Filing Period For Oklahoma Political Races Ends

NewsOn6.com 

OKLAHOMA CITY-- Nearly 600 people filed for public office during a three-day period that ended Wednesday, including 11 hopefuls for an open congressional seat and six candidates for the seat being vacated by Democratic Gov. Brad Henry.

6/8/2010 Related Story: Oklahoma Governor's Candidates Formally File

Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn is favored to return to his seat for a second six-year term, but the Muskogee physician drew two primary opponents in a race that also has attracted two independents and two Democrats.

There were no surprise filings in the race to replace Henry, which includes Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson, both Democrats. U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin will face state Sen. Randy Brogdon and lesser-known Roger Jackson and Robert Hubbard in the GOP primary. Henry is leaving office after two terms because of term limits.

The primary election will be held July 27, with a primary runoff scheduled for Aug. 24 if no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote. The general election will be Nov. 2.

Oklahoma GOP Chairman Gary Jones made a last-minute decision to challenge State Auditor and Inspector Steve Burrage, a Democrat.

"This is my passion," said Jones, who lost in the 2002 and 2006 general elections to then-State Auditor Jeff McMahan. "I want to be the guy that catches the crooks and keeps the honest people honest."

Henry appointed Burrage to the post in 2008 after McMahan resigned following his conviction for accepting bribes and was sent to prison. Burrage is seeking his first full term in office. Jones will face David Haniger of Edmond, a longtime employee of the state auditor's office, in the GOP primary.

Several Tulsa lawmakers are term limited and can't run again.

6/9/2010 Related Story: Tulsa County Races Feature Political Rematches

That's not the case with State Rep Lucky Lamons. The former Tulsa cop has chosen *not* to run for re-election in Sand Springs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report