State representative from Oklahoma City withdraws from runoff

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ State Representative Wayne Pettigrew said Thursday he's abandoning his re-election campaign and retiring from the Legislature after ten years. <br/><br/>Pettigrew made the announcement

Thursday, July 29th 2004, 11:05 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ State Representative Wayne Pettigrew said Thursday he's abandoning his re-election campaign and retiring from the Legislature after ten years.

Pettigrew made the announcement during an emotional news conference at the state Capitol. Pettigrew says he's devoting more time to his growing insurance brokerage business and family and doesn't have time to campaign.

Pettigrew faces a runoff with real estate agent Marian Cooksey for the Republican nomination in District 39 in Edmond. Pettigrew received 45 percent of the vote in Tuesday's primary. Cooksey received 44 percent.

Pettigrew expressed bitterness at what he said were personal attacks by Cooksey's campaign. Pettigrew has been criticized by other Republicans for his support of a controversial gaming bill.