Watts ponders gubernatorial bid
J.C. Watts says he will let Oklahomans know in about a month whether he will run for governor in 2010.
“I’m not looking to play with this decision or play politics with it,” Watts said. “It’s a serious decision for my family and me. It’s a serious decision for any candidate.
“I’m just being open to listening to old and trusted friends who understand Oklahoma values and understand my values and understand who we are as a Republican Party and where we want to go with the party,” he said.
“I think I can draw that conclusion over the next four or five weeks,” he said.
Watts, a former Republican congressman, dropped in Saturday at the Republican state convention to chat with party delegates and officials about next year’s gubernatorial race.
Watts, who still is planning to launch a television news network targeted at a black audience, said he has been talking with Republicans from across the state and “I think Republicans are not satisfied with the (gubernatorial) choices.
“I’ve obviously been encouraged to take a look at it by obviously a lot of my supporters and a lot of donors,” Watts said. “It’s a lot to think about and think through.”
Watts, a former star quarterback at the University of Oklahoma, is the first black person elected to a statewide office in Oklahoma. After serving on the state Corporation Commission, he won election to four terms in the U.S. House, where he became chairman of the House Republican Conference. He did not run for re-election in 2002 and started his own lobbying, consulting and public affairs companies in Washington.
He said he believes Republicans will be patient with him as he makes “an honest, objective decision.”
On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, and state Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, have announced they are running for governor next year. Both spoke to delegates during the convention.
Democratic Lt. Gov. Jari Askins has said she is in the governor’s race.
What do you think? Will Watts run for governor in 2010?
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
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Comments
I have always felt that JC Watts is an honest, hard-working man. He is loyal to his family and to the state of Oklahoma. I would be proud to call him my governor. certainly, I feel that he would do a better job than several of the men that I can recall in my lifetime as governor of the greatest state in the union. Call me whatever you may, criticize JC Watts and every other politician in the country if you must. He is but a man, I know he has made mistakes. He undoubtedly will make more in his lifetime. But, were any of our great leaders perfect? I can think of only One. And they nailed Him to a tree. If JC Watts runs for Governor, I will support and campaign on his behalf. I believe that JC Watts has a heart for Oklahoma and for people that he knows makes this the greatest state!
I just caught Watts on Sean Hannity. Still no certain word about whether or not he will run, but Hannity did raise the question. Watts didn’t confirm or deny anything.
Watts counts among his lobbying clients the ACLU and toyed with supporting Obama.He has been raking in the big bucks as a Washington lobbyist.I would not vote for him.Every few years JC floats a trial balloon about some office he might run for and then at the last momonent backs out.I think he has a massive ego and enjoys the publicity.