Posted on 06/20/2002 3:48:34 PM PDT by anniegetyourgun
WASHINGTON- Rep. J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, the fourth-ranking member of the House Republican leadership, left open the possibility of retirement on Thursday.
"At this point, I don't know," he said.
But Watts, the only black Republican serving in Congress, also said he never makes announcements about his plans too far in advance of Election Day and would wait until he is in Oklahoma to announce his intentions.
"Fact is, I don't have to focus on re-election right now," he said.
He added, "These things come up every two years, some rumor about this."
Watts made his remarks at a time when congressional redistricting remains clouded in his home state, which is losing one seat because of population shifts. After months of internal struggle, the legislature approved a new map that would give each of the four remaining incumbents a safe district in which to seek re-election.
The plan is under legal challenge, and Watts said he hoped for a ruling from the state Supreme Court in the near future.
When that happens, he said, "I'll have a district and I will announce in the state of Oklahoma, not in my Washington office."
Watts is serving his fourth term, his second as chairman of the House Republican Conference, a leadership position.
Our two senators, Inhofe and Nickels are tops! JC is a good guy, but sorry, he doesn't come close to measuring up to either of Oklahoma's senators.
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