Ex-Governor Kicks Around Idea Of Presidential Bid

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, who lost out to Dick Cheney to be President Bush's running mate, is now thinking of running for the nation's top political job, a longtime

Monday, December 18th 2006, 10:10 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, who lost out to Dick Cheney to be President Bush's running mate, is now thinking of running for the nation's top political job, a longtime associate says.

Dan Mahoney said Monday Keating had lunch a few weeks ago with longtime political consultant Ed Rollins, known for his work on the late President Ronald Reagan's 1984 campaign and as campaign manager for Ross Perot's unsuccessful 1992 presidential bid.

"It's just in the thought process right now," said Mahoney, aide to Keating at the American Association of Life Insurers. Mahoney was communications director during Keating's two terms as governor.

Keating has been president and chief operating officer of the Washington, D.C.-based trade organization since 2003.

"It's just something he is kicking around in his head and he hasn't made any decisions," Mahoney said of Keating's presidential aspirations. "He hasn't made any traditional steps such as forming a committee or anything. He's just talked to a few people."

Dan Keating, Tulsa businessman, said it would be "great for the state" if his twin brother were to make the plunge.

"I think it would be a wonderful thing," Dan Keating said. "I think the real issue today is who can raise $200 million and that is just a very steep mountain to climb."

He said his brother feels he has the qualifications to do the job, having served as governor and in top-level federal positions under Reagan and the first President Bush.

He contrasted his brother's experience with that of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who has been in the Senate only two years and is now considering a presidential campaign.

"I think Frank feels that administratively, he could do the job," his brother said.

Keating's interest in a presidential bid was perked when Virginia Republican Sen. George Allen's prospective campaign was undone before it really began when he was defeated for re-election.

"The Republicans now have a little bit of a void," said Dan Keating, pointing out that Arizona Sen. John McCain, the front-runner for the GOP nomination, will be in his 70s in 2008. He also said another Republican prospect, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, lacks a conservative record that would appeal to voters in states such as Oklahoma.

As head of the insurance trade group, Keating has had contact with movers and shakers in the nation's capital and his brother said there is always a possibility he could step back into active politics.

"My grandfather served in Congress from Illinois and made the comment that once you've played the game, you're never willing to sit on the sidelines," Dan Keating said.

Keating lost out to Cheney in 2000 for the second spot on the ticket. At the time, Mahoney said Bush told Keating in a telephone conversation that he would have selected the then-Oklahoma governor if he had not picked Cheney.