He apologized and said, 'Oh, I'm so embarrassed. It's not anything against me. Largent's anticipated departure from the Tulsa-based 1st, a GOP strong hold, has already unleashed a preliminary wave of candidates to succeed him. Although state redistricting agents could reshape the 1st, Democrats, who hope to protect freshman Rep. Brad Carson in the adjacent 2nd, are unlikely to diminish GOP voting strength in the 1st. Howard Barnett are also considering the race.
Democrats are unlikely to field a strong contender there.
Tulsa Mayor Susan Savage and former U.S. Attorney Steve Lewis, probably the most prominent Democrats in the district, have already taken themselves out of consideration.