Strategic Oklahoma politicians: Analysis of the Oklahoma House of Representatives

Abstract

In this study, Oklahoma House of Representatives races from 1974-1988 are examined to the conclusion that attorneys and previous officeholders are the two best employment categories from which to stage successful challenges to an incumbent or election to an open seat. Additionally, although open seats are more easily obtained than when an incumbent is present, parity can be approached by a minority party over time by adhering to the suggested electability model. lf the public mood is changing in the 90's, the implications of the model could become even more significant.