Special Shocker: Lankford Cruises To Primary Victory
Oklahoma elections: U.S. Rep. James Lankford easily wins GOP nod to succeed U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn
by Chris Casteel
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. James Lankford easily claimed the Republican nomination Tuesday for the Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, overcoming a flood of outside money and capitalizing on a late intervention by Coburn on his behalf to win the GOP primary.
In the most closely watched political race in the state this year, Lankford, of Oklahoma City, beat state Rep. T.W. Shannon, of Lawton, and five other Republicans and avoided an August runoff. With all the precincts counted, Lankford had a landslide margin of 57 percent to Shannon’s 34 percent.
Lankord, a two-term congressman and former Baptist youth camp director, will be the favorite in the fall.
At his Oklahoma City victory party, Lankford thanked God, his family, his supporters, Shannon and Coburn.
Not a shocker. Lankford was truly the better qualified. Shannon is a bright young man with a bright future. Looking for both to be U.S. Oklahoma Senators in due time.
Jennifer, none of the candidates know anything about being in the Senate. The House and Senate are two different beasts. All Lankford has figured out is how to get back and forth from the airport.