Coburn Submits Resignation Letter

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Even in announcing his retirement, U.S. Senator Tom Coburn is looking for a way to save taxpayer money.

Coburn transmitted his letter of resignation on Friday to Governor Mary Fallin. In it, he said he hoped to give her enough notice so she could set the special election dates to coincide with the regular 2014 cycle and "not impose any undue burden on Oklahoma taxpayers."

A statewide special election costs about $3 million.

Fallin is expected to issue a proclamation next week formally declaring the special election, but said Friday the election and filing dates will be the same as the current 2014 dates.

The 65-year-old Coburn announced late Thursday he plans to forego the final two years of his term amid another battle with cancer.