Democratic Party officials mull 5th District suit

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma Democratic Party leaders say they’re still undecided over whether to mount a legal challenge over Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin’s victory in this month’s general election over the 81-year-old Democratic nominee who died two days before the general election.

Party Chairman Wallace Collins says no decision was made after a teleconference Thursday with party leaders about whether to proceed with a lawsuit. Collins says he plans to meet again with their attorney.

The Oklahoma Election Board voted last week to certify the results of this month’s election based on a recommendation from Attorney General Scott Pruitt’s office.

Democrats contend state law calls for a special election to be held, but Pruitt’s office says federal election law trumps state law in this case.