Lawmakers react to news of Sen. Coburn’s retirement

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe is praising fellow Oklahoma Republican Sen. Tom Coburn, who announced he'll resign nearly two years before his term was scheduled to end.

Sen. Inhofe, of Oklahoma, says he was honored to help recruit Coburn to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1993.

Coburn served three terms in the House before winning the Senate seat in 2004.

Inhofe says Coburn is "an intellectual and superb medical doctor" who quickly became a highly sought-after adviser among Republicans.

Governor Mary Fallin says Senator Coburn is a relentless advocate for responsible spending and deficit reduction.

Governor Fallin says, “Agree with him or not, there is never any doubt where Tom Coburn stands on the issues. He is as impressive a public servant as they come, and I am sure we have not heard the last from him.”

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Wallace Collins released a statement.

Wallace says, "While we may not agree on many of his policy positions, we respect Dr. Coburn's service to the state of Oklahoma. It takes courage to run for public office, and we appreciate anyone willing to put themselves in front of the public eye. We wish Dr. Coburn and his family success and good health in the days ahead."

A special election will be held to replace Coburn.

The primary will be June 24^th.

A potential runoff election would be held on August 26^th and the general election will occur on November 4th.