Former DA Tosses Hat Into Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District Race

Russell Hulstine, NewsOn6.com

FORT GIBSON, Oklahoma -- A former LeFlore County district attorney and assistant U.S. Attorney announced Tuesday he will seek the District 2 seat in the U.S. Congress.

Rob Wallace, a Democrat, will hold a formal campaign kickoff later this year.

"Now more than ever we need leaders in Congress with a single-minded focus on jobs," Rob Wallace said. "We have to be creating jobs, retaining jobs and to help Oklahoma working people and small businesses survive and thrive in this economy. I will do everything in my power to help Oklahoma's economy."

Wallace touts his extensive experience as a prosecutor.

"A good prosecutor lives in the world of what's right or wrong, not what is the Democratic or Republican thing to do," Rob Wallace said. "My approach will be to do the right thing for this region to increase job growth and reduce excessive federal government spending. We also must protect Medicare for senior citizens and crucial programs that provide care for America's veterans."

Wallace and his wife, Tonya, live in Fort Gibson and have three children.

Wallace's announcement is the first by a Democrat.  Current congressman Dan Boren announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election.

The list of Republicans who have announced their intentions to seek the job include former state representative and McAlester native Wayne Pettigrew, Broken Arrow businessman Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dakota Wood of Claremore and State Representative George Faught of Muskogee.

9/6/2011 Related Story: Markwayne Mullin Announces Candidacy For 2nd Congressional Seat