Hello from Tulsa, Oklahoma. President Bush is polling above 60% and expected to take Oklahoma’s seven electoral votes, but we have plenty of hot races down the ballot — a U. S. Senate seat left vacant by the retirement of Republican Don Nickles and several controversial constitutional amendments dealing with marriage, a lottery, casino gambling, and a tobacco tax. The Senate race, pitting Republican former Congressman Tom Coburn against Democrat Congressman Brad Carson, is a key race in the battle for control of the Senate.

2004 is the first year that incumbent legislators will be affected by the term limits initiative passed in 1988. There are 36 open seats in our 101-seat lower house. The current makeup of the State House: Democrats have 51 seats, Republicans have 47, with three vacancies (held by two Ds and one R after the last election). A poll in 17 competitive House districts by SoonerPoll.com shows the Republicans leading in enough races to pick up seven seats and a majority of 54, but all but one of those pickups are within the margin of error. Democrats have held the majority in the State House since 1923. Republicans have been close to a takeover since 2000 - they have high hopes of finally reaching the goal this year. Republicans would have to pick up eight seats to take over the State Senate — a longer shot, but not out of the question.

The Oklahoma State Election Board will be posting results here as they come in from the counties. Unless there are problems, all precincts generally report by 9 p.m. CST.

Thanks to the Command Post for the opportunity to report from Oklahoma on Election Day!