Is there something in the water out in Oklahoma? Former Republican congressmen Steve Largent and J.C. Watts, Jr. never quite lived up to expectations during their brief Washington careers. Former Democratic Sen. David Boren managed to get Oklahoma State University to name its veterinary college after him, only to retire soon thereafter to become president of OSU's main rival, the University of Oklahoma. Now Sen. Don Nickles (R-Okla.), the GOP whip--who was once so sure of a bright Washington future that he no longer even owns a home in Oklahoma--has decided to retire rather than continue to vie for power with Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), the recently-anointed Senate Majority Leader. Nickles's announcement--and the unexpected decision of Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Okla.) to take himself out of the running to replace him--gives Democrats a shot at the seat. Oklahoma recently elected a Democratic governor, and the party already has a majority in the state legislature. Rep. Brad Carson (D-Okla.) is already gathering endorsements and money for a campaign.
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