Johnson Jumps Into Senate Race: ‘It’s Time For A Change’
Democratic state senator announces US Senate bid
By SEAN MURPHY, Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A Democratic state senator from Oklahoma City who has been a leading liberal voice in the Senate announced Tuesday her plans to run for the open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tom Coburn.
Flanked by family and friends, Sen. Connie Johnson, 61, announced her candidacy at the state Capitol, saying: “It’s time for a change.”
“I’m running for this office in order to promote the conversations that will bring about that change,” said Johnson, who lives in the small town of Forest Park, which is located within the boundaries of Oklahoma City. “In the coming weeks and months we will be having the tough conversations on the campaign trail, and we will talk about the issues that a majority of Oklahomans want actions on, but that policymakers continue to ignore.”
Among the issues Johnson cited were curtailing surveillance programs operated by federal agencies that target U.S. citizens, increased funding for public schools, and greater workplace equality for women.