2nd District Race Draws Lots Of Interest

Many are circling, but how many will land?

It's the question today as politicians on both sides of the fence contemplate entering the race for the 2nd District seat in Congress now held by Dan Boren. Boren announced he won't seek reelection.

Former Senator Ben Robinson, current Senator Jim Wilson and former LeFlore County District Attorney Rob Wallace all have said they're considering running for the Democratic nomination.

Former legislator Kenneth Corn, citing the recent death of his mother and family needs, became the second high-profile Democrat to pull out of the race. Brad Carson, who held the seat before a failed bid for U.S. Senate in 2004, initially said he planned to run, but later backed out.

On the GOP side, Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee, and Adair County businessman Markwayne Mullin both have said they plan to seek the post. Faught is up and running.

Markwayne Mullin

Mullin, owner of a plumbing company that works in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Muskogee and other areas, also hosts a business radio show which he pays stations to air. The show is heard in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Dustin Rowe

Other Republicans eyeing the race are attorney and former Tishomingo Mayor Dustin Rowe and former Rep. Wayne Pettigrew. Rowe is out with a public announcement and apparently plans an aggressive campaign.

The 2nd District traditionally has been considered a stronghold for Democrats, who outnumber Republicans 65 percent to 26 percent. But Republican Tom Coburn won the seat and held it for two terms before voluntarily giving it up, and Republican presidential candidate John McCain defeated President Barack Obama by a nearly 2-to-1 margin in the district in 2008.

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