J.C. Watts rules out run for Oklahoma governor

WASHINGTON — J.C. Watts is not running for governor next year.

The former Oklahoma congressman and football star said today his "current business and contractural obligations create hurdles'' he can't overcome to make a race.

Watts, 51, runs a public relations and consulting company in Washington and has been working to launch a black television news channel.

A Republican, Watts served in Congress from 1995 through 2002. He also served as an Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner.

"Many Oklahomans — Republican and Democrat, red yellow, black, brown and white, from all walks of life — encouraged me to make the race,'' Watts said in a prepared statement.

"I am deeply honored, humbled and grateful for the confidence they have shown in me. I'm sorry we won't fulfill our goals together. I will continue to work for a prosperous and thriving Oklahoma, this glorious place we call home and the rest of the world calls America."

U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, who has announced her intention to run for governor and had said she would remain in the race even if Watts joined it, said today, "J.C. Watts has been a great friend and a great asset to the people of Oklahoma. He is a popular figure both here and nationally, and I am sure he will continue to find success in or out of politics. Decisions like this are never easy, but at the end of the day, I am sure he did what he felt was best for him and his family."

Oklahoma state Sen. Randy Brogdon, of Owasso, also plans to run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins has announced she will seek the Democratic nomination for governor.

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