Former Oklahoma congressman urges GOP to focus more on minorities

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ Former Oklahoma congressman J.C. Watts says the Republican Party cannot survive unless it makes more inroads among blacks and other minority groups. <br/><br/>Watts -- a Republican

Saturday, December 10th 2005, 11:59 am

By: News On 6

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ Former Oklahoma congressman J.C. Watts says the Republican Party cannot survive unless it makes more inroads among blacks and other minority groups.

Watts -- a Republican -- spoke to about 175 people at a dinner in downtown Little Rock last night that was held as a fundraiser for Asa Hutchinson, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Arkansas governor.

Watts, who is black, said Republicans cannot sustain themselves as a party if they don't do better in non-traditional constituencies.

He said that, over the next several years, Republicans have a chance to appeal to more black voters by focusing on issues ranging from home ownership to education.

Watts was the headliner at the $125 a-plate event. Hutchinson, also a former congressman as well as an official with the Department of Homeland Security, is so far the only Republican candidate for governor.

Attorney General Mike Beebe is the only declared Democrat.