Fifth District Candidates Square Off
Oklahoma congressional candidates field questions
by SEAN MURPHY
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Three of the Republican candidates vying for Oklahoma’s open 5th Congressional District seat in Oklahoma City touted their conservative credentials on Wednesday and fielded questions from members of a grassroots conservative group.
Members of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee voted to endorse Army combat veteran and former Republican state Sen. Steve Russell of Oklahoma City after he participated in a forum with former state Rep. Shane Jett and Harvey Sparks, a former staffer of U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine.
The three are among six Republicans and four Democrats seeking the seat being vacated by two-term Republican U.S. Rep. James Lankford, who is stepping down to run for the U.S. Senate.
“It is humbling to think people would trust you with being their voice,” Russell said. “Any of us who have served in public office before realize what an incredible responsibility that is.”
Republicans state Sen. Clark Jolley of Edmond and Corporation Commissioner Patrice Douglas and state Rep. Mike Turner, both of Oklahoma City, did not participate in the town hall-style forum.