This is a tough call for Republicans.

On August 23, voters must decide between U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin or former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate in a seat open due to the early retirement of Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma.

When it comes to the issues, Mullin and Shannon are pretty much in the same camp. Both men profess to be conservative Christians.

Mullin is in his fifth term in the House. He is in favor of terms limits and he initially promised to serve only three terms. He backed off that promise.

Mullin has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump but Shannon had been endorsed by U.S. Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican who is one of the most conservative and effective lawmakers in the Senate.

Both Mullin and Shannon are members of Oklahoma tribes which can be good or maybe a disadvantage. Whose side will they take when legislation is filed to fix the McGirt decision? That’s very important to tribe members and non-tribe members.

The truth is that whoever wins this race on November 8 will probably be in office for a few decades.

Again, it is a close decision but the Tulsa Beacon recommends former Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon for the GOP runoff on August 23.