Keating dropping congressional campaign

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma first lady Cathy Keating said Friday she has dropped her campaign to succeed U.S. Rep. Steve Largent because she wants to avoid a difficult runoff election that could be harmful to the Republican party.

``A divisive and bitter runoff election will do nothing to ensure the election of a Republican and that is not who I am as a person nor as a candidate,'' she said in a written statement released Friday afternoon. ``This is the holiday season. It is a time for giving and it is a time for family and friends.''

Keating won 30 percent of the vote in a special GOP primary for the 1st Congressional District Tuesday, 16 percentage points behind the top finisher, State Rep. John Sullivan. A runoff election had been scheduled for Jan. 8 because neither candidate got a clear majority.

Attorney Doug Dodd, a former Tulsa school board member and broadcaster, easily won the Democratic Primary.

Since no runoff is now needed, the general election to name a successor to Largent, a former professional football player, will now be held on Jan. 8. Largent, R-Okla., plans to step down on Feb. 15 to run for governor. Gov. Frank Keating is in his second and final term.

Cathy Keating said she enjoyed her campaign. She said it helped her contribute to the 1st Congressional District in a positive way and allowed her to meet new people.

``It's time for the Republican Party to come together and present a united front for the upcoming election,'' she said. ``It is important that the 1st District's voice continue to be heard in the conservative majority in Congress.''

Carpenter said Keating, a native of Tulsa, has been sick with flu-like symptoms since the election and would not be making any public appearances.

A representive of Keating dropped off a note at the Oklahoma Election Board Friday afternoon, officially ending her candidacy.

The Keatings reside in the governor's mansion in Oklahoma City but also maintain a home in Tulsa.

Tulsa County and a small section of Wagoner County comprises the 1st District. Statement from Cathy Keating...

After much prayer, discussions with friends and family, and a hard look at the political landscape, I have decided to withdraw from the race for Congress in the First District. While this has been a tough decision, I am convinced it is the right decision for my family, my supporters, the Republican Party and the voters of the First District. A divisive and bitter run off election will do nothing to insure the election of a Republican and that is not who I am as a person nor as a candidate. This is the holiday season. It is a time for giving and it is a time for family and friends.

Running for Congress in my hometown of Tulsa has been one of the great privileges of my life. The chance to discuss issues, offer solutions, and engage in the intellectual give and take of a vigorous campaign is an opportunity that few people ever experience. It has expanded my horizons and I believe contributed to the civic life of the First Congressional District in a way that has been positive and productive for all concerned.

I feel particularly blessed to have met so many wonderful people all across the First District. We truly have the finest people and one of the most active set of business, charitable, and civic groups anywhere in America. They are the real strength of the communities of our district and a wonderful reflection of the greatness of our state and our country.

Running for Congress is not a solo endeavor. I have had the support of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, numerous contributors, a dedicated staff and literally thousands of people who put their names on the line and endorsed me in this race. These individuals will always hold a special place in my heart. My family, who stood by me, worked for me, and tirelessly advocated my candidacy could not have been more supportive in this endeavor. I am so proud of each of them and I hope I have conducted myself well in their eyes.

It is time for the Republican Party to come together and present a united front for the upcoming election. It is important that the First Districts' voice continue to be heard in the conservative majority in Congress. I wish to congratulate my primary opponents, George Banasky, State Senator Scott Pruitt, Evelyn Rogers and State Representative John Sullivan for their vigorous campaigns. We each put forward our own qualifications, positions and proposals in a civil and positive fashion. However, it is timee for all Republicans to join together and support John Sullivan.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to the voters of the First District. They have been unfailingly courteous, encouraging, receptive, and truly concerned about the future of our country and our state. Whoever is fortunate enough to represent them in Congress will be honored and privileged to do so.

Was surprised when Keating announced she was running -- some people seemed to think she was a shoe-in but I just couldn't see her being in a campaign as the candidate.

The deal with Nebraska going to the Rose Bowl is hilarious! Barnett has been all over the TV whining about it. One time he even said that Colorado had beat any time of significance in the Big 12 so they should go. He had to be reminded that they didn't play the Sooners!

They are going to tweak out offense big time and I sure hope that means that our Redshirt Freshman Quarterback Rawls will be starting next year. Hybl just couldn't seem to get it going for all four quarters!

This is good news. Mrs. Keating is a fine first lady, but IMHO she's not the best candidate for congress, and she would get her clock cleaned by this Dodd character. He is slick, with a TV image and baritone voice, and he has the support of the union goons and also the teachers. But that's being redundant because I just mentioned the union goons, right? He's trying to define himself as a "new democrat" or some such tripe that we've heard before, and there are yard signs all over town. I frankly didn't believe there were that many ignorant people around here. The Socialists are going all-out to get this seat. Has anyone heard any poll data?

I hate to say it, but it's probably a good thing coach Mangino is leaving; the offense needs to be overhauled and probably needs some new blood to do it. There's clearly something wrong there that can't all be blamed on the quarterback. Losing to Okie State is a disgrace, and let's put it this way, it's not the defense's fault.

The Republican that received 46% is very popular there so we should hold onto the seat since we are not going to have a run-off.

Have two reasons for being glad Mangino is leaving --

1. Didn't appreciate some of his playcalling this year at all! Everyone around me, including myself, could tell what he was going to call so many times. Noticed Stoops more than once throwing up his hands at what was going on. My impression of Mangino -- no imagination and without my favorite quarterback who is just as nice in person as he seems, Josh Heupel, our offense went nowhere. Josh and Chuck Long worked closely together last year and Josh would check off if he didn't like a play which was quite a bit and now I think I know why.

2. His son was the quarterback at Norman North where my daughter goes to school and he was horrible but the coach kept him in as his Dad was the OU Offensive Coordinator! Guess he thought he was Josh Heupel which he certainly wasn't! He would throw interceptions and our player wasn't even in the area!

Bottom line -- I am glad he left -- Chuck Long is already tweaking the offense a little and you can expect a revamped offense next year with our redshirt freshman quarterback Rawls playing a huge part!

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