Oklahoma GOP incumbents favored for US House seats

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Political scientists and even Democrats say Republicans have a good chance to keep control of Oklahoma’s U.S. House delegation.

University of Oklahoma political science department chairman Keith Gaddie says the Democrats’ chances are slim and none – and that "Slim is packing up and leaving town."

Democratic Party Chairman Wallace Collins says he hasn’t heard from nominee Earl Everett, who is challenging Rep. Markwayne Mullin in eastern Oklahoma. Frankie Robbins opposes Republican Rep. Frank Lucas in northwestern Oklahoma, and Bert Smith opposes GOP Rep. Tom Cole in south-central Oklahoma. Tulsa-area GOP Rep. Jim Bridenstine is unopposed. The seat around Oklahoma City is open as incumbent James Lankford seeks a U.S. Senate seat.

Collins says he realizes Democrats are the underdog in each race, but says the party isn’t giving up.