Presidential adviser speaks to Oklahoma students

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An adviser to President Bush visits Oklahoma City and tells area students she's eager to begin work strengthening the nation's image abroad. Karen Hughes spoke yesterday during

Thursday, March 31st 2005, 6:10 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) An adviser to President Bush visits Oklahoma City and tells area students she's eager to begin work strengthening the nation's image abroad. Karen Hughes spoke yesterday during a conference on politics and ethics at Oklahoma City University.

Bush has nominated Hughes as undersecretary of state for public diplomacy. She awaits Senate confirmation. Hughes says she is prepared to shape the administration's image, which has suffered since the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks and war in Iraq.

Hughes was the president's communications director until she resigned to return to Texas in summer 2002. She also has been a television reporter and executive director of the Texas Republican Party.

If confirmed as undersecretary, Hughes says she will try to soften US relations with the Middle East.