Oklahoma US Senate candidates set for debate

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) – The Republican and Democratic nominees for Oklahoma’s open U.S. Senate seat are preparing for their first debate ahead of the Nov. 4 general election.

Republican U.S. Rep. James Lankford of Edmond and Democratic state Sen. Connie Johnson of Oklahoma City will square off at 7 p.m. Tuesday on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater.

The two are running to replace Dr. Tom Coburn, who is stepping down with two years remaining on his term.

Lankford is a two-term congressman who was elected in 2010 to the open 5th Congressional District seat. Johnson was a longtime state Senate staffer who was elected to the state Senate in 2005.

Independent candidate Mark Beard of Oklahoma City also is on the ballot, but won’t be a part of the debate.