Posted on 06/20/2004 2:25:59 PM PDT by Oklahoma 1
Click Here To View Dr. Tom Coburn's Website
Vote 2004: GOP group endorses Coburn
By MARIE PRICE World Capitol Bureau 6/20/2004
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Republican Assembly on Saturday overwhelmingly endorsed former U.S. Rep. Tom Coburn in the upcoming four-candidate GOP primary for the U.S. Senate.
More than three-fourths of delegates to the organization's endorsement convention voted for Coburn.
The only candidate for the seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Don Nickles to address the conservative group, Coburn said he has several reasons for running.
"The biggest reason is, we've lost our way," Coburn said.
Speaking to 58 delegates in the state House Chamber, Coburn said no one is standing up to properly address problems such as Social Security, Medicare and abortion.
"My commitment to the people of Oklahoma is a commitment to share Oklahoma values and a strong will and a committed strength to enforce and uphold the constitution of the United States," Coburn said.
Coburn, who served only three terms in the U.S. House as he pledged to voters that he would, has made a similar promise regarding the U.S. Senate -- two six-year terms.
"If you can't make a difference in 12 years, you don't need to be there," he said.
Coburn said lawmakers who know their time is limited may make more courageous choices.
He said that appears to be the case with Nickles, who chose to retire this year.
Coburn said Nickles opposed Medicare changes that Coburn feels do not "fix the right problem," when other members of the state's congressional delegation voted for them.
Other GOP candidates for the U.S. Senate seat include Jay Hunt of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony and former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys.
Assembly President Tim Pope, a former legislator from Mustang, said OKRA's objective is to ensure election of true conservatives.
"This process today will help us make a difference statewide by giving people from other areas a good conservative send-off into the elections," he said.
The group also voted on candidates in July 27 GOP primaries in congressional, legislative and county office races.
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Marie Price (405) 528-2465 marie.price@tulsaworld.com
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It's rare that you have a candidate who is both more Conservative AND more pragmatic then his primary opponents. It's kinda nice.
Go, Coburn, Go.
Last night at the Coburn BBQ most of the State Reps from our area were there and my State Rep would have been but he had another function to attend. Our Women's Club had was also well represented with four of us from the Executive Board attending.
Most amazing to me was when Dr. Coburn said he didn't need donations but needed volunteers. I have been to a lot of political deals and this was a first for me -- BBQ was free and no donations solicited!
Was very impressed with Dr. Coburn and what he had to say and the way he handled some idiot questions from the people in attendance. One lady was a total idiot and wouldn't shut-up and when he would reply she kept talking outloud. Then one idiot guy talked about how Pres Bush was no longer conservative and Dr. Coburn handled that with absolute finese so well I was completely satisfied with his answer and you know how much I support President Bush!
I'm a CRA member.
This is another positive developement. Tom Coburn will make for an outstanding Senator.
This primary election is driving me crazy! Its between Coburn and Humphrey's now!
Coburn opposed NAFTA/GATT/MFN for China. He stands up to the UN. He opposes some aspects of the Patriot Act. He supports protecting our borders. He is pro-life and LIVES it. He is strongly pro-2nd Amendment and I believe defeated an anti-gun democrat in 1994.
I could easily vote for him.
""""There is something fundamentally wrong with the idea that Americans should give up their freedom in order to preserve their freedom"""" - Dr. Coburn
I heard there were about 10 to 12 non-candidates there to endorse Coburn. Anyone know?
Ping!
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