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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Oklahoma Sen. Coburn to leave at end of session

Mcclatchy-Tribune

WASHINGTON – Republican Sen. Tom Coburn said late Thursday that he will leave Congress at the end of this session, two years before his term expires.

The Oklahoma senator who pioneered budget slashing before the ascent of the tea party has been battling cancer, but had always said he would limit his time in office. His departure will set up a special election in the Republican-heavy state.

“This decision isn’t about my health, my prognosis or even my hopes and desires,” Coburn, 65, said in a statement. “My commitment to the people of Oklahoma has always been that I would serve no more than two terms.”

Coburn, a physician, first came to Congress as part of the Republican class elected to the House in 1994.