Largent now says he favors interstate ban

Tuesday, March 7th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Sentiments expressed by U.S. Rep Steve Largent and Sen. Don Nickles in recent letters to constituents appear to conflict with statements they made last week about whether congressional action should be taken on cockfighting.

Largent said last week that he opposed congressional action; Nickles said he was undecided.

But in a letter sent to constituents in January, Largent said he supports legislation "to amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit the interstate movement of live birds for the purpose of having the birds participate in animal fighting."

"The senseless maiming or torture of animals should never be tolerated," the letter said.

Last week, asked whether he supported the legislation, Largent told the Tulsa World that "I don't think we need to get involved."

His letter makes him the first member of Oklahoma's eight-man Republican congressional delegation to come out in favor of legislation against cockfighting.

In his letter, also sent as recently as January, Nickles summarizes the bill and the legal environment surrounding it.

"As you may know, Oklahoma is one of only three states in which cockfighting is still legal. This bill would stop anyone from a state which does not allow cockfighting to transport live birds to our state," the senator states.

"The issue of cockfighting should be decided by the states. The people of Oklahoma should determine, without the interference of the federal government, whether or not cockfighting should be allowed in Oklahoma."

Last week, Nickles told the newspaper he had not taken a position on the legislation. "I probably ought to do a little mor ehomework on it," he said.

Spokesmen for the two lawmakers said they saw no conflict in their statements and their letters.

Brad Keena, Largent's press secretary, said Largent would support the legislation if it gets to the House floor for a vote. "But he is not angling to get it there," Keena said, describing Largent as a "reluctant" supporter.

Usually, he said, Largent opposes expansion of the number of federal laws.

Brook Simmons, Nickles' director of communications, said the letter leaves the door open to additional homework before Nickles makes a final decision on the issue.

Sen. Jim Inhofe and Reps. Tom Coburn, Wes Watkins and Ernest Istook oppose the legislation. They say cockfighting is a state issue. Reps. J.C. Watts and Frank Lucas have declined to take a position on the House bill.