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Politics
Rep. Istook wins Oklahoma GOP primary for governor


Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Oklahoma), a critic of tribal sovereignty and federal Indian policy, won the Republican party's nomination for Oklahoma on Tuesday.

Istook has sponsored a number of bills that would force tribes to collect taxes. The most infamous was one that would require the Interior Department to take land out of trust for tribes that don't collect state taxes.

Istook also has called for a moratorium on federal recognition and he supported a Congressional investigation into the process that failed to turn up any major irregularities.

Lately, Istook has criticized Gov. Brad Henry (D) for "sweetheart" tobacco tax compacts with tribes. He may make an issue out of Henry's record on tribal issues during the election.

Get the Story:
Istook wins primary (AP 7/26)

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