And Now...The Campaign Begins

With the runoffs out of the way, attention swings to the biggest race of the year, the challenge by 5th District Congressman Ernest Istook to the incumbency of Democrat Brad Henry, who won the governor's office in a 2002 upset with just 43 percent of the vote. In defeating Republican front-runner Steve Largent and spoiler Gary Richardson, Independent, Henry moved from the State Senate into the top executive office. Istook is giving up a seat in Congress most believe he could have held for the rest of his life. There is the perception his race against Henry is a foolish one, given Henry's high approval ratings (65 percent-plus in most polls). But Istook obviously believes Henry is vulnerable and has gone after him on the lottery and gambling and has focused on an immigration issue that could produce fire as the campaign develops.

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