Dan Boren runs on ‘the service we’ve rendered’

By Patrick B. McGuigan

Published: 08-Jun-2010

U.S. Rep. Dan Boren completed filing for reelection as the second district’s Member of Congress shortly after 9 a.m. on Monday, June 7. A few minutes later, he sat for a brief interview with CapitolBeatOK.

Facing challenges from both his left and right, politically speaking, Boren defended his record as an Oklahoma Democrat, representing Oklahoma values. He said, “Since being elected, I have taken Oklahoma ideas to Washington, not Washington ideas to Oklahoma. I am proud to be an independent voice.”

He continued, “I continuously vote where my constituents want me to be. It is my constitutional duty to work for even those constituents who disagree with me, and I do so.”

Asked to assess the mood of the Oklahoma electorate, Boren said, “they are very angry, and rightfully so – they feel they are not being listened to. I am seeing people who have never been involved getting into the process. They are sincerely concerned about the economy and about other issues.”

Asked if he was concerned about the primary challenge he faces from state Sen. Jim Wilson of Tahlequah, a credible senior Democrat at the Capitol, Rep. Boren told CapitolBeatOK, “All I can do is focus on our campaign. The election will take care of itself, by the service we’ve rendered. I believe I have represented the will of the people, and that usually wins elections.”