Oklahoma

Brad Carson (left) and Tom Coburn

In Oklahoma, former representative Tom Coburn (R) has lurched from one controversy to another in competing for the seat of retiring Sen. Don Nickles (R), most recently repeating a claim that lesbianism is so rampant in southeast Oklahoma schools that girls must go to the restroom one at a time. While Republicans have tried to brand Rep. Brad Carson (D) a liberal, Carson refuses to mention Kerry by name.