Douglas Leads OKC-Area Congressional Money Race
Patrice Douglas leads money chase in crowded Oklahoma field for U.S. House seat
by Chris Casteel
WASHINGTON — Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Patrice Douglas raised far more money than the rest of the many candidates vying for the Oklahoma City-area congressional seat, according to campaign finance reports filed this week.
Douglas, an Edmond Republican, reported raising $404,537 from late January through March. Douglas tapped a network of donors in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and other cities for a war chest twice as big as any other in the race.
The 5th District seat is open for the second time in four years because Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Muskogee. The district includes most of Oklahoma County and Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties.
A parade of candidates sought the seat the last time it was open, in 2010, including well-known state legislators with strong financial backing. But Lankford, a political newcomer who had run a Baptist youth camp and had relatively little money, won the seat.