Denise Bode running for Congress

Monday, October 3rd 2005, 5:14 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Corporation Commissioner Denise Bode announced Monday she will seek the 5th Congressional District post fellow Republican Ernest J. Istook is leaving to run for governor.

Bode became the first to announce for the post after Istook said he would run for the GOP nomination and the right to oppose incumbent Democratic Gov. Brad Henry, who is seeking re-election.

Republican Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin was expected to announce for Istook's post on Tuesday, scheduling news conferences in Oklahoma City, Shawnee, Tecumseh and Seminole, all in the 5th District.

Bode said her years in Washington, where she worked for former Democratic Sen. David Boren and was president of the Independent Petroleum Association, qualified her for the job.

"This is what I am supposed to do. This is my highest and best use," she said.

"As a member of Congress, I will fight for our conservative values -- lower taxes, growing jobs for our children and preserving our freedom. I will vote to protect all innocent life. I will use my experience to work to solve the very real energy crisis we are facing."

She said she is a proven statewide vote-getter, getting 64 percent in her last Corporation Commission race in 2004.

Two years earlier, she ran at midterm against Democratic Attorney General Drew Edmondson and lost by 212,000 votes out of 1 million cast.

Bode said she and Fallin are friends but she believes she is better suited to succeed Istook because of her experience in Washington.

She said she knows many congressmen and "I can hit the ground running."

Former Democratic Lt. Gov. Jack Mildren also has said he may run for the post, and Jim Meyer, Oklahoma City businessman, is looking at the race.

Other Republicans considered as possible candidates include state Rep. Kevin Calvey and Ryan Leonard, Oklahoma City attorney.