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(This is a press release from the Andrew Rice campaign. Rice is running for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Jim Inhofe. Rice easily won the Democratic primary on Tuesday.)
State Senator Andrew Rice accepted the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday night and challenged Sen. Jim Inhofe to a series of at least six debates.
Rice said openness and honest interaction with voters have been priorities since he began his unique path into politics.
“While I was in divinity school, I never intended to be a politician. But I stand before you tonight more determined than ever to help change the direction of this country by becoming your next U.S. Senator,” he said. “Voters deserve to know my positions on the issues, and Jim Inhofe needs to be accountable for his 22-year voting record in Washington.”
Rice said Inhofe continues to claim he supports troops, seniors and alternative energy.
“Sen. Inhofe says these things, but he has voted 17 times against measures to improve our troops’ benefits at home and to upgrade their armor on the battlefield. He has voted against Medicare funding 18 times, and he has voted against shifting tax incentives to clean energy technologies,” Rice said.
Rice asked supporters to visit his Web site, www.andrewforoklahoma.com, and sign a petition urging Sen. Inhofe to stand for debates.
“Political debates are an American tradition,” Rice said. “Tonight I am challenging Jim Inhofe to a series of at least six regional debates so that Oklahoma voters can make an informed choice this November.”
Rice, who thanked his family, voters, volunteers and his staff, said he understands what Oklahomans mean when they say they are tired of business as usual.
“People don’t want their elected leaders wrapped in slick TV ads and carefully scripted appearances,” Rice said. “By scheduling regional debates around the state, we give Oklahomans the best opportunity to come and evaluate the candidates side-by-side.”