JC Watts Leaving GOP Fundraising Position

Monday, January 22nd 2007, 3:14 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts, is leaving his position as chairman of GOPAC, which recruits and trains Republican candidates for public office across the country.

John Morgan, GOPAC executive director, said Watts informed the organization's board of directors of his intentions to step down. Details of when he will officially leave and who will replace him have not been released.

Morgan, in a statement, praised Watts' leadership. "Chairman Watts has led GOPAC to historic heights. He has brought in nearly $9 million to our coffers. The board has complete confidence in his outstanding political judgment, instincts and leadership."

Besides serving as chairman of GOPAC, Watts heads the J.C. Watts Group, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting company.

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., longtime political ally of Watts, issued a statement saying Watts "is an invaluable asset to the Republican Party and will be for years to come. J.C. has done a superb job in leading GOPAC over the last four years."

Pamela Mantis, GOPAC spokesman, said it was "common knowledge" among officials in Washington that Watts was leaving the organization. She said Watts was still on the job but was not immediately available for comment.

Watts, who served three years in the House before leaving in 2002, is much sought after as a public speaker at Republican events across the country.

In 1998, he was elected chairman of the House Republican Conference, the fourth highest-position in the House at the time. He was unopposed in re-election to his leadership post in 2000.