Keating irked over controversy

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor Keating abruptly ended a news conference today after he was asked to respond to demands to retract a statement about Oklahoma college graduates. <br><br>Twenty Democratic

Wednesday, March 1st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor Keating abruptly ended a news conference today after he was asked to respond to demands to retract a statement about Oklahoma college graduates.

Twenty Democratic senators have asked Keating to take back his statement that eight of ten Oklahoma college graduates could NOT pass a Fortune 500 company's employment test. Keating says a company C-E-O told him that, but Southwestern State president Jo Anna Hibler says a young manager made the statement, even though he knew the statement was inaccurate.

When asked about it today, Keating turned red, gripped the arm of Daily Oklahoman reporter Paul English, pointed at him, and said his statement was accurate. He then turned and walked away from reporters who had gathered to question him after a presentation on tornado awareness.

Keating denies touching English, even though it happened in front of several reporters.