Politics
Cherokee Carson loses to Coburn in Oklahoma


Rep. Brad Carson (D-Oklahoma), a member of the Cherokee Nation, lost his U.S. Senate bid to Republican Tom Coburn on Tuesday.

Carson lost by an 8-point percentage margin to Coburn, a former Congressman. Carson conceded Tuesday night around 9:25 pm, The Oklahoman reported.

The race was one of the nastiest in history, observers said. Despite stumbling over accusations he sterilized a woman without her consent, Coburn maintained strong support in the conservative state.

Cherokee Nation leaders called for Coburn's defeat after he said Cherokees aren't "real" Indians and suggested treaty rights are a "joke."

Get the Story:
Coburn wins U.S. Senate seat (The Oklahoman 11/3)
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Videos:
Carson Speech | Coburn Speech

Relevant Links:
Tom Coburn - http://www.coburnforsenate.com
Brad Carson, campaign site - http://www.bradcarson.com
Brad Carson, U.S. House site - http://carson.house.gov

Related Stories:
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A Day at the Races: Indian Country and the election (11/1)
Four Oklahoma tribes endorse Carson for Senate (10/27)
Two Oklahoma tribal leaders endorse Coburn (10/26)
Cherokee leaders blast Coburn for 'divisive' remarks (9/17)
Woman counters Coburn on forced sterilization (09/17)
Senate candidate Coburn denies malpractice (9/15)
Senate race pits tribal member against conservative (07/28)