Dr Tom Coburn talks about his bid for the US Senate
Former 2nd District Congressman Tom Coburn made and kept a 1994 campaign promise to leave Congress after three terms. Wednesday, the Muskogee doctor announced, he's back. <br><br>News on 6 anchor
Wednesday, March 3rd 2004, 12:00 am
By: News On 6
Former 2nd District Congressman Tom Coburn made and kept a 1994 campaign promise to leave Congress after three terms. Wednesday, the Muskogee doctor announced, he's back.
News on 6 anchor Tami Marler takes a look at what Coburn’s late entry could mean in the Republican race for the US Senate. He was different from the beginning, a Muskogee physician and businessman, a political newcomer who wasn't afraid to take aim at the federal government.
The Washington Post once called Tom Coburn, "a true believer, who actually came to town to make government smaller and shrink the pork." His goals haven't changed. "The path we're on as a nation is unsustainable. We cannot sustain this path. America, like other great democracies is in danger of being crushed under the weight of its own excesses.â€
They’re the same principles that made him the first Republican to represent Oklahoma's 2nd District since the early 1920s, principles he says Washington is lacking. "Our founders never dreamed that the federal government would have the role that it has today. They're involved in almost every aspect of our lives in one way or another."
Coburn wrote in his book, "Breach of Trust", the Republican Revolution of 1994 crumbled because lawmakers were more concerned with staying in office, than serving the people. He says the out-of-control federal government corrupts even the most well-intentioned members of Congress, but he believes it can be fixed. "One senator cannot change our culture, I understand that. But one senator can change the culture of the US senate. And strong moral leadership, courageous leadership that's willing to take it on the chin, willing to buck the trend for our next generations."
Coburn says politicians are spending money they don't have, on thousands of pork barrel programs most people don't need, and he says it's time for someone to stand up for America's future.
Coburn faces former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys and state Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony in the Republican primary.
Democrats facing off in the primary include current 2nd District Congressman Brad Carson; state Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher and attorney Monte Johnson.
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