Josh Marshall noted a disturbing (to put it mildly) quote from Oklahoma Senate candidate and former House Rep. Tom Coburn (R).
“I favor the death penalty,” Coburn told the AP last week, “for abortionists and other people who take life.”
That’s right, we may soon have a Republican senator who wants to execute physicians for performing a legal medical procedure. Good to know.
I should note that Coburn’s ties to the very far right are solidified and his campaign is reaping the rewards. Last month, for example, Coburn received an endorsement from the Gun Owners of America — the group for weapons enthusiasts who find the National Rifle Association too timid.
Coburn’s path to the world’s most deliberative body, fortunately, isn’t easy. In two weeks, he’ll square off against former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys in a GOP primary. The winner will face Rep. Brad Carson, a moderate House Dem with surprisingly broad appeal in Oklahoma.
Polls show a tight race, both in the GOP primary and the general election. It’ll be fun to watch this one, if for no other reason, you never know what kind of crazy thing Coburn might say next.