Congressional Race Heats Up

One of the most watched races in November will be the 2nd Congressional District to see who takes the place of Congressman Tom Coburn.<br><br>Before November, two Democrats must go to a run-off, and they'll

Sunday, September 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

One of the most watched races in November will be the 2nd Congressional District to see who takes the place of Congressman Tom Coburn.

Before November, two Democrats must go to a run-off, and they'll do so on Tuesday.

They're not waiting until then to get their messages out. Both have bought a string of television ads, and not all of them have been nice.

The top priority for Democrats Bill Settle and Brad Carson is a patientâ€™s bill of rights.

Only one of them moves forward in the race for Congressman Tom Coburn's seat.

Muskogee car dealer, Andy Ewing wrapped up the republican seat in last month's primary.

Carson slightly edged Settle, thus the runoff on Tuesday.

Both say that from now until then, you'll see them on the air.

Claremore lawyer and political newcomer Brad Carson threw some mud first before the primary.

Settle is a long time Oklahoma state representative from Muskogee and Carson accused him of taking money from nursing home operators and stopping nursing home abuses.

Settle says he just help pass a bill that increased staff levels at nursing homes.

â€œThere have been a lot of mistruths and lies spread about me and I want people to know the truth," says Settle.

So he's fighting back with some mud of his own.

Settleâ€™s latest ad says â€œBrad Carsonâ€™s law firm is working for the insurance industry and filed suit to block the patients bill of rights law."

Carson says that' not true, he says quit the law firm seven months ago, before the lawsuit. He says he's sticking to the issues and only attacking Settle's record.

"We've talked about the issues, legitimate differences in the issues, and have never talked about his family or his personal life," says Carson.

The unique aspect to this campaign is that after Tuesday's runoff, the losing democrat will be supporting the winning one.

The winner in Tuesday's runoff will face Republican Andy Ewing, from Muskogee and Libertarian Neil Mavis, of Tulsa.

The News On Six will have complete election coverage.