OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Cole faces a political newcomer and a former Republican now running as an independent who both believe a possible split of the Republican vote could help them win the November election.

Democrat Donna Bebo of Fletcher and independent R.J. Harris of Norman face Cole in the Nov. 6 election - with Cole seeking a sixth term in office.

Cole says he's happy to defend his conservative record against criticism from anyone and says he's consistently opposed the federal health care law and is solidly pro-life.

Harris - who received about 23 percent of the vote against Cole in the 2010 Republican primary - says he believes he can outpoll Cole for the conservative vote and defeat Bebo.