Oklahoma Democrats face tough chore in attracting support

Nationally, the Republicans' challenge is to broaden their appeal to minorities, women and younger voters without driving out crucial elements of their base. In Oklahoma, the Democrats' challenge may be to transition into a more liberal, urban party without repelling suburban voters or severing all ties with rural voters.

In politics, voter preferences are never set in stone; the only constant is change. Given Oklahoma's dramatic political shift over the past decade, Republicans have no reason for hubris or complacency, just as national Democrats can't assume their 2012 presidential victory is any guarantor of future national success.