Second District Race Focuses On Tea Party Support

Oklahoma congressman faces challenge in primary
BY JUSTIN JUOZAPAVICIUS, ASSOCIATED PRESS

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Rep. Markwayne Mullin is facing a challenge in next week’s primary election from a professional bass fisherman who claims the Republican incumbent has not been conservative enough.

Darrel Robertson said Mullin was swept into office in 2012 thanks in part to a wave of support from the tea party but seemed to shy away from that support once he got to Washington.

Mullin and Robertson will square off next Tuesday in the GOP primary. Two Democrats and an independent also are running for the seat.

“A lot of people aren’t satisfied this time,” said Robertson, 64, of Jay. “The tea party helped get him elected in the first place, and his first vote to keep (U.S. Rep. John) Boehner as speaker, that really upset them. He fell in with the Republican leadership, just fell right into the tank.”

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