Bartlesville state senator not running

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State Sen. Jim Dunlap, citing financial considerations, said Thursday he will not run for the seat of retiring U.S. Sen. Don Nickles.<br><br>"My family's well being is more important

Thursday, October 23rd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State Sen. Jim Dunlap, citing financial considerations, said Thursday he will not run for the seat of retiring U.S. Sen. Don Nickles.

"My family's well being is more important to me than any office I would run for," the Bartlesville Republican said.

Dunlap said he made the decision after getting advice on how much money it would take to win.

"I am not prepared to mortgage my children's future on a political race," Dunlap said.

Dunlap is among the senators who will be term limited this year. He has represented District 29 for 16 years and is a former minority leader of the Senate.

His announcement came a day after Attorney General Drew Edmondson, a Democrat, took himself out of the race.

Those still in the race include Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys, a Republican, Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Carson of Claremore and Democrat Jim Rogers of Midwest City.

Veteran state Sen. Mike Fair of Oklahoma City also says he probably will run.

Others who have dropped out of contention include Democratic state Treasurer Robert Butkin, Republican U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook and GOP Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin.