Runoff Set In Race To Unseat Oklahoma Congressman Dan Boren

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

UNDATED -- Two candidates are pushing hard to dethrone Dan Boren during campaign 2010.

Daniel Edmonds and Charles Thompson square off in a runoff later this month that will determine the Republican challenger in Oklahoma's second district.

Each is trying to convince voters he has what it takes to defeat Boren in November.

A crowded Republican field of six was whittled down to two last week. Either Charles Thompson or Daniel Edmonds will go up against incumbent Dan Boren, Oklahoma's lone Congressional Democrat and the second district's representative since 2004.

That will be determined by a runoff on August 24, 2010.

"I'm convinced that I have a very good shot at the incumbent for a number of reasons," Thompson said. "But yes, I think I can win it."

Thompson, a Navy vet and now a veterinarian by trade, has enlisted the help of two men he was campaigning against just last week. The third and fourth place finishers are endorsing him.

"He will do what a member of the working class is supposed to do. That's be a citizen legislator rather than a career politician," Howard Houchen, a former candidate, said.

"We all thought we'd do a great job of this. We all didn't make it through, but I think Charles, of the two out there, has the most integrity and most honor," said Dan Arnett, another former candidate.

Edmonds, who like Thompson, has never held elected office, says he's not fazed by the lack of endorsements.

"Every voter in the second district can make their own personal endorsement with their vote, so we seek the endorsement of each and every voter," Edmonds said.

And both he and Thompson believe they can ride the wave of anti-incumbent sentiment to Washington in November.

"You have someone who is interested in the well-being of the country, the well-being of the district, rather than someone just interested in maintaining their position in the house of Representatives, " Thompson, said.

"Everyone is looking for a new voice, a fresh voice," Edmonds said. "A true conservative voice to represent those values that we have."

Thompson and Edmonds have somewhat similar platforms. Each are pro-life, pro-gun and say they would push for lower taxes and a smaller federal government.

To read more about the candidates in Campaign 2010, check out NewsOn6.com/Politics.