Senator expects competitive race
in defense of seat
in defense of seat
Republicans haven't designated Tulsa Democrat Sen. Tom Adelson as a target in this year's election, but if they do, he's armed with a lot of money to defend his seat.
Adelson, who will seek re-election to Senate District 33 in Tulsa, leads all state senators in money raised so far. Experience tells him he may need every bit of it.
So far, Republicans have targeted two seats, but party leaders say more are on the way.
The latest information shows that Adelson has $368,988, which includes a $275,000 personal loan he made to his campaign in 2004.
Adelson, former cabinet secretary of health for Gov. Brad Henry, said the district is competitive. Tulsa's Senate District 33 has 18,771 registered Democrats, 16,796 registered Republicans, and 5,312 registered independents.
Adelson said he has 371 individual contributions to his campaign, plus 56 from political action committees.
"I'm prepared for a competitive race,” Adelson said.
GOP focus on 2 seats ... for now
The race was tight in 2004.
That year, the Senate District 33 seat was open because term limits forced out Democrat Penny Williams. Republicans thought they would have a good chance in that race.
Democrats and Republicans held primary elections to pick their candidates.
Adelson's opponent was Dewey Bartlett Jr., the son of the late Gov. Dewey Bartlett. Adelson defeated Bartlett with 51.4 percent of the vote.
Randy Swanson, director of the Oklahoma State Republican Senatorial Committee, said the committee has targeted only two Senate seats so far.
One is Senate District 37, represented by Sen. Nancy Riley, D-Tulsa, who was elected in 2000 as a Republican.
In 2006, following an unsuccessful race for lieutenant governor, Riley switched her registration to Democrat.
Riley's decision had a major effect on the intentions of Senate Republicans who thought they could take over the Senate in 2006.
The result was 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans, forcing a power sharing agreement in the Senate during the past two legislative sessions.
Riley has raised $141,501. No one has officially announced candidacy to challenge Riley.
Swanson said the other targeted seat is Senate District 21, which is held by Democrat Senate leader Mike Morgan, who can't run because of term limits.
Former Oklahoma State University President James E. Halligan has said he intends to run for the seat. Halligan, a Republican, has raised $197,397. No one else has announced plans to seek the seat.
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