Political hopefuls kick off Oklahoma candidate filing period

(AP) — Political hopefuls from around the Oklahoma are descending on the state Capitol for the start of the three-day candidate filing period. 

Candidates for state, federal and some local offices began lining up early Wednesday to submit their paperwork. 

State election officials say they expect between 500 and 600 candidates to file for office during the three days. 

In addition to this year’s governor’s race, Oklahoma has two U.S. Senate seats up for grabs. 

Races for the U.S. Senate are typically staggered, but both will be on the ballot this year. 

That’s because U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe announced plans to resign in January, just two years into his six-year term.