Politics 2010: Enthusiasm punctuates Oklahoma primary

Enthusiasm is high among Oklahoma Republicans and party officials say they hope it translates into a high turnout in Tuesday's party primaries.

About two-thirds of Republicans quizzed by SoonerPoll.com said they were more excited than usual about the general election in November, the Tulsa World reported, compared with about 40 percent of Democrats. Political experts told the World they consider voter enthusiasm an indicator of likely voter turnout.

Both parties have full slates of candidates vying to succeed Democratic Gov. Brad Henry, who can't seek a third straight four-year term.

Among Democrats, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, a former legislator and prosecutor, opted not to seek a fifth term as Oklahoma's top lawyer to run for governor, The Oklahoman reported.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a former judge, legislator and chairwoman of the state's Pardon and Parole Board, also decided to skip running for a second term to see if she could advance to the state's chief executive spot.

While registered Democrats will choose either Edmondson or Askins during Tuesday's primary election, Republican voters have four candidates to consider, although party insiders consider the Republican face-off a two-person race between U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin and state Sen. Randy Brogdon, with most polls showing Fallin leading Brogdon.

Fallin has won every race she's entered since her first run as a state representative in 1990, The Oklahoman said. Brogdon is giving up a third four-year term in the Senate in his first statewide race.

Two political newcomers, Yukon businessman Robert Hubbard and retired Oklahoma City businessman Roger L. Jackson, also are on the GOP ballot.

The political reparte between Fallin and Brogdon has become prickly recently with Brogdon ripping Fallin for meetings among her staff and lobbyists and political action committees. Fallin's campaign says the candidate won't respond in kind.

While popular with Tea Party supporters within the Republican Party, Brogdon has been unable to generate much juice or money. Fallin meanwhile, grabbed two endorsements from party lightning rods Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate, and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, who signed her state's get-tough anti-illegal immigration legislation.

In the 5th Congressional District race, Republican candidate Kevin Calvey said he refused a $25 online donation from Razi Hashmi, executive director of the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which Calvey claims has ties to terrorist groups, The Oklahoman said.

Hashmi said his donation was a personal contribution, not meant to be affiliated with the non-profit group that employs him.

"I thought on a personal level, we could talk as two men, as people of God," Hashmi said. "Jesus said to love your neighbor, we have similar teachings in Islam as well."

Calvey said Hashmi's donation was the first campaign contribution he refused to accept during his quest to fill the congressional seat being vacated by Fallin.

Calvey is one of many Republicans seeking Fallin's seat, including James Lankford, Mike Thompson, Harry Johnson, Rick Flanigan, Johnny Roy and Shane Jett. Tom Guild and Billy Coyle are vying for the Democratic nomination.

Oklahoma Board of Elections records indicate no Democrats are running for the 1st Congressional District seat.

Republicans seeking their party's nod are incumbent John Sullivan, Craig Anderson, Nathan Dahm, Fran Moghaddam, Kenneth Rice and Patrick Haworth.

In the 2nd Congressional District, incumbent Dan Boren is challenged by Jim Wilson to be the Democratic standard-bearer. Daniel Edmonds, Charles Thompson, Chester Clem Falling, Daniel Arnett, Howard Houchen and Raymond Wickson are duking it out for the Republican nod.

Neither Democrat Frankie Robbins nor incumbent Republican Frank Lucas face primary opposition for the 3rd Congressional District.

Once again, the Board of Elections didn't list a Democratic candidate for the 4th Congressional District. Incumbent Tom Cole and R.J. Harris battle to be the GOP nominee.

U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, a Republican seeking his second term in the Senate, tells supporters on the stump long-time congressional members are too worried about fundraising and are sacrificing their good-government watchdog role.

"Congress needs a pay cut," said Coburn, a physician who also served three terms in the U.S. House, said during a recent speech. "It's the conflicted nature of the career politician that's killing this country."

Coburn also urged participants at his event to stay involved and aware of what government is doing, predicting a record-high voter turnout in November, saying the voting public is now "aware."

"You get the government you deserve," said Coburn.

Rasmussen Reports' polling portends Coburn, who faces a challenge from Evelyn Rogers and Lewis Kelly Spring for the Republican nomination, swamping either Democratic candidate Mark Myles or Jim Rogers in November.