Dan Boren (D): 36
Tom Coburn (R-inc): 53
(MoE: ±3.7%)
In a hypothetical race against two of the strongest candidates that Oklahoma Democrats could muster -- incumbent Gov. Brad Henry and 2nd CD Rep. Dan Boren -- Coburn would be far from imperiled. In any case, neither Henry nor Boren would be likely candidates to make kamikaze runs against the incumbent Coburn, who sports a strong 59% approval rating in the same poll. However, an open seat scenario could be different...
Brad Henry (D): 43
Tom Cole (R): 44
Brad Henry (D): 44
J.C. Watts (R): 45
Dan Boren (D): 40
Tom Cole (R): 42
Dan Boren (D): 41
J.C. Watts (R): 46
While the DSCC is reportedly heavily encouraging Henry to run if Coburn decides to retire at the end of his term, it's a bit sobering to know that the most well-known and popular Democrat in the state would not begin a Senate campaign with an advantage against a sadsack like Tom Cole.
UPDATE: The National Journal reports that ex-Gov. Frank Keating (R) is interested in running for Coburn's seat should it become open, according to sources close to Keating. Additionally, Coburn is expected to make an announcement on his 2010 plans "within the next few weeks".
