OKLAHOMA CITY --?If Oklahoma politics is a game, then the name of the game last Tuesday was, "I'm more conservative than you."

Appearing at a political forum hosted by Oklahoma City Community College, Republican candidates Melinda Daugherty, 58; Jerry Foshee, 61; Kyle Loveless, 34; and Steve Russell, 45; each tried to paint themselves as the most conservative replacement for outgoing Republican state Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson.

The four -- along with fellow Republican Marty Gormley, 47, -- are seeking the GOP nod for Senate District 45 seat. Gormley said he couldn't attend the event due to a previous commitment.

And, since no Democratic or Independent candidate filed in the district, the race could be decided at the July 29 primary election.

Who's who

Still, the forum was all about which candidate could claim the best pedigree.

For Daugherty -- the lone woman in the race -- the campaign was about "traditional family values."

"I stand on traditional family values and Biblical principles," she said. "My life has demonstrated my strong values in faith, family and service. I have been a faithful Christian and a devoted mother."

Foshee, an Oklahoma City attorney and former Oklahoma City councilman, said he's seeking the office because of his grandmother.

"My grandmother used to say you've been very fortunate," he said. "And for every blessing you have, it's time for you to give back. That's what I've tried to do serving as city councilman in Oklahoma City and that's what I want to do as state Senator."

Loveless, a former official with the Cleveland County Republican Party, said his reasoning for seeking office was "real simple."

"I want to continue Kathleen's (Wilcoxson) service, and one person can make a difference." Loveless said he would focus on three areas if elected: transportation reform, education reform and creating a more friendly business climate in Oklahoma.

"Oklahoma's shame is that we have 535 school districts," he said. "Arkansas has only 200; Florida has 67. If we reduce overhead and administrative costs, we could save $50 million per year for our educational system. There's many different things we could do to accomplish that."

Russell, a retired Army Infantry officer, said he wanted to be senator because Oklahomans "cannot allow any more assaults on our American way of life."