties and outside groups.

The campaign has become so personal that both sides are worried the nonstop attacks may be alienating voters. Political analysts were stunned this week when statewide polls showed the percentage of undecided voters increasing, an indication they say that people are not happy with the choices.

[Honeybunch]

Considering the NRA's weak response so far to Carson's claim that he is endorsed by the NRA when this is NOT TRUE, consider contacting the NRA Election Volunteer Coordinators in OK and express the request that the NRA very publicly denounce Carson for his actions. (The claim is that its not Carson but a PAC that mailed out the flier with the false claim, but I can't believe that Carson had no part in it):

OK-001 Michael Phillips Tulsa, OK 918-747-5934 sidecar@ionet.net

OK-002 Carl Jordan Muskogee, OK 918-687-1783 rifleman_2000_74402@yahoo.com

OK-003 Richard Cook Cordell, OK 580-538-4963 RCOOK@westok.net

OK-004 Donnie Higginbotham Ada, OK 580-421-9530 dhiggi@cableone.net

OK-005 Paul Fredin Edmond, OK 405-359-8290 eurorep@cox.net

[BonnieJ]

When Kerry visits states, do candidates for Senate, House of Reps, Governor, etc, ever appear with him? Do the ones not up for election this year appear with him? It seems he is usually alone or with a celebrity. That should tell us a lot about the reality of polls, if they are not seeking his endorsement or giving him theirs.

[Honeybunch]

Yeah, I thought the same thing when sKerry was on stage with Bruce Springstein. Like this really matters or is some great reason people should support Kerry. Candidates who want to win are running away from him.