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Bridenstine Says He Won't Run For Open Senate Seat

U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.) speaking during a 2013 town hall meeting.
Congressman Jim Bridenstine
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Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine says he won't run for the Oklahoma U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Coburn.

Bridenstine said Wednesday in a statement that he has been "honored and overwhelmed" by people encouraging him to run ever since Coburn announced his resignation earlier this month. But Bridenstine said he decided not to enter the race after "serious consideration and prayer."

Bridenstine was elected to the U.S. House in 2012 after upsetting Republican incumbent Rep. John Sullivan in the primary.

U.S. Rep. James Lankford has announced plans to enter the Senate race, and Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon planned to announce his candidacy in a series of events Wednesday.

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