Public Policy Polling (5/13-17, registered voters):
Brad Henry (D): 40
Tom Coburn (R-inc): 52Dan Boren (D): 36
Tom Coburn (R-inc): 53
(MoE: ±3.7%)
In a hypothetical race against two of the strongest candidates that Oklahoma Democrats could muster — incumbent Gov. Brad Henry and 2nd CD Rep. Dan Boren — Coburn would be far from imperiled. In any case, neither Henry nor Boren would be likely candidates to make kamikaze runs against the incumbent Coburn, who sports a strong 59% approval rating in the same poll. However, an open seat scenario could be different…
Brad Henry (D): 43
Tom Cole (R): 44Brad Henry (D): 44
J.C. Watts (R): 45Dan Boren (D): 40
Tom Cole (R): 42Dan Boren (D): 41
J.C. Watts (R): 46
While the DSCC is reportedly heavily encouraging Henry to run if Coburn decides to retire at the end of his term, it’s a bit sobering to know that the most well-known and popular Democrat in the state would not begin a Senate campaign with an advantage against a sadsack like Tom Cole.
UPDATE: The National Journal reports that ex-Gov. Frank Keating (R) is interested in running for Coburn’s seat should it become open, according to sources close to Keating. Additionally, Coburn is expected to make an announcement on his 2010 plans “within the next few weeks”.
Maybe make them work to keep it but beyond that too much of a stretch.
That at his announcment within the next few weeks, if Sen. Coburn announces he won’t run for another term in the Senate, is he going to announce a gubernatorial campaign?
I have relatives in Oklahoma, transplanted Arkies I guess you could say, and they’re solidly Democratic (well, one’s a socialist, but that’s another story, lol). I mentioned Crazy Coburn to my great aunt, a solid Democrat remember, and she said “Oh yeah, he’s a good man.” with a smile on her face. I just don’t get it.
That said, Oklahoma has a ton of Democrats at the state level, and while none of them could pass for anything closely resembling liberals or progressives, they all seem sane, especially in comparison to the two senators. With Gov. Brad Henry, Lt. Gov Jari Askins, AG Drew Edmondson, Auditor Steve Burrage, Treasurer Scott Meacham, Superintendent Sandy Garrett, Comm of Labor Lloyd Feilds, and Insurance Comm Kim Holland you’d think we’d stand a better chance in this bizarre state.
now, and I think we would have had a better shot. Back then, the national atmosphere was just terrible for us. Henry vs. Cole or Watts now, and I think we’d definitely have a good shot at winning.