CNN reports:
While Oklahoma is a conservative state, it has a Democratic governor, and Republicans would have had to put up a serious fight if Coburn had decided to retire. Kyle Trygstad notes at Real Clear Politics that Coburn’s “decision to run may dissaude some high-profile Democrats, not to mention Republicans, from running for the post. All eyes will likely remain, though, on Gov. Brad Henry (D), who’s term-limited and the Democrats’ best chance at defeating Coburn. A recent PPP survey found Coburn with a 59 percent approval rating and leading Henry by 8 points.” Senate Democrats and many Republicans have been frustrated by Coburn’s attempts to cut earmarks and restrain runaway spending. Coburn, an obstetrician, still delivers babies at his Muskogee medical practice on weekends for free, despite attempts by the Senate Ethics Committee to stop him. Expect to see Dr. Coburn take a lead role during the health care debate this summer. He recently unveiled an alternative to ObamaCare with Sen. Richard Burr.
