Oklahoma election officials says candidate can’t be called “The Patriot”

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A Republican lawmaker has been barred by elections officials from giving himself a more patriotic name.

And what can be a more patriotic name than “The Patriot?”

It sounds good, but state Rep. Sean Roberts won’t be allowed to use the nickname.

The board says Roberts can still run for office, but the “Patriot” moniker has got to go.

State election rules do let candidates use nicknames – if it’s one the candidate usually goes by or uses in business.

In her petition against the nickname, Roberts’ opponent Leslie Osborn said there’s no evidence Roberts is known as “The Patriot.”

In fact, she noted Roberts has run in seven straight elections as Kevin Sean Roberts.