When Representative Tom Cole became chairman of the Appropriations Committee in April, it marked the first time an Oklahoman had ascended to one of Congress’s most powerful perches.
For 15 years on the panel, Mr. Cole, a Republican, quietly climbed its ranks with the gavel in mind, crafting and negotiating bipartisan spending bills.
All the while, he tucked in projects for his state — its universities, hospitals and airports — to the tune of billions of dollars.
On Tuesday, he will face the stiffest threat to his career yet: a primary challenge from a self-funded conservative, Paul Bondar, who is running on an anti-spending platform.
With more than $8 million poured into the race, it has become one of the most expensive House primaries this year.
Persons:
Tom Cole, Cole, Paul Bondar
Organizations:
Oklahoman, Republican