Cole Out For Senate, Focusing On Congressional Leadership

For Immediate Release: January 19, 2014

Cole Statement on Candidacy for U.S. Senate

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement about his potential candidacy in the U.S. Senate special election to replace Senator Tom Coburn (OK), who will retire at the end of this year.

“Since Senator Tom Coburn announced last week that he retire before the end of his second term, there has been a great deal of speculation about which Republicans might run for the seat,” said Cole. “I am very flattered to be among those mentioned, as any Oklahoma Republican would be honored to succeed someone as distinguished as Tom Coburn.

“After considerable thought, however, I have decided not to run for the U.S. Senate in 2014. My seniority, my membership on three major committees, my position as a subcommittee chairman on the Appropriations Committee and my role as a Deputy Whip in the Republican Conference make me much more valuable to Oklahoma and the Fourth District in the House than I could be as a freshman U.S. Senator.

“I am certain that many worthy Republicans will seek Senator Coburn’s seat. In the days ahead, I look forward helping nominate and elect another well-qualified conservative, who will represent Oklahoma in the United States Senate with the same integrity and distinction that Senator Coburn has exhibited throughout his illustrious career.”

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