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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2002

Oklahoma voters went to the polls on Tuesday and chose two tribal members to represent their parties in the upcoming U.S. House elections.

Incumbent Rep. Brad Carson, a member of the Cherokee Nation, won the Democratic nomination for the 2nd Congressional District by what his supporters called a "landslide." With all 527 precincts reporting, the Claremore resident took 64 percent of the vote.

Carson's showing and campaign spending far outweighed his closest competitor. Mike Mass, a former state Democratic party leader, received 30 percent of the vote while a third, Dorothy Vandiver, took 5 percent.

Carson's district includes a large Native American population. He attributed his success to a strong showing among the 16 percent Indian voters.

"For them to respond to the message and the work I've done is especially gratifying," he said last night.

Also scoring big yesterday was Tom Cole, a politician better known for his strong GOP ties than his Chickasaw Nation heritage. A former executive director for the National Republican Congressional Committee, a former Republican Nation Committee aide and a former Oklahoma Secretary of State, he easily swept the primary for the 4th Congressional district.

Cole, of Moore, received 60 percent of the votes with all 417 precincts reporting. His closest competitor, attorney Marc Nuttle, received 33 percent.

The two were vying for the seat being vacated by the retiring Rep. J.C. Watts, the GOP's African-American "star." Watts, who was the fourth ranking Republican, endorsed Cole.

Less successful at the polls was Democrat gubernatorial hopeful Kelly Haney, a member of the Seminole Nation. The well-known artist and state senator came in third with 17 percent of the vote from 2,223 precincts.

His two main competitors, Vince Orza and state senator Brad Henry, failed to gain 50 percent of the vote and will face each other in an run-off. Orza had 44 percent to Henry's 28 percent.

Whoever wins the run-off will face former Rep. Steve Largent. The Republican secured his party's support with an overwhelming 87 percent of the vote from 2,263 precincts.

As for Carson, he will face Republican Kent Pharaoh in the November election. Cole's Democratic challenger will be decided in a run-off featuring former state senator Darryl Roberts and Ben Odom. Roberts had 48 percent to Odom's 34 percent.

Relevant Documents:
Unofficial Results For Primaries (Oklahoma State Election Board 8/27)

Relevant Links:
Brad Carson, U.S. House site - http://carson.house.gov
Brad Carson, campaign site - http://www.bradcarson.com
Tom Cole for Congress - http://www.tomcoleforcongress.com