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Istook may run for governor


By Michael McNutt
The Oklahoman

U.S. Rep. Ernest IstookR-Warr Acres With two of the top possible Republican contenders not entering the gubernatorial race, U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook said Thursday he is considering running for governor.
"I've had a lot of people ask me to consider it, and I'm listening to them," said Istook, R-Warr Acres.

Oklahoma County Assessor Leonard Sullivan, one of about 90 people who attended Istook's town hall meeting at the Francis Tuttle Technology's Rockwell campus, 12777 N Rockwell, asked Istook whether he would run now that Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin and former Rep. J.C. Watts have said they would not.

"Don't do it," said a man in the audience. "You should stay in Washington and represent us."

Istook said he is concerned about the state's leadership, saying its creation of the lottery and allowing gaming at Indian casinos is not the best way to improve the state's economy. Both ventures were supported by Gov. Brad Henry. At least 60 percent of the voters approved proposals during November's election establishing the lottery and legalizing casino gaming.

The lottery and gaming are giving the state of Oklahoma new revenue sources, Istook said, but money will be taken out of the state by operators of the lottery and managers of the casino games.

"You're not going to improve the state by taking more money out of it," he said. "You've got to bring more investment into Oklahoma to improve the opportunities here.

"You can't gamble your way to prosperity," Istook said. "There's always somebody who hits it lucky, but for every lucky winner there are thousands of disappointed and brokenhearted losers."

If Istook entered the race, he would give the Republican Party a candidate with statewide name recognition.

Announced Republican candidates are Sen. Jim Williamson and oil company executive Bob Sullivan, both of Tulsa.

Istook also was asked during the two-hour session about the proposal to increase the state's fuel tax to pay for improvements to roads and bridges. Voters will decide the fate of State Question 723 on Sept. 13.

"Nobody could have picked a worse time" for the proposal to be on the ballot, said Istook, referring to gasoline prices of about $2.50 a gallon.

I hope he does. When he gets his tail stomped we can elect a Congressperson who cares about US and not another state.

I hope he doesn't run for governor. I think Okies are dumb enough to vote for him....he'd probably win. So just curious, would you vote for Henry over Istook? He He!

If it was a two person race between Henry and Istook, then yes. Brad would get my vote. I would not even support Istook for Janitor.

If Istook wins, I'm leaving for Texas.

...And I will follow you. Here is the solution. We raise ten million dollars and I will run against both of them.

If that happens, I will really move to Texas. I've seen too many frightening policy positions in these posts to face that reality.

Istook won't win against Istook. Istook has too much baggage from his time in Congress that can be used against him, some of which has been exposed in this forum.

I agree Istook will not win. That is why I want him to run. It will end his political career.