OKC mayor picks up endorsements in Senate bid

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Two Tulsa political figures endorsed Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys' Senate bid Thursday, bolstering his early drive for votes in eastern Oklahoma's Republican stronghold.

Thursday, October 23rd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Two Tulsa political figures endorsed Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys' Senate bid Thursday, bolstering his early drive for votes in eastern Oklahoma's Republican stronghold.

Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune and Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla., said they chose to back Humphreys, a fellow Republican, because of his conservative values and leadership as mayor.

``He's one of us,'' Sullivan said. ``You just get that feeling about Kirk Humphreys. He's just like every other Oklahoman. I think people will identify with him, especially here in Tulsa.''

Humphreys wants to fill the seat of retiring Sen. Don Nickles, R-Okla. Although he has yet to formally announce his candidacy, he plans to make Nov. 3 his last day as mayor.

To win as a Republican requires a convincing victory in Tulsa, Humphreys said. An added challenge is the threat of Rep. Brad Carson, D-Okla., who also is seeking Nickles' post. Carson's 2nd Congressional District abuts Tulsa County.

Humphreys said he expects Republican challengers for the job.

State Sen. Mike Fair, R-Oklahoma City, is considering running.

Humphreys touched on some issues, including what he would do about the Tar Creek Superfund Site in northeast Oklahoma.

He said the contamination must be cleaned up _ but in the most efficient way and for the least amount of money. He saw problems with a voluntary buyout of residents, something Carson supports.

``I think it would be great if you had voluntary buyouts and everyone volunteered,'' he said. ``But I think that's unlikely.''

Humphreys said he favored President Bush's $87 billion relief package for Iraq and would have voted to ban what critics call partial birth abortions.