Oklahoma Democrats look for silver lining

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma democrats are expecting to make gains in state races tomorrow.

Democrats are hoping to regain at least one, perhaps two, of the state's seats in Congress.

Legislative races are vital this year because of congressional redistricting that will be done before the 2002 elections. Current U-S Census projections indicate the state could lose one of its six U-S House seats.

Democrats are expected to retain control of the state Senate, where Republicans have only 15 members. But the G-O-P is confident of gaining ground in the state House where Democrats hold a 61-to-40 edge.

Democrats are hoping to regain the Second District Congressional seat where Brad Carson is favored to defeat Republican Andy Ewing.

Incumbent Republican Tom Coburn is not running for re-election.

Democrats are also hoping for an upset in the Sixth District where state Legislator Randy Beutler is challenging incumbent Frank Lucas.

Republican presidential nominee George W. Bush is expected to easily carry the state.

State Election Board Secretary Lance Ward is predicting a turnout of between 1.2 million and 1.5 million voters.