Former speaker says governor strong VP candidate

(Tulsa-AP) -- Former U-S House Speaker Newt Gingrich says Governor Keating is a very serious contender for the Republican vice presidential spot.<br><br>Gingrich says Keating's experience and dignity

Wednesday, April 12th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Former U-S House Speaker Newt Gingrich says Governor Keating is a very serious contender for the Republican vice presidential spot.

Gingrich says Keating's experience and dignity after the Oklahoma City bombing shows the Republican has the stability to be
a national leader.

Gingrich, a Republican, served in Congress for 20 years was House speaker four years until 1999. He was the keynote speaker at today's Tulsa Business Forums.

Gingrich also named Republican governors in Michigan and Pennsylvania as possible running mates under Texas Governor George
W. Bush.

The 54-year-old Keating was elected to his second term in November. He is only the second Oklahoma governor to win back-to-back terms.