Midwest City lawmaker to retire

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State Representative Forrest Claunch of Midwest City says he's decided not to run for re-election to a sixth term.<br><br>The Republican is best known for his opposition to gambling

Friday, January 2nd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- State Representative Forrest Claunch of Midwest City says he's decided not to run for re-election to a sixth term.

The Republican is best known for his opposition to gambling initiatives.

Claunch ran for the Legislature after leading opposition in 1994 to former Governor David Walters state-run lottery plan. The proposal was defeated by voters.

Claunch says he'll concentrate this year on constituent needs and fighting another lottery proposal headed for a statewide vote in November.

He's also chairman of a statewide group opposing the lottery plan.

The 64-year-old Claunch could have run for another two-year term under the constitutional amendment limiting legislators to 12 years of service.