Watts may retire

WASHINGTON (AP) _ House Speaker Dennis Hastert said Sunday he hoped that Rep. J.C. Watts, the only black Republican in Congress and a member of the GOP leadership, would seek re-election but acknowledged

Sunday, June 23rd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6


WASHINGTON (AP) _ House Speaker Dennis Hastert said Sunday he hoped that Rep. J.C. Watts, the only black Republican in Congress and a member of the GOP leadership, would seek re-election but acknowledged that the Oklahoman might retire.

Watts' district is in limbo as a result of a legislative redistricting plan and last week he left open the possibility of retirement.

Hastert, R-Ill., said Watts, now in his fourth term, is important to the GOP's House leadership team, where he is the chairman of the House Republican Conference.

``J.C. Watts is certainly somebody who I depend on,'' Hastert said on NBC's ``Meet the Press.'' ``He carries out our whole communications effort. ... He'll play a key role in the whole homeland defense issue.''

Hastert said Watts ``has a lot to offer this country, and I would hope that he stays engaged.'' Asked if his use of the word ``hope'' indicated that Watts might retire, the speaker said: ``There's a possibility, yes.''

Watts said last week any announcement about his future will come in Oklahoma.

Congressional redistricting remains clouded in Oklahoma, which is losing a seat because of population shifts. After months of internal struggle, the Legislature approved a new map that would give Watts and four other incumbents a safe district in which to seek re-election.

The Democrats are challenging the plan in the courts.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

June 23rd, 2002

September 29th, 2024

July 4th, 2024

April 15th, 2024

Top Headlines

October 8th, 2024

October 8th, 2024

October 8th, 2024

October 8th, 2024