Tom Coburn is a proper noun that refers to an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Oklahoma. Born on March 14, 1948, in Casper, Wyoming, Coburn became a prominent figure in the political landscape of Oklahoma.
Coburn, a member of the Republican Party, enrolled at Oklahoma State University before earning his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. After working as an obstetrician-gynecologist for several years, Coburn ventured into politics, first serving in the United States House of Representatives for Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district from 1995 to 2001. Then, he transitioned to the Senate, where he served two terms from 2005 to 2015.
Known for his conservative stances, Coburn advocated for limited government intervention, reduced government spending, and fiscal conservatism throughout his political career. He gained a reputation for opposing earmarks and fiercely criticizing government waste. Coburn was a vocal advocate for healthcare policies that aligned with his conservative principles, including a strong stance against abortion.
Coburn retired from politics in 2015 due to health concerns after being diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier in his career. Following his retirement, he remained involved in public service as a frequent commentator and author. Coburn published a book titled "The Debt Bomb: A Bold Plan to Stop Washington from Bankrupting America" in 2012, which cemented his reputation as a fiscal conservative. He passed away on March 28, 2020, at the age of 72.
