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POLITICS: Boren focusing on continuing to grow OK economy

By Justin Martino

Staff writer

(POL) As Democratic Congressman Dan Boren, who represents the Second Congressional District in Oklahoma, campaigns for re-election, he said he hears many of the same concerns from his constituents, which focus on the economy.

"I think the number one issue is the economy," he said. "Obviously, we're not immune to what's happened nationally. We are better off than what's happened across the country, but we still have lost jobs. People are nervous about the future, and they're looking to see whether or not things are going to improve over the next year or two."

Boren said that the economy is one of his top focuses, as well, and his intention is to keep along the same path he has been on in bringing jobs and businesses to Oklahoma.

"I think we're going to continue what we've already accomplished," he said. "I sat on the Armed Services Committee. We brought over $100 million back to eastern Oklahoma. We created a lot of jobs."

Boren also talked about money that has been brought into Oklahoma for education for Oklahoma, including $2.7 million for a new elementary school in Antlers.

He said the jobs and money brought to Oklahoma show that he has the background of getting the job accomplished for Oklahoma.

"Those are real tangible results, not just talk," he said. "These are the things that have actually occurred since I've been in Congress. So we just want to build on what we're doing."

Boren said he has been hearing positive things from his constituents and that his campaign is going great. Since this is not his first time to run, he already has a good relationship with his constituents.

"We feel good about our chances," he said.

Boren said he preferred to not talk about what he can offer over his opponents and just focus on what he felt he would be able to do for his district. However, he recognized that there would be a lot of people filing for office. People are energized, and they are angry about government in general, he said. By 5 p.m. Monday, Boren had already drawn two Republican challengers: Daniel Edmonds, of Morris, and Charles Thompson, of Hulbert.

Boren noted, "I have not towed the line for anyone except for the people of eastern Oklahoma."

He said he has state legislative experience as well as his experience in Congress, and because of his time in Congress he has seniority and sits on several committees that are important to Oklahoma, such as the Natural Resources Committee, the Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

"I'm able to accomplish more, I think, than if someone new were to come in," he said.

Boren was first elected to Congress in 2004.

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Since being elected to Congress in 2004, Dan Boren has represented the Second Congressional District of Oklahoma as an independent voice in Washington. From day one, he has worked to uphold the values that eastern Oklahomans hold dear - faith, hard-work, and personal responsibility.

Dan and his wife Andrea welcomed a new addition to the Boren family last year. Janna Lou Boren was born on October 9th, 2007, and was named after Congressman Boren's late mother. Having already dedicated his time to serving Oklahoma's families, Janna is an added daily reminder to Dan and Andrea of the hopes and aspirations that all Oklahoma parents have for their children.

In Washington, Boren has been a strong advocate for eastern Oklahoma. He has built an impressive record of support for Oklahoma's military service members, veterans, working families, and small business owners.

Boren currently sits on the House Armed Services Committee which is critical to his work on behalf of Oklahoma's military installations, military families, and veterans. His position on Armed Services has provided $50.4 million for improvements to eastern Oklahoma's military installations. He also helped pass the single largest funding increase in the 77-history of the Veterans Administration.

Boren also sits on the Natural Resources Committee. This committee is an influential panel presiding over Indian Affairs, National Parks and other federal lands, energy and mineral resources, water resources, fisheries, and oceans. Among many other positives, the assignment gives Oklahoma's Native Americans and the thousands of Sportsmen across the state a seat at the table in Washington. Through this Committee, Boren has passed legislation to provide the Boy Scouts of America more land for the Tom Hale Scout Camp. He has also worked hard to uphold the rights of Oklahoma's Sportsmen on everything from public land-use and access, to conservation.

Back home in the Second District, Boren has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the needs of veterans, senior citizens, and children. As eastern Oklahomans have needed assistance navigating the red-tape of the federal bureaucracy, Dan has provided a voice for their concerns and a bridge to the solutions that they deserve. Since his first election, Boren's office has worked on over 5,000 cases on behalf of Oklahomans including veterans, senior citizens, and their families.

Once re-elected, Congressman Boren will continue his advocacy for the needs of rural communities, the rights of the individual, and hopes of all citizens in the Second District. He looks forward to seeing you out on the campaign trail this summer and fall as he meets with constituents across eastern Oklahoma.

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Boren seeks third term (By Bryan Smith - 6.6.08)

(OK) As Congressman Dan Boren filed papers with the Oklahoma State Election Board, he said he needed to build upon the last two terms he has served in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Overall, Boren said, the last term was pretty positive. Congress managed to work a deal on the U.S. Farm Bill, lower student loan rates and work in a bipartisan manner. If re-elected to represent Congressional district 2, Boren said he would continue his work on veterans' affairs and economic issues.

In May, Boren was named to the National Rifle Association Board of Directors and announced that he managed to secure $35 million of federal FY 2009 defense spending for the state.

"The McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, and our other military installations and defense research centers, make Oklahoma a critical component of our nation's national security apparatus," said Boren. "This role is especially important in this time of war. I'm pleased to provide these vital resources to expand military capabilities and invest in the future of our nation's defense."

Moving forward, Boren said he hopes to bring more money home to the state and continue to work on the economy. He said Congress would also be looking at re-authorizing some tax cuts next year.

Voting for the Farm Bill twice, Boren said he was pleased that Congress was able to help Oklahoma's agriculture industry and help needy families with nutrition programs.

As for the presidential race, Boren said he is optimistic about the chances of presumptive Democratic nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, but he said that he expects a tight race. Boren endorsed Obama earlier this year.

Boren also said he hopes Democrats will pick up some seats for next year, stressing the importance of moderate Democrats this year.

For his part, Boren will have a primary competition with Kevin Coleman, a Democrat from Grove. If victorious, Boren will face Raymond Wickson, a Republican from Okmulgee.