Congressman Ernest Istook prepares for race against Governor Brad Henry

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook is expected to make a formal announcement Monday that he will join the gubernatorial race and take on Gov. Brad Henry. <br/><br/>``It is not a very well-kept

Sunday, October 2nd 2005, 11:57 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook is expected to make a formal announcement Monday that he will join the gubernatorial race and take on Gov. Brad Henry.

``It is not a very well-kept secret,'' he told the Tulsa World's Washington bureau.

By running for governor, Istook is giving up the U.S. House seat he first won in 1992, an office that appears to be his as long as he wants to keep it.

He also is leaving one of most coveted positions in Congress, a seat on the House Appropriations Committee.

While saving most details of his announcement for stops in Oklahoma City and Tulsa on Monday and several more around the state on Tuesday, Istook offered a brief preview of his upcoming campaign.

``People want someone that has a clear vision and will exercise leadership,'' he said. ``Oklahoma's future requires more than tax increases and gambling. You cannot tax and gamble your way to prosperity.''

Istook also criticized Henry for not paying enough attention to issues such as roads.

If the state wants to bring businesses to rural Oklahoma and other areas of the state, then those areas must have transportation corridors, he said.

Istook said his past efforts to bring more transportation dollars to the state have not been matched by the Henry administration.

``Governor Henry is focused on running the state of Oklahoma, not potential political opponents, and that's where his focus will remain in the months to come,'' Paul Sund, a spokesman for Henry, said. ``No matter who his opponent is, Governor Henry is ready for a spirited race and will not take anything for granted.''

If elected governor, Istook said his experience in Congress would be useful in helping shape national policies and having influence in Congress.

``Governors who are leaders have influence over national policy,'' Istook said.

Unlike the last Republican nominee for governor, former U.S. Rep. Steve Largent, Istook said he will not leave Congress early.

Largent was critical of those who remained in office during their campaigns, suggesting they stayed in Congress mainly for the salary.